Jackson, NJ asked in Estate Planning and Probate for New Jersey

Q: In NJ how long does a spouse have to file for elective shares?

My father passed away and there was a prenup and his wife got nothing, it’s been almost 1 year since his passing and 7 months since the will was probated and I was made executor, she keeps asking me for things and if I don’t agree she threatens with these elective shares, is there a time limit or can she do this to me forever

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1 Lawyer Answer
Leonard R. Boyer
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Answered
  • Clifton, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: No one can answer any questions about the "elective" shares, without reviewing them. If you were previously represented by counsel, then you need to contact that attorney. If not, you are going to need to retain counsel to resolve this matter. During this pandemic, you have a choice of either seeing your attorney in person or by way of a secure state of the art Zoom Video Conference. So you don’t have to be restricted by geography anymore in terms of choosing an attorney. You can “Meet” your attorney online for an initial strategy session from the comfort of your own home. Through mail, e-mail and electronic filing almost everything can be done without leaving your home, for most types of cases. Pick the best attorney you can find and remember one rule: a good attorney is generally never cheap, and a cheap attorney is generally never good so don't choose based on price.

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