Irina S. Shea, Attorney At Law, LLC

08/25/2026

What’s the difference between death planning and incapacity planning?

A comprehensive estate plan should address more than what happens to your assets after you die. It should also address what happens if you are alive but unable to manage your own financial or medical affairs.

In this episode of Wealth and Wisdom with Irina, estate planning attorney Irina Shea explains the important distinction between planning for incapacity and planning for death.

✅ A Power of Attorney allows someone to manage financial and legal matters during incapacity
✅ A Health Care Directive addresses medical decision-making if you cannot make those decisions yourself
✅ A Will or Revocable Living Trust addresses the distribution of assets after death
✅ A Revocable Living Trust may also play an important role during incapacity
✅ Planning must be completed while you still have the mental capacity to make these decisions

Estate planning is about preparing for every stage—not simply what happens after death. Putting the appropriate documents in place before they are needed can give you greater control over who will act for you and how your affairs will be handled.

📍 To learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation, visit:
https://www.irinashea.com/our-process



Disclaimer: This content is provided by Irina S. Shea, Attorney at Law, LLC for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this content, commenting on it, sharing it, or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is established only through a written engagement agreement signed by both the client and the firm. Because every legal matter is unique and laws vary by jurisdiction, you should consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.

08/21/2026

"I highly recommend attorney Irina Shea. She is an expert in her field, highly knowledgeable and also super efficient, kind, and a pleasure to work with. Samantha at her office was also great to communicate with and a delight to work with. On top of all that I found Ms. Shea’s prices to be reasonable. She gets the job done fast and in the smartest way possible. She clearly puts her clients’ best interests first!" says M on Google

★★★★★ I highly recommend attorney Irina Shea. She is an expert in her field, highly knowledgeable and also super efficient, kind, and a pleasure to work with. Samantha at her office was also great to communicate with and a delight to work with. On top of all that I found Ms. Shea’s price...

08/20/2026

"Efficient and cost effective" says Michael on Google

★★★★★ Efficient and cost effective

08/18/2026

What estate planning documents does every adult need?

Estate planning isn’t only for older adults or people with significant assets. At a very basic level, every adult should have documents in place addressing both what happens after death and who can make important decisions if they become incapacitated.

In this episode of Wealth and Wisdom with Irina, estate planning attorney Irina Shea discusses the three essential documents every adult should consider having in place:

✅ A Will to specify who receives your assets after your death
✅ A Power of Attorney to authorize someone to handle financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated
✅ A Health Care Directive to designate someone to make medical decisions if you cannot make them yourself
✅ Why these documents are important even for young adults, including children turning 18
✅ What can happen when these basic documents are not in place

Having an estate plan isn’t simply about planning for death. It’s also about making sure the people you trust have the legal authority they need to help you during your lifetime if the unexpected happens.

📍 To learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation, visit:
https://www.irinashea.com/our-process



Disclaimer: This content is provided by Irina S. Shea, Attorney at Law, LLC for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this content, commenting on it, sharing it, or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is established only through a written engagement agreement signed by both the client and the firm. Because every legal matter is unique and laws vary by jurisdiction, you should consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.

08/18/2026

"Our overall experience was very positive. Irina and her staff clearly identified our need, developed the appropriate plan and managed the process in a timely manner. Everyone was very professional. My wife and I very much would recommend Irina and her staff for future transactions." says Paul on Google

★★★★★ Our overall experience was very positive. Irina and her staff clearly identified our need, developed the appropriate plan and managed the process in a timely manner. Everyone was very professional. My wife and I very much would recommend Irina and her staff for future transactions.

08/11/2026

What happens if you die without a Will in Bergen County, New Jersey?

Many people assume that if they pass away without a Will, everything will automatically go to their spouse or children. In reality, New Jersey's intestacy laws determine who inherits your assets when you do not have an estate plan in place—and the outcome may not align with your wishes.

In this video, we discuss:

✅ What it means to die intestate (without a Will)
✅ The difference between an Executor named in a Will and a court-appointed Administrator
✅ Why an Administrator may be required to post a bond
✅ How dying without a Will can create additional costs, delays, and administrative burdens for your family
✅ Why blended families can present unique challenges under New Jersey's intestacy laws
✅ How assets may be distributed when no estate plan exists
✅ Why having a basic estate plan can make a meaningful difference for your loved ones

In this episode of Wealth and Wisdom with Irina, we discuss what happens when someone dies without a Will in Bergen County, New Jersey, and why having even a basic estate plan in place can help provide clarity and peace of mind for the people you love most.

Watch the video below to learn more.

Questions about your own estate plan? We'd be happy to help.

To learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation, visit:
https://www.irinashea.com/our-process



Disclaimer: This content is provided by Irina S. Shea, Attorney at Law, LLC for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this content, commenting on it, sharing it, or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is established only through a written engagement agreement signed by both the client and the firm. Because every legal matter is unique and laws vary by jurisdiction, you should consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.

08/04/2026

Can you disinherit a child?

It's one of the most difficult and emotionally complex decisions a parent can make. While the answer may be yes, thoughtful estate planning requires careful consideration of both the legal and practical implications before making that choice.

In this video, we discuss:

✅ Common reasons parents consider disinheritance
✅ Full disinheritance versus leaving a reduced share
✅ No-contest clauses
✅ Revocable Living Trusts
✅ Structured inheritances through trusts
✅ Providing for grandchildren instead of a child
✅ The importance of discussing your wishes with your fiduciaries

In this episode of Wealth and Wisdom with Irina, we discuss several estate planning considerations for parents who may be contemplating disinheritance and the planning strategies that may help address their family's unique circumstances.

Watch the video below to learn more.

Questions about your own estate plan? We'd be happy to help.

To learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation, visit:
https://www.irinashea.com/our-process

Download our complimentary client guide here:https://cdn.b12.io/client_media/GZ0cjqyk/d56f3be1-805b-11f1-b9bd-0242ac110002-Can_I_Disinherit_My_Children_-_handout.pdf



Disclaimer: This content is provided by Irina S. Shea, Attorney at Law, LLC for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this content, commenting on it, sharing it, or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is established only through a written engagement agreement signed by both the client and the firm. Because every legal matter is unique and laws vary by jurisdiction, you should consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.

07/28/2026

How can you provide for a child who struggles with addiction or mental health challenges?

It's one of the most difficult and emotional questions parents face during the estate planning process. While every family's circumstances are unique, thoughtful planning can help provide stability, protection, and long-term support for a vulnerable loved one.

In this video, we discuss:

✅ Lifetime trusts
✅ Choosing the right Trustee
✅ Health Care Directives and Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs)
✅ Flexible trust provisions
✅ Paying expenses directly on a beneficiary's behalf
✅ Using trust funds to provide ongoing support and oversight

In this episode of Wealth and Wisdom with Irina, we discuss several estate planning strategies that may help provide protection and flexibility while addressing the unique needs of vulnerable beneficiaries.

Watch the video below to learn more.

Questions about your own estate plan? We'd be happy to help.

To learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation, visit:
https://www.irinashea.com/our-process

Download our complimentary client guide here:https://cdn.b12.io/client_media/GZ0cjqyk/c844e08e-805d-11f1-bf56-0242ac110002-How_to_Protect_a_Child_with_Addiction_or_Mental_Health_Issues_-_handout.pdf



Disclaimer: This content is provided by Irina S. Shea, Attorney at Law, LLC for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this content, commenting on it, sharing it, or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is established only through a written engagement agreement signed by both the client and the firm. Because every legal matter is unique and laws vary by jurisdiction, you should consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.

07/21/2026

Can you protect an inheritance if your child later goes through a divorce?

It's one of the most common concerns we hear from parents and grandparents during the estate planning process. The truth is, it depends.

There are a number of planning strategies that may help protect inherited assets for future generations, including:

✅ Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
✅ Asset protection and spendthrift trusts for adult children
✅ Keeping inherited assets separate from marital property
✅ Planning for potential divorce risks before an inheritance is received
✅ Factors to consider when determining whether trust planning may be appropriate

Estate planning is not one-size-fits-all. The right strategy depends on your family's unique circumstances, goals, and long-term plans.

In this episode of Wealth and Wisdom with Irina, we discuss several ways thoughtful estate planning may help preserve your family's legacy and protect inherited assets.

Watch the video below to learn more.

Questions about your own estate plan? We'd be happy to help.

To learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation, visit:
https://www.irinashea.com/our-process

Download our complimentary client guide here:
https://cdn.b12.io/client_media/GZ0cjqyk/876c700b-805e-11f1-9c84-0242ac110002-How_Do_I_Protect_Assets_from_Divorce_-_handout.pdf

Disclaimer: This content is provided by Irina S. Shea, Attorney at Law, LLC for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this content, commenting on it, sharing it, or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is established only through a written engagement agreement signed by both the client and the firm. Because every legal matter is unique and laws vary by jurisdiction, you should consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.

07/14/2026

Can you avoid probate?

It's one of the most common questions we hear during estate planning consultations, and the answer depends on your assets, how they're titled, and the planning you've put in place.

In this episode of Wealth & Wisdom with Irina, we discuss topics such as:

✔️ What probate is and why it exists
✔️ How probate works in New Jersey
✔️ Beneficiary designations on financial accounts
✔️ Transfer on Death (TOD) and Payable on Death (POD) designations
✔️ Revocable Living Trusts
✔️ Joint ownership of assets

While probate in New Jersey is often much simpler than many people expect, there are planning strategies that may help streamline the transfer of assets to your loved ones.

🎥 Watch this episode below to learn more.

If you're ready to begin your own estate planning journey, we'd be happy to meet with you. Initial consultations are complimentary. Click here to get started today: https://www.irinashea.com/our-process

Disclaimer: This content is provided by Irina S. Shea, Attorney at Law, LLC for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this content, commenting on it, sharing it, or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is established only through a written engagement agreement signed by both the client and the firm. Because every legal matter is unique and laws vary by jurisdiction, you should consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.