Blog

  • How does probate work in New Jersey?
    In New Jersey, probate is a legal process intended to distribute a person’s property after their death. While probate is not always required in New Jersey, it is generally required if the decedent owned assets in their own name. Non-probate assets can typically skip the probate process and will automatically be transferred to the new owner. For example, if the decedent owned property as a joint tenant with a right of survivorship, the property will...
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  • How do I divide the business in a divorce?
    Many married couples are not just romantic partners, but business partners as well. You may have built a company from scratch together during the length of your marriage. However, now that your relationship is reaching its end, you’re worried about what to do with the business. Couples who own a business and are considering divorce may struggle to find the right solution. However, there are a few possible options available, so you and your spouse...
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  • How can an NDA protect sensitive information?
    The only way companies can stay competitive these days is by introducing exciting new products, creating new ideas and working on projects surreptitiously. The element of secrecy is often of the utmost importance to remain competitive in their field, for fear that someone else might launch their idea first. Similarly, startups based on a new idea need to keep their plans a secret as well. Non-disclosure agreements are one aspect of small business law that...
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  • Considerations on Liquidating a New Jersey Business
    Closing a business can be a massive undertaking, regardless of whether it was planned or unexpected. When a New Jersey business owner is unable or unwilling to follow the plan of succession that they have put into place they may need to work quickly and efficiently to ensure that all loose ends are tied up as they plan to permanently shut their business’s doors. Before undertaking a business closure and liquidation, consultation with a trusted...
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  • Is a person liable for their deceased spouse’s debt?
    The death of a spouse is a traumatic event for a family. Besides the intense grief that the death of a spouse brings, there is also a lot of paperwork and other details to get through. While going through a spouse’s affairs a person may find they had a credit card they didn’t know about. If a deceased person had a credit card in their name their spouse may wonder if they are liable for...
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  • How to talk to your aging parents about estate planning
    Discussing the future can be easy when you’re making fun vacation plans or are looking forward to a significant milestone such as marriage or the birth of a baby. But when it comes to difficult topics – like what will happen after your parents pass away – those conversations are much harder to begin. However, adults with elderly parents need to have these conversations. Not only for your sake but your parents’ sake as well...
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  • Tom Petty’s daughters and widow embroiled in lawsuits
    Creating a thoughtful estate plan takes time and effort. Usually working with a knowledgeable and experienced estate law attorney is the best option for avoiding interfamily squabbles and disputes involving a business or assets. Unfortunately, this has now embroiled the estate of musician Tom Petty, whose widow Dana York Petty and daughters Adria Petty and Annakim Violette are fighting it out in probate court. Petty, who died of an accidental drug overdose in October of...
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  • Can I update my estate plan during my divorce?
    If you are a newly separated person and you and your spouse are preparing to get a divorce, you know that every aspect of your life may feel up in the air right now. It can be overwhelming to be faced with a seemingly unending list of decisions to make, yet you must work through them one by one. Your estate plan may feel like something you can address down the road, but the reality...
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  • What is the cy pres doctrine?
    One of the advantages of creating a charitable trust is that it allows you to continue to fund worthy causes in perpetuity. However, problems can arise specifically because of the enduring nature of a trust. Due to changes in circumstances over time, it may become impossible, impractical or even illegal to fulfill your stated intentions through your charitable trust. According to National Paralegal College, the court may apply the cy pres doctrine in a situation...
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  • Benefits of charitable remainder trusts
    For people who are philanthropically minded and able to make sizeable donations to charitable organizations, combining their donor activities with their estate planning can be wise and beneficial to both their intended charities and to themselves. A charitable remainder trust may provide the right vehicle for people in these situations but understanding how this type of trust works is important. As explained by Fidelity Investments, a charitable remainder trusts allows a person to put assets...
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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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Attorney Mike took our call & agreed to meet with us for a free consultation. During our meeting he was very thorough in explaining the legal process, approach, cost, and time needed for our case. His fee was very reasonable. I would definitely recommend him to others. You certainly will not regret it should you decide to use his services.
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