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Estate planning is one of those things that often gets put off. As an estate planning lawyer in Monmouth County, Veitengruber Law sees many clients who are unaware of the need for an estate plan. It can be tough to answer questions about what should happen to your assets and loved ones if the worst should happen. Approximately half of adults in the US do not have a will, and even fewer have a comprehensive estate plan. Some of these folks believe they do not need an estate plan because they do not have a significant enough estate. However, this misconception leads to legal battles and financial difficulties on a daily basis. Here, we will explore why you need an estate plan, regardless of the number of assets you possess. What is an estate? An estate is a legal and financial term used to refer to all of the assets and liabilities you own. It includes items such as your home, car, personal belongings, debts, insurance policies, and retirement accounts. So, while many folks may think their possessions do not amount to an "estate," the truth is that most adults will have assets and liabilities that need to be dealt with after their death. An estate plan will also cover other aspects of your future through a power of attorney (POA) or medical directives. This gives you the power to elect a trusted loved one to control your medical care and finances if you are incapacitated. Planning for the future requires a well-thought-out plan. An estate plan can help you feel more at peace with the unknown variables of the future. We think everyone deserves the assurance of a great estate plan, but if you fall into any of the categories below, you must have an estate plan in place: 1. You Have Minor Dependents If you have minors in your care, you need to have an estate plan in place to prepare for their care in the event of your death or if you are no longer able. You must consider how you will provide financially for these dependents through life insurance or even a trust. You will also need to elect a trusted individual to take over guardianship of your children or other dependents. Discussing this possibility with the guardian you select before naming them in your estate plan is advisable. Without an estate plan in place, determining the guardian for minor dependents can turn into a nasty legal battle—one that does not include your wishes for your children. Making these decisions beforehand can save your loved ones a lot of heartache at an already difficult time. 2. You Are Preparing for Medical Problems You can be happy, healthy, and thriving one day and suddenly face medical uncertainty the next. Accidents, sudden diagnoses, or worsening chronic issues can quickly shift your medical prognosis. The uncertain nature of life is one of the biggest reasons you should have an estate plan, especially if you are planning for medical issues in the near future. A critical aspect of estate planning includes preparation for if you become incapacitated. A financial POA will allow you to name someone you trust who is responsible for managing your financial affairs if you are unable to do so. You can also name a healthcare proxy through a healthcare or medical POA. This person will be allowed to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. While these documents are suitable for anyone to have, if you are imminently facing a medical battle, it is critical to have these documents to protect your wishes for your medical care. 3. You Have Complex Family Relationships When you pass away, your estate enters the probate process. This includes dividing your assets and giving them to beneficiaries. If you do not have an estate plan in place to determine which beneficiaries get which assets, the state will decide for you. The state utilizes specific rules that tend to favor a more "traditional" family structure: one marriage with one spouse who shares all of your children. If you are unmarried and do not have children, the beneficiary next in line—typically parents or siblings—will be selected to inherit. If you do not have parents or siblings, the state will find your closest living relative. For some, this may be acceptable and in line with their wishes. However, for many others, these inheritance rules simply will not work. Divorce, children with multiple partners, estrangement, death, and blended families can all disrupt the efficacy of traditional inheritance laws. By establishing an estate plan, you can choose exactly who your beneficiaries are and determine exactly who gets what. As your life changes and the people in your life change, so should your estate plan. Veitengruber Law is a seasoned team of estate planning lawyers and professionals based in New Jersey. We can work with you to solidify a plan that offers legal reassurance and peace of mind for your future.

Estate planning is way more involved than just creating a will. While most folks think a will can protect all their interests, this is simply not the case. A robust estate plan often includes a will, a power of attorney, medical directives, beneficiary designations, and trusts. Trusts help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and can help your beneficiaries minimize estate taxes. If you are considering setting up a trust in NJ, Veitengruber Law can help. Here are some of the top questions we receive about trusts from our clients. Q: What kind of trust do I need? A: There are several different kinds of trusts available to NJ residents. Each type of trust is specifically designed to serve various purposes with different benefits and restrictions. Here are some common types of trusts and what they are used for: Revocable living trust: This type of trust allows you to retain control over your assets and change the terms of the trust while you are living and capable. Once you pass, control of the assets in the trust will pass to those indicated in the terms of the trust. Irrevocable trust: This type of trust legally transfers assets to a trustee who manages the trust's assets for all designated beneficiaries. It is irrevocable because the grantor (or the person creating the trust) cannot change the terms once the trust is established. Special needs trust: This type of trust is established to protect individuals with special needs or disabilities. An SNT allows the beneficiary to receive financial support from the trust without jeopardizing access to benefits like Medicaid and SSI. Charitable trust: This is a legal arrangement where a trustee manages the grantor's assets to benefit a charity or organization. These provide some tax benefits and ongoing philanthropy even after the grantor's death. Q: What are the benefits of establishing a trust? A: The main reason to set up a trust is to avoid the New Jersey probate process. Probate can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and costly for beneficiaries. When your assets are included in the probate process, they become vulnerable to public scrutiny and creditors. Trusts allow you to safeguard your assets while living and distribute them privately once you are gone. Beneficiaries of trusts do not have to go through the probate process and can avoid potentially hefty estate taxes. Q: How do I create a trust? A: The first step in creating a trust is to determine which kind of trust best suits your specific circumstances. Not all trusts will protect your assets the same way, and each will have different implications for tax purposes. Once you decide what kind of trust will be most beneficial, you need to select a trustee to manage the assets in the trust. This person will be responsible for the distribution of assets after the grantor passes. Once these terms are established, the grantor will fund the trust by legally transferring ownership of assets to the trust. Q: Do I need a lawyer to have a trust? A: It is possible to successfully create a trust without the assistance of an estate planning attorney—but it will likely not be as effective. An experienced estate planning attorney will offer guidance on the best trust for your specific circumstances. They will also be able to help you tailor the terms of the trust to best protect your assets and objectives. An attorney can ensure the trust is adequately funded and meets all legal requirements. Working alongside a skilled attorney is highly recommended, especially if you have significant assets, multiple beneficiaries, complex family situations, or special needs dependents. Q: When do I need to update my trust? A: Regularly reviewing the terms of your trust is critical to ensuring the trust's accuracy in carrying out your goals. Life happens. Divorce, re-marriage, new children or grandchildren, estrangement, death, medical problems, or drastic financial changes can all lead to the revision of the terms of your trust. Update your trust as soon as possible after significant life changes. Veitengruber Law is an experienced estate planning law firm in New Jersey. We help our clients plan for the future and find peace of mind. If you are considering setting up a trust, we can help you develop a tailored plan to protect your interests.

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Real estate transactions involve high-stakes legal and financial dealings. The legal issues that can come up during a transaction can bring a real estate deal to a screeching halt. Some of the most common real estate law issues can create significant legal and financial distress for buyers and sellers. Real estate attorneys are there to help you avoid legal trouble and advocate for your rights if you find yourself dealing with legal issues. Veitengruber Law is a knowledgeable, experienced real estate attorney in Monmouth County. We have a deep understanding of real estate law and tons of experience helping clients navigate legal issues to fulfill their real estate goals.  The laws that guide real estate transactions tend to be state-specific and sometimes even include local laws and statutes. A successful real estate deal requires an understanding of purchase agreements, contracts, title searches, property inspections, compliance with zoning and land use regulations, and other aspects of due diligence. A thorough knowledge of real estate law can be vital when you need to act decisively. Working with a real estate attorney from the beginning can help you mitigate legal risks and protect your rights and interests. At Veitengruber Law, we believe buying or selling property in New Jersey should be exciting, not headache-inducing. But if legal issues arise, we are here to help. Here are some common real estate problems that we offer legal advice for in Monmouth County: 1. Contract Disputes The purchase agreement or contract is likely the single most critical document throughout any real estate transaction. The contract determines a timeline for the transaction, establishes the rights and responsibilities of all involved parties, and indicates under which circumstances a party is entitled to exit the contract. After signing, you are legally bound to the contents of the contract. This is why it is incredibly important for a real estate attorney to look over the document before you sign anything. Vague or poorly written contracts can often result in contractual issues between the buyer and seller. Common issues include failure to disclose, failure to meet financing deadlines, and confusion over what is and is not included in the sale. You can squash these problems from the beginning by working with an experienced attorney to draft a customized contract. But if these issues arise later in the process, an attorney can still help you negotiate a path forward that protects your interests. Without an attorney, these disputes can drag on, costing you more money, delaying closing, and potentially landing you in court. At Veitengruber Law, we can review and revise contracts to offer better legal protection. When issues arise, we have the expertise needed to minimize the impact on the deal and keep you on schedule to close. 2. Title Disputes and Liens When you purchase a new property, a title company will perform a title search. This search is intended to show the full legal history of a property, including ownership and legal claims. A title search determines if the property in question is free and clear of any entanglements that could cause legal issues for the new owner. The title search is intended to uncover the owner of a property and determine if that property has any liens due to debt, like unpaid property taxes. A title search can also reveal any easements or restrictive covenants applicable to the property. Because debts and legal issues like lawsuits can follow the property—instead of the owner—it is critical for the new buyer to understand the potential problems associated with the property. If issues uncovered in the title search are not resolved prior to the sale, they can put the buyer and new owner at significant risk for legal problems. Attorneys are expert researchers who can help you determine potential issues uncovered in the title search report. We can help you rest assured that the property you purchase is free and clear of any encumbrances. If the property is not clear of problems, we can work quickly to resolve any dispute to ensure the transaction continues smoothly and on time. 3. Zoning and Permitting Issues Zoning laws regulate how real estate can be used, and these laws can vary from municipality to municipality. Buyers purchasing a property with the intention of utilizing it for a specific purpose may find they are not legally able to do so. A residential-zoned property cannot be used commercially and vice versa. Even modifying an existing property can require permits or result in fines and legal action. A skilled attorney can help you navigate these regulations and ensure you can use your property as intended. An attorney can help you with zoning variances and the permitting process to avoid costly setbacks. 4. Disclosure Failures There are some specific defects that sellers are required to disclose under NJ law. These are typically more severe issues like water damage, foundation defects, pest infestations, roof issues, plumbing issues, and other high-dollar repairs. Undisclosed issues that the new homeowner must repair can be costly—and even lead to a lawsuit. For buyers, an attorney can establish in the contract what kind of damage or repairs a seller is responsible for prior to closing. After inspection, an attorney can review the report and determine if any undisclosed issues must be addressed before the sale moves forward. Attorneys can re-negotiate the sale based on the inspection findings to protect their client's interests. If undisclosed issues pop up after closing, an attorney can help the new homeowner take legal action against the seller to recoup repair costs. An attorney can guide a seller through the disclosure process to ensure they are not accidentally withholding disclosure of any major issues. If problems the seller was unaware of come out in the inspection report, the attorney can negotiate with the buyer for a path forward that doesn't jeopardize the sale. 5. Backing out of a Contract There are many reasons someone may want to back out of a real estate contract. Regardless of the reasons, exiting any contract can be incredibly difficult. Contracts are legally binding. If you have worked with an attorney from the beginning, they may have revised your contract to include contingencies allowing you to legally back out of the contract. These contingencies can refer to a lack of financing, issues uncovered in the inspection, inability to sell/purchase another property, etc. Just as each real estate transaction is unique, the best way to back out of a contract will hinge on the specifics of the situation. Working with a trusted, local real estate attorney is the best way to achieve an agreeable outcome and avoid legal trouble. Buying or selling property in NJ is a major investment and a huge legal and financial transaction. Having experienced legal representation from the start is critical to ensuring a successful transaction. Veitengruber Law offers personalized support and expert legal advice in Monmouth County. We can help you fulfill your real estate goals, advocate for your interests, and protect your investment.

Monmouth County continues to experience a highly competitive market. From the end of 2024 through the first two months of 2025, Monmouth County has seen closed sales increase despite tightened inventory and increasing median list prices. With proximity to major metro centers and the idyllic attraction of the shore, competition for residency in Monmouth County is high. This market solidly favors sellers, while buyers are urged to move quickly and decisively. To ensure success, most buyers and sellers enter this market with the adept guidance of a real estate agent. But what about a real estate attorney? While it is not a New Jersey requirement to work with a real estate attorney during real estate transactions, it is highly advisable—especially when there is intense competition. Real estate agents are knowledgeable professionals whose expertise can be invaluable for buyers and sellers. However, the laws surrounding real estate are complex, and it is equally important to have a legal expert on your side when you purchase or sell property. Here are just some of the ways a real estate attorney can protect your legal interests throughout any real estate transaction: 1. Protection Against Legal Issues Purchasing or selling a home in NJ is a complex financial and legal transaction with many moving parts. It is highly possible that legal issues can arise. While real estate agents can guide you through the process, they cannot give you actual legal advice. A real estate agent may not be knowledgeable of common contract law, statutory real estate law, or any other legal issues that arise. On the other hand, an experienced real estate attorney will be up to date on the latest laws surrounding real estate transactions. They will be able to handle any complex legal issues quickly, so you are not stuck in legal limbo waiting for a resolution. If you run into problems with easements, zoning restrictions, or title issues, a lawyer can help you protect your rights and find a speedy solution. Similarly, a lawyer can help you understand your legal obligations as a seller or buyer. They can ensure you do not accidentally shirk your agreed-upon legal responsibilities. If you need to back out of a contract, they can explain your options and guide you through the process to limit legal fallout. There are real legal consequences for missteps when purchasing or selling a home. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you avoid or limit these consequences. 2. Your Best Interest is Protected Real estate transactions involve a ton of different parties. The buyer, seller, and agents representing them have individual interests in the transaction. Real estate agents work hard on behalf of their clients, but there are no obligations for the agents to have a legal duty to their clients. Because most agents make their money on commission, they have a vested financial interest in the sale. Alternatively, real estate attorneys have a specific fiduciary legal duty to always act in their client's best interests. Your attorney's job is to protect your rights. Period. They will offer advice to help you make an informed decision that is best for you. 3. Creating a Robust Contract The contract you sign at the beginning of a property sale is likely the most crucial document throughout the entire transaction. It sets out the terms of the sale and guides the specific conditions that must be met for a sale to continue to closing. Most real estate agents utilize boilerplate contracts with simplified terms that can apply to a wide range of property sales. The generalized nature of these contracts can leave buyers and sellers open to legal issues. And while real estate agents may have a cursory understanding of contract law, they are likely not legal experts. An attorney will be intimately familiar with contract law. They can draft a contract specific to your situation and include contingencies to protect your legal rights more effectively. The more specific the contract is, the better your chances of getting exactly what you want from the transaction. 4. Contingencies and Concessions Boilerplate contracts will likely not include the contingencies or concessions that can protect your interests. For buyers, working with an attorney who can advise on adding any contingencies or concessions in line with your goals can make a huge difference in the transaction's success. Contingencies offer buyers and sellers an extra layer of protection within the contract, offering a way to back out of a contract if the sale is not going according to plan. While there are some common seller contingencies, the vast majority of contingencies work in favor of the buyer. These include: Inspection Contingency: This outlines what should happen if any significant defects with the property are discovered during the inspection. The contingency can include who is responsible for these defects, how they should be remedied, and if the contract can be canceled based on the findings of the inspection. Appraisal Contingency: This is included to protect the buyer in the event the appraisal of the property comes in under the market value for the home. Financing Contingency: This protects the buyer from being forced to go through with a transaction if they cannot secure financing through a mortgage or other loan. Sale of Current Residence Contingency: Buyers can also include a contingency that closing on their new home can only happen after the sale of their current home. Seller's Contingency on Purchase of a New Property: Sellers can also make the sale of their home contingent on the purchase of a new residence to ensure they have a place to go after closing. 5. Negotiating Both real estate agents and lawyers are trained negotiators, but only lawyers will be able to utilize the law to negotiate on your behalf. Real estate attorneys have a ton of experience working with insurance companies, the government, buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. They can negotiate on your behalf and in your best interest while utilizing the full extent of their legal knowledge. The addition of an attorney to your real estate team can give you the extra edge, especially in a competitive market. 6. Peace of Mind At the end of the day, when you work with an experienced real estate attorney, you are gaining peace of mind. You can rest assured knowing that a skilled professional is looking out for your best interests and that every aspect of your sale is legally sound. You can spend less time worrying about the complexities of buying or selling property and focus on realizing your goals. When you need an experienced real estate attorney in Monmouth County, you can count on Veitengruber Law. We are committed to serving the needs of our community by staying on the cutting edge of real estate law. We have an excellent relationship with many real estate professionals in our area. If you want to buy or sell a Monmouth County property in 2025, Veitengruber Law can help you achieve your goals.