The need for Self- Proving Wills
During the past year we have enjoyed providing information and advice to you and many friends and client.
The old New Jersey Probate Rules required one of the two witnesses to a Will to travel and appear in the Surrogate's office and sign an affidavit to certify they were a witness. This often created problems when the witness was deceased, moved away, or simply could not be located. Some witnesses would require a $500 fee to simply sign a surrogate paper.

The New Jersey Legislature passed a law to create a new type of Will called a "Self-Proving Will." In such a Will, the person for whom the Will is made must sign. Then two witnesses sign. Then the attorney or notary must sign; with certain statutory language to indicate the Will is self proving. When done properly, the executor does not have to locate any witnesses. This usually saves time and money. If your Will is not "self-proving" or if you are unsure, schedule an appointment with an elder law attorney. Some law offices ignore the revised law, and fail to prepare self proving Wills.

As 76 million Baby Boomers age and begin to focus on estate planning considerations, an estimated 10.4 trillion dollars in wealth will be transferred over the next 20 years. By the year 2020, over 100 million Americans will be over the age of 65 and can expect to spend 4 to 20 years in retirement. Estate planning is important for all Americans, not just the rich.

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
Admitted to practice law in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, US Supreme Court and Federal District Court