9.4 AVVO Rating!!

Simeone & Bonfrisco is pleased to annouce that Mr. Bonfrisco has received a 9.4 superb rating on AVVO.com!

AVVO.com is the world's largest legal directory.Avvo rates and profiles every attorney, so that people can choose the right attorney. Lawyer profiles contain helpful information including a lawyer’s experience, areas of practice, disciplinary history, and ratings from clients. Profile data comes from many sources, including state courts and bar associations, lawyer websites, and information provided by lawyers.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Bonfrisco on this great accomplishment!
Mr. Bonfrisco's AVVO profile

For more information, or to make an appointment for your free 1 hour consultation, please call our office 856-663-3800 or visit us online, http://www.njtrustlawyer.com/


  

MICHAEL D. BONFRISCO, ESQ. APPOINTED TO BOARD OF GOVERNORS

SAN DIEGO, CA—The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys is pleased to announce that Michael D. Bonfrisco, Esq. of Simeone & Bonfrisco, has been appointed to the Academy’s national Board of Governors.

In his new capacity, Mr. Bonfrisco will serve as an advisor and help guide the direction of the 110-member organization. He joins six other attorneys from around the country on the prestigious board.

A member of the Academy since 19XX, Mr. Bonfrisco limits his practice in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to estate planning. He regularly presents free public seminars on living trusts and reducing estate taxes. Contact him at: 1522 Route 38 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, phone (856) 663-3800.

“The Academy recognizes Mr. Bonfrisco’s outstanding professionalism and dedication to the field of estate planning,” explains Robert Armstrong, founder of the Academy. “As a member of the Board of Governors, he will be able to share his knowledge and expertise with the members of the Academy to improve the practice of estate planning across the nation.”

The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys is a national membership organization dedicated to keeping its attorney members up-to-date on the latest estate planning techniques and laws. It also helps attorneys provide expert legal advice and service to their clients.

For more information call our office: 856-663-3800 or visit us online: http://www.njtrustlawyer.com/

What Is a Guardianship or Conservatorship?

What Is a Guardianship or Conservatorship and When Is It Necessary?

The purpose of a guardianship or conservatorship is to ensure that continuing care is provided for you if you are unable to take care of yourself or your property. An illness or disability alone is not sufficient reason for guardianship or conservatorship. A guardianship or conservatorship will be imposed only if you are determined to be incapacitated and in need of a guardian or conservator.

The granting of guardianship or conservatorship is done through a Living Probate proceeding. During this public proceeding, testimony is given as to your state of ability and the court. determines whether or not you are incompetent and in need of a guardian and/or conservator.

Although it varies from state to state, Living Probate usually involves these steps:


• Papers are filed in court to declare that you are legally incompetent.

• Interested parties will be notified.

• A notice of the hearing will be published.

• A hearing will take place.

Before appointing a guardian or conservator, the Judge must be persuaded that:

• You are incapacitated;

• You need someone to make personal decisions for you and/or manage your affairs; and

• The proposed guardian or conservator is suitable, willing, and able.

What Is the Difference Between a Guardian and a Conservator?

A guardian is an individual, organization, or State agency appointed by the Probate Court to make decisions on your behalf. Once the court appoints a guardian for you, you are then known as a “ward.”


The Probate Court may give the guardian the authority to make decisions about you, such as:

• Where you will live;

• Whether you go into a facility; and

• What medical treatment you will receive.

A conservator, on the other hand is an individual, corporation, or State agency appointed by the court to protect and manage your money and property. The person under conservatorship is called a "protected person."

Some people are able to make responsible decisions in some but not all areas of their lives. In such situations, a guardianship or conservatorship will be limited by the Probate Court to only those areas in which you do not have the capacity to make responsible decisions.

For example:
• A guardianship could be limited to providing consent for medical treatment; or

• The Probate Court could limit a conservatorship by specifically withholding from a conservator the power to sell certain assets.


The same person can be both guardian and conservator or there may be a different person for each responsibility. Any suitable, willing and able adult or institution, or certain State agencies, may be appointed guardian or conservator. The Probate Court will make the final decision based on your best interests.