Law Office of Dorian G. Minond LLC

01/16/2026

Ever wondered what would happen to your pets if something happened to you?

For many people, pets are family. But without a plan in place, decisions about their care could be left to chance.

I can help you develop a comprehensive estate plan that lets you:
- Decide exactly who will receive your pets
- Spell out how you want them cared for
- Set aside money for their care and long-term needs through a pet trust

If protecting your pets is important to you, DM me to set up a consultation.

Disclaimer: Attorney advertising. General information only - this is not legal advice for your specific situation. No attorney-client relationship is formed through this post or comments. For personalized guidance, please schedule a consultation.

11/12/2025

Planning for a Child with Disabilities

As a dad to a child with special needs, this topic hits close to home. I know how much thought and love goes into making sure your child will always be cared for — especially when you think about the future and all the “what ifs.”

One of the most important tools for families like ours is a Special Needs Trust. It allows you to set money aside for your child without putting their benefits like SSI or Medicaid at risk. The funds can be used for things that make their life richer — education, activities, therapies, or extra care — while keeping those essential supports in place.

It’s a big part of planning that brings real peace of mind.

If you’re a parent of a child with disabilities and want to understand how this works, DM me and we can talk it through in plain English.

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Disclaimer: Attorney advertising. General information only - this is not legal advice for your specific situation. No attorney-client relationship is formed through this post or comments. For personalized guidance, please schedule a consultation.

11/10/2025

Make Sure Your Kids Are Financially Protected

It’s not fun to think about, but one of the most important parts of estate planning is making sure your kids would be taken care of financially if something happened to both parents.

You can’t leave money directly to minors — a court would have to step in to manage it. That’s why many parents set up a trust, either through their will (called a testamentary trust) or as a separate document. A trust lets you choose who manages the money and when your children can access it.

Most parents don’t want their kids getting everything all at once at 18, and a trust helps make sure the money is used wisely for things like education, living expenses, and their future.

There are different ways to set this up depending on your family’s needs. If you’re not sure what makes sense for you, DM me and we can talk through the options.

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Disclaimer: Attorney advertising. General information only - this is not legal advice for your specific situation. No attorney-client relationship is formed through this post or comments. For personalized guidance, please schedule a consultation.

11/07/2025

What Is Probate (and Why Do Some People Want to Avoid It)?

You’ve probably heard the term probate before, but what does it actually mean?

Probate is the court process that happens after someone passes away. It’s how a person’s will is validated, their debts are paid, and their remaining assets are distributed to heirs.

While it’s a normal part of settling an estate, probate can sometimes be slow, public, and involve extra costs. That’s why many people plan ahead to make the process easier or even avoid it altogether — often through tools like trusts or beneficiary designations.

The goal isn’t always to avoid the court at all costs, but to make things simpler for your loved ones when the time comes.

If you’ve been wondering how probate might affect your family’s plan, DM me and we can talk it through.

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Disclaimer: Attorney advertising. General information only - this is not legal advice for your specific situation. No attorney-client relationship is formed through this post or comments. For personalized guidance, please schedule a consultation.

11/06/2025

Why do I focus my estate planning work on young families? The simple answer - I’m right there too.

I have two little ones — a 2.5-year-old daughter and a 9-month-old son. My daughter has special needs, and being her dad has taught me just how important it is to plan ahead and make sure your kids are protected no matter what life throws your way.

Estate planning isn’t just for later in life. It’s about peace of mind right now, knowing your family is cared for if something unexpected happens.

If you’ve been meaning to get your plan in place but don’t know where to start, DM me and we can talk through it.

11/04/2025

A common question I hear is: what’s the difference between a will and a trust?

Both are important estate planning tools, but they work in different ways.

A will is a legal document that states how you want your assets distributed after you pass away. It can also name guardians for minor children. However, a will must go through probate, which is the court process of settling your estate.

A trust, on the other hand, can take effect during your lifetime. Assets held in a trust generally avoid probate, which can save time and maintain privacy. Trusts can also help with planning for incapacity and managing how and when beneficiaries receive their inheritance.

Neither is “better” for everyone—it depends on your goals, your assets, and your family’s needs.

If you’re wondering which option makes the most sense for your situation, DM me to set up a consultation and we can discuss your planning goals.

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Disclaimer: Attorney advertising. General information only - this is not legal advice for your specific situation. No attorney-client relationship is formed through this post or comments. For personalized guidance, please schedule a consultation.

10/31/2025

👻 It’s spooky season… and you know what’s scarier than ghosts? An outdated estate plan!

Wills that name the wrong executor, old beneficiary designations, missing powers of attorney — these are the real things that can come back to haunt your family later.

This Halloween, take a moment between candy breaks to make sure your plan isn’t full of surprises. A quick review now can keep your loved ones from dealing with any “frightful” confusion down the road.

Don’t let your estate plan turn into a ghost story. 🎃 DM me to set up a consultation and make sure everything is up to date and boo-proof.

10/29/2025

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

I get asked this question often, and the answer surprises most people.

If you die without a will in New Jersey, the state already has written one for you. It's called "intestacy," and here's the simplified version:

Married with kids (from that marriage): Your spouse inherits everything.

Married with kids from a prior relationship: Your spouse gets the first 25% of your estate (minimum $50,000, maximum $200,000), plus half of the rest. Kids split the other half.

Single parent: Your children inherit everything at 18 - all at once. Think about what you were doing at 18. Now imagine handing an 18-year-old a $300,000 life insurance payout.

Unmarried couples: Your partner gets nothing, no matter how long you've been together.

Here's what else you DON'T get to decide without a will:
❌ Who raises your children
❌ Who manages money for your kids
❌ Who handles your affairs
❌ Anything going to specific people

And the process generally takes longer and costs more, compared to if you had a valid will.

The good news? This is all completely preventable. A will lets YOU decide:
✅ Who raises your children
✅ Who manages their money (and until what age)
✅ Who gets what
✅ How to make it as easy as possible for your family

You don't need to be wealthy to need an estate plan. You just need people you love.

If you've been putting this off, let's talk. I make the process straightforward and drama-free. Most plans are done in 2-3 weeks.

DM or call to schedule a free consultation!

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Disclaimer: Attorney advertising. General information only - this is not legal advice for your specific situation. No attorney-client relationship is formed through this post or comments. For personalized guidance, please schedule a consultation.

07/16/2025

Why Every Parent Needs a Will - Even if You're Young and Healthy

Have you ever asked yourself - If something happened to me tomorrow, what would happen to my kids?

Most young parents put off estate planning. As a parent of two myself, I get it, life is busy, and death feels far away. But creating an estate plan can be straightforward and affordable, and it's one of the most important things you can do for your family.

Unexpected events happen - car crashes, sudden medical events, or accidents at work. The point is not to focus on fear, but instead to focus on what you can do today to ensure that even if the worst happens, your family will be protected.

With just a few documents, you can stay in control:

📃 A Will lets you distribute your assets according to your wishes, not state law. It also lets you nominate guardians for your children, instead of having a judge decide.

📃 A Power of Attorney lets you appoint someone to manage your finances in case you are incapacitated.

📃 An Advance Healthcare Directive lets you say what medical treatments you would want if you were in a coma or had a terminal illness, instead of putting that heavy burden on your family. It also lets you appoint a Healthcare Representative to make healthcare decisions for you if you aren't able to speak for yourself.

You don't need to be rich, old, or ill to need a will. You just need people you love. I can help you craft a plan to meet your family's unique situation and needs. No one-size-fits-all forms or plans.

If you're ready to take this step, I make the process simple and stress-free. Book a free consultation today.

Planning Session

06/13/2024

Essential Estate Planning Documents

Ever wondered what a basic estate plan consists of? These documents form the core of most estate plans:

Will:
Your will is your last opportunity to make your wishes known. With a will, you can decide who will get your assets after you're gone. A will also lets you designate a funeral representative to be in charge of your services. For those with minor children, a will also lets you nominate a guardian to take care of them after you're gone and provide for their financial support. Your will is the core document of your estate plan.

Durable Power of Attorney:
A power of attorney lets you nominate one or more people to deal with banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and more on your behalf. However, this document is only effective while you're alive. Why is it a core piece of an estate plan then? Because a comprehensive estate plan should also plan for if you are incapacitated and unable to manage your financial life yourself. Having a properly designed power of attorney in place can help prevent the need for costly guardianship proceedings.

Healthcare Directive / Living Will:
A healthcare directive lets you decide who will make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make them yourself. You can also create a living will, often part of the same document, to make your end-of-life wishes known regarding life support, artificial nutrition, and CPR.

Other Documents:
There are various other documents that I assist clients in preparing to help make the process simpler and easier for their loved ones if they die or are incapacitated. For example, I provide clients with organized forms to create asset lists so their family is not left guessing what accounts they have and at which banks. Or something as simple as a NJ DMV Transfer on Death form, a single-page document, which can help families avoid headache for transferring titles to vehicles. Another example is a HIPAA release form, which lets you authorize medical staff to talk to people of your choosing about your condition, should you end up in the hospital. These are only a few examples.

Every client's situation is different, and so every estate plan will be different. The documents above often form the core of a typical estate plan.

If you'd like to discuss your needs and concerns and work with me to develop or update a comprehensive estate plan, please reach out!

[email protected]

Please note that the information above is for general information only and is not legal advice for any particular case or situation. Reading or interacting with this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Descriptions of services offered do not imply or guarantee a particular outcome.

06/12/2024

What even is an estate? Do I have one?!

One of the most common misconceptions is that estate planning is only for the wealthy. The word "estate" evokes images of British aristocracy or a millionaire's mansion. The truth is, everyone has an estate, and everyone can benefit from having an estate plan in place.

Your "estate" is simply everything you own, including:
- Your home and any other real estate
- Your car
- Your personal possessions
- Your bank accounts and investments
- Life insurance policies
- Retirement accounts

As you can see, no matter the size of your assets, if you own anything at all, you do indeed have an estate.

So why make a plan for your estate?

Estate planning lets YOU decide how your assets will be distributed after your death. It's about protecting and providing for your loved ones.

An estate plan can also include healthcare directives to ensure that your medical preferences are honored if you are incapacitated. If you have minor children, an estate plan also allows you to nominate guardians to care for them if something happens to you.

Regardless of your age or financial situation, it's never too early to start planning your estate. I am here to help guide you through the process and keep it as simple and painless as possible.

Contact my office today to schedule a consultation!

www.minondlaw.com
[email protected]

Comprehensive client-centered estate planning services