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Online Last Will and Testament in New Jersey
If you live in New Jersey and want to make a last will and testament or put together a comprehensive estate plan, you might think you have to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for an attorney to do it. But in today’s digital age, you have a much simpler solution. All you need is a laptop or smartphone, an internet connection, and 15-30 minutes. This is because online will-making services allow you to create a will online from the comfort of your home without spending a fortune by racking up attorney fees for estate planning.
Best Online Will Makers for a New Jersey Last Will and Testament
One of the best things about making an online will is that you have lots of options to choose from. As of now, there are nearly 20 companies that offer online estate plans. These companies provide a wide selection of documents and features, and have different pricing plans and payment structures. These options vary in price and in target demographic: some are more suitable for families, while others are a better fit for individuals. If you’re interested in learning more about what each of these companies has to offer, check out our reviews of online willmakers.
General Information
New Jersey is the 11th most populous state in the United States, with nearly 9 million residents. This state also has a significant population of elderly residents, with nearly 16% of the population aged over 65 and over 2% aged over 85.
8,874,520
Population
11/51
15.8%
Population over 65
24/51
2.23%
Population over 85
13/51
2.69
Average Household Size
7/51
$143,831
Average household wealth
5/51
65.2%
Home Ownership
35/51
65.6%
Car Ownership
49/51
134,414
Total notaries
11/51
41,152
Total attorneys
8/51
316
Lawyer hourly rate
6/51
New Jersey is also one of the wealthiest states in the United States, ranking in 5th place with an average household income of more than $140,000 per year. This means that many New Jersey residents should be thinking about estate planning because they likely have at least some assets to leave their descendants. The state also ranks in 6th place for the average hourly rate charged by attorneys. On average, New Jersey lawyers charge just over $300 per hour, which is very steep for most people. Prices will often add up since it usually takes attorneys several hours to review a testator’s estate and put together even a simple will. This means that most New Jersey residents can benefit from online estate planning services.
Making a Will in New Jersey
Lawyer needed
No
Signatory requirements
Yourself or authorized representative
Notarization needed
No
Revokation/edit allowed
Yes
Testator minimum age
18
Testator requirements
Sound mind
Witnesses needed
2
Format requirements
In writing
Beneficiary restrictions
None
Any New Jersey resident aged 18 or older can create a legally valid last will and testament, as long as they are considered to be legally competent to create such a document. In general, a person is considered to be competent if they understand what a will is, what the legal implications of creating this document are, what assets they own, and who their beneficiaries are.
New Jersey recognizes both holographic (handwritten) wills and typewritten wills, but the rules for these documents are different. If you create a handwritten will, you don’t need witness signatures on it as long as someone can testify that it’s your handwriting on the will. On the other hand, if you type up your will, make a will online, or use a last will and testament template in New Jersey, you need to have two witnesses sign the document in your presence to make it legally valid. New Jersey last will and testaments do not need to be notarized to become legally valid. However, you can get the document notarized to make it self-proving.
Changing or Revoking a New Jersey Last Will and Testament Form
According to New Jersey law, a testator can amend or revoke their last will and testament at any time. If you want to change your will, it’s always best to revoke the old document and make a new one. However, if you need to make a very simple change, you may write up a will codicil, which modifies the will without revoking it. This document should be created using the same procedures as a last will and testament.
If you want to revoke a will, you can do so by destroying the physical document in any way, having someone else destroy it in front of you on your behalf, or making a new will that clearly states that the old will should be revoked.
Special Feature
Living Will in New Jersey
A New Jersey living will is also often referred to as an Advanced Directive. This is a document that an individual can use to provide directions regarding their medical care, in case they become incapacitated or otherwise unable to express their wishes. The person creating a living will can also appoint an individual to make medical decisions for them. Once a living will form in New Jersey is created, it has to be signed by two witnesses or a notary public to become legally valid in the state of New Jersey.
FAQ
What happens if you die without a will in New Jersey?
If you pass away without making an NJ last will and testament, your estate will be distributed to your closest living relatives in accordance with the state’s intestacy laws.
Can I make an oral will in New Jersey?
No, New Jersey doesn’t recognize oral wills. Only handwritten or typewritten wills are deemed legally valid in New Jersey.
Can I make a New Jersey will without an attorney?
Yes, you don’t need a lawyer to make a will in New Jersey. You can use an online will-making service to make the document by yourself, saving you money and time.
Can I make a self-proving will in New Jersey?
Yes, you can make a will self-proving if you and the witnesses to your will sign a self-proving affidavit in the presence of a notary. This can be done at the same time as signing your will.
Concluding Words About Online Wills in New Jersey
Creating a last will and testament in New Jersey can be very costly, and understandably, people may not want to spend hundreds of dollars on one document. This is where online wills come in. They offer a safe, convenient, reliable, and affordable way to create an estate plan that will protect you, your assets, and your family after you die. While some people go searching for sample last will and testaments for New Jersey residents, a much better choice is to use an online will maker to create a budget-friendly will tailored to your unique circumstances.
