Creating a will is a critical step in ensuring that final wishes are honored and loved ones are protected. Christine Matus (https://matuslaw.com/do-you-need-a-lawyer-to-make-a-will-in-new-jersey/), a New Jersey wills attorney and founder of The Matus Law Group, explains that although it is legally possible to prepare a will without attorney involvement, working with a qualified lawyer offers significant advantages for clarity, compliance, and long-term peace of mind.

A wills attorney can address the many legal and practical issues that may arise during the preparation of a will. Christine Matus states, “Partnering with our skilled attorneys can give you the confidence that your will is comprehensive, legally valid, and tailored to your specific needs”. In New Jersey, proper execution, witness requirements, and confirmation of mental capacity are essential factors in ensuring that a will is enforceable. Christine Matus emphasizes that careful adherence to these requirements reduces the risk of disputes and delays during the probate process.

In professional work as a New Jersey wills attorney, Christine Matus handles cases involving blended families, large estates, business ownership, and charitable goals. With over 25 years of experience in estate and special needs planning, Christine Matus has also served as a lecturer on wills, elder law, and special needs planning, contributed to legal publications, and held leadership positions in nonprofit organizations. Christine Matus focuses on creating wills that safeguard assets, address potential challenges, and reflect the personal intentions of each client.

The process of working with Christine Matus to prepare a will begins with an in-depth consultation. During this meeting, relevant details about assets, family structure, and desired provisions are collected. Based on this information, Christine Matus drafts a document that is fully compliant with New Jersey legal standards. Each draft undergoes a thorough review to ensure accuracy and completeness. Finalization includes the execution of the will in accordance with all statutory witness and signing requirements, with notarization often recommended to create a self-proving document that simplifies probate.

Christine Matus advises against relying on codicils for major updates to an existing will. Although codicils are valid amendments, they can create confusion, increase the risk of conflicting provisions, and be misplaced. Drafting a new will that consolidates all current intentions is often the safest and most efficient choice. This approach eliminates uncertainty, streamlines the probate process, and ensures that the governing document is complete and up to date.

Disputes over wills can occur for many reasons, including allegations of lack of testamentary capacity, claims of undue influence, improper execution, or ambiguous language. Disagreements may also arise from perceived unfairness in asset distribution or disinheritance. Christine Matus works to prevent these issues by drafting clear, legally compliant documents, documenting the mental capacity of the testator, and anticipating potential conflicts. When disputes occur, Christine Matus offers mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods to help families avoid costly litigation.

New Jersey law establishes specific requirements for a valid will. The testator must be at least 18 years old and possess the mental capacity to understand the nature and consequences of the document. The will must be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two individuals. While notarization is not required, notarizing a will makes it self-proving, which expedites probate and reduces the need to locate and verify witnesses after death. Christine Matus recommends notarization as a practical step to ease the burden on the executor and beneficiaries.

Christine Matus advises that wills should not remain unchanged for long periods. Life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a beneficiary, or major financial changes require prompt updates to ensure that the will reflects current circumstances. Regular review every three to five years is an effective way to keep the estate plan current and legally sound.

Residents of New Jersey seeking to protect assets, reduce tax burdens, and ensure smooth asset distribution can benefit from consulting with Christine Matus. Careful planning reduces the risk of legal disputes, protects family interests, and ensures that intentions are carried out exactly as intended. A properly drafted will not only addresses who receives assets but also designates guardians for minor children, outlines charitable contributions, and names a reliable executor to manage estate administration.

Working with Christine Matus and The Matus Law Group provides clients with a structured, legally compliant, and customized approach to will creation. Every stage of the process is designed to ensure that the final document is enforceable, clear, and reflective of the testator’s true intentions. This level of care safeguards the legacy of the testator and provides loved ones with certainty during a challenging time.

About The Matus Law Group:

The Matus Law Group, founded by Christine Matus, serves clients across New Jersey with legal services focused on estate planning, wills, and special needs planning. With more than 25 years of legal experience, the firm is dedicated to helping individuals and families protect assets, plan for the future, and avoid unnecessary legal complications. Through precise drafting and a commitment to clear communication, The Matus Law Group ensures that each client’s estate plan reflects individual goals and meets all legal requirements.

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Company Name: The Matus Law Group
Contact Person: Christine Matus
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Phone: (732) 785-4453
Address:125 Half Mile Rd #201A
City: Red Bank
State: New Jersey 07701
Country: United States
Website: https://matuslaw.com/