Somerset Wills Lawyer

Planning for the future is more than a financial task—it’s an act of care for the people you value most. A properly drafted will puts your wishes in writing, protects what you’ve built, and helps your family avoid unnecessary conflict and delays later on.

Since 2019, Alguram Law Group has helped individuals and families throughout Somerset County, and across New Jersey create personalized wills that reflect real lives—not templates. We take the time to understand your goals and coordinate your will with other core estate planning tools, including revocable and irrevocable trusts, financial powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.

Secure your family’s future today. Call (732) 538-7904 to schedule a free virtual consultation with a Somerset wills attorney.

What Is a Will, and Why Does It Matter in New Jersey?

A will is a formal legal document that states what should happen to your property and responsibilities after you pass away. Many people assume wills are only necessary for the wealthy, but in reality, a will is important for nearly anyone who:

• Owns a home or other real estate
• Has savings, retirement accounts, or life insurance
• Owns a vehicle, business interest, or valuable personal property
• Has minor children or dependents
• Wants to choose who receives specific items or assets

A key point: a will generally takes effect after death. In contrast, certain types of trusts can help manage assets during life and may help avoid probate for some property. For many Somerset-area families, the right plan involves both—depending on the situation.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Somerset?

If you pass away without a valid will, New Jersey’s intestacy laws control who inherits. That means the state—not you—decides how your assets are distributed using a strict legal formula.

This can create problems, especially when:

• You want to provide for an unmarried partner
• You have children from a prior relationship
• You want specific family members to receive particular assets
• You want to include charitable gifts or personal instructions
• You need to nominate a guardian for minor children

A thoughtfully drafted will helps prevent confusion and reduces the likelihood of disputes that can drain time, money, and emotional energy during probate.

Building a Will That Fits Your Life (Not a “One-Size-Fits-All” Form)

At Alguram Law Group, our will-drafting process is designed to be thorough, practical, and easy to follow. We help you make clear decisions and document them in a way that holds up under New Jersey law.

Common planning questions we help clients work through include:

• Who should inherit specific assets (and in what shares)?
• Are there personal items you want to go to certain people?
• Do you want to make charitable gifts?
• Who should serve as executor (and who should be the backup)?
• If you have children, who should be named as guardian?
• How should your will coordinate with any existing trust, beneficiary designations, or benefits plans?

This kind of coordination matters—especially because some assets (like certain retirement accounts) pass by beneficiary designation, not by will. We help you reduce gaps and contradictions across your plan.

Choosing an Executor: A Critical Decision

Your executor is the person (or institution) responsible for carrying out the will. In many Somerset County estates, the executor’s responsibilities include:

• Filing paperwork to open the probate estate
• Identifying and safeguarding estate assets
• Paying valid debts and final expenses
• Handling tax-related responsibilities when applicable
• Distributing property to beneficiaries as directed by the will

Choosing the right executor can prevent delays and tension. We’ll walk you through what the job involves and how to select someone dependable, organized, and appropriate for your family dynamic.

Guardianship Planning for Minor Children

For parents in and around Somerset, one of the most important reasons to create a will is to nominate a guardian for minor children. While a court will always focus on the child’s best interests, a properly drafted will allows you to clearly document your preference.

We help you think through:

• Primary and alternate guardian choices
• Practical considerations (location, values, ability to care for the child)
• How guardianship planning may interact with trusts and financial planning

Updating Your Will After Life Changes

A will isn’t something you sign once and forget. It should be reviewed when your life changes or when your goals shift. Many people update their will after:

• Marriage or divorce
• The birth or adoption of a child
• A move, home purchase, or major change in assets
• A death in the family
• Changes in tax rules or long-term care planning goals
• A change in relationships with beneficiaries or fiduciaries

At Alguram Law Group, we make it easy to revisit and update your plan so it stays aligned with your current life—not the life you had years ago.

Why Work with a Somerset, NJ Wills Attorney?

Online forms can miss important legal requirements and often fail to account for real-world family situations. Working with Alguram Law Group means you get guidance that is:

• Grounded in New Jersey estate and probate requirements
• Tailored to your goals, assets, and family structure
• Coordinated with related planning tools (trusts, POAs, healthcare directives)
• Designed to reduce future conflict and administrative burdens

We work with clients throughout Somerset and nearby communities across Somerset County, helping them build estate plans that are clear, enforceable, and built for peace of mind.

Secure legal assistance quickly by connecting with a will lawyer near you in Somerset. Fill out our online form to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wills

Do I Need A Will If I Don’t Have A Lot Of Money In Somerset, NJ?

Yes, in many cases. Even modest estates benefit from a will, especially if you want to name an executor or choose a guardian for minor children. Without a will, New Jersey intestacy laws control how assets are distributed. A Somerset wills attorney can help ensure your wishes—not default state rules—guide your estate, regardless of its size.

Does A Will Avoid Probate In New Jersey?

Generally, no. In New Jersey, a will must usually be submitted to the Surrogate’s Court for probate to authorize asset distribution. A will explains your wishes but does not bypass probate. A wills lawyer can help determine whether probate-avoidance tools, such as trusts or beneficiary designations, may be appropriate for your goals.

Can I Write My Own Will In New Jersey?

New Jersey allows self-prepared wills, but errors are common and can invalidate the document or create disputes. Improper signing, unclear language, or conflicts with beneficiary designations often cause problems. Somerset wills attorneys from Alguram Law Group can help ensure your will complies with state requirements and clearly reflects your intentions, reducing the risk of challenges or delays after death.

How Often Should I Review My Will?

Most estate planning professionals recommend reviewing your will every three to five years or after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant financial changes. A Somerset wills attorney can review your existing plan to ensure it still aligns with current New Jersey law and your evolving family and financial circumstances.

What’s The Difference Between A Will And A Trust?

A will directs how assets are distributed after death and usually requires probate through the county Surrogate’s Court. A trust can manage assets during your lifetime and may help avoid probate if properly funded. A wills lawyer in Somerset can explain how wills and trusts work together under New Jersey law to support your estate planning goals.

Schedule a Free Virtual Consultation

A well-crafted will is one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave your family: clarity, structure, and guidance when it matters most. Alguram Law Group provides a highly personalized, client-first experience designed to give you clarity and peace of mind throughout the process. With a focused practice in estate planning and elder law, we bring deep, day-to-day experience to every will we prepare, ensuring your plan is tailored to your unique family and financial circumstances. Clients trust our proven reputation and the guidance of founder Jason Alguram, whose experience and professional recognition reflect a strong commitment to this area of law. We also believe estate planning should be accessible, which is why we offer free consultations and transparent guidance from the start. If you are ready to create or update a will in Somerset, NJ, Alguram Law Group is here to help you plan with confidence and care.

Contact Alguram Law Group at (732) 538-7904 or reach out online to schedule your free virtual consultation with a Somerset, NJ wills lawyer.