How to Tell if Assets are Missing from an Estate
When a loved one passes away, you might expect their estate to include certain bank accounts, investments, or valuable property. If something seems to be missing, there are legal ways to determine whether an asset was legitimately transferred, overlooked during the administration process, or improperly removed from the estate.
How to Tell if Assets are Missing from an Estate Continue reading…What Are the Most Common Reasons Wills Are Contested?
Being left out of a loved one's will or seeing unexpected changes can leave family members wondering whether the document is valid. In New Jersey, contesting a will involves more than disagreeing with how an estate was divided. A will can generally be challenged only if there is evidence that it is...
What Are the Most Common Reasons Wills Are Contested? Continue reading…Bad Trustee? Legal Options for Beneficiaries
A trustee has a legal duty to manage trust assets in the best interests of the beneficiaries. When a trustee mismanages assets, acts for personal gain, or fails to carry out the terms of the trust, beneficiaries may have the right to seek court intervention, request the trustee's removal, or recover financial...
Bad Trustee? Legal Options for Beneficiaries Continue reading…What Are the Warning Signs of Guardian Misconduct in New Jersey?
Guardian misconduct may include financial abuse, poor recordkeeping, neglect of the ward's personal needs, or decisions that place the ward's well-being at risk. While not every disagreement with a guardian indicates wrongdoing, consistent failures to carry out court-appointed responsibilities should be taken seriously. A guardian has a fiduciary duty...
What Are the Warning Signs of Guardian Misconduct in New Jersey? Continue reading…What Happens When an Executor or Trustee Has a Conflict of Interest?
A conflict of interest does not automatically disqualify an executor or trustee in New Jersey. However, if personal interests influence decisions or create unfair advantages, beneficiaries may have grounds to challenge the fiduciary's actions and seek court intervention. Executors and trustees have a legal duty to act in the...
What Happens When an Executor or Trustee Has a Conflict of Interest? Continue reading…When a Child With Developmental Disabilities Turns 18: Understanding Guardianship
When a child with intellectual or developmental disabilities turns 18 in New Jersey, parents generally lose the automatic legal authority to make medical, financial, educational, and personal decisions on their child’s behalf. Even if a young adult still relies heavily on family support, the law recognizes them as a legal adult. In...
When a Child With Developmental Disabilities Turns 18: Understanding Guardianship Continue reading…Elton John Bozanian, Esq. Shares Critical Insights on Temporary Guardianships at 2026 NJSBA Elder Law Retreat
Presentation centers on practical strategy, courtroom realities and precision in high-stakes elder law matters. Elton John Bozanian, Esq., a veteran guardianship, estate, and elder law attorney, recently served as a featured speaker at the 2026 New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) Elder Law Retreat in Red Bank, NJ. This...
Elton John Bozanian, Esq. Shares Critical Insights on Temporary Guardianships at 2026 NJSBA Elder Law Retreat Continue reading…How Early Planning Can Reduce Conflict in Elder and Special Needs Matters
Planning early can reduce conflict in elder and special needs matters by setting clear expectations, documenting decisions, and giving families a shared framework to follow. When roles, wishes, and legal authority are defined in advance, there is less room for confusion, disagreement, or last-minute decisions during stressful moments.
How Early Planning Can Reduce Conflict in Elder and Special Needs Matters Continue reading…Red Flags That an Estate Matter May Require Litigation
Estate matters do not always require litigation, but certain warning signs suggest that a dispute may be heading in that direction. When communication breaks down, documents raise questions, or fiduciary conduct becomes unclear, a closer legal evaluation is often warranted before issues escalate. When Do Estate Matters Move...
Red Flags That an Estate Matter May Require Litigation Continue reading…Estate Planning Considerations for Law Enforcement Officers in New Jersey
Law enforcement officers in New Jersey face unique risks that can affect how and when estate planning decisions matter. A well-structured plan helps protect your family, manage assets if you become unable to act, and ensure your wishes are carried out without delay. Because your work can involve physical...
Estate Planning Considerations for Law Enforcement Officers in New Jersey Continue reading…How to Challenge a Guardianship in New Jersey
You can challenge a guardianship in New Jersey by asking the court to review whether the guardianship is still justified, was properly granted, or could be replaced with a less restrictive option. These cases often turn on capacity evidence, updated evaluations, and whether the arrangement truly protects the person involved.
How to Challenge a Guardianship in New Jersey Continue reading…Understanding the Role of a Guardian ad Litem in New Jersey Cases
A guardian ad litem is a court-appointed advocate who protects the best interests of a child or an incapacitated adult during a legal dispute. In New Jersey, courts appoint guardians ad litem when they need independent insight into what outcome best serves someone who cannot fully advocate for themselves. In contested guardianship,...
Understanding the Role of a Guardian ad Litem in New Jersey Cases Continue reading…