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Expert Will Planning in New Jersey
Don't Leave Your Family's Future to New Jersey Law
Without a will, New Jersey law decides who gets your house, your savings, and who raises your children. Don't leave your family's future up to judges who don't know your wishes. Take control with a comprehensive will designed for your family's unique needs.
Trusted By Clients Throughout New Jersey
- 10+ Years Experience
- JAG Army Reserve Captain
Hear From Our Clients
I had the pleasure of working with Mark Bittner for my international estate planning, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. Mark handled my case with exceptional expertise, particularly in navigating the complexities of a specific legal matter involving cross-border asset distribution. His deep knowledge of international estate law was evident, as he provided clear, well-informed guidance that made a potentially overwhelming process feel manageable and secure. Mark's professionalism is unmatched — he was incredibly responsive, promptly addressing every question and concern I had, no matter how small. He took the time to truly listen, showing genuine empathy and understanding of my unique circumstances, which made me feel valued and supported throughout the entire process. His attention to detail and ability to explain complex legal concepts in an approachable way gave me complete confidence in his counsel. Beyond his technical expertise, Mark's warm and professional demeanor made working with him a pleasure. He is a rare combination of being highly skilled and empathy, ensuring that every step of the process was handled with precision and compassion. If you're looking for a lawyer who will go above and beyond, I wholeheartedly recommend Mark Bittner for any estate planning or legal needs. He is, without a doubt, a five-star professional.
Excellent service, worked with us and accommodated our difficult schedule. Went out of his way to make sure our estate matters were handled.
Complete Will Protection for Every Situation
With 10+ years of estate planning experience, we create ironclad wills that protect your family and prevent costly legal battles
Last Will and Testament
Your primary will that directs how your property is distributed, names guardians for minor children, and appoints an executor to manage your estate.
- Guardian nominations for children
- Asset distribution instructions
- Executor appointments
- Specific bequests and gifts
- Funeral and burial instructions
- Pet care provisions
Important: Without this, New Jersey intestacy laws determine distribution - your spouse may only inherit a portion of your estate while the rest goes to other relatives.
Living Will (Advance Directive)
Medical directive that communicates your wishes for end-of-life care when you cannot speak for yourself due to illness or incapacity.
- Life support preferences
- Resuscitation instructions (DNR)
- Pain management wishes
- Artificial nutrition/hydration
- Organ donation decisions
- Religious considerations
Consider: Without this, family members may need to make difficult medical decisions without knowing your preferences, creating emotional stress during challenging times.
Pour-Over Will
Works with your living trust to "pour over" any assets not already in the trust, ensuring nothing is missed and everything follows your estate plan.
- Trust coordination
- Asset catch-all protection
- Simplified probate process
- Trust funding completion
- Guardian nominations
- Executor appointments
Planning tip: Even with a trust, assets acquired after trust creation or accidentally omitted could end up in probate without this additional protection.
Joint/Mutual Will
Coordinated wills for married couples that ensure both spouses' wishes are honored and prevent the surviving spouse from changing the plan.
- Coordinated spouse planning
- Consistent beneficiary treatment
- Protection against will changes
- Unified family plan
- Tax optimization
- Asset protection strategies
Family harmony: Without coordination, your surviving spouse could make changes that don't align with your original family planning goals.
What Happens When You Pass Away Without a Will?
New Jersey's intestacy laws will determine how your assets are distributed. Here are the potential challenges your family may face:
Our Bulletproof Will Creation Process
We make it simple, fast, and legally ironclad so your family never faces uncertainty
1
Free Consultation
We discuss your family situation, assets, concerns, and goals. Identify potential problems before they become expensive court battles.
2
Custom Will Design
We draft a comprehensive will tailored to your specific needs, including all necessary protective clauses and contingency plans.
3
Review & Finalize
You review the draft will, ask questions, and we make any necessary adjustments to ensure it perfectly reflects your wishes.
4
Proper Execution & Storage
We ensure proper signing, witnessing, and notarization, then provide guidance on secure storage so your family knows how to locate your will when needed.
Critical Will Questions Answered
Don't let these common misconceptions put your family at risk
What if I die without a will in New Jersey?
New Jersey's intestacy laws take control. Your spouse gets only the first $50,000 plus 1/3 of the remainder if you have children. The other 2/3 goes to your children, potentially forcing the sale of your home and creating financial hardship for your surviving spouse.
Can I just write my own will at home?
This is extremely risky. DIY wills are frequently rejected by courts due to technical errors, unclear language, or improper execution. When a will fails, your family faces the worst-case scenario: intestacy laws plus expensive legal battles to sort out the mess.
What happens to my minor children if both parents die?
Without a will naming guardians, a judge decides. This could be a lengthy court process where relatives fight for custody, and the judge may choose someone you would never have selected. Your children's entire future depends on a stranger's decision.
How much does a will cost vs. not having one?
A professional will costs a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Not having a will can cost your family tens of thousands in probate fees, legal battles, and lost assets. Plus the emotional trauma of fighting in court during grief.
When should I update my will?
Immediately after major life changes: marriage, divorce, birth of children, significant asset changes, or relocation. An outdated will can be worse than no will - it might give assets to an ex-spouse or fail to provide for new children.
What if my family fights over my will?
A properly drafted will with professional legal execution makes successful contests extremely rare. We include specific clauses that discourage frivolous challenges and protect your true wishes from being overturned by disgruntled relatives.
We offer free initial consultations for all our practice areas. During this meeting, we'll review your situation, discuss your legal options, and provide an honest assessment of your case. There's no obligation to hire us, and you'll leave with a clear understanding of your legal position.
Our civil litigation practice covers contract disputes, business litigation, employment disputes, property conflicts, insurance claims, and professional liability matters. We represent clients in both state and federal courts, handling everything from complex commercial disputes to personal legal matters requiring courtroom advocacy.