Married and Don't have a Will? New Jersey has one for you

Category: Estate Planning, Probate and Estate Administration

Surprise! If you don't make your own Will, the State of New Jersey has one for you. While this might seem like a generous thing, the question is whether the will that New Jersey made for you matches what you would like done with your assets.

Survived by Spouse, not survived by parents or descendents: 100% to Spouse.

Survived by Spouse, and survived by descendents of both spouses (ie: no step-children: 100% to Spouse.

Survived by Spouse and a parent, but no descendents: the first 25% of the estate (no less than $50,000 and no more than $200,000) PLUS 50% of the balance of the estate to Spouse; the remaining balance of the estate to parents.

Survived by Spouse and a descendant who is not also a descendant of the Spouse (i.e.: a stepchild): the first 25% of the estate (no less than $50,000 and no more than $200,000) PLUS 75% of the balance of the estate to Spouse; the remaining balance of the estate to children.