Sunday, September 7, 2014

AARP Wills & Power of Attorney Seminar North Brunswick Chapter #3885 of AARP October 6

AARP Wills & Power of Attorney Seminar
 North Brunswick Chapter #3885 of AARP
North Brunswick Senior Center, 15 Linwood Place, North Brunswick, NJ

SPEAKER: Kenneth Vercammen, Esq. Edison, NJ
                (Author- Answers to Questions About Probate)

     The new NJ Probate Law made a number of substantial changes in Probate and the administration of estates and trusts in New Jersey.
Main Topics:
1. The New Probate Law and preparation of Wills    
2. 2014 changes in Federal Estate and Gift Tax 
3. NJ Inheritance taxes on estates over $675,000
4. Power of Attorney               
5.  Living Will                                  
6.  Administering the Estate/ Probate/Surrogate    
7. Questions and Answer          

      COMPLIMENTARY MATERIAL: Brochures on Wills, "Answers to Questions about Probate" and Administration of an Estate, Power of Attorney, Living Wills, Real Estate Sales for Seniors, and Trusts.
       
Can’t attend?  We can email you materials Send email to VercammenLaw@Njlaws.com

Free Will Seminars and Speakers Bureau for Groups
            10 years ago the AARP Network Attorneys of the Edison/Metuchen/Woodbridge area several years ago established a community Speakers Bureau to provide educational programs to AARP and senior clubs, Unions and Middlesex County companies. Now, volunteer attorneys of the Middlesex County Estate Planning Council have provided Legal Rights Seminars to hundreds of seniors, business owners and their employees, unions, clubs and non-profit groups. These quality daytime educational programs will educate and even entertain. Clubs and companies are invited to schedule a free seminar. The following Seminars are now available:

Details on the 2 programs currently offered:
1.  WILLS & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION- PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND   MAKE PLANNING EASY

2. POWER OF ATTORNEY to permit family to pay your bills if you are temporarily disabled and permit doctors to talk with family

            All instructors are licensed attorneys who have been in practice at least 25 years. All instructors are members of the American Bar Association, New Jersey State Bar Association, and Middlesex County Bar Association.  All programs include free written materials.  
            You don't have to be wealthy or near death to do some thinking about a Will.  Here is your opportunity to listen to an experienced attorney who will discuss how to distribute your property as you wish and avoid many rigid provisions of state law.
            Topics discussed include: Who needs a Will?; What if you die without a Will (intestacy)?; Mechanics of a Will; Selecting an executor, trustee, and guardian; Proper Will execution; Inheritance Taxes, Estate Taxes "Living Will"; Powers of Attorney; $13,000 annual gift tax exclusion,  Bequests to charity, Why you need a "Self-Proving" Will and  Estate Administration/ Probate.
            Sample materials: Hand-outs on Wills, Living Wills/Medical Advance Directive, Power of Attorney, Probate and Administration of an Estate, Real Estate, Working with your Attorney, Consumers Guide to New Jersey Laws, and Senior Citizen Rights.

  SPEAKERS BUREAU
            At the request of senior citizen groups, unions, and Middlesex County companies and organizations, the " Speakers Bureau " is a service designed to educate citizens about how laws affect their lives and how the judicial system operates.  We have attorneys available to speak to businesspersons, educational, civic and social organizations on a wide range of topics during business hours.       

            HELP YOUR MEMBERS LEARN THE LAW, PREVENT OR AVOID LEGAL PROBLEMS
   Chances are many of your members have been in a situation where they could have benefited from legal advice.  Have you ever been in an accident? Has a motor vehicle or criminal complaint ever been filed against you or a member of your family? Many individuals face these and other types of problems. Often people do not protect their rights, only to later face lengthy license suspensions or even jail for failure to resolve legal problems early on.  That's why Legal Rights Seminars are offered. 
            This means your members can get advice and possibly prevent legal problems before they occur.   Most importantly, they can have peace of mind.
            Americans need an attorney when legal problems strike.  As in the case of medical services, early treatment can prevent catastrophe and its attendant cost in time and money.  For example, psychological studies have demonstrated that there is a direct correlation between legal problems and lost work time and productivity.  Employees' work performance often has a direct relationship to personal legal problems.  Therefore, the sooner a solution can be found for the employees' problems, the sooner employees can focus on their work.
            In today's complex world, few people can function successfully and safely without competent legal advice.  In order to insure your estate plans are legally set up, you need to know exactly where you stand so that you can avoid possibly catastrophic mistakes impacting both you and your family. For additional information on the Legal Seminars, contact our Coordinator, Kenneth Vercammen’s law office at (732) 572-0500, email VercammenLaw@njlaws.com or fax 732-572-0030.


Thursday, June 5, 2014

2014 update Wills and Estate Planning- Free Seminar Wednesday June 18

2014 update Wills and Estate Planning- Free Seminar                      Wednesday June 18
12:15-1:00 PM and also
5:00-5:45 
       Invited: Friends, Professionals, Accountants, Business Owners, HR staff, Financial Planners, Insurance Agents, Nursing Home Staff, Hospital and Nursing Home Social Workers, Office on Aging Personnel, Senior Club Presidents, and Medicaid Workers,
     Location: Law Office of Kenneth Vercammen, 2053 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ 08817
        COST: Free if you pre-register. Complimentary materials provided at 12:00 sharp. This program is limited to 15 people. Please bring a canned food donation, which will be given to the St. James Food Bank located on Woodbridge Avenue in Edison, NJ. Please email us if you plan on attending or if you would like us to email the materials.
SPEAKER: Kenneth Vercammen, Esq.
                 (Author- Answers to Questions About Probate)
The NJ Probate Law made a number of substantial changes in Probate and the administration of estates and trusts in New Jersey.
Main Topics:
1. The New Probate Law and preparation of Wills                
2. 2014 changes in Federal Estate and Gift Tax exemption
3. NJ Inheritance tax $675,000
4. Power of Attorney                       
5.  Living Will                                           
6.  Administering the Estate/ Probate/Surrogate               
7.  Question and Answer                   
       COMPLIMENTARY MATERIAL: Brochures on Wills, "Answers to Questions about Probate" and Administration of an Estate, Power of Attorney, Living Wills, Real Estate Sales for Seniors, and Trusts.
     To attend  email VercammenLaw@Njlaws.com
        Can’t attend?  We can email you materials
Send email to VercammenLaw@Njlaws.com


Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Attorneys, Professionals, Business owners and their staff invited to Happy Hour & Networking Social Friday, July 18

Attorneys, Professionals, Business owners and their staff invited to Happy Hour & Networking Social
Friday, July 18, 2014
 5:00PM - 7:00PM
   at Bar Anticipation
703 16th Avenue
Lake Como/ Belmar, NJ 07719
      
    Free !
5-7PM Hot & Cold Buffet
The reduced price Happy Hour is 6-7PM with $1 House Drink, Bud/BudLt draft & House Wine Special
   Please bring a canned food donation for the St. James Food Bank Hands of Hope, continuing providing food and help to individuals in need.
      Email Ken Vercammen's Law Office so we can put your name on the VIP list for wristbands.     VercammenLaw@Njlaws.com
 www.njlaws.com/happy-hour.html


Thursday, February 13, 2014

Nuts & Bolts of Elder Law & Estate Administration Seminar Wed, May 7

Nuts & Bolts of Elder Law & Estate Administration Seminar  
        Wed, May 7  5:00 PM - 9:00 PM New Jersey Law Center One Constitution Square New Brunswick, NJ 08901  Includes a 260-page book, plus CD with sample forms, documents & checklists! and dinner     Elder law continues to offer the legal profession a booming opportunity for growth. As your current clients continue to grow older, you need to position yourself to be able to offer them and their families the legal services required by the elderly in today’s society. Or, you may be looking for lucrative areas in which to expand your current practice, including administering their estates.
This practical program is designed to provide the nuts and bolts of elder law practice & estate administration practice to general practitioners and young lawyers, as well as to more experienced lawyers seeking to expand into this field. A highly authoritative and experienced panel of elder law attorneys & estate planners will share proven techniques and experience it would take you years to gather on your own. You’ll also gain insight on how Federal Medicaid Reform will impact your practice.
Everything you need to know about elder law & estate administration including:

• Why Have a Will? - Gathering information; standard provisions; designation of fiduciaries; protective clauses; sample forms; Ethics - who is the client?

• Powers of Attorney - Types of POAs; what should be included; why clients need them; POAs and Living Wills; sample forms

• Living Trusts (Revocable/Irrevocable) as an Estate Planning Tool - Why it should be used; Ethics - who is the client?; disadvantages; revocable vs. irrevocable; Insurance Trusts; sample forms

• Basic Tax Considerations - Jointly-held property; “I love you” Will; no Will at all; insurance owned by client; unlimited marital deduction; estate planning in the testamentary document; sample forms/letters

• Estate Administration - New Probate Law in New Jersey - Probate process; duties of executor/fiduciary; gathering of assets; tax returns; tax waivers; access to property; sample forms/checklists

• Medicaid Planning in Light of Federal Medicaid Reform - Countable assets of Medicaid applicant; income cap/Medical needy standard; look-back period; transfers of property; personal residence; Medicaid estate recovery rules; probate; undue influence; competency
…and more
         Speakers:
-KENNETH A. VERCAMMEN, ESQ. Chair, ABA Elder Law Committee Past GP Solo Section Attorney of the Year Past NJSBA Municipal Court Practitioner of the Year  Edison, NJ
-WILLIAM P. ISELE, ESQ. Past NJ Ombudsman for the Elderly
-MARTIN A. SPIGNER, ESQ. Law Office of Martin A. Spigner, Cranbury
-ADAM DUBECK, Esq.
$160.00 General   Tuition, reduced fee for NJSBA Elder & Disability Law Section and NJSBA Young Lawyers Division
[Free for Superior Court Judges] Seminar #S57800S4
NJSBA Member Price is reduced – To qualify for this reduced price, you must provide your NJSBA Member# at the time you place your order. If you place your order without providing your NJSBA Member#, you will be charged the regular price.
          More details contact New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education 
The non-profit continuing education service of 
The New Jersey State Bar Association  Constitution Square, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901-1520 
Phone: (732) 214-8500 • Fax: (732)249-0383 • CustomerService@njicle.com
         NJ CLE INFORMATION: This program has been approved by the Board on Continuing Legal Education of the Supreme Court of New Jersey for 4.6 hours of total CLE credit. Of these, 1.2 qualify as hours of credit for ethics/professionalism.


         Presented in cooperation with the NJSBA Elder & Disability Law Section and NJSBA Young Lawyers Division

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Ken Vercammen joined the AARP Legal Services Network in 2013

Ken Vercammen Esq. of Edison joined the AARP Legal Services Network in 2013

The AARP Legal Services Network was established by the AARP in response to membership needs. The AARP recognized that many people over the age of 50 have legal matters that require the services of an attorney. They also recognized that many of these problems could be solved in a single consultation with counsel. As a result, one of the benefits of the Network is that members of the AARP are automatically entitled to a consultation with an AARP Legal Services Network provider, at no cost to the member. Legal matters are certainly not limited to elder law issues, estate planning or similar matters, but include a wide variety of additional legal issues, such as general business matters, personal injury, and a host of others. Source: http://www.kramerlaw.biz/aarp.html
      With particular regard to Probate and Estate Administration, AARP members, through the Legal Services Network, are entitled not only to a free consultation with a participating attorney, but also to a 20% fee reduction on legal matters undertaken by the participating attorney. These matters include estate planning, probate and all other legal areas where service is provided to an AARP member by a participating attorney.

Everyone should have a Will, Power of Attorney, and Living Will.

      Recommendations for AARP members. Contact the AARP attorney directly to schedule an appointment by telephone or e-mail to schedule an appointment. For Probate and Wills in Central NJ, call Kenneth Vercammen’s Law Office in Edison 732-572-0500. Outside this area call AARP at 1-800-424-3410 or go to website https://www.aarplsn.com/lsn/search.do
     When you call to make your appointment with an AARP Listed Attorney, notify them that you found them through the Legal Services Network. If you are an AARP member, provide them your AARP membership number to ensure you are offered AARP member benefits.
     Work directly with the AARP  Attorney regarding your legal matter. All legal services are handled through the attorney, so attorney fees are paid directly to your attorney. There are no claim forms to fill out.
     Take advantage of the free consultation on Probate and Estate Administration and determine next steps with your attorney.        Come prepared and on time to your appointment and bring your AARP membership card.
     We will for a written fee agreement if you intend to retain him/her.
      Chances are, you've been in a situation where you could benefit from legal assistance.  Have you ever been in an accident? Has a motor vehicle or criminal complaint been filed against you or a member of your family? Many individuals face these and other types of problems.  Yet finding an who understands the needs of seniors is difficult.  That's why the AARP offers you valuable free and discounted legal services, without any fee or enrollment cost.
      This means you can prevent legal problems before they occur. Most important, you can have peace of mind.

       Understanding the 20% Discount Benefit. There are many factors surrounding fees for attorneys’ services. They are: time and effort, geographic location, outcome, advice, difficulty of a case, experience, Prominence of the lawyer, preferred client discount and overhead. Understanding all of these factors, understanding the billing process and having a basic knowledge as to how attorneys charge for their services may help you prior to hiring a Legal Services Network attorney to handle a legal matter on your behalf. Standard payment arrangements may include the following: hourly rates, flat rates and retainers. Here are some examples of how the 20% discount would apply.
There are typically 2 ways the 20% discount could be applied based on your particular legal situation. They are: (1) on an hourly rate basis and (2) a flat rate fee basis. Additionally, an attorney may ask for a retainer fee prior to handling your legal matter.
Hourly Rate:     This is the most common arrangement in Probate cases and Estate Administration. In this instance, the attorney gets paid based upon their hourly rate for the hours they work on your case until the legal matter is concluded. For Example:     If an attorney charges $350 per hour, 20% off would equal an hourly rate of $275 per hour you would owe the attorney for the total number of hours worked on the matter plus any out of pocket expenses such as postage, filing fees, photocopies, etc. 
      Flat Rate Fee: This is an arrangement where an attorney charges you a set fee for the service being provided based on a normal number of hours the attorney expects to work on the matter. Such types of services could be, but are not limited to, standard lease agreements, Power of Attorney, Simple Will,  Living Will For Example: If an attorney charges a flat fee of $500 for a Will, AARP members receive a 20% discount.
      Retainer Fee:  In most cases, the attorney will require the Retainer fee. A retainer fee is usually a pre-payment made at the beginning of legal representation based on an estimate of how much time a matter is going to take. The amount of the retainer should take into account the 20% discount on the hourly rate charged. If the matter costs more than the amount of the retainer, you will be responsible for the additional payments.          .
      If the matter costs less than the amount of the retainer you will receive money back. In some instances, a retainer may take on the form of a flat fee to represent a client on a specific matter, regardless of how much time or effort is involved in the representation. In many instances, this arrangement is typical in cases such as criminal matters.

      Hopefully, this information has provided some insight into the operating standards of a law office that participates in our Legal Services Network.