Estate Planning & Elder Law New Jersey
At Cruz Gold & Associates, we understand that planning your estate or safeguarding the well‑being of aging loved ones is both profoundly personal and legally complex. Building on decades of trusted service in immigration and family law, our attorneys navigate estate and elder law with the same integrity, precision, and heart. Led by Zachary Gold, Esq., we are committed to delivering tailored solutions that preserve your legacy, protect your assets, and maintain dignity across generations
OUR APPROACH
Estate Planning & Elder Law New Jersey
Estate Planning involves legally designing how your assets, homes, investments, bank accounts, and personal items will be distributed upon death. It ensures your wishes are honored, heirs are cared for, and costly legal hurdles like probate are minimized. Elder Law, addresses the evolving needs of seniors and their families.
Our approach combines compassion with technical expertise, helping you make informed decisions during life’s most important transitions.
Get StartedEstate Planning & Elder Law Services
01
Wills & Revocable Living Trusts
A properly drafted will or trust ensures your assets go where you intend. Revocable living trusts help avoid probate, keeping your affairs confidential and efficient.
02
Healthcare Proxies & Living Wills
These advance directives let you specify who can make decisions for you if you’re incapacitated. They communicate your health‑care preferences clearly.
03
Durable Power of Attorney
A durable POA allows a trusted individual to manage your financial affairs during illness or disability without needing a court‑appointed conservator.
04
Medicaid & Asset Protection Planning
We help New Jersey seniors qualify for Medicaid while protecting vital assets from being spent down unnecessarily on long‑term care.
05
Guardianship & Elder Care Advocacy
For loved ones with diminished capacity, we can assist in seeking guardianship or conservatorship and help protect them against abuse and exploitation.
06
Special Needs & Supplemental Needs Trusts
Protect assets for loved ones with disabilities, ensuring their eligibility for government benefits while providing financial security.
07
Probate & Estate Administration
We can guide personal representatives (executors/administrators) through probate or, when applicable, help avoid it altogether with proper planning.
Our Process
- Introductory Consultation
We’ll discuss goals, concerns, and timelines and help you understand your legal options under New Jersey law. - Custom Plan Design
Every document is custom‑crafted: wills, trusts, directives, and POAs suited to your circumstances and family life. - Implementation & Funding
If you choose a trust, we’ll coordinate with your financial institutions to correctly “fund” it, so your assets transfer smoothly. - Review & Maintenance
Life changes—marriage, children, moves—mean your plan may need updates. We proactively offer annual check‑ups to ensure your plan remains current. - Administration & Advocacy
If probate, guardianship, or Medicaid challenges arise, we guide you through the process, offering representation at state and county levels.
Why Choose Cruz Gold & Associates?
At Cruz Gold & Associates, our approach to estate planning and elder law is deeply rooted in a holistic, family-centered philosophy. We treat every client like family. Our team offers deep local insight into New Jersey’s probate system, including asset exemption rules and Medicaid eligibility thresholds specific to New Jersey. With this knowledge, we craft legal strategies that align with state regulations and protect our clients’ interests. Clear communication is at the heart of our service, we are a bilingual (English and Spanish) team that breaks down complex legal documents into straightforward language, so clients feel confident and informed every step of the way.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Estate Planning & Elder Law Explained
Ideally in your 30s or 40s, especially if you have assets or dependents. However, it’s never too late; even planning in your 70s or 80s can transform the caregiving experience
Trusts typically avoid probate and offer greater privacy. Wills are easier to create. We’ll help you decide.
After major life events (marriage, birth, divorce, new property) it’s wise to review. We recommend reviews every 3–5 years, or sooner.
