Is COVID-19 Causing More Will Contests?
Reasons COVID-19 May Lead to Contested Wills Each year, roughly 3% of wills are contested in the United States. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is changing everything, and some estate planning litigation lawyers worry that contested will rates may be on the rise. There are a few key reasons that the coronavirus may...
The Difficulties Executors Face as a Result of COVID-19
COVID-19 Makes Being an Executor More Difficult The average executor requires 570 hours to settle the estate.* This figure represents efforts made under the best of circumstances. During COVID-19, an executor's life is now more difficult, but exercising some prudence and common sense will help them get through this...
COVID-19’s Impact on Asset Prices
How COVID-19 Has Affected Certain Assets More Than Others The initial reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak was sheer panic on the part of investors. In May, the S&P 500 dropped roughly 30% in just 22 trading days. Many estate planners are now wondering which types of assets have been most affected by the pandemic....
Setting Up a Guardianship During This Fraught Pandemic Time
Why Guardianships Are So Important During the Pandemic Having led to over 15,880 deaths in New Jersey as of August, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact on estate planning. For better or worse, this pandemic is forcing many residents to grapple with estate-related decisions they may have previously neglected....
Can You Still Make Probate Filings in NJ During the Pandemic?
Making a Probate Filing in NJ During the COVID-19 Pandemic The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused businesses, courts, and government agencies to alter how they operate, which has resulted in changes with how probate filings are being carried out. While the courts throughout New Jersey were able to clear more...
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Impacted Estate Cases
Tips for Pursuing Estate Litigation During COVID-19 On March 15, New Jersey courts suspended in-person proceedings as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In May, the state's Supreme Court ordered most courts to resume proceedings but in a virtual manner. If you've been thinking of pursuing estate litigation related to...
Everything You Need to Know About Undue Influence During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 Crisis Leads to Concerns About Undue Influence Across the nation, estate planning attorneys have reported a 50-140% increase in the number of people making wills during the COVID crisis. However, a lot of these wills are made from DIY documents and online tools that might not be fully airtight. Those who...
The Coronavirus Pandemic Leads to New Difficulties for Trustees
Trustees Encounter New Challenges During COVID-19 Roughly $760 billion is currently held in trusts throughout the nation, so trustees are responsible for handling vast sums of money. The COVID-19 crisis has the potential to interrupt trustees while they are trying to execute their duties. Understanding all the...
Estate Planning While Social Distancing
Social Distancing and Estate Planning During the COVID-19 Crisis The coronavirus has affected the entire world, and many people are changing their daily habits. You might be worried about the effect that social distancing could have on estate planning. However, there are a few things that you can do to keep up with...
Changing Your Estate Plan Once COVID-19 Is Controlled
Reevaluating Your Estate Plan After the COVID-19 Crisis Has Subsided New Jersey has been one of the hardest-hit states in the country by COVID-19. While there have been over 12,000 coronavirus deaths in the Garden State, new cases are finally starting to drop. New Jersey residents who updated their estate plans...