In many jurisdictions, the law dictates that people cannot benefit from their crimes.  In the realm of the administration of decedent’s estates, this principle takes the form of “slayer statutes” which state that a killer cannot inherit from their victim.  Where these statutes traditionally disinherit beneficiaries who kill the testator, some states have expanded their […]

New PA Directed Trust Act The Directed Trust Act (“DTA”), which goes into effect on October 13, 2024, is found in the new Subchapter H.1 of the PA Uniform Trust Act.  See, 20 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 7780.11-7780.27.  Directed trusts are defined, for purposes of the DTA, as “trust[s] for which the terms of the trust grant […]

On December 14, 2023, Pennsylvania amended certain sections of its guardianship statutes, effective June 11, 2024. Act of Dec. 14, 2023, P.L. 446, No. 61, Cl. 20.  Among the changes is the addition of a requirement that counsel for the alleged incapacitated person be appointed by the court in all matters in which counsel has […]

In re Estate of Seto, 2024 WL 537811 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. February 12, 2024) This case involved an assortment of claims between siblings as to undue influence and other impropriety in both a lifetime transfer of real estate and a last will of their mother. Ngan Lau Kwan Seto (“decedent”) had four children: Peter; […]

Steven Mignogna and Anthony LaRatta will present “Hot Trends in Estate Litigation” at the Mercer County Bar Association’s 2023 Xtreme CLE on November 28 at 10 AM. The Xtreme CLE is a two-day virtual program designed to meet the continuing educational requirements of attorneys and features outstanding local and regional speakers. To learn more and […]

Archer attorney, Matthew Nicodemo, was recently invited and approved as a panelist to the Essex County Early Settlement Panel for Probate matters. Panelists assist the court by mediating contested probate matters, including estate, trust, and guardianship cases. The panel is comprised of experienced estate, trust, and elder law attorneys who are specially selected by the Chancery […]

Archer partner, Anthony R. La Ratta, was reappointed as a Trustee of the Jefferson Health Foundation – New Jersey Board. His one-year term will run to June 30, 2024. The mission of the Jefferson Health Foundation – New Jersey is to improve the lives of patients and their families in the community, and to transform the health […]

Archer partner, Melissa Osorio Dibble, was recently appointed to two leadership positions in the American Bar Association Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law for the 2023-2024 bar year. Melissa will serve as Co-Chair of the Ethics and Malpractice Committee, as well as a Leadership/Mentoring Task Force Member, both effective September 1, 2023. A long-term […]

Archer partner, Anthony R. La Ratta, was recently appointed to a leadership position for the American Bar Association Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law. He will serve as a Member of the Special Committee on Career and Wellness, effective September 1. A long-standing active member of the Section, Anthony is just completing a 4-year term […]

Archer attorney, Kelly M. Barry, was installed as Co-Director of Membership on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Women Business Owners-South Jersey Chapter (NAWBO-SJ). She will serve a 2-year term. NAWBO-SJ celebrated the installation of their 2023-2024 Board of Directors on July 11 at The Legacy Club at Woodcrest in Cherry Hill, NJ. […]