ESTATE PLANNING FOR NON-TRADITIONAL UNMARRIED COUPLES
by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., CELA Characteristics and Important Issues [Article originally published in Straight Word] Non-traditional couples are either unmarried same-sex couples or heterosexual couples in committed relationships (domestic partners). These relationships may or may not be registered domestic partnerships or civil unions. The arrangements often have the following characteristics: Common residence Some form…
Estate Planning Beyond the Will – Begley Report
Begley Law Group (“BLG”) assists you with your Estate Planning beyond the drafting of your Will, Advance Directive and Power of Attorney (POA). These additional services make your life easier and ensure that your objectives are accomplished. Additional considerations might include the following. TASK-SPECIFIC POAs General Durable POAs have become very long, because they need…
ISSUES TO CONSIDER IN A NEW JERSEY WRONGFUL DEATH CASE
by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., Esquire, CELA New Jersey wrongful death cases can be complex. A number of issues arise and the statutes are not always clear. This article will discuss several important considerations. Cases under the Wrongful Death Act have two components. One is the wrongful death component, and the other is the survival…
INCOME TAXATION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS IN PERSONAL INJURY ACTIONS
by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., CELA General As a general rule, recoveries in personal injury actions are excluded from federal income tax only if they result from a physical injury or physical sickness. The Internal Revenue Code specifically states that “emotional distress shall not be treated as a physical injury or physical sickness.”[1] Emotional distress…