Timothy Rice Estate and Elder Law Firm

05/13/2026

The deadlines to challenge a will in New Jersey or Pennsylvania are much shorter than most other types of lawsuits.

Waiting too long can result in losing the right to challenge the validity of a will entirely, regardless of the underlying facts.

What should you do if you suspect a problem with a will and are considering litigation? Read on to find out: https://www.timriceelderlaw.com/time-limits-to-contesting-a-will-in-nj-and-pa/

04/28/2026

CANCELED: Partner Kimberlie Fiero will discuss Medicaid basics at a free seminar at the Jackson Library in Jackson Township, New Jersey. She will be joined by Tara Coffman, a New York Life Insurance Company agent, at the presentation focusing on dispelling misinformation about long-term care planning.

Click here to register: https://nylic.my.salesforce-sites.com/fieldeventform?cmpid=701Hq0000022Sva&uid=005Hq00000LdxYA

04/23/2026

Estate planning for couples isn’t just about drafting legal documents — it’s about making decisions together on beneficiaries, powers of attorney and long-term care preferences before a crisis forces those conversations.

How should couples approach this sometimes difficult and emotional discussion? In this post, the estate law attorneys at TREEL share a practical, thoughtful guide for couples to have this talk so their estate plan reflects both their wishes.

https://www.timriceelderlaw.com/estate-planning-for-couples-how-to-have-the-tough-talk/

04/15/2026

Partner Kimberlie Fiero, chair of the Ocean County Senior Advisory Council, attended a public hearing this week focused on initiatives impacting the County’s senior community.

Older adults, caregivers, senior advocacy groups, service providers and members of the public were invited to weigh in on priority needs for seniors and how they can be met. The hearing was part of the Age-Friendly Ocean County grant project by the Ocean County Office of Senior Services and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS), funded by the Division of Aging Services at the New Jersey Department of Human Services.

Thanks to Ocean County Senior Services Director, Maria LaFace, and her team for their work supporting and advocating for older adults throughout Ocean County. Their dedication — along with the thoughtful input and support from community members in attendance — plays an important role in shaping programs and services that meet seniors’ evolving needs.

Provide your input by April 30 and learn more: https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OC/SeniorServices/

Engagement like this matters. Public participation and informed advocacy help ensure that senior services remain responsive, accessible and effective.

04/01/2026

Starting your first “real” job comes with a paycheck, benefits and a new level of independence — but it also comes with legal decisions most people don’t think about.

If something unexpected happens, who can access your accounts, make medical decisions or manage your finances? The answer may be no one if you don’t have the right estate planning documents in place.

Even early in your career, a simple estate plan can help ensure:

✔ Someone you trust can make health care decisions
✔ Your finances can be managed if you’re unable to do so
✔ Your accounts — including digital ones — are accessible and organized
✔ Your wishes are clear and easy for others to follow

Estate planning isn’t about how much you have, it’s about making sure your life is protected as it starts to take shape.

👉 Read more: https://www.timriceelderlaw.com/i-just-got-my-first-real-job-do-i-need-estate-planning/

03/31/2026

Partner Kimberlie Fiero was a guest speaker at OCVTS' “Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement” seminar. She has presented at this three-week seminar since 2022, discussing the importance of estate planning and how it intertwines with financial strategies.

Kim provided information on proper estate planning, the types of documents everyone should have, planning for special needs beneficiaries, and more.

Special thanks to the seminar's sponsors: Theodore Durante CFP® CLTC, CFP Senior Market Specialist and Fiore, RICP®,FSCP®, FSCP, Vice President and Senior Private Wealth Advisor with World Investment Advisors, TFS Wealth Management.

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03/25/2026

We’re excited to welcome Meghan Rice to TREEL as an associate!

As clients’ needs evolve, we’re committed to building a team that provides thoughtful, responsive and people-focused legal support. Meghan strengthens that commitment with her experience in estate planning, administration and litigation — and her empathetic, detail-oriented approach to client service.

Learn more about Meghan and how she supports our clients: https://www.timriceelderlaw.com/meghan-rice-joins-treel/

03/16/2026

Many people turn to online templates when creating a will, believing it’s a simple and inexpensive way to plan their estate. But poorly drafted DIY wills can create confusion that leads to costly legal disputes.

When language in a will is unclear or inconsistent, family members may interpret it differently — sometimes forcing a court to decide what the document means. Even modest estates can lose tens of thousands of dollars to litigation.

https://www.timriceelderlaw.com/how-a-diy-will-can-turn-a-modest-estate-into-an-expensive-legal-dispute/

02/18/2026

A 30-year-old New Jersey professional with real estate and investments recently learned that powers of attorney, health care directives and even trusts can matter long before marriage or kids — especially when family dynamics are complicated.

Early estate planning isn’t about locking in decisions. It’s about protecting yourself if the unexpected happens.

https://www.timriceelderlaw.com/a-case-study-in-early-estate-planning-why-financially-successful-young-adults-in-new-jersey-shouldnt-wait/

01/28/2026

Many people are told they must transfer their home into an irrevocable trust to avoid probate — but that advice doesn’t always make sense, especially in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Probate in these states is often straightforward and inexpensive, and placing your home into an irrevocable trust can create unnecessary loss of control and flexibility.

Wondering if a trust is truly necessary for your situation?

Should you put your home into an irrevocable trust to avoid probate? In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the answer is often no.

01/07/2026

When families hear “Medicaid,” the conversation often jumps straight to asset protection. But that isn’t always the right answer.

For many families, the real priority is quality of care: staying at home, remaining comfortable and using available resources to support dignity and independence. Asset protection can be a useful tool in some situations, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of what matters most.

Medicaid planning should start with listening to family goals, not fear-based assumptions.

https://www.timriceelderlaw.com/when-asset-protection-isnt-the-right-answer-in-medicaid-planning/