Wayne, NJ asked in Estate Planning for New Jersey

Q: How is augmented estate (on which the percentage of elective share is based) calculated in NJ?

What effect, if any, does the amount of the surviving Spouse’s assets have on the elective share the surviving spouse claims from the decedent’s estate.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
Answered
  • East Brunswick, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: This is a very complicated area in which a lawyer would need a lot of time to explain for your particular situation, but basically in overly simplified terms the surviving spouse will only be entitled to approximately 1/3 of the other spouses assets (assuming the spouses live together at the time of death). Furthermore this amount can be reduced by funeral expenses and other debts owed by the estate.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.