Thursday, December 29, 2016

New NJ Estate Tax Law, Wills, & Estate Seminar


  Edison Library
New NJ Estate Tax Law, Wills & Estate Planning
2017 dates:
February 13 at 7PM
Clara Barton Library, 141 Hoover Ave., Edison, NJ 08837
(732)738-0096

WILLS & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION- PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND MAKE PLANNING EASY
SPEAKER: Kenneth Vercammen, Esq. Edison, NJ
               Author- Answers to Questions About Probate
The January 1, 2017 New Estate Tax law made a number of substantial changes in the administration of estates and trusts in New Jersey.
Main Topics:
1. 2017 changes to NJ Estate Tax & changes to taxes on pensions
2. 2017 changes in Federal Estate and Gift Tax 
3.  The New Probate Law and preparation of Wills
4. Power of Attorney
5.  Living Will             
6.  Administering the Estate/ Probate/Surrogate 
    You do not need to be an Edison resident to attend.
     COMPLIMENTARY MATERIAL:    Brochures on Wills, Probate and Administration of an Estate, Power of Attorney, Living Wills, Real Estate Sales for Seniors, and Trusts.

For info call 732-287-2298  x 228
To register go to http://www.edisonpubliclibrary.net/index-ek.shtml





    


New NJ Estate Tax Laws, Wills, & Estate Seminar


2017 update Wills and Estate Planning- Free Seminar
Wednesday January 11, 2017
12:15-1:00 PM and again   5:15pm-6pm

Law Office of Kenneth Vercammen,
2053 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ 08817

COST:  Free if you pre-register by email. Complimentary materials provided at 12:00 sharp. We previously held this seminar for the Metuchen and Edison Adult schools. This program is limited to 15 people. Please bring a canned food donation, which will be given to a community food bank. 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 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. 2017 changes in Federal Estate and Gift Tax exemption
3. Reducing NJ Estate Tax on estates over $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.       

Co-Sponsor: Middlesex County Estate Planning Council  

To attend or for Information: Mike McDonald 732-572-0500 or email VercammenLaw@Njlaws.com
  

Can’t attend?  We can email you materials Send email to VercammenLaw@Njlaws.com
  

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Wills, Probate and Power of Attorney Seminars in NJ


Wills, Probate and Power of Attorney Seminars in NJ

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 dont 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. Thats 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 todays 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 Vercammens law office at (732) 572-0500, emailVercammenLaw@njlaws.com or fax 732-572-0030.

Wills, Probate and Power of Attorney Seminar in NJ


Wills, Probate and Power of Attorney Seminar in NJ

WHEN: Wednesday March 10, 10:30 P.M.

Highland Park Office of Aging
220 South 6th Ave.
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Fee: no cost
 For additional information, call the Highland Park Office of Aging  732-613-6989

Instructor: Kenneth Vercammen, Esq. of Edison
(Co-Author- NJ Elder Law & Probate)
COMPLIMENTARY MATERIAL: Brochures on Wills, “Probate and Administration of an Estate”, Power of Attorney,  Living Wills, Real Estate Sales for Seniors, and Trusts.

    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 the state law. Topics covered by author of “Answer to questions about Probate” will include: Wills, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, power of attorney, living will, long term care insurance, reverse mortgage, plus the opportunity to ask questions.
Here is your opportunity to listen to an experienced attorney who will answer questions how to distribute your property and avoid many rigid provisions of state law. For more information on Elder law, visit the Website www.CentralJerseyElderLaw.com. You can also subscribe to the free email Elder Law newsletter by visiting the website, or sending an email to Kenv@njlaws.com.

Wills, Probate and Elder Law in NJ- Adult and Community Education Monday March 8, 2010 7 - 8:30 P.M


Wills, Probate and Elder Law in NJ- Adult and Community Education Monday March 8, 2010 7 - 8:30 P.M 

WILLS, PROBATE AND ELDER LAW- Adult and Community Education
WHEN: Monday March 8, 2010   
7 - 8:30 P.M.

East Brunswick Adult & Community Education Program
East Brunswick High School, 380 Cranbury Rd
Fee: $29
 For additional information, call the East Brunswick Adult Education Office for registration information  732- 613-6989

Instructor: Kenneth Vercammen, Esq. of Edison
(Co-Author- NJ Elder Law & Probate)
COMPLIMENTARY MATERIAL: Brochures on Wills, “Probate and Administration of an Estate”, Power of Attorney,  Living Wills, Real Estate Sales for Seniors, and Trusts.

    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 the state law. Topics covered by author of “Answer to questions about Probate” will include: Wills, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, power of attorney, living will, long term care insurance, reverse mortgage, plus the opportunity to ask questions.
Here is your opportunity to listen to an experienced attorney who will answer questions how to distribute your property and avoid many rigid provisions of state law. For more information on Elder law, visit the Website www.CentralJerseyElderLaw.com. You can also subscribe to the free email Elder Law newsletter by visiting the website, or sending an email to Kenv@njlaws.com.
For additional information, call the East Brunswick Adult Education Office for registration information  732- 613-6989
KENNETH  VERCAMMEN & ASSOCIATES, PC
ATTORNEY AT LAW
2053 Woodbridge Ave.
Edison, NJ 08817
(Phone) 732-572-0500
 (Fax)    732-572-0030
website: www.njlaws.com

Wills, Probate and Elder Law in NJ


Wills, Probate and Elder Law in NJ

WILLS AND ESTATE PLANNING
SAVE MONEY AND PROVIDE FOR YOUR LOVED ONES
By Kenneth A. Vercammen, Esq. 

         As average Americans, we work 80,000 hours in a lifetime, or 45 to 55 years.  In spite of all the resources and assets we earn, the vast majority of us do not take the time to create a Will.
        
         National statistics indicate that 80% of Americans die without leaving a Will.  There are several reasons for this: fear of death; procrastination; and misinformation (people presume that only the rich need to have Wills).  Whatever the excuse, it is clear that people would benefit from having a Will.

         In the absence of a Will or other legal arrangement to distribute property at death, the state must step in to administer the estate.  The result can be lengthy delays before the rightful heirs receive their property.  And because the state has no instructions from the deceased, no charitable gifts will be made.

IF YOU HAVE NO WILL:
          
         If you leave no Will or your Will is declared invalid because it was improperly prepared or is not admissible to probate:
* State law determines who gets assets, not you
* Additional expenses will be incurred and extra work will be required to qualify an administrator
* Judge determines who gets custody of your children
* Possible additional State inheritance taxes and Federal estate taxes
*  If you have no spouse or close relatives the State may take your property
 * The procedure to distribute assets becomes more complicated-and   the law makes no exceptions for persons in unusual need or for your own wishes.
*  It may also cause fights and lawsuits within your family
When loved ones are grieving and dealing with death, they shouldn’t be overwhelmed with Financial concerns.  Careful estate planning helps take care of that.


         THE FOLLOWING IS A SAMPLE OF A VARIETY OF CLAUSES AND ITEMS WHICH  SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN A WILL:

1ST:  DEBTS AND TAXES
2ND: SPECIFIC BEQUESTS
3RD:  DISPOSITION TO SPOUSE
4TH: DISPOSITION OF REMAINDER OF ESTATE
5TH: CREATION OF TRUSTS FOR SPOUSE
6TH: CREATION OF TRUST FOR CHILDREN
7TH: OTHER BENEFICIARIES UNDER 21
8TH: EXECUTORS
9TH: TRUSTEES
10TH: GUARDIANS
11TH: SURETY OR BOND
12TH: POWERS
13TH: AFTERBORN CHILDREN
14TH: PRINCIPAL AND INCOME
15TH: NO ASSIGNMENT OF BEQUESTS
16TH: GENDER
17TH: CONSTRUCTION OF WILL
18TH:  NO CONTEST CLAUSE
         A Will must not only be prepared within the legal requirements of the New Jersey Statutes but should also be prepared so it leaves no questions regarding your intentions.


WHY PERIODIC  REVIEW IS ESSENTIAL
        
         Even if you have an existing Will, there are many events that occur which may necessitate changes in your Will.  Some of these are:
    
* Marriage, death, birth, divorce or separation affecting either you or  anyone named in your Will

*Significant changes in the value of  your total assets or in any particular assets, which you own
    
* A change in your domicile
    
* Death or incapacity of a beneficiary, or death, incapacity or change in residence of a named executor, trustee or guardian of infants, or of one of the witnesses to the execution of the Will

*Annual changes in tax law

MAY I CHANGE MY WILL?
        
         Yes.  A Will may be modified, added to, or entirely changed at any time before your death provided you are mentally and physically competent and desire to change your Will.  You should consider revising your Will whenever there are changes in the size of your estate. For example, when your children are young, you may think it best to have a trust for them so they do not come into absolute ownership of  property until they are mature.  Beware, if you draw lines through items, erase or write over, or add notations to the original Will, it can be destroyed as a legal document.  Either a new Will should be legally prepared or a codicil signed to legally change  portions of the Will.


SAVE MONEY
        
         Your estate will be subject to probate whether or not you have a Will and in most cases, a Will reduces the cost by eliminating the requirements of a bond.  With a well-drawn  Will, you may also reduce death taxes and other expenses.  Don’t pinch pennies now to the detriment of  your beneficiaries. We have attempted to briefly explain in this article some of the issues, techniques, and decisions involved in Wills, Estate Planning, and Administration of an Estate.  Because the matters covered are complicated and the Federal and New Jersey laws frequently change,  this article can only outline some of the many legal issues you should  consider. 

The proper preparation of a Will should involve a careful analysis of  the client’s assets, family and his/her desires. 
         Estate Planning is the process of examining what will happen to your property when you die and arranging for its distribution in such a manner as will accomplish your objectives.
         The cost of a Will depends on the size and the complexity of the estate and the plans of the person who makes the Will. 

         A properly drawn Simple Will without Trust costs approximately $300.00 to $500.00. It is one of the most important documents you will ever sign, and may be one of the best bargains you will ever have.
         Be sure your Will takes into account the Federal Tax changes and New Jersey Inheritance Tax changes.  Also, ascertain if your Will is “self-proving”, which would dispense with having to find the Will’s witnesses after death.

WHAT IS A WILL?
        
         “A Will is a Legal  written document which, after your death, directs how your individually owned property will be distributed, who will be in charge of your property until it is distributed and  who will take care of your  minor children if the other parent should die .  You should remember that the term “property” under the law includes real estate as well as other possessions and rights to receive money or items of value.”  Everyone who has at least $3,000 in assets should have a Will.   You do not have to be wealthy, married, or near death to do some serious thinking about your Will.


ADMINISTRATION OF  AN  ESTATE
        
         If you are named the executor or executrix, you must visit the County Surrogate to probate the Will.  You will need the following items:
         1. The Death  Certificate
         2. The Original Will
         3. Names and Addresses of decedent's, next of kin and list of beneficiaries
         4. Minimum of $130.00 for Surrogate fees

A NJ state inheritance tax return must be filed and the tax paid on the transfer of real or personal property within eight months after death.
        
OTHER ITEMS OF CONCERN TO BE PREPARED BY YOUR ATTORNEY
-Trusts (and Medicare Trusts)
-Power of Attorney- to allow a trusted person to  administer your assets during your lifetime, either  upon disability or now
-Living Wills- to state your wishes concerning  medical care in the event of your serious illness

Wills, Estate Planning & Probate Seminar North Plainfield, NJ


Wills, Estate Planning & Probate Seminar North Plainfield, NJ


Press Release: Wills, Estate Planning & Probate Seminar
North Plainfield Senior Citizens Center
614 Greenbrook Road North Plainfield NJ 07060
WILLS & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION- PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND MAKE PLANNING EASY
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. 2015 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.
Cant 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 dont 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. Thats 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 todays 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 Vercammens law office at (732) 572-0500, emailVercammenLaw@njlaws.com or fax 732-572-0030.