Wills Attorney Serving Gloucester County, NJ

Creating a will in Gloucester County, NJ, ensures your wishes are honored and your family is safeguarded after you’re gone. Without one, the state’s intestacy laws decide who inherits your property. This can easily lead to confusion, probate delays, and disputes among loved ones. Fortunately, having a local wills attorney in Gloucester, NJ, ensures your will complies with state law and reflects your exact wishes.

At Puff Sierzega & MacFeeters, we bring more than 47 years of experience to help individuals and families take control of their estate plans. In our experience, a well-drafted will does more than divide assets; it brings peace of mind.

Do You Really Need a Will in Gloucester County, NJ?

Yes. This is especially true if you own property, have children, or want specific control over your estate. It can name guardians for children, direct charitable gifts, and minimize the burden on your family during an already emotional time.

Under New Jersey’s intestate succession laws, if you die without a valid will, your assets will go to relatives based on a fixed legal formula. That usually means your children, spouse, or parents inherit in ways you may not have intended.

For instance, if you live in Mantua and have kids from a previous marriage and die without a will, your current spouse and children may have to share the estate according to the state formula, not necessarily in a way that reflects their real wishes.

Our attorneys have seen situations in which family members had to sell cherished property simply because the law divided ownership equally, rather than practically. We won’t let that happen to you.

What Makes a Will Valid in Gloucester County, NJ?

New Jersey requires a valid will to meet several key criteria:

• It must be written and signed by the testator (the person making the will).
• Two witnesses must sign it in the testator’s presence.
• The testator must be 18 years old or older and of sound mind.

Although the state recognizes handwritten or holographic wills, they’re usually contested. A properly executed, attorney-prepared will offers far stronger protection and helps prevent probate challenges later.

Common Mistakes That Can Invalidate a Will

Even small drafting or execution errors can cause big problems. We typically see issues such as:

• Outdated wills that don’t reflect remarriage or new children.
• Online forms that omit required witness statements.
• Executors named without their consent, leading to delays in probate.
• Contradictions between wills and beneficiary designations on accounts.

When families are grieving, even a poorly worded clause can lead to costly, avoidable litigation. On the other hand, a legally drafted will can resolve everything in a single paragraph.

How We Can Strengthen Your Estate Plan

At Puff Law, we will guide you through every step, from the first conversation about your goals to the final signed document. Every family is different, so every plan must be tailored. Here’s how our firm can help:

• Review your assets, family structure, and long-term plans to build a will that fits your real life
• Ensure your will complies with the New Jersey probate process and works with trusts or beneficiary designations
• Anticipate potential disputes, for instance, by adding no-contest clauses or clear instructions that prevent ambiguity
• Coordinate with financial advisors and accountants when estate taxes or business interests are involved

Connect With Our Wills Attorneys Serving Gloucester County, NJ

At Puff Law, our estate planning lawyers can help you draft a clear, professionally prepared will that can spare your loved ones months of legal stress. Contact us online or call 856-845-0011 to arrange your confidential consultation today.