Yes, a handwritten will can be valid in New Jersey. But there are strict requirements. And most people do not understand the probate consequences. Here is the reality: legality does not equal simplicity. A document can technically qualify as a will and still create delays, court hearings, and added costs for your family. This article […]
Selling a home in New Jersey is not just a financial transaction — it is a legal one. NJ has unique requirements, including mandatory seller disclosures, a three-day attorney review period, realty transfer fees, and GIT withholding often referred to as the “exit tax.” These are not minor details. They directly affect your liability and […]
For many individuals and families, estate planning is about more than simply transferring assets. It is about ensuring that what you have built over your lifetime is preserved, protected, and passed on in a way that reflects your values and intentions. As assets transition from one generation to the next, careful planning becomes increasingly important. […]
Being charged with refusing a breathalyzer in New Jersey is serious. Refusal is a separate offense from DWI and carries mandatory license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, and long-term consequences for your driving record. At Lyons & Associates, P.C., our New Jersey DUI defense attorneys represent clients facing both DWI and refusal charges, challenging unlawful stops, […]
No, New Jersey law does not require you to hire a lawyer to buy a house. Yes, in most cases, it is strongly recommended. Buying a home is often the largest financial transaction of your life. The contracts are binding, the deadlines are strict, and mistakes can be expensive. A real estate lawyer protects your […]
Medical malpractice claims are stressful, disruptive, and potentially career-altering for healthcare providers. Understanding how the process works in New Jersey — from notice of claim to resolution — allows physicians, nurses, medical groups, and hospitals to respond strategically and protect both their professional licenses and reputations. At Lyons & Associates, P.C., our New Jersey medical […]
On January 20, 2026, former Governor Phil Murphy signed New Jersey Senate Bill S4510/A5761 into law, which reformed core aspects of N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 governing child custody. Changes include how courts assess safety risks, evaluate children’s preferences, determine whether to order therapeutic interventions, and when judges must provide specific findings on the record to justify custody […]
NIL representation can be a huge advantage — but it can also wreck an athlete’s future if the wrong person gets involved early. NIL deals move fast, and athletes (especially high school and younger college athletes) often get pressured into signing agreements before they even understand what they’re giving up. The biggest risk isn’t “missing […]
Can text messages be used in divorce court? Sometimes — and it depends. That’s not a lawyer trying to dodge the question. It’s the honest reality. This comes up in almost every divorce because people worry about privacy, control, and what their spouse might be digging for behind the scenes. Texts feel personal, and during […]
First offense DUI in New Jersey can feel like your life just got split into “before” and “after”—but it’s not the end of the road. A first-time DWI is serious in NJ even though it’s treated as a traffic offense, because the penalties are real, the process is technical, and the consequences can snowball fast. […]
