Estate Planning Lawyers for Jersey City, New Jersey
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Meet some of our Jersey City Estate Planning Lawyers
Saranne W.
Saranne (Sara) is the owner and founder of S. Weimer Law, LLC. Sara has over a decade of experience practicing at prominent law firms. Prior to opening S. Weimer Law, Sara spent several years at a premiere international law firm representing companies and their leaders in every facet of the employment relationship. Sara has represented entities of all sizes, including some of the largest Fortune 500 companies, small start-ups, and key executives. Sara's experiences spans across various industries, including pharmaceutical, medical device, healthcare, financial services, technology, transportation, telecommunication, entertainment, non-profit, hospitality, and private equity. Sara has successfully represented her clients in single-plaintiff litigations, multi-plaintiff litigations, class and collective actions, agency charges, government audits, and disputes with competitors. Sara has extensive experience handling claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, leave interference, pay equity, medical and religious accommodations, wage and hour issues, whistleblower allegations, non-competes, restrictive covenants, and wrongful termination. Sara is also regularly retained to conduct internal investigations, respond to government inquiries, conduct workplace training, and negotiate executive agreements.
Allan K.
After graduating Columbia University and The University of Pennsylvania Law School, Allan Kassenoff spent 25 years as a litigator representing Fortune 100 companies, first at Kaye Scholer, LLP and then as a partner at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Amongst the many awards he has received over the years, Allan has been named one of the “Leading Litigators in America” by Lawdragon 500 and a “Local/National Litigation Star” by Benchmark Litigation.
"Allan was great! I really appreciated his quick turnaround time and the thoroughness of his review. His comments were clear, thoughtful, and communicated very well. I would definitely recommend working with him."
Jeffrey B.
I am an employment law attorney specializing in helping companies navigate the complexities of the workplace. From drafting employment contracts and conducting investigations into discrimination and harassment claims, to responding to EEOC charges and reviewing handbooks and policies for legal compliance, I offer comprehensive support to help businesses thrive while minimizing risk.
"Jeffrey was quick to respond, attentive, and very thorough. He spent a good amount of time ensuring I fully understood all information on my contract."
Dan P.
Dan C. Pelletier is a New Jersey real estate attorney with 29 years of legal experience and the founder of Ocean Avenue Land & Legacy, an Asbury Park based real estate and estate planning practice. Dan’s practice focuses on commercial leasing, real estate transactions, property transfers and estate planning. He has substantial experience reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial leases and other real estate agreements, with commercial leasing experience extending back through his work with Riley Riper Hollin & Colagreco and subsequent real estate and investment work. Throughout his career, Dan has worked on real estate from several perspectives—as outside counsel, transactional attorney and asset manager. That background allows him to approach a lease or transaction not simply as a document to be marked up, but as a business arrangement requiring a practical assessment of risk, economics and the parties’ respective obligations. For commercial lease clients, Dan focuses on identifying the provisions that materially matter: rent and additional rent obligations, operating expenses and CAM charges, repair and maintenance responsibilities, insurance and indemnification, permitted use, assignment and subletting, options, guarantees, default remedies, casualty, condemnation and termination rights. His broader real estate practice includes purchase and sale agreements, deeds and property transfers, ownership and entity issues, and related contract matters. Dan also assists New Jersey clients with straightforward estate and legacy planning, including wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, revocable trusts and planning involving real property. Dan founded Ocean Avenue Land & Legacy to provide experienced legal counsel in a practical, accessible manner. His approach is direct: understand the client’s objective, identify the meaningful risks, explain them clearly and develop a workable path forward.
"Very knowledgeable and helpful. We would work with him again ."
October 8, 2024
Benjamin D.
Benjamin I. Dach, Ph.D., Esq. is an accomplished patent attorney with extensive experience across multiple fields, including intellectual property (IP) litigation, counseling, and prosecution, spanning copyrights, trademarks, and patents. Prior to Weiss & Arons LLP, Benjamin worked at several prestigious law firms, including Quinn Emanuel LLP, WilmerHale LLP, Loeb & Loeb LLP, and Haug Partners LLP. During his decade-plus of legal work experience, Benjamin has litigated several pharmaceutical patent cases involving drugs such as Lialda, Vyvanse, Intuniv, Oxtellar XR, Pomalyst, Revlimid, and Cabometyx. Benjamin has also drafted and prosecuted dozens of patent applications, and counseled clients on IP relating to biological drugs, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, and clustered randomly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR). Benjamin earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from Columbia University, where his research focused on solid-phase polymer synthesis on silicon wafers and silica nanoparticles, with applications in drug delivery, solar energy, and semiconductors. His thesis, titled "Designer Polymer Superstructures from Solid Phase 'Click' Chemistry," highlights his expertise in the field. In addition to his scientific background, Benjamin also holds a J.D. from Fordham Law School, with a concentration in intellectual property and information law. Benjamin leverages his technical and legal backgrounds to maximize the value of his clients' IP portfolios. His strong commitment to science and law has made him a highly sought-after attorney in the areas of copyright, trademark, and patent law. Rated by Super Lawyers, Benjamin was selected to Rising Stars in Law. He is admitted to practice law in Florida, New York, New Jersey, and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
March 11, 2025
Stefan R.
I'm an experienced attorney with a vast experience in legal fields.
March 27, 2025
Marlene A.
Marlene is an accomplished attorney at Mandelbaum Barrett, specializing in litigation and real estate law. With a practice focused on buy and sale transactions, leases, litigation, and landlord/tenant matters, Marlene will bring a wealth of knowledge to the matter. Additionally, Marlene effectively navigates complex legal challenges and strives to achieve favorable outcomes for clients in the real estate sector.
April 18, 2025
Lauren A.
Lauren Acquaviva focuses her practice on alcohol licensing matters. Lauren has tried over one hundred tax and alcohol license cases at the South Carolina Administrative Law Court during her career. She also has handled appeals, including arguing before the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the South Carolina Supreme Court. A New Jersey native, Lauren graduated from Monmouth University Summa Cum Laude in 2009 with a B.S. in Social Work and a passion for advocating on behalf of children. Immediately thereafter, Lauren moved to South Carolina to attend the University of South Carolina School of Law from where she graduated in 2012 in the top third of her class. During law school Lauren became a member of the Mock Trial Bar where she honed her trial skills and fell in love with being in the court room. In September of 2012, shortly after graduating from law school with the desire to become a trial attorney, Lauren began working for the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SC DOR) where she spent six years litigating alcohol licensing and tax matters on behalf of the Department. Lauren left the SC DOR in October of 2018 and joined a Mount Pleasant Law firm. In October of 2019, Lauren founded Viva Law Firm so she could focus on helping people navigate the complexities of South Carolina’s alcohol regulations.
April 29, 2025
Andrew S.
Andrew Schneidman is an experienced transactional attorney and founder of Schneidman Law. He handles all things transactional—advising businesses on contracts, corporate matters, and deal execution with speed, clarity, and a business-first mindset. Andrew partners with both early-stage startups and established companies, guiding them through complex transactions and everyday legal challenges. He holds a law degree from Widener University and a BBA in Business Law from the University of Miami. Serving clients nationwide, Andrew is known for being responsive, practical, and easy to work with.
Cory B.
Over 10 years as a practicing attorney. Experience in both transactional and litigation matters, with a strong focus on commercial and residential real estate, contract law, business law, estate planning, and probate. Proven success in managing complex legal matters such as title disputes, real estate transactions, business and property acquisitions and sales, due diligence, property management, commercial leasing, evictions, probate disputes, and estate planning. Known for exceptional written and verbal communication, sound judgment, and the ability to guide clients through intricate and high-pressure situations. Ability to analyze and resolve issues efficiently and effectively with a strong focus on client relations and efficient resolution of legal matters.
August 23, 2025
Celia B.
Prenuptial & Family Law Attorney | Licensed in PA & NJ Based in Harrisburg, PA, Celia Butler is a trusted and compassionate attorney with over 12 years of experience in family law. She focuses her practice on prenuptial agreements, believing strongly in their power to foster transparency, security, and mutual respect in a marriage. Celia sees prenups not as a sign of mistrust, but as a thoughtful and responsible step toward building a strong foundation for the future. Known for her professionalism, discretion, and unwavering dedication, Celia prides herself on always putting her clients first. She brings a deep understanding of sensitive family matters — from custody and property distribution to marital agreements — and guides clients with clarity, empathy, and a commitment to practical results. Celia is dually licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and holds federal admissions in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the District of New Jersey, allowing her to serve a broad range of clients across state and federal jurisdictions.
August 23, 2025
Alexander C.
I am a solo practitioner that runs my own legal practice. I am currently licensed in 16 states and I'm working to expand that reach.
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Browse Lawyers NowEstate Planning Legal Questions and Answers
Estate Planning
Prenuptial Agreement
Massachusetts
How does a prenuptial agreement affect estate planning?
I am getting married soon and I am interested in understanding how a prenuptial agreement would affect my estate planning. I would like to know what steps I should take to ensure that my assets are protected and that my wishes are carried out after I pass away. I am also curious as to how a prenuptial agreement might affect the distribution of my assets to my family members and other beneficiaries.
Briana C.
A prenuptial agreement does not create an estate plan. But it can do two things. First, a prenuptial agreement can create a contractual promise on the part of one or both spouses to do something in particular with their estate plan (such as promising to leave the marital home to the surviving spouse, or promising to leave everything they have to the surviving spouse, or promising to set up a trust, etc. etc.). If this contractual promise is broken, the surviving spouse has a contract claim against the estate of the dead spouse. Second, and almost the opposite, in a prenuptial agreement one or both spouses can waive the rights they would otherwise have by statute, thus freeing up the other spouse to do whatever he or she wants with her estate plan. Without a prenuptial agreement, a surviving spouse is entitled by statute to inherit a certain proportion of the estate of the dead spouse (the exact proportion depends on whether or not the dead spouse has a will, and/or has surviving children). The prenuptial agreement can override these statutory rights and provide that the surviving spouse is not entitled to inherit anything from the dead spouse, except for anything the dead spouse may choose to leave the surviving spouse in his or her will.
Estate Planning
Power of Attorney
Illinois
Do I need a lawyer for power of attorney
Just want to know do I need a lawyer for power of attorney
T. Phillip B.
You can create your own power of attorney so long as it meets all the necessary requirements.
Estate Planning
Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
Illinois
What’s the Difference between General POA and Durable POA
I’m trying to get POA over my Mother Financial because she not Paying the Mortgage which is past over due along with some Bills she hasn’t paid on in months I don’t us to lose our home and she suffers from Dementia and we Both recently suffered from a stroke I would appreciate if you respond to my message beside With a Hi There !
T. Phillip B.
I'm not a fan of either term as I find they just confuse things. Durable usually is referring that it remains effective after incapacity. Sometimes general is looked at as terminating at becoming incapacitated. Another term which comes up is springing which this one makes more sense where it isn't effective immediately but upon a date or occurrence (usually someone being deemed incapacitated). I don't think I'd ever create a POA where it terminates at incapacity since that's when I'd need it to work. Now you say your mother has dementia. Will she understand what she is signing and the purpose of the document? If not, she doesn't have the required mental capacity to establish a POA and will have to have a guardian appointed by the court.
Estate Planning
Will
Kansas
Can I designate a non-family member as the executor of my will?
I am in the process of creating my will and estate plan, and I am wondering if it is possible to designate a non-family member, such as a close friend or trusted advisor, as the executor of my will. While I have a good relationship with my family, I believe that this non-family member would be better suited to handle the administrative duties and ensure my wishes are carried out accurately and efficiently. I want to ensure that this decision is legally permissible and if there are any potential complications or considerations I should be aware of.
Randy M.
You don’t have to name a family member as the executor of your will. In many cases, choosing someone outside the family is not only allowed but actually a smart move. With one notable exception, no U.S. state requires your executor to be a family member. What matters most is that the person is trustworthy, capable, and legally qualified to handle the role. Why someone outside the family might be the better choice For some people, appointing a friend, a professional advisor, or even a neutral third party just makes more sense. They’re often less emotionally entangled in family matters and better equipped to make level-headed decisions during what’s usually a tense and emotional time. Also, if they have relevant experience, like being an attorney or financial planner, they may already understand what the job entails. What the law actually requires Legally speaking, most states just require that your executor be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. From there, it’s mostly about whether the person is willing and whether the state has any disqualifying rules, such as felony convictions or certain types of misconduct. Some states are stricter than others on that point. Watch out for location-based restrictions Every state allows non-family executors, but a few have extra rules for people who live out of state. For example, your chosen executor might have to post a bond, work with a local co-executor, or name someone in-state to receive official documents. Florida is the sole exception. It generally limits executors (technically called “personal representatives” there) to relatives or their spouses. But that’s the exception, not the rule. A few things to think through Choosing an executor isn’t just about who you trust. It’s also about who can realistically handle the responsibility. They’ll have access to all your financial info, need to manage assets, pay off debts and taxes, and make sure everything is distributed properly. That’s a lot to take on. Also, consider how far they live. While distance isn’t always a deal-breaker, having someone nearby can make things easier, especially when there’s paperwork to sign or property to manage. And then there’s the family piece. If you pick someone outside the family, be prepared for possible tension. Even if your choice makes perfect sense, relatives may feel hurt or suspicious. If you’re concerned about that, it’s worth having a conversation in advance to explain your reasoning. What about compensation and other options? Executors are entitled to compensation for their time and effort, usually a percentage of the estate’s value (often 2 to 5 percent), depending on the state. Just keep in mind that executor fees are considered taxable income, while inheritances typically are not. If you’re trying to strike a balance, you can name co-executors, such as a trusted friend and a family member. This can help keep everyone involved while making sure the job gets done right. Just be aware it can slow things down, since both have to agree on major decisions. And if your estate is especially large or complicated, you might want to bring in a professional fiduciary, such as a trust company, bank, or estate attorney. They charge more, but you’re paying for deep experience and institutional reliability. Before you lock in your decision, here’s what to do: 1. Double-check your state’s requirements, especially if the person lives out of state. 2. Talk to your chosen executor to confirm they’re willing to take on the role. 3. Name an alternate in case your first pick can’t serve later. 4. Spell out compensation clearly in your will, or reference state guidelines. And finally, it’s always smart to run your estate plan by a local attorney or an attorney here on Contracts Counsel. State laws can vary more than people realize, and a quick legal review now can prevent a lot of headaches later. At the end of the day, choosing the right executor is about trust, competence, and clarity. Whether they’re family or not, you want someone who can step in and carry out your wishes with care and professionalism.
Estate Planning
Last Will and Testament
California
Can I create an estate plan without the help of a lawyer?
I am in my mid-fifties and have recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness. I have a large estate that I would like to be distributed to my family and friends when I pass away. I have done some research and understand the importance of having an estate plan, but I am not sure if I am able to create one without the help of a lawyer. I am looking for more information that will help me make the best decision for my family and myself.
Philip M.
You can certainly go ahead and fill out simple forms to complete some easy estate planning documents like wills, but for more complicated documents like a trust (which is required if you want to avoid probate) it can get a little trickier. Further, anyone can fill in the blanks, but an experienced attorney will be able to explain what the document does and how it meets your wishes best. Hope this helps.
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