Sayreville Public Library Wills & Power of Attorney Seminar

 Sayreville Public Library Wills & Power of Attorney Seminar

October 30, 2023 at 6:30pm

 Open to the public. You do not need to be a resident.

SPEAKERS:

Kenneth Vercammen, Esq. Edison, (Author- ABA’s “Wills and Estate Administration book”)

2023 Main Topics:

1.   Administering the Estate/Probate /Surrogate

2.   Dangers If You Have No Will or documents invalid

3.   Getting your Estate Planning Documents done when you can’t go into a law office

4.   What goes into a Will

5.   Power of Attorneys recommendations

6.   Living Will & Advance Directive for Medical Care

7.   Avoiding unnecessary expenses and saving your family money

WILLS & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION-PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND MAKE PLANNING

This event is free & open to the public.

Registration at  __

 

For info, call  732.727.0212

Sayreville Library "Aziza Haque (Sayreville)"  ahaque@lmxac.org

1050 Washington Road

Parlin NJ 08859

FB __

 

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

 

  Free Will Seminars and Speakers Bureau for Groups

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.  If your organization in Central NJ would like to schedule a Will & Estates seminar, call Kenneth Vercammen’s Law Office at 732-572-0500 or email Vercammenlaw@njlaws.com

 

  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, Ken Vercammen, Esq. and 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

Details on free programs available

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:

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; "Living Will"; Powers of Attorney; Selecting an executor, trustee, and guardian; Proper Will execution; Inheritance Taxes, Estate Taxes $14,000 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.

  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.

 

    About the speaker: Kenneth A. Vercammen is a trial attorney in Edison, NJ. We is the author of the American Bar Association’s book “Wills and Estate Administration”

He is co-chair of the ABA Probate & Estate Planning Law Committee of the American Bar Association Solo Small Firm Division.  He is a speaker for the NJ State Bar Association at the annual Nuts & Bolts of Elder Law & Estate Administration program.

He was Editor of the ABA Estate Planning Probate Committee Newsletter. Mr. Vercammen has published over 150 legal articles in national and New Jersey publications on litigation, elder law, probate and trial topics. He is a highly regarded lecturer on litigation and probate law for the American Bar Association, NJ ICLE, New Jersey State Bar Association and Middlesex County Bar Association. His articles have been published in noted publications included New Jersey Law Journal, ABA Law Practice Management Magazine, and New Jersey Lawyer. He established the NJlaws website www.njlaws.com which includes many articles on Estate Planning, Probate and Wills. He is a member of the AARP and often lectures to groups on the importance of an up to date Will, Power of Attorney and Living Will.

 KENNETH  VERCAMMEN & ASSOCIATES, PC

ATTORNEY AT LAW

2053 Woodbridge Ave.

Edison, NJ 08817

(Phone) 732-572-0500

 (Fax) 732-572-0030

www.njlaws.com

Wills, Probate and Elder Law - 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.

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

 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

Kenneth A. Vercammen is a Middlesex County trial attorney who has published 125 articles in national and New Jersey publications on litigation topics.  He has been selected to lecture to trial lawyers by the American Bar Association, New Jersey State Bar Association and Middlesex County Bar Association. 

       Call our office to schedule a confidential appointment 732-572-0500

 

Who Should Be Your Agent?

You may wish to choose a family member to act on your behalf. Many people name their spouses or one or more children. In naming more than one person to act as agent at the same time, be alert to the possibility that all may not be available to act when needed, or they may not agree. The designation of co-agents should indicate whether you wish to have the majority act in the absence of full availability and agreement. You should name a successor agent to address the possibility that the person you name as agent may be unavailable or unable to act when the time comes. There are no special qualifications necessary for someone to act as an attorney-in-fact except that the person must not be a minor or otherwise incapacitated. The best choice is someone you trust.