Writings by Marc J. Comer

In New Jersey, an irrevocable trust can sometimes be modified even though its name suggests otherwise, and one of the primary tools for doing so is a process called decanting. Whether decanting is available depends on the specific terms of the trust and the discretion given to the trustee. Key takeaways: New Jersey has no […]

As our personal and financial lives increasingly move online, estate planning must evolve to address a new category of property: digital assets. From email accounts and social media profiles to cryptocurrency and cloud-stored business records, these assets often carry both financial and sentimental value. Yet, without proper planning, they can become inaccessible—or even lost—upon incapacity […]

Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]

For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]

How Courts Evaluate Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence Will contests in New Jersey are difficult to win, given the strong presumption that a properly executed will reflects the testator’s intent. However, challenges based on lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence remain common, particularly where there are concerns about mental capacity or the involvement of […]

How the Updated Law Shapes Retirement and Estate Planning The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 materially reshapes the required minimum distribution (RMD) landscape, extending tax deferral opportunities while accelerating distribution requirements for many beneficiaries. For high-net-worth individuals and families, these changes are not merely technical. They require a reassessment of retirement income strategies, beneficiary planning, […]

Tax, Trusts and Estates Partner Marc J. Comer and Three Senior Associates Join Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC Little Falls, NJ – February 20, 2025 – Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC is pleased to announce the addition of one new Partner. The firm also welcomes three Senior Associate attorneys. The expansion strengthens the firm’s capabilities across several practice […]