What Paramus, NJ Residents Should Know About Estate Planning

Estate planning isn’t just for people with large estates or complicated finances. For Paramus residents it helps reduce stress for the people you care about most. Without a plan in place, even a modest estate can end up tied up in probate for years, creating delays and unexpected financial pressure for your family.

If you need help with estate planning or probate, call us today: 201-844-8744

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process of deciding what happens to your assets, property, and responsibilities if you pass away or become incapacitated. This usually includes documents like a will, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. When these documents are properly prepared, they give clear instructions and legal authority—preventing confusion, court involvement, and unnecessary delays.

Without estate planning, New Jersey law decides how your estate is handled, not you. For Paramus residents, probate is handled through the Bergen County Surrogate’s Court. Even in relatively straightforward cases, estates can remain open for 18 months or longer due to court schedules, required filings, and asset administration.

Why Probate Is a Major Concern in New Jersey

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling an estate. In New Jersey, probate is not quick.

For many families, probate can take 18 months to two years, and in some cases longer. During that time, assets can be frozen, decisions require court approval, and beneficiaries are often left waiting.

Even when everything seems straightforward, the timeline can be extended by:

• Court backlogs

• Missing or unclear documentation

• Disputes between heirs

• Real estate or business interests

  
  

What often surprises families is that probate doesn’t pause financial obligations.

Bills Don’t Stop During Probate

Many Paramus estates include a primary residence, which can complicate probate even more. While an estate is open, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance still need to be handled, even if the home cannot yet be sold or transferred.

While an estate is in probate:

• Mortgage payments still come due

• Property taxes must still be paid

• Utilities, insurance, and maintenance continue

• Creditors can make claims against the estate

  
  

In many cases, loved ones are left managing these expenses while waiting for probate to move forward. If assets are tied up or accounts are inaccessible, this can create real financial strain during an already difficult time.

Proper estate planning helps ensure there is a clear plan for how these expenses are handled and who has the authority to act immediately.

How Estate Planning Helps Paramus Families Avoid Delays

A well-structured estate plan can:

• Reduce or avoid probate entirely

• Shorten the amount of time assets are inaccessible

• Clearly name decision-makers for financial and medical matters

• Prevent disputes that slow everything down

For Paramus homeowners, this is especially important. Real estate often becomes the biggest source of delay in probate, particularly when there is no clear authority to sell, maintain, or manage the property.

Estate Planning Isn’t Just About After You’re Gone

Estate planning also protects you while you’re alive. Documents like powers of attorney and healthcare directives allow someone you trust to step in if you’re unable to make decisions yourself. Without them, families may be forced to go to court just to gain basic authority.

Working With a Local Estate Planning Attorney

At The Law Offices of Joseph D’Urso, we create estate plans that are practical, clear, and built to avoid unnecessary complications. Whether you’re just getting started or need to update an existing plan, having the right legal guidance can make a significant difference for your loved ones. We work with residents in Paramus, and surrounding towns including Hillsdale, Ridgewood, Montvale, Woodcliff Lake, River Vale and Westwood.