Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney in Manalapan, NJ

Reviewed by Shira Frackt, Esq. – Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney, UBFK Law. Last Updated: 8/26/2026.

UBFK Law helps individuals and families throughout Manalapan and Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, NJ create wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives and guides executors through the probate process. Attorney Shira Frackt tailors every estate plan to the client’s family, assets, and goals. Call (732) 490-1777 for a free consultation.

Not having all their affairs in order can weigh on a person, causing stress, anxiety and sleepless nights. Whether you need to create, update or probate a will, establish a trust, designate a power of attorney or ensure your health care directives are carried out, we can help you get all your affairs in order so everyone can rest easy.

Ensure your legacy and protect your loved ones with our comprehensive Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning services. Attorney Frackt is a Partner at UBFK Law who focuses on comprehensive estate and trust planning, estate administration, and tax planning strategies. She is admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York and is a graduate of New York University and Cardozo School of Law. A Monmouth County resident herself, she brings that same local, personal perspective to every estate plan she builds. [Read Attorney Frackt’s full bio →] She brings years of expertise and a deep understanding of the complexities involved. She has served families throughout Manalapan and Monmouth and Middlesex Counties for years. Regardless of your age or wealth, there are many reasons to have an estate plan of your own.

 Our Practice Areas

We have the tools, knowledge and experience necessary to give you and your family the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have a properly designed and implemented plan in place for the future.

• Wills
• Trusts
  • Special Needs Trusts
  • Living Trusts
  • Revocable Trust
  • Irrevocable Trust
  • Testamentary Trust
  • Charitable Trust
• Estate Planning
• Probate and Estate Administration
• Elder Law

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process of putting legal tools in place to protect yourself and your loved ones during your lifetime and after your death.

Many people assume estate planning is only necessary for wealthy individuals or retirees. In reality, nearly every adult can benefit from having basic estate planning documents in place.

A well-designed estate plan can help you:

• Decide who will inherit your assets
• Provide for your spouse and children
• Name guardians for minor children
• Plan for incapacity
• Authorize trusted individuals to make financial or healthcare decisions
• Reduce confusion and family conflict
• Protect vulnerable beneficiaries
• Simplify estate administration
• Preserve family wealth

Without proper planning, many important decisions may ultimately be governed by New Jersey law rather than your personal wishes.

Why Estate Planning Matters

Life changes quickly. Marriage, children, home ownership, retirement, business ownership, divorce, or caring for an aging parent can all create new planning needs.

One of the biggest misconceptions about estate planning is that it only concerns what happens after death. In reality, many estate planning documents are designed to protect you while you’re still alive.

For example, if you become unable to manage your financial affairs or make medical decisions, documents such as powers of attorney and healthcare directives allow trusted individuals to step in on your behalf.

Estate planning isn’t just about distributing assets. It’s about maintaining control, protecting loved ones, and preparing for the unexpected.

Essential Estate Planning Documents

Every estate plan is different, but most comprehensive plans include a combination of the following documents.

Last Will and Testament

For many families, a will serves as the foundation of an estate plan. A will allows you to decide who will receive your assets and who will manage your estate after your death.

A will can also appoint an executor, name guardians for minor children, specify how property should be distributed, and provide important instructions for your estate.

Revocable Living Trust

A revocable living trust is a flexible estate planning tool that allows assets to be managed during your lifetime and distributed according to your wishes after your death.

Trusts are commonly used by:

• Parents with young children
• Blended families
• Business owners
• Individuals with significant assets
• Families seeking greater control over inheritances

Contrary to popular belief, trusts are not only for the wealthy. Many families use trusts as part of a practical and effective estate planning strategy.

Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney allows someone you trust to manage financial matters if you’re unable to do so yourself.

Depending on your needs, this authority may include:

• Banking transactions
• Paying bills
• Managing investments
• Handling insurance matters
• Real estate transactions
• Financial decision-making

Without a valid power of attorney, loved ones may need to pursue court proceedings before they can assist with financial matters.

Healthcare Directive and Healthcare Proxy

Many people spend considerable time deciding who should inherit their assets but overlook an equally important question: Who would make medical decisions for you if you couldn’t communicate your wishes?

A healthcare directive and healthcare proxy help answer that question. These documents allow you to:

• Express treatment preferences
• Designate a healthcare decision-maker
• Provide guidance during medical emergencies
• Reduce uncertainty and stress for family members

Do I Need a Will, a Trust, or Both?

This is one of the most common questions we receive.

The answer depends on your goals, family dynamics, assets, and long-term planning objectives.

A will may be sufficient if your circumstances are relatively straightforward and your primary goals involve naming beneficiaries and guardians for minor children.

A trust may be beneficial if:

• You own multiple properties
• You have substantial assets
• You have a blended family
• You want greater control over distributions
• You have a loved one with special needs
• You wish to plan for future incapacity

In many cases, the most effective estate plan includes both a will and a trust.

Rather than recommending a one-size-fits-all solution, Attorney Shira Frackt works closely with clients to determine what makes the most sense for their specific situation.

Probate and Estate Administration in New Jersey

After the death of a loved one, families are often faced with legal and financial responsibilities at an already difficult time. Probate is the legal process used to administer a deceased person’s estate, pay outstanding obligations, and distribute assets to beneficiaries.

Depending on the circumstances, the probate process may involve:

• Validating a will
• Appointing an executor or administrator
• Identifying and valuing assets
• Paying debts and expenses
• Distributing assets to beneficiaries

For many Monmouth County residents, probate matters are handled through the Monmouth County Surrogate’s Court. 

What Does an Executor Do?

Serving as an executor can be a significant responsibility. Executors are often responsible for:

• Locating and securing assets
• Communicating with beneficiaries
• Paying debts and expenses
• Filing required paperwork
• Coordinating the distribution of estate assets

UBFK Law assists executors and families throughout the probate process, helping them understand their obligations and navigate estate administration efficiently.

Common Estate Planning Mistakes

Waiting Too Long: Many people postpone estate planning because they believe there’s plenty of time. Unfortunately, illness and unexpected events can happen at any age.

Failing to Update Documents: An estate plan created years ago may no longer reflect your current wishes, family structure, or financial circumstances.

Overlooking Beneficiary Designations: Retirement accounts and life insurance policies often pass according to beneficiary designations, regardless of what a will says.

Choosing the Wrong Fiduciaries: The people you appoint as executors, trustees, agents, or guardians should be trustworthy, responsible, and capable of handling important decisions.

Believing Estate Planning Is Only for Retirees: Estate planning is important for adults of all ages, especially parents of young children and homeowners.

Why Families Choose UBFK Law

Creating an estate plan can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re making decisions that affect your family, finances, healthcare, and legacy.

At UBFK Law, we believe estate planning should be practical, understandable, and tailored to your individual needs.

Attorney Shira Frackt takes the time to understand your family’s goals, answer your questions, and explain your options in plain language. Whether you’re creating your first will, establishing a trust, updating an existing plan, assisting an aging parent, or navigating probate after the loss of a loved one, we’re committed to helping you move forward with confidence.

Our goal is not simply to prepare documents. Our goal is to help you create a plan that protects the people who matter most.

Schedule an Estate Planning Consultation in Manalapan, NJ

The best time to create an estate plan is before a crisis occurs.

Whether you need a will, trust, power of attorney, healthcare directive, probate guidance, or comprehensive estate planning support, UBFK Law is here to help.

Contact UBFK Law today to schedule a consultation with Attorney Shira Frackt and take the first step toward protecting your family, preserving your assets, and planning for the future with confidence. Call (732) 490-1777 or visit our Manalapan office at 195 US Highway 9, Suite 109B, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726.

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning in New Jersey

What’s the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

A will outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death and allows you to name guardians for minor children. A trust can provide additional control over how assets are managed and distributed and may also help with incapacity planning. Many estate plans include both a will and a trust.

What Happens If I Die Without a Will in New Jersey?

If you die without a valid will, New Jersey’s intestacy laws determine who inherits your property. Depending on your family situation, your assets may pass to a spouse, children, parents, siblings, or other relatives, regardless of what you may have intended.

Do I Need a Power of Attorney?

Most adults should have a durable power of attorney. This document allows a trusted individual to manage financial matters on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. Without one, your loved ones may need to seek court intervention to handle your affairs.

What Is a Healthcare Proxy?

A healthcare proxy, sometimes called a healthcare representative, is the person you designate to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to communicate your wishes. This designation is typically included in an advance healthcare directive.

Can I Update My Estate Plan?

Absolutely. Estate plans should be reviewed periodically and updated whenever major life changes occur, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, retirement, relocation, or a significant change in assets.

How Often Should I Review My Estate Plan?

As a general rule, you should review your estate plan every three to five years. Even if your circumstances haven’t changed significantly, legal and tax considerations may evolve over time.

Do I Really Need an Estate Plan If I Don’t Have Many Assets?

Yes. Estate planning is about much more than the size of your estate. A comprehensive plan can help you name guardians for minor children, designate individuals to handle financial and healthcare decisions, and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Are Trusts Only for Wealthy Families?

No. Trusts are commonly used by families of many different income levels. Depending on your goals, a trust may be helpful for incapacity planning, protecting beneficiaries, managing inheritances, or preserving family assets.

What Happens If I Don’t Name a Guardian for My Children?

If you have minor children and do not designate a guardian, the court may ultimately decide who will care for them if both parents pass away. Naming a guardian in your estate plan allows you to make that decision yourself rather than leaving it to the court.

How Long Does Probate Take in New Jersey?

The probate process varies depending on the size and complexity of the estate, the types of assets involved, and whether disputes arise. Some estates can be administered relatively efficiently through the Monmouth County Surrogate’s Court, while others may require significantly more time.

When Should I Start Estate Planning?

The best time to create an estate plan is before you need one. Whether you’re a young adult, a new parent, a homeowner, a business owner, or approaching retirement, having a plan in place can provide valuable protection and peace of mind.