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Monmouth County Estate Planning Attorney - Christine Matus · BSPE Legal Marketing Podcast

• 0:00
  Monmouth County Estate Planning Attorney Every family in Monmouth County has something worth protecting, and without a proper estate plan, the courts and state law make those critical decisions for you.
• 0:10
  Narrator: New Jersey's intestacy statutes under N.J.S.A. 3B:5-1 dictate exactly how your assets are distributed if you die without a plan, which may bear no resemblance to your actual wishes.
• 0:21
  Narrator: A comprehensive estate plan goes far beyond a simple will, encompassing revocable living trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, beneficiary designations, and guardianship nominations for minor children.
• 0:34
  Narrator: A last will and testament is the foundation of any solid plan, naming an executor, identifying beneficiaries, and ensuring that the right people are appointed to care for your children.
• 0:45
  Narrator: Under N.J.S.A. 3B:3-2, a formally executed New Jersey will must be signed by the testator and witnessed by at least two individuals before it can be filed with the Monmouth County Surrogate's Court in Freehold.
• 0:57
  Narrator: Without that document in place, a judge rather than your family will determine who raises your children and who administers your estate through a lengthy and expensive court process.
• 1:06
  Narrator: A revocable living trust offers Monmouth County families a powerful alternative to probate, allowing assets to transfer privately and efficiently while keeping you in full control during your lifetime.
• 1:17
  Narrator: Under the New Jersey Uniform Trust Code, a successor trustee steps in seamlessly if you become incapacitated, ensuring your affairs are managed without court intervention.
• 1:26
  Narrator: For families with a disabled loved one, a special needs trust is one of the most essential planning tools available, preserving eligibility for Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid while still providing meaningful financial support.
• 1:38
  Narrator: A properly drafted third-party special needs trust funded by parents or grandparents can pay for education, recreation, personal care attendants, and specialized equipment without jeopardizing government benefits.
• 1:50
  Narrator: Shelter-related payments such as rent and utilities can still affect SSI eligibility, which is why working with a knowledgeable attorney who understands these nuanced federal and state rules is so important.
• 2:02
  Narrator: The Matus Law Group, led by estate planning lawyer Christine Matus, Esq., serves families throughout Monmouth County including Freehold, Tinton Falls, Middletown, Long Branch, Asbury Park, and Toms River with deeply personal commitment and direct experience with special needs families.
• 2:18
  Narrator: Whether your goal is protecting a disabled family member's benefits, shielding assets from long-term care costs, or ensuring your wishes are honored, this law firm brings both legal knowledge and genuine personal understanding to every client engagement.
• 2:31
  Narrator: Contact The Matus Law Group, located at 125 Half Mile Rd Ste 200, Red Bank, NJ 07701, United States, by calling 732, 785, 4453 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward protecting your family's future.