Estate Planning That Protects What Matters Most
Customized estate plans for South Jersey families.
We recommend what you need — not what profits us most.
ESTATE PLANNING SERVICES
We offer comprehensive estate planning services to protect your family and honor your wishes.
WILLS & TRUSTS
A will is the foundation of any estate plan, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Trusts can offer additional benefits, such as avoiding probate and protecting assets—but only when they're truly needed.
What We Do:
- Draft customized wills tailored to your family
- Evaluate whether a trust is right for your situation
- Create living trusts, testamentary trusts, and special needs trusts
- Recommend the simplest, most cost-effective solution
Who Needs This:
Everyone with assets, property, or dependents should have a will. Trusts are beneficial for larger estates, complex family situations, or specific asset protection needs—but not everyone needs one.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
A Power of Attorney allows you to designate someone you trust to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself.
What We Do:
- Draft durable powers of attorney
- Customize authority levels based on your preferences
- Ensure your financial affairs are protected
Who Needs This:
Anyone who wants to ensure their financial matters are handled by someone they trust in case of incapacity.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVES
Advanced Healthcare Directives (also called living wills) specify your medical treatment preferences if you're unable to communicate them yourself. This ensures your healthcare wishes are honored and relieves your family of the burden of difficult decisions.
What We Do:
- Draft advanced healthcare directives
- Create psychiatric advanced directives
- Designate healthcare proxies
Who Needs This:
Everyone should have healthcare directives in place, regardless of age or health status.
PROBATE & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
When a loved one passes away, their estate typically goes through probate—a court-supervised process of distributing assets and settling debts. We guide families through this process with compassion and clarity.
What We Do:
- Navigate the probate process in New Jersey
- Handle estate administration and asset distribution
- Resolve creditor claims and tax issues
- Minimize delays and complications
Who Needs This:
Executors and families dealing with a loved one's estate after death.
ESTATE LITIGATION
When disputes arise over wills, trusts, or estate administration, we provide experienced representation to protect your interests and resolve conflicts.
What We Do:
- Will contests and trust disputes
- Executor/trustee disputes
- Beneficiary representation
- Estate-related litigation
Who Needs This:
Beneficiaries, executors, or family members involved in estate disputes.
THE ESTATE PLANNING PROCESS
What to Expect When Working with Flanagan Law
Our commitment to delivering exceptional service and clear communication sets us apart from other firms. Let us show you how we stand out:
STEP
1
Initial Consultation
Call our office to schedule your appointment. During the call, we'll gather basic information and schedule your consultation.
STEP
2
Understanding Your Family
When you arrive, you'll complete a descendants list. Brian will interview you to understand your family structure, assets, and goals.
STEP
3
Customized Recommendations
Brian will recommend the estate planning tools that fit your unique situation—whether that's a simple will or a more comprehensive plan.
STEP
4
Document Drafting
We'll schedule a follow-up appointment (typically about two weeks later) to draft your documents based on your needs.
STEP
5
Review & Execution
You'll return to review your completed documents with Brian and have them properly notarized and executed.
Timeline:
Most estate plans are completed within 3-4 weeks.
WHO NEEDS ESTATE PLANNING?
Do I Really Need an Estate Plan?
Answer: Yes—if you have assets, property, or loved ones you want to protect.
You Need Estate Planning If:
✓ You own a home or other real estate
✓ You have children or dependents
✓ You have retirement accounts, investments, or savings
✓ You want to avoid family disputes after your death
✓ You want to ensure your wishes are honored
✓ You want to minimize probate costs and delays
Common Myth:
"Estate planning is only for wealthy people."
Reality:
Most of our clients are middle-class families with modest assets. Estate planning ensures your wishes are honored and your family is protected—regardless of your net worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need an estate plan if I don't have many assets?
Yes. Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy. Even if you have modest assets, a proper plan ensures your wishes are honored, your loved ones are protected, and your family avoids costly probate disputes. Most of our clients are middle-class families who want peace of mind.
How do I know if I need a trust or just a will?
That depends on your unique situation — your family structure, assets, and goals. Brian will assess your needs during your consultation and recommend the simplest, most cost-effective solution. We'll never push you toward an expensive trust if a will is sufficient.
What happens if I die without a will?
If you die without a will (called "dying intestate"), New Jersey law determines how your assets are distributed. This may not align with your wishes, and it often leads to family disputes and higher costs. A will ensures that YOUR wishes are carried out.
How much does estate planning cost?
Costs vary based on the complexity of your estate and the services you need. We provide transparent, upfront pricing — no surprise fees. During your consultation, we'll discuss your needs and provide a clear cost estimate.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Review your estate plan every 3-5 years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, birth of children, significant asset changes, or moving to a new state.
What Our Clients Say
Real Stories of Trusted Legal Support
Our clients share their experiences with Flanagan Law, LLC. From estate planning to bankruptcy, discover how we’ve helped individuals and families secure peace of mind and resolve challenges.