Contact: James S. LaCorte, Surrogate, 908/527-4280
Sean P. Carr, 908/436-2072, scarr@ucnj.org

ESTATE PLANNING IS TOO IMPORTANT TO LEAVE TO CHANCE, COURTS, SURROGATE LaCORTE TELLS SENIORS

Freeholder Chester Holmes Joins Surrogate, Rahway Seniors for Seminar

The importance of having an up-to-date last will and testament cannot be overstated, Union County Surrogate James S. LaCorte told separate groups of senior citizens in Rahway and Plainfield recently.

Everyone, no matter their age or financial circumstances, should have a valid will in order to properly dispose of their assets and look after their heirs, Surrogate LaCorte said. Having a proper will can avoid conflict and family turmoil between one’s heirs and loved ones – as well as prevent money being wasted on court costs and attorneys’ fees, he said.

“Get a will, get it verified properly and keep it safe,” Surrogate LaCorte told a meeting of residents at the Rahway Housing Authority Enrichment Center. He also spoke to about 50 local seniors at the Plainfield Senior Center.

Union County Freeholder Chester Holmes, a Rahway resident, joined Surrogate LaCorte at the Rahway event. “I commend Surrogate LaCorte for all he does to reach out to the community and educate people about the importance of wills and estate planning. These issues are too important to be left to chance or to the courts,” Holmes said.

Surrogate LaCorte answered questions about a range of subjects, including how to make changes in wills, the process of admitting a will into probate, how estates are handled in the absence of a last will and testament, trusts, living wills and powers of attorney.

“In New Jersey, probate is not an expensive process,” Surrogate LaCorte noted, saying the cost is generally a fraction of what it is in other states. “With a proper last will and testament, it does not have to be complicated or time-consuming, either.”

The Surrogate, who was an attorney in private practice before being elected in 1999, also addressed some misunderstandings about inheritance taxes. “For most people, there is no federal or state estate tax. If your estate is less than $1.3 million, you do not pay estate taxes,” he said.

Surrogate LaCorte regularly speaks with community groups and civic organizations as part of an initiative to better educate the public about wills and estates. To contact the Surrogate’s office, call 908-527-4280.