It’s never easy to lose a loved one, and the days after the initial shock wears off come with a host of challenges. While you are trying to balance your emotions and how to navigate life without this person, there is the legal aspect of loss that needs to be addressed. From following their dying wishes on how they’d like to be put to rest to guaranteeing the equitable distribution of the deceased’s inheritance, there are crucial legal steps you have to take while you are still grieving. In this process, estate planning is essential since it offers advice on handling assets, beneficiaries, and legal issues. In this article, our estate planning lawyers in NJ will discuss how to legally proceed after the passing of a loved one and detail the significance of an established estate plan.
Obtain a death certificate
Getting a death certificate is the first thing you should do after a loved one passes away. A death certificate is a legal record the state produces attesting to the person’s passing. It is necessary for several legal and economic reasons and acts as proof of death. You must contact the New Jersey Department of Health, Vital Statistics Office, or the county registrar’s office where the death took place to obtain a death certificate in New Jersey. You can also get copies of the death certificate from their chosen funeral home.
Meeting with the Executor of the Deceased’s Estate
Speaking with an estate planning attorney after obtaining the death certificate is crucial. A knowledgeable estate planning attorney can offer insightful advice throughout the estate administration procedure. If an estate plan was created for the deceased, they will analyze it and advise you on the next action. The lawyer can help you navigate the probate process, which entails certifying the will and distributing assets in accordance with the laws of intestacy if the deceased did not have an estate plan.
SCC Legal has assisted New Jersey families with estate preparation for over 40 years. Our skilled attorneys will collaborate closely with you to ensure a quick and easy process. They are familiar with the complexities of estate administration. We provide a free initial consultation to review your particular issues and offer a realistic understanding of your legal choices.
The Estate’s Distribution
Identifying and dispersing the deceased’s assets to the beneficiaries is part of the estate distribution process. The assets will be dispersed following the terms of any valid will the decedent left behind. However, New Jersey’s intestacy laws will control the distribution if there is no will or if the will is invalid. A knowledgeable estate planning attorney should be consulted at every stage of the estate distribution procedure. They will manage complicated paperwork, offer legal advice, and ensure New Jersey law is followed. In order to prevent family conflicts during the distribution of the inheritance, an attorney will also help resolve any disagreements or difficulties.
Speak With a NJ Estate Planning Attorney
The last thing you want to worry about after a loved one passes, is having to go to court. Estate planning is essential for successful asset distribution and avoiding costly estate litigation. Our professional team of attorneys at SCC legal is committed to providing our clients with excellent service and favorable outcomes regarding estate planning, elder law, business law, real estate law and even environmental law.
To schedule a free consultation regarding your estate planning needs in New Jersey, or if you are interested in any of the other legal services we offer, please contact SCC Legal today or visit us at: https://www.scclegal.com/