Judson M. Stein & Lauren M. Ahern to Teach "Wills Drafting Fundamentals"

Partner Judson Stein, Esq. and Lauren Ahern, Esq. have been asked to participate in a continuing education seminar for attorneys on Will Drafting Fundamentals. The program, which is held by the NJ Institute for Continuing Legal Education has invited Mr. Stein to moderate the program as well as focusing on a summary of Federal and New Jersey Death Taxes. Ms. Ahearn will be addressing the initial client interview and ethical considerations of wills.

The program will help less seasoned attorneys learn the nuances and more intricate aspects of wills. Almost every lawyer gets asked at some point in their career to draft a will, whether for an existing client, relative, or friend. While one doesn’t have to be an expert, you do need to have a general understanding of the tax laws and the options that should be considered in order to draft a document that will fulfill the wishes of clients. Attendees will learn everything they need to know to draft Wills that stand up to even the toughest scrutiny while getting the best results for clients. Important provisions that need to be included in a Will, as well as the procedures that are required for the proper execution of a Will, will also be a part if this class.

This fundamental program is designed for general practitioners, new attorneys, and support staff who have little or no experience in Will drafting, and will guide step-by-step through the will-drafting process. It starts with the initial client interview and the ethical considerations you need to keep in mind while conducting it (learn what questions to ask and how to ask them). From there, attendees will learn how to decide which options work best for individual clients and get different sample drafting ideas. Finally, discover the proper way to prepare the final document for execution.

About the Presenters:

Judson Stein is a Partner in the Firm's Newark, NJ office and is Chair of the Firm’s Trusts, Estates & Wealth Management Practice Group as well as a member of the Nonprofits and Tax-Exempt Organizations Industry Group and other industry groups. Mr. Stein has four decades of experience in family wealth transfer planning and estate administration. He is AV® rated by Martindale Hubbell; has been repeatedly named to the prestigious list of the “Best Lawyers in America” and listed as a “Super Lawyer” in New Jersey Monthly Magazine and New York Magazine.

Mr. Stein helps clients understand their options in the areas of estate and gift planning; the selection of fiduciaries; transfers of family businesses; life insurance; retirement planning; trusts; charitable giving; health care; education funding and gifting techniques. His elder law practice assists families with life care planning; Medicaid and asset protection; health care directives and living wills.

Mr. Stein’s tax practice advises individuals and business owners and represents them before state and federal tax authorities. His corporate and business law practice counsels clients on business formation, partnership and operating agreements, shareholder agreements, business succession planning, and all varieties of contract drafting and negotiation.

Lauren M. Ahern is an Associate in the Firm's Newark and Tinton Falls, NJ offices and is a member of the Trusts, Estates & Wealth Management Practice Group. Ms. Ahern is experienced in the design and implementation of complex estate plans which includes the preparation of Last Wills and Testaments, Revocable and Irrevocable Living Trusts, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, Crummey Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Directives. She has successfully managed audits of Federal and State Estate and Inheritance Tax Returns from review through settlement. Ms. Ahern has extensive experience in the counsel of fiduciaries regarding the proper administration of estates and trusts, including the duties of Executors and Trustees, post mortem tax planning, and State and Federal tax obligations. Ms. Ahern has successfully represented fiduciaries and beneficiaries in litigated estate matters, including Will contests and fiduciary accounting proceeding.

About ICLE: A Division of the New Jersey State Bar Association

For over 50 years, the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, a division of the NJSBA, has served the needs of the New Jersey bench and bar. From presenting over 300 live seminars and printing dozens of legal manuals each year to publishing hundreds of CLE On-Demand videos and other educational tools, our products are specifically designed to provide the latest strategies, expert advice and guidance to practitioners at every stage of their career.

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