Blog

  • What Must Be Proven When Claiming Undue Influence in NJ?
    undefined In New Jersey, the legal challenge of undue influence within Understanding Undue Influence in New Jersey What is Considered Undue Influence? Undue influence occurs when a person exploits their relationship to manipulate someone else's estate decisions. In New Jersey, proving undue influence involves demonstrating the influencer's motive and opportunity, leading to a will that deviates from expected norms. These cases, emotionally charged and legally complex, underscore the necessity for professional guidance. The Psychological...
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  • Planning for the Unexpected: Estate Planning Tips for Young Adults in New Jersey
    undefined Estate planning Understanding Estate Planning Estate planning involves preparing for the distribution of a person's wealth, care of dependents, and management of assets after their passing. It's more than just wills; it includes appointing power of attorney, healthcare directives, and establishing trusts. A common misconception is that estate planning is only for the elderly or the ultra-wealthy. In reality, estate planning is a vital step for everyone, as it ensures that your wishes are...
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  • Navigating Fiduciary Responsibilities in New Jersey Estate Litigation
    undefined Understanding the Crucial Role of a Fiduciary in Estate Matters In New Jersey, the role of a fiduciary in estate matters is critical. Fiduciaries ensure that a deceased person's assets are managed and distributed as per their wishes and in compliance with the law. Understanding the responsibilities and legal implications for fiduciaries in estate litigation is essential for a smooth and lawful process. This guide by Ritigstein Law delves into the fiduciary role in...
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  • Protecting Your Inheritance: Legal Strategies for Challenging Estate Mismanagement in New Jersey
    undefined Understanding Your Rights as a Beneficiary Inheriting assets is more than a financial gain; it's the continuation of a legacy. Yet this process can become fraught with complexities and stress, particularly when faced with Identifying Signs of Estate Mismanagement Estate mismanagement can significantly impact beneficiaries, potentially leading to financial losses and legal disputes. Key signs include: Unexplained Delays: Lack of Transparency: Conflict of Interest: Poor Asset Management: Legal Framework in New...
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  • Understanding Business Formations: Choosing the Right Structure for Your New Jersey Business
    Choosing the right business structure is a critical decision for any entrepreneur in New Jersey. The structure you select will impact your legal liabilities, tax obligations, and operational flexibility. This guide provides an overview of the various Sole Proprietorship: Simplicity and Full Control A sole proprietorship is the simplest business form. It's ideal for an individual running a business alone. Advantages Considerations Partnership: Collaboration with Shared Responsibilities Partnerships are formed when two or more...
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  • Estate Planning Essentials: Why Wills and Trusts Matter in New Jersey
    Estate planning The Importance of Having a Will A will is a legal document that specifies how you want your assets distributed after your death. In New Jersey, if you die without a will (intestate), your assets are distributed according to state laws, which may not align with your personal wishes. Here’s why having a will is important: Control Over Asset Distribution Guardianship Decisions Minimizing Family Disputes The Role of Trusts in Estate Planning Trusts...
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  • Navigating the New Jersey Probate Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
    When a loved one passes away, navigating the legal landscape of probate can be a daunting task. In New Jersey, the probate process is a critical step in ensuring that the deceased's assets are distributed according to their wishes and legal requirements. This guide aims to demystify the probate process in New Jersey, providing a clear, step-by-step approach to help you through this challenging time. Step 1: Understanding Probate Probate is the legal process of...
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  • Understanding guardianship of the person and estate
    If your loved one is not able to make decisions for themselves because of age, disability or mental illness, it may be necessary to pursue guardianship. There is a process families can go through in New Jersey to request this arrangement, which protects the rights and well-being of their loved one, called the ward. Types of guardianship There are two primary types of guardianship. A guardianship of the person allows the guardian to make personal...
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  • What are some common franchise disputes?
    Many people in New Jersey who want to start a new business will choose to purchase a franchise. Using a franchise means that the business gets brand recognition and other financial and business support from the franchisor. The tradeoff is that the business, called the franchisee, has to compensate the franchisor for its support. The franchisee also has to follow the franchisor’s rules when it comes to how the franchisee runs its operation. A franchise...
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  • Preventing workplace sexual harassment claims
    Running a business in New Jersey comes with many challenges. One of these is knowing the right ways to protect your business from lawsuits, which can cost you money and destroy your reputation. This is especially true when it comes to sexual harassment claims. Even an allegation of sexual harassment that was not properly addressed can cause you problems that you cannot recover from. It is important to know both how to reduce your chance...
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MEET ATTORNEY MICHAEL D. RITIGSTEIN

Michael Ritigstein is a Founding Partner of the firm concentrating his efforts in supporting the firm's litigation, corporate and estate matters. Mr. Ritigstein graduated from the University of Delaware in 1996 and Seton Hall University School of Law in 2000. In 2007 he received a Masters of Law in Taxation with a concentration in Estate Planning, from Temple University's Beasley School of Law.

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