Rapoport Law Firm

04/29/2025

🕊 Who Will Make Your Funeral & Burial Arrangements? 🕊

Planning for end-of-life decisions isn’t easy—but it’s essential. In New Jersey, if you don’t make your wishes clear, someone else will be legally responsible for your funeral and burial arrangements. That someone might not be who you would choose.

✔️ Option 1: Create a prepaid burial plan—set aside funds now to ensure your chosen arrangements are honored.
✔️ Option 2: Appoint a funeral agent in your will—this person can be anyone you trust, like a long-time companion or friend.

📌 Without these plans, New Jersey law gives the right to make these decisions to your surviving spouse, followed by children, parents, siblings, and more distant relatives. But legal complications (like restraining orders or criminal charges) can change the order—and so can family conflict.

➡️ Don’t leave your loved ones guessing—or worse, fighting. Take control of your legacy and your wishes.

💼 Need help setting up a funeral agent? We can guide you through every step.

📲 Contact us today to ensure your voice is heard—now and in the future.

⚖️ This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Based on New Jersey law. Contact Masha Rapoport, Esq., Rapoport Law Firm PC, 1601 Tilton Rd., Unit 1, Northfield, NJ 08225.

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01/20/2025

📝 New Jersey Will Requirements: What You Need to Know 📝

In New Jersey, a will should be in writing, signed by the person whose wishes are being expressed (the testator) or by another person at their direction and in their presence. It should also be signed by at least two witnesses who sign shortly after witnessing the testator’s signature or the acknowledgement of the testator’s signature.

But what if these requirements aren’t met? 🤔 New Jersey law allows for a will to still be valid if the signature or key portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting. Even if this isn’t the case, a will can still be considered valid if other evidence (like statements or other documents from the testator) shows the intention to create a will.

While New Jersey offers flexibility, it’s important to remember that avoiding confusion is the best way to ensure your wishes are honored. 🏛️ Legal battles over unclear or invalid wills can be costly and unnecessary. Don’t leave your estate in limbo—take advantage of New Jersey’s clear and orderly process for estate planning.

Make sure your will is properly drafted to save your loved ones from unnecessary legal complications. 📝

01/13/2025

Estate & Gift Tax Changes for 2025: What You Need to Know 📊

1️⃣ Federal Estate Tax: For estates of individuals who pass away in 2025, the threshold for federal estate tax has increased to $13,990,000, up from $13,610,000 in 2024. This means that only estates valued over this amount will be subject to federal estate tax. While New Jersey no longer has an estate tax (we still have an inheritance tax), this federal tax still applies.

⚠️ Important Reminder: The current estate tax law is set to expire at the end of 2025. If Congress doesn’t act, the exemption could be cut in half once the law "sunsets." While many expect the law to be extended, we won't know until later this year.

2️⃣ Annual Gift Tax Exemption: In 2025, the annual gift tax exemption increased to $19,000 per person per year (up from $18,000 in 2024). For married couples, this means you could gift up to $38,000 per person per year without triggering any gift tax or impacting your lifetime exemption.