Question 1

What documents are usually included in an estate plan?

Accepted Answer

Many plans include a will, financial power of attorney, and health care directives. A trust may be appropriate depending on the family, property, and goals involved.

Question 2

Do I need an estate plan if I do not have significant wealth?

Accepted Answer

Planning also addresses decision-makers, incapacity, minor children, personal property, and family guidance. Those issues can matter regardless of wealth.

Question 3

What should I bring to the first consultation?

Accepted Answer

Bring any existing estate-planning documents you can locate and a general list of family members, property, accounts, insurance, business interests, and questions. You do not need perfect numbers or final decisions.

Question 4

Is the initial consultation free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Miranda Law provides a free initial consultation and discusses the recommended scope and fee before legal work begins.

Question 5

What happens if I die without a will in New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

New Jersey's intestacy rules govern the distribution of probate property, and a court process may be needed to appoint an administrator. The result may not reflect every personal wish or relationship.

Question 6

Does a will avoid probate?

Accepted Answer

A will generally provides instructions for probate rather than avoiding the process by itself. Other ownership and trust arrangements may affect how particular assets are handled.

Question 7

Does everyone need a trust?

Accepted Answer

No. A trust can be useful for particular management, continuity, or distribution goals, but some plans can be handled effectively through other documents and arrangements.

Question 8

What does it mean to fund a trust?

Accepted Answer

Funding generally means transferring or coordinating selected assets so the trust can govern them. A signed trust that is not connected to the intended assets may not accomplish the expected result.

Question 9

What does a financial power of attorney do?

Accepted Answer

It authorizes a person you choose to handle the financial, legal, property, or other matters described in the document.

Question 10

Is a health care directive the same as a financial power of attorney?

Accepted Answer

No. A health care directive concerns medical decision-making. A financial power of attorney concerns the financial and legal authority written into that document.

Question 11

Can my health care representative decide for me while I still can?

Accepted Answer

No. Under New Jersey guidance, the representative acts when you have been determined unable to make your own health care decisions. If you regain that ability, your own decisions control again.

Question 12

Who should receive copies of my health care directive?

Accepted Answer

Consider giving copies to your primary and alternate representatives, appropriate family members, physicians, and health care facilities involved in your care.

Question 13

Can Miranda Law assist me in Spanish or Portuguese?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The firm communicates with clients in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Question 14

How can I contact the office?

Accepted Answer

The legal team handles intake and scheduling by phone, text, WhatsApp, and email.

Question 15

How much does an estate plan cost?

Accepted Answer

The fee depends on the documents and complexity involved. The firm discusses the proposed work and fee after understanding your needs.

Question 16

How often should I update my plan?

Accepted Answer

Consider a review after major family, health, property, or financial changes and when the people named in the documents are no longer the right choices.

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Getting started

Wills and trusts

Planning for incapacity

Working with Miranda Law

A clearer plan can begin with one conversation.

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