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Estates & Trusts


Attorneys that handle Estates & Trusts are:

The firm’s Estates & Trusts Practice Group offers a wide array of planning strategies for estates of every size and complexity. The Group’s members are experienced in the fields of federal and state tax laws and related areas relevant to estate planning and administration.


What Legal Documents Does Your College Student Need?

For college students, March may mean basketball tournaments and spring break; for college-bound high school students, March is typically the time to begin thinking with anticipation about college selection decisions. As families begin to plan for their child’s transition into college, there are many practical logistics to consider. One such item that should be on the top of the list is to ensure they are prepared to be on their own from a legal perspective.

At Mason, Griffin & Pierson, we offer a program to counsel college students and their parents in such matters.

To find out more, or to obtain information about scheduling a consultation, click here.


Basic Estate Planning Services for Individuals and Families

Basic estate planning services include the following:

  • Wills
  • Trusts to Protect Children & Other Beneficiaries
  • Designation of Executor, Trustee & Guardian
  • General Durable Powers of Attorney
  • Codicils
  • Living Wills
  • Medical Powers of Attorney
  • Elder Law Counseling & Elder Law Resources
  • Estate Planning for Same-Gender Couples
  • Digital Asset Planning

Probate and Estate Planning Terms

This glossary of probate and estate planning terms is designed to help navigate the legal language used in estate planning and probate law.


Estate Planning Seminars

The firm’s attorneys present seminars and are available for both in-depth and general programs on a variety of estate planning issues, including the following topics:

  • The necessity of having a will, living will and power of attorney
  • Utilization of and general operation of trusts
  • How to minimize federal and state estate taxes

Sophisticated Estate Planning

Many advanced tax-saving methods and estate planning procedures are available for federal and state taxable estates. The firm’s attorneys prepare documents to help preserve your wealth for you and your heirs. Sophisticated estate planning procedures include the following:

  • Marital Trusts
  • Trusts for Non-U.S. Citizens
  • Disclaimer Trusts
  • Credit Shelter Trusts
  • Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
  • Qualified Personal Residence Trusts
  • Charitable Trusts
  • Lifetime Gift Planning
  • Utilization of Gift Tax Exclusions
  • Generation-Skipping Tax Planning
  • Family Limited Partnerships
  • Ownership of Assets for Estate Planning Purposes
  • Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Children
  • SECURE Act

Estate Administration

In the event of death, The firm’s attorneys can assist you with all aspects of estate administration, including:

  • Probate Will
  • Prepare Fiduciary Income Tax Returns
  • Prepare Decedent’s Final Income Tax Returns
  • Prepare Federal Estate Tax Returns
  • Prepare State Inheritance Tax Returns
  • Prepare State Estate Tax Returns
  • Transfer & Distribute Property
  • Guardianship Proceedings
  • Convey Real Estate
  • Postmortem Tax Planning
  • Prepare Estate & Trust Accountings
  • NJ Ancillary Probate for Non-NJ Resident Decedent

Elder Law Resources

The firm’s estate planning attorneys provide an annotated list of elder law resources to help assist you and your family with elder law issues.

  • What Legal Documents Does Your College Student Need?

    For college students, March may mean basketball tournaments and spring break; for college-bound high school students, March is typically the time to begin thinking with anticipation about college selection decisions. As families begin to plan for their child’s transition into college, there are many practical logistics to consider. One such item that should be on the top of the list is to ensure they are prepared to be on their own from a legal perspective. At Mason, Griffin & Pierson, we offer a program to counsel college students and their parents in such matters. To find out more, or to obtain information about scheduling a consultation, click here.



  • New Reporting Requirements Corporate Transparency Act

    On January 1, 2024, reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act ("Act"), went into effect. All businesses subject to the Act will have to report specific information on the company and certain individuals that own and/or control the company. Mason, Griffin & Pierson is happy to guide you through this reporting process and answer any questions that you may have. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you would like our assistance.



  • Sharon A. Dragan receives the Michael A. Pane Ethics In Government Award

    Congratulations to Sharon A. Dragan for receiving the Michael A. Pane Ethics In Government Award. The award was presented by the NJILGA at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities November convention. The Michael A. Pane Ethics In Government Award honors a municipal professional who exemplifies the highest standards of ethics and whose work has significantly enhanced the integrity of local government. November 2023 The Michael Pane Award, established by the Pane Family and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, is given in honor of Michael A. Pane, Sr., who was the long-time editor of the Municipal Law Review, president and trustee of the New Jersey Institute of Municipal Attorneys, counsel to the New Jersey Association of Municipal Clerks, counsel to the League of Municipalities and author of the New Jersey Practice Series, Local Government Law volumes.



  • Liz Zuckerman appointed to the District VII Ethics Committee:

    The Supreme Court of New Jersey appointed Elizabeth Zuckerman to serve on the District Ethics Committee for District VII (DEC VII) for a three-year term. The district includes Mercer County. August 23, 2023



  • Paul M. Bishop named Director

    We are pleased to announce the election of Paul M. Bishop to the Board of Directors, Mason, Griffin & Pierson, PC. Paul, one of the firm’s senior litigators, practices business, commercial, and general litigation, and represents clients in complex disputes throughout New Jersey’s state and federal courts. July 2023