Mount Laurel Estate Planning Attorney
Estate Planning Lawyer in Mount Laurel Township, NJ, Creating Tailored Estate Plans to Protect Your Family’s Future in Burlington County and Throughout South Jersey
Life can change in a moment. Are you thinking about who would make decisions for you if you couldn't speak for yourself? Our Mount Laurel estate planning attorney helps people build strong plans that protect their hard-earned assets and ensure their wishes are followed.
We make it easy to create an estate plan that fits your needs. We explain everything in plain language so you understand what you're signing.
Don't put this off any longer. Contact us today to set up a meeting and get the peace of mind you deserve.
How Estate Planning Helps Mount Laurel Parents Ensure Their Wishes Are Respected
As a parent, your deepest desire is to protect your loved ones and decide the type of treatment you want if you become incapacitated. Estate planning helps you do this.
An Estate Plan Speaks for You When You Cannot Speak for Yourself
Imagine you're in a serious accident on I-295. If you don't have an estate plan, your family might have really hard choices to make about your medical care without knowing what you would want. Your husband or wife might not be able to get the money you share because things weren't set up right.
We've seen Mount Laurel families endure immense stress during these already challenging times.
An Estate Plan Distributes Your Legacy According to Your Wishes
When you pass away, your plan for the future, like a will or a trust, tells people what to do. Your house in Mount Laurel, your savings, your retirement money, and the special things you own will go to the people you choose.
Without an estate plan, New Jersey intestacy laws dictate who gets what—regardless of your actual wishes. These standardized rules might leave significant assets to a spouse you're separated from but haven't divorced. Or your young adult children might receive lump sums they're not prepared to manage responsibly.
Even worse, the often-overlooked issue of temporary guardianship for your children during your recovery can become unexpectedly complicated without proper planning. This happens more often than Mount Laurel residents realize.
Estate planning isn't just for wealthy Centerton Road residents or retirees. It's essential for any Mount Laurel parent who wants to have the peace of mind.
Understanding Your Options: Wills vs. Living Trusts
Typically, you have two options when it comes to estate planning:
- Create a last will
- Create a living trust
A basic will names guardians for minor children and states who should receive your assets. However, a will requires probate, meaning:
- Your family must navigate Burlington County Surrogate's Court proceedings.
- The process is time-consuming.
- Estate details become public record for anyone to view.
- Court costs and legal fees reduce what your heirs receive.
- A judge ultimately determines if your wishes are followed.
A living trust offers Mount Laurel families more complete protection:
- Your estate avoids probate court entirely.
- Assets transfer efficiently and with complete privacy.
- You determine exactly how and when beneficiaries receive assets.
- You can protect heirs from poor financial decisions or outside influences.
How Living Trusts Protect Your Wealth
Consider what would happen if your 19-year-old received a substantial inheritance all at once. Like many young adults in Burlington County, they might make impulsive financial decisions without proper guidance. Studies show nearly 70% of unexpected windfalls are depleted within 2 years.
A properly structured trust can instead provide for education at Rowan University, help with starting a business, or create lasting financial security.
Secure your family's future today. Contact our Mount Laurel estate planning attorney for a consultation.
How Our Mount Laurel Estate Planning Attorney Can Help You Build a Perfect Estate Plan
Our Mount Laurel estate planning attorney works with you to create a perfect plan that protects your loved ones:
Our process
- Discovery: We learn about your family structure, assets, and goals.
- Planning: We recommend the right legal tools for your situation.
- Implementation: We create clear, effective documents you understand.
- Review: We ensure your plan stays current as your life changes.
With your goals clear, we create the legal tools you need:
- Will: A will makes sure your belongings go where you want and names trusted guardians for your kids.
- Living trust: A living trust protects assets from court probate process and keeps family matters private.
- Financial power of attorney: Financial power of attorney names someone to handle your money if you get sick.
- Healthcare directives: Healthcare directives, such as living wills, record your healthcare choices for the time when you can't speak for yourself.
- HIPAA Authorization: HIPAA authorization makes sure doctors can share your health information with your family.
Unlike online services, we don't just print out forms. We spot tax issues before they happen. We write healthcare instructions that local hospitals will follow. We make sure all your accounts list the right beneficiaries.
Don't leave your family's security to chance. Contact our estate planning lawyer in Mount Laurel Township, NJ, for your personal planning meeting today.
What Makes Cohler Law the Go-To Estate Planning Firm in Mount Laurel
Many firms offer one-size-fits-all plans, but our Mount Laurel estate planning attorney believes you deserve better. After helping your neighbors protect their families for three decades, we've built our reputation on personalized assistance.
Plans Custom-Made for Your Family
Mount Laurel families come in all shapes and sizes. We take time to learn what makes yours unique:
- Military families need plans that work across state lines.
- Grandparents raising grandchildren need special guardianship plans.
- People caring for aging parents need help with elder law issues.
Our experience helps you avoid costly mistakes and protect what matters most.
Estate Planning Made Simple
Legal documents shouldn't leave you confused. At Cohler Law, we explain everything in plain English. Our clients leave meetings feeling confident, not overwhelmed. We know we've done our job when you truly understand your plan.
We Work When You're Available
We know Mount Laurel families are busy. That's why we offer:
- Appointments at your convenience
- Online meetings you can join from home
- Regular check-ins as your life changes
With a proper estate plan, you can:
- Protect the people you love
- Preserve the assets you've worked hard to build
- Provide clear guidance to doctors about the treatment you want
Discuss your situation with us today. Our estate planning lawyer in Mount Laurel Township, NJ, is here to replace your worry with confidence.
Contact Our Mount Laurel Estate Planning Attorney at Cohler Law Today for an Initial Case Evaluation
Without a good plan, New Jersey courts—not you—will decide your family's future. Your loved ones might get less than you wanted them to have. Your children's inheritance could face extra taxes. The person appointed to raise your children might not share your values or parenting style.
Why risk everything that matters?
For help from an estate planning attorney in Mount Laurel Township, contact Cohler Law Firm online or call 856-644-1969 today.
