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A well-structured trust lets you control how your assets are managed and distributed during your lifetime and after. It can save your beneficiaries time, money, stress, probate delays, and potential disputes among loved ones.
For over 47 years, our estate planning attorneys have helped numerous clients structure, fund, and manage trusts that secured their loved ones’ futures while staying fully compliant with New Jersey’s trust laws.
What is a Trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement that transfers control of your assets to a trustee, who manages them on behalf of your chosen beneficiaries in accordance with your specific instructions. Unlike wills, most trusts bypass probate, allowing faster and more private transfers of property and savings after death.
This privacy is crucial. Once filed, a will becomes public record, but a trust does not. This means your family’s finances stay confidential, and distributions happen without court supervision. For instance, let’s say you’re a married couple who owns several rental properties in Glassboro, and you want your kids to inherit them smoothly without probate court involvement.
Our trust attorneys can craft a revocable living trust so you can transfer each deed into it. When you pass away, your kids will inherit your property seamlessly, without delays or court filings.
Based on the New Jersey Judiciary’s annual filings data, thousands of probate cases are opened statewide every year. Even uncontested cases can take months to finalize, while contested ones can last a year or longer. A trust can help your family avoid that uncertainty.
Types of Trusts Commonly Used in New Jersey
The right trust depends on your specific goals. Common options include:
- Revocable living trusts – flexible tools you can amend or revoke during your lifetime
- Irrevocable trusts – used for tax planning or asset protection
- Special needs trusts – ensure continued care for a disabled loved one without jeopardizing eligibility for state or federal benefits
Each trust must comply with state law, and even minor drafting errors can lead to disputes or invalidate terms. Legal guidance from our trusts lawyers can ensure your trust complies with New Jersey law and reflects your exact wishes.
How Long Does It Take to Set Up a Trust?
For most individuals, a straightforward revocable living trust can be completed in a few weeks once all assets are identified. More complex trusts, particularly those involving multiple properties or tax planning, can take several months.
Likewise, New Jersey’s probate time standard is 12 months from the date of filing for case resolution. Establishing a trust helps your family avoid that delay entirely.
The Importance of Setting Up a Trust Correctly
Trusts are powerful, but only when they’re done right. When you work with Puff Law, our firm can help you:
- Choose the right trust type for your estate goals
- Draft language that meets statutory requirements and avoids ambiguity
- Fund the trust adequately by retitling assets and coordinating with banks or financial institutions
- Advise trustees on fiduciary duties and help prevent conflicts among beneficiaries
- Represent clients in disputes or modifications under New Jersey’s trust laws
Let Our Trusts Attorneys Secure Your Family’s Future
Our trusts lawyers can explain your options under New Jersey law, help you choose the right trust for your goals, and make certain your estate plan stands strong for years to come. Contact us online or call 856-845-0011 to schedule your confidential case review.