Aging

Introduction

This discussion guide provides a practical, non-technical introduction to estate planning in New Jersey, including wills, probate, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, trusts, and digital estate planning. Developed from a discussion I recently moderated, the guide is designed to encourage informed conversation and thoughtful planning rather than provide legal advice. Whether you are just beginning to think about estate planning or reviewing an existing plan, this overview offers useful questions, key concepts, and resources to help you better understand the issues involved and identify topics that may warrant professional guidance. Estate planning remains one of the most important gifts we can leave to those we care about. Estate planning is the process of deciding how your property, finances, healthcare decisions, and personal wishes will be handled during your lifetime and after your death. It is not just for wealthy individuals. Anyone who owns property, has savings, maintains retirement accounts, or wishes to provide guidance to family members can benefit from having an estate plan.

Key Questions to Consider

The “Fostering Stability in Aging” initiative, led by the ABA Commission on Law and Aging and the Commission on Homelessness and Poverty, is a specialized resource hub and advocacy effort. It aims to prevent homelessness and poverty among older adults by supporting legal professionals with research and tools to enhance access to housing, healthcare, and services….Across the country, older adults are the fastest-growing population facing housing instability and homelessness. Rising housing costs, fixed incomes, health challenges, caregiving burdens and increasing vulnerability to fraud are converging to create a crisis that is both urgent and, too often, unseen.

The American Bar Association Senior Lawyers Division (SLD), in partnership with the ABA Commission on Law and Aging and the ABA Commission on Homelessness and Poverty, is stepping forward with a coordinated, national response:

The Fostering Stability in Aging Initiative is designed to mobilize the legal profession—particularly experienced lawyers – to deliver practical, measurable solutions. It will:

Articles Posted in Aging

Estate Planning in New Jersey: A Discussion Guide

Introduction

Fostering Stability in Aging Iniative