Protect Your Family. Plan Your Legacy. Secure Your Future.
ESTATE PLANNING
Personalized estate planning from a nurse-attorney, bringing legal precision and clinical understanding to every plan we build.
(908) 671-1434
Every adult in New Jersey needs an estate plan. Whether you are a young parent who wants to name a guardian for your children, a homeowner looking to keep your property out of probate, or someone approaching retirement who wants to protect the assets you have worked a lifetime to build, a well-drafted estate plan gives you control over what happens to your family, your finances, and your healthcare if the unexpected occurs.
At The Himmel Law Firm, I work directly with individuals and families throughout Elizabeth, Union County, and northern New Jersey to create estate plans tailored to their goals. As both an attorney and a registered nurse, I bring a perspective that few estate planning lawyers can offer: I understand not only the legal mechanics of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, but also the clinical realities of aging, incapacity, and end-of-life care that make these documents so important.
Why You Need an Estate Plan
Many people assume estate planning is only for the wealthy. That is a misconception. If you own a home, have a bank account, have children, or simply want a say in your medical care, you need an estate plan. Without one, New Jersey’s intestacy laws decide who inherits your assets, a court decides who raises your children, and medical providers make healthcare decisions without knowing your wishes.
An estate plan accomplishes several critical goals. It ensures your assets pass to the people you choose, on the timeline and terms you set. It names the individuals you trust to manage your finances and make medical decisions if you cannot do so yourself. It can minimize the time, expense, and stress your family faces during probate. And for families with more complex situations — blended families, a family member with special needs, or significant assets — an estate plan provides structure that protects everyone involved.
Estate Planning Services We Provide
Last Wills & Testaments
Your will directs how your property is distributed, names an executor to manage the process, and designates a guardian for minor children. We prepare wills that are clear, legally sound, and designed to minimize disputes.
Durable Powers of Attorney
A durable POA appoints someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so. Without one, your family may need to petition for guardianship — an expensive, public process.
Revocable Living Trusts
A revocable trust lets you transfer assets during your lifetime while retaining full control. When you pass away, assets transfer to beneficiaries without probate — saving time, reducing costs, and maintaining privacy.
Healthcare Directives & Proxies
An advance directive documents your medical treatment wishes. A healthcare proxy designates your decision-maker. Our attorney's nursing background ensures these documents address real clinical scenarios.
Beneficiary Designations & Asset Titling
Life insurance, retirement accounts, and POD bank accounts pass by beneficiary designation — regardless of what your will says. We review your full financial picture to ensure your designations are consistent with your overall estate plan.
An Attorney Who Understands Both the Law and Your Health
With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University and years of emergency medicine experience, I understand the clinical realities behind advance directives. When we plan your healthcare documents, we have a real conversation about what medical interventions mean, what quality of life looks like, and what your family needs to know to honor your wishes. We can also discuss future planning and Elder Law considerations.
Estate Planning for New Jersey Families
New Jersey has its own set of rules that affect estate planning. The state imposes an inheritance tax on transfers to certain beneficiaries, including siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends, at rates ranging from 11% to 16%. Transfers to spouses, children, grandchildren, and parents are exempt. New Jersey does not have a separate state estate tax (it was eliminated in 2018), but the federal estate tax still applies to estates exceeding the current exemption threshold.
New Jersey also follows the Uniform Probate Code in certain respects but has its own specific requirements for will execution, trust administration, and fiduciary duties. I stay current on New Jersey statutory changes and case law developments to ensure every estate plan I prepare reflects the latest legal requirements and tax planning opportunities.
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Yes. Estate planning isn't just about distributing wealth. It's about making sure the right people are authorized to make decisions for you and your children, keeping your family out of court, and ensuring your healthcare wishes are documented.
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Your assets are distributed according to state intestacy law. Your spouse and children typically inherit, but the exact split depends on your family structure — and it may not match what you would have chosen.
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A will takes effect after death and goes through probate. A revocable trust takes effect during your lifetime and allows assets to pass without probate, providing privacy and flexibility.
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Review every 3-5 years, and immediately after major life events: marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary, significant financial changes, or a move to a new state.
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It depends on complexity. A basic plan is typically a flat fee. I offer transparent pricing and always discuss fees upfront before any work begins.
Schedule Your Estate Planning Consultation
Taking the first step is the hardest part, and I make it easy. Contact The Himmel Law Firm today to schedule a consultation. We will sit down together, review your situation, and discuss the estate planning options that make the most sense for you and your family.