Estate Planning in New Jersey | NJ Legal Resources | FastCounsel

Which financial powers can be granted through a power of attorney during incarceration? (NJ)

Detailed Answer People who are incarcerated in New Jersey can still grant another person authority to manage many kinds of their financial affairs by signing a power of attorney (POA), provided they have the necessary mental capacity at the time they sign and prison rules permit execution (for example, access to a notary or witnesses). […]

Read article →

What formal requirements ensure a power of attorney executed in prison is legally valid in NJ?

Detailed Answer — How to make a power of attorney executed in prison legally valid in New Jersey This answer explains the formal steps you need to follow so a power of attorney (POA) signed by someone who is incarcerated in New Jersey will be regularly accepted by third parties and enforceable under New Jersey […]

Read article →

What documentation and appraisal process are needed to prove my car’s diminished value? — NJ

Detailed Answer What diminished value means Diminished value is the difference between your vehicle’s market value immediately before a crash and its market value after repairs. Even if repairs return the car to a safe and roadworthy condition, buyers often pay less for a vehicle with an accident history. Proving diminished value means showing that […]

Read article →

How does the diminished value process work if I do not own my car? (NJ)

Detailed Answer — How diminished value claims work in New Jersey when you do not own the car When your vehicle is damaged in an accident, diminished value means the car is worth less after repairs than it was immediately before the crash. In New Jersey, diminished value is a recognized type of loss that […]

Read article →

Can I become the personal representative of my sister's estate in NJ?

Detailed Answer Short answer: Yes—you can become the personal representative (sometimes called executor or administrator) of your sister's estate in New Jersey if certain conditions are met. Whether you will be appointed depends on whether she left a valid will, whether someone else is named, the court's priority rules for intestate cases, and whether you […]

Read article →

Do wrongful death proceeds pass under a decedent's will? (NJ)

How do wrongful death proceeds get distributed under New Jersey law? FAQ — clear explanation for non-lawyers. This is educational information, not legal advice. Detailed answer — who receives wrongful death money in New Jersey? In New Jersey, wrongful death claims and estate (survival) claims are separate legal categories. That separation determines whether money from […]

Read article →

How Can Heirs Petition to Reopen a Closed Estate to Claim Unclaimed Assets in New Jersey?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Detailed Answer If you discover assets after an estate has been closed, you can ask the Surrogate’s Court to reopen the estate in New Jersey. The process generally follows these steps: […]

Read article →

How to Prepare an Heirship Affidavit in New Jersey

Detailed Answer When someone dies without a will in New Jersey and owns real estate, an heirship affidavit lets heirs claim title without formal probate. You must follow state law to ensure recording offices accept the document. Below are the core steps: Step 1: Confirm Eligibility You can use an heirship affidavit if the decedent […]

Read article →

How can I probate a will that was not witnessed or notarized in New Jersey?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer In New Jersey, a valid will must meet certain formal requirements before it can be admitted to probate. Under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 3B:3-2, a will must be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by at least two […]

Read article →

How to Obtain and Submit an Original Will in New Jersey Probate Administration

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer In New Jersey, when a person dies leaving a will, the original document must be located and filed with the Surrogate’s Court in the county where the decedent was […]

Read article →