Legal landscape note: This article was originally published in 2018 and describes the law as it stood at that time. New Jersey law changes frequently.
Overview
On Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 6:30 PM, Simon Law Group, LLC hosted a free estate planning seminar at GrilleStone in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. This event provided foundational education on wills, trusts, and asset protection for individuals and families looking to plan for the future.
Seminar Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, February 15, 2018 |
| Time | 6:30 PM |
| Location | GrilleStone, Scotch Plains, NJ |
| Cost | Free (complimentary appetizers served) |
Topics Covered
Attendees received practical guidance on key estate planning matters under New Jersey law, including:
- Wills and testamentary documents -- Understanding the requirements for a valid will in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 3B:3-1, including execution formalities, witness requirements, and the risks of DIY or handwritten wills
- Trusts -- Exploring revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and special needs trusts as vehicles for asset management, probate avoidance, and beneficiary protection
- Real estate considerations -- How jointly held property, homestead rights, and tax assessments factor into estate plans for Somerset, Union, and Hunterdon County homeowners
- Elder law and Medicaid planning -- Strategies for preserving family assets while navigating New Jersey's Medicaid 5-year lookback period under N.J.S.A. 30:4D-3 et seq.
- Powers of attorney and advance directives -- Designating trusted agents for financial and healthcare decisions through durable powers of attorney and living wills under N.J.S.A. 26:2H-53 et seq.
- Asset management -- Coordinating retirement accounts, life insurance beneficiary designations, and payable-on-death accounts with the overall estate plan
Audience
This seminar was designed for adult, first-time attendees interested in learning the basics of estate planning. The event was not open to agents, brokers, or financial advisors.
About Simon Law Group Estate Planning Services
Simon Law Group provides comprehensive estate planning services to families throughout New Jersey, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, living wills, Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts, special needs trusts, and probate administration. Our attorneys work closely with clients in Somerset, Hunterdon, Morris, Union, Middlesex, and surrounding counties.
Reviewed by Britt J. Simon, Esq., Managing Partner -- Simon Law Group, LLC -- May 2026
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