The Law Offices of Samantha Pettine Zazzo, LLC

04/26/2023

Interesting article - keep in mind that any transfer prior to the passing of the homeowner takes away the benefit of the date of death step up in basis. Transfer on death deeds are not permitted in New Jersey.

https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/3-ways-to-pass-down-home?cid=29090689|1174031|187827277|355550117

The pros and cons of different methods for leaving a home to your heirs.

12/07/2022

This is a great idea - but it is imperative that you store your documents in a fireproof and waterproof lock box.

08/09/2022

This article is a frightening example of what can go wrong if you don’t have your legal documents in place before a problem arises. Please make sure your loved ones have a valid Durable Power of Attorney that names someone they trust to handle their affairs.

The Keyport woman claimed in a lawsuit that she signed an agreement while heavily medicated handing over control of her life to someone she had never met.

01/27/2022

This is a very helpful article about estate planning.

Even if you don't have a major change in your life, aspects of your will and overall estate plan should be reviewed fairly regularly.

11/05/2021

This is a timely reminder that everyone needs to plan for their estate - but it can be even more critical for people who own or work in a family owned business - the show is pretty entertaining too!!

Some who have experienced family succession issues firsthand say they recognize a little of themselves in the HBO series. ‘I, unlike Logan Roy, will have a plan.’

06/30/2021

As you get your recent grads ready for college remember to get a Power of Attorney and Appointment of a Healthcare Representative for them. Once they become legal adults (scary I realize!), they need to sign documentation authorizing their parents to have access to their protected health information and financial and legal data. Give me a call - 609-845-0992 - or send me an email - [email protected] - and I can help you get these very important documents prepared.

02/24/2021

This sounds like a great idea, but beware of one-size, fits all estate planning kits. Each state has different laws regarding estate taxes, inheritance taxes, and probate requirements and procedures. Please contact me if you have any questions about estate planning in New Jersey.

LIVING REVOCABLE TRUST | POWER OF ATTORNEY

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE

12/10/2020

This is an excellent article about the importance of planning for your estate and the dangers of putting it off.

07/23/2020

As you get your recent grads ready for college remember to get a Power of Attorney and Appointment of a Healthcare Representative for them. Once they become legal adults (scary I realize!), they need to sign documentation authorizing their parents to have access to their protected health information and financial and legal data. Give me a call - 609-845-0992 - or send me an email - [email protected] - and I can help you get these very important documents prepared. I am doing outdoor signings with social distancing and masks to be in compliance with the Governor's orders.

04/09/2020

I know many will be tempted to do their own Will during this time - please read some of the comments and you will see why this is not the best idea. Please call or email me if you have questions about your estate plan. Each state is different and these kits do not take that into account. Yes, something is usually better than nothing, but the wrong "something" can lead to some really difficult situations for your loved ones who are already grieving their loss.

LIVING REVOCABLE TRUST | POWER OF ATTORNEY

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE

10/03/2019

I always advise my clients to get a fireproof, waterproof safe in their home to store their Wills. Too often Wills are stored in a safe deposit box at the bank and cannot be accessed easily by the Executor because the very document that gives them authority to access the safe deposit box is locked inside.

Answer these 4 simple questions to find out.

06/10/2019

Congratulations to all the recent graduates!! Parents, take some time this summer to get prepared for your students moving on to college and get a Durable Power of Attorney and Advanced Medical Directive/Appointment of Healthcare Representative prepared for them. These two documents will serve you well as you bridge the gap between high school and full adulthood. Without these documents you will have no legal right to speak to your child's school about financial matters, nor will you be able to communicate with medical professionals about any health issues your child encounters. They are relatively easy documents to get prepared and I would be happy to assist you in this.