SG Law Blog

Can you remove someone from your estate plan? Yes, and it’s more common than you think. Learn how changes work for wills, trusts, and powers of attorney in New Jersey, and when a full update may be the better approach.

Estate planning isn’t a one-time task. As your life changes, your plan should too. From major events like marriage or moving, to less obvious shifts like outdated fiduciaries or changes in the law, regular reviews help ensure your documents still reflect your goals. Here’s when—and why—you should update your estate plan.

Divorce changes more than your marital status. It can also affect who manages your affairs, who inherits your assets, and how your estate plan operates. While New Jersey law may automatically revoke certain provisions that benefit a former spouse, many important documents and beneficiary designations remain unchanged unless you update them. Reviewing your estate plan after divorce helps ensure your wishes are clearly reflected moving forward.

If you die without a will in New Jersey, state law — not your family — decides who inherits your assets. Under New Jersey’s intestacy laws, your probate estate is distributed according to a fixed formula based on your marital status and children, which may not reflect your actual wishes. Learn how intestacy works, what counts as part of your probate estate, and why a simple estate plan can protect your loved ones.

Owning property in more than one state can quietly complicate your estate plan. This article explains why, using a simple example of a New Jersey family who inherits out-of-state property and what that means for probate, incapacity planning, and whether a trust may make sense.

Becoming a parent changes everything, including how you should think about estate planning. If you have young children, your plan is no longer just about money. It’s about who would care for your kids, who could make decisions if you’re incapacitated, and how to avoid unnecessary court involvement during an already difficult time. A thoughtful estate plan gives your family clarity, protection, and flexibility when they need it most.

Many people assume trusts are only for the ultra-wealthy, but in New Jersey, the decision to use a trust isn’t just about net worth. This article breaks down when a trust may — or may not — make sense for estates under $2 million, including how family dynamics, privacy, probate concerns, and long-term planning goals factor into the decision.

A quick explanation of what estate planning is generally and who benefits from this type of planning.

A straightforward guide for New Jersey families deciding between a Will and a Trust.