What is Family Estate Planning?

Why People End Up in Court — and How We Keep You Out

Most families who wind up in court never expected to. It usually happens because of small oversights, missing documents, or misplaced trust. Here’s what we see most often:

• DIY or “documents-only” plans: Online forms and fill-in-the-blank templates often miss key details—like proper witnessing, clear instructions, or incapacity tools—leading to confusion, delays, and costly litigation.
• Unfunded trusts: Many families have beautiful binders labeled “Trust,” but never transferred assets into them. The result? Probate—exactly what they hoped to avoid.
• Minors named outright: Leaving money directly to children triggers court supervision now and a risky lump-sum payout at 18 or 21.
• Blended families: Good intentions can go wrong when you “trust them to do the right thing.” Without clear terms, children from a first marriage can be quietly disinherited.
• Cross-border or non-citizen spouses: Without a Qualified Domestic Trust (QDOT) or proper domicile planning, families face surprise estate taxes and frozen bank accounts.
• Unqualified legal help: A well-meaning friend—or an attorney who doesn’t specialize in estate planning—can draft the wrong type of trust, leaving assets exposed to creditors and future claims.

Our solution: We start with strategy, not documents. We guide you through coaching and counseling, handle funding and maintenance, and stay with you for life—so your plan actually works when your family needs it most.

Our Process — Fast, Predictable, Done for You

At Simon Law Group, estate planning isn’t a one-time transaction — it’s a relationship built to protect your family for life. We don’t hand you a stack of documents and wish you luck. We create a plan that’s comprehensive, strategic, and ready when it matters most.

Here’s how we do it — clearly, efficiently, and with you at the center of every step:

1. Consultation → Design → Draft → Delivery → Funding → Maintenance & Review

Our streamlined process keeps everything moving forward with no guesswork or hidden costs.

2. Discovery — Listening First

We start with a real conversation, not a questionnaire. We take the time to understand your family, your goals, and your values — whether you’re planning for young children, aging parents, or a growing business.

3. Design — Strategy Over Documents

Once we understand your situation, we design a plan tailored to your life. Every trust, will, and power of attorney is coordinated for real-world results — addressing blended families, business interests, and tax-sensitive assets. After design, you’ll receive a transparent, all-inclusive flat fee in writing — no hourly surprises, ever.

4. Draft & Delivery — Precision and Proper Formalities

You receive a clear Design Memo summarizing your plan, executed documents with proper New Jersey formalities, and a Funding Plan that we manage from start to finish — deeds, titles, beneficiary designations, and more.

5. Funding — Making the Plan Work

A plan only works when it’s funded. We quarterback the entire process to ensure your assets are correctly titled to your trust and your accounts match your plan. This step keeps your family out of court and your affairs private.

6. Maintenance — Keeping Everything Current

Life changes — and your plan should, too. Our Annual Maintenance Program (AMP) and Elite Annual Membership (which includes collaboration with your CPA, financial advisor, or tax attorney) ensure your plan stays aligned with your family, finances, and the law.

The result: a plan that’s legally sound, fully implemented, and built for real life — giving your family clarity, privacy, and peace of mind for years to come.

Protecting What Matters Most

Life doesn’t wait for the “right time” to get organized — and neither should your plan. The right estate plan isn’t just about documents; it’s about direction, security, and peace of mind for the people you love.

At Simon Law Group, we’ve helped thousands of New Jersey families design plans that truly work — guiding them through change, loss, and new beginnings with clarity and compassion. Whether you’re just starting or updating an existing plan, we’ll make sure everything fits together and stays that way.

Let’s start protecting what matters most — your family, your future, and your peace of mind.

Why It Matters

Most families don’t need more documents — they need a system that actually works on a hard day. Our services are designed to keep your loved ones out of court, protect your children and spouse, and turn complicated assets into calm, clear instructions — with our team guiding you every step of the way.

We don’t just talk about protecting families — we’ve done it, over and over again.

• 1,500+ New Jersey estate plans designed, funded, and maintained.
• Customized solutions for young families, business owners, blended families, retirees, physicians, special needs caregivers, and cross-border couples.
• VIP coordination with your tax and financial advisors — because your plan should never exist in a silo.

If You Remember One Thing…

Probate exists to protect creditors — not your family.

The right estate plan keeps decisions where they belong: at your kitchen table, not in a courthouse full of strangers. We’ll build it, fund it, and keep it current — for life, and beyond.

Ready to Protect What Matters Most?

At Simon Law Group, our experienced New Jersey estate planning attorneys make the process clear, personal, and stress-free. Whether you need a will, trust, or complete estate plan, we’ll guide you from start to finish — explaining every step and making sure your wishes are honored. Don’t leave your family’s future to chance or to the court system. Schedule your consultation today and discover how the right plan can give you peace of mind for life — and beyond.