Lewis Legal
Planning Administration Litigation About Offices
908-271-6931 Request a call
Admitted in New Jersey

Estate planning, probate, and litigation, with Erin on the matter.

Lewis Legal guides individuals and families in New Jersey through a will, a living will, a power of attorney, a trust, the probate of an estate, or a dispute over how that estate is being handled. You work directly with Erin C. Lewis.

Or call or text 908-271-6931. Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Evening and weekend calls by appointment.

Call or write Erin to continue. This form also emails the office at erin@elewislegal.com. You can call or text 908-271-6931.

Erin C. Lewis, founder of Lewis Legal LLC

Three matters. All handled by Erin.

A plan before a need arises. Probate when an estate must be administered. Litigation when someone close to the estate has a concern.

State Planning Services

Estate Planning

A will, living will, power of attorney, or trust, written so your wishes hold under New Jersey law.

Will

Living will

Power of attorney

Trust

Plan with Erin

Estate Administration

The probate of an estate in New Jersey, with or without a will: filings with the courts to assign an administrator, then the work that follows.

Probate with a will

Probate without a will

Court filings to appoint an administrator

Ongoing administration of the estate

Ask about probate
Estate Administration

Estate Litigation

For an estate that has already been probated, or is in process, when an interested party has concerns. That often happens when an assigned administrator or executor, or someone seeking appointment, is not handling the estate properly, or a next of kin does not trust the applicant.

Removal of an administrator or executor

Audits of estate affairs

Appointment of a court-ordered administrator

Further court proceedings when they are needed

Talk about a dispute

Why clients choose Lewis Legal.

Seven reasons families stay with Erin for a will, a trust, a probate filing, or a dispute over an estate.

You work with Erin

The matter stays with Erin C. Lewis, from the first call through the signed plan or the court filing. It is not passed between staff.

Trusts and estates, on purpose

The practice is built around estate planning, estate administration, and estate litigation. A will, a trust, a probate filing, and a dispute over an estate are the work, not a side note.

A process you can follow

You are told what is happening, what comes next, and which decisions are yours, before anything is signed or filed.

Meetings that fit the week

In Paramus or Cranford, by Zoom or FaceTime, or by phone in the evening or on a weekend. Extra hours are by appointment.

Advice for the family in front of her

The guidance follows the people, the assets, and the papers in the matter. It is written for families and older adults making a real decision.

Two offices, and the rest of New Jersey

Paramus in Bergen County and Cranford in Union County, with meetings elsewhere in New Jersey by appointment.

When the estate is not being handled

If an executor, administrator, or applicant is not managing the estate, or a next of kin does not trust the person seeking appointment, Erin takes the litigation that follows.

How a matter moves.

Planning has its own sequence. Administration and litigation share a first conversation, then split.

Estate Planning

The firm asks what planning is needed, then follows the same path every time.

01

What is needed

We ask what estate planning you need: a will, living will, power of attorney, or trust.

02

The fact finder

We always send a fact finder. You fill it out and send it back.

03

Speak with the lead attorney

We schedule time with the lead attorney to go over the specifics.

04

Documents for review

The documents are prepared for your review.

05

Meet to sign

After you approve them, we meet to sign.

Estate Administration or Litigation

Erin offers the first 30 minutes of consultation at no charge.

01

The first 30 minutes

From the details you provide, Erin explains your options and the best way to move forward.

02

Gather the file

We collect the information that is available.

03

Where it goes

Administration

An administrator is assigned, then further estate matters are handled.

Litigation

The matter can continue, though most of the time a reasonable settlement is reached.

You speak with Erin, not a rotation of staff.

Erin C. Lewis is a New Jersey trusts and estates attorney and the founder of Lewis Legal LLC. Her practice centers on estate planning, estate administration, and estate litigation. Clients stay with her from the first conversation through the signed plan, the probate filing, or the dispute.

She earned her B.A., magna cum laude, from Seton Hill University and her J.D., magna cum laude, from Florida Coastal School of Law. She is admitted in New Jersey and is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, Trusts and Estates Section, and the Bergen County Bar Association.

Meetings in Paramus or Cranford, by Zoom or FaceTime, or at another New Jersey location by appointment.

Evening and weekend phone conferences by appointment. Meetings at a place of business when that is appropriate.

What clients say about working with Erin.

Families who came for a will, a trust, help settling an estate, or a dispute over how that estate was handled.

Mrs. Erin C. Lewis was so compassionate when it came to helping me and my siblings settle our great grandfather's estate. We don't know what we would've done without her quick action and strong argumentative stance on fighting for what is fair and right.

Eric

It was an absolute pleasure working with Erin. She thoroughly explained all of our options and provided invaluable advice and information. We were extremely impressed with her process and the final results.

Debbie P.

Would highly recommend Erin. She is proficient and professional but most importantly she yields results in your favor.

Regina B.

Mrs. Lewis went above and beyond. The service she offered was excellent and very quick. She assured me that everything was going to go well, which it did.

Tina D.

I didn't even know where to start regarding this matter of the estate. Erin was in control and guided us every step of the way. Her knowledge and calmness had us comfortable and confident that this situation would be taken care of.

A client

I highly recommend Ms. Lewis. She is trustworthy and patient. I felt comfortable discussing all of my estate planning needs with her. Very knowledgeable, thoughtful, and professional.

A client

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 32 would like to express our sincere appreciation to attorney Erin C. Lewis for her generosity, professionalism, and dedication. We absolutely recommend hiring her for her expertise.

DAV Chapter 32, Bergenfield

Offices in Paramus and Cranford.

Paramus

Bergen County. 140 E. Ridgewood Ave. Suite 415, South Tower, Paramus, NJ 07652

Cranford

Union County. 20 Jackson Dr. Suite 107, Cranford, NJ 07016

Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday, closed. Evening and weekend phone conferences are available by appointment.

Other meeting locations

Newark. 625 Broad St., Suite 240, Newark, NJ 07102

Montclair. 28 Valley Rd., Montclair, NJ 07042

Totowa. 999 Riverview Drive, 2nd Floor, Totowa, NJ 07512

Parsippany. 1719 NJ-10, Suite 300, Parsippany, NJ 07054

Morristown. 55 Madison Ave., Suite 400, Morristown, NJ 07960

Questions about planning, probate, and disputes.

A will or trust before the need arises, probate of an estate with or without a will, and litigation when someone close to the estate has a concern.

Do I need an estate planning attorney in New Jersey?

Working with an attorney helps make sure a will, a trust, and the related documents are valid under New Jersey law and match what you actually want. It also avoids problems that show up later, when the estate is administered.

Do I need a trust, or is a will enough?

A will is often the starting point. A trust can add privacy, more control over how assets are distributed, and a way for some assets to pass outside probate. The right mix depends on the family and the assets.

What happens if someone dies without a will in New Jersey?

The estate is distributed under New Jersey intestacy law. The state decides who inherits and who manages the estate, which may not match what the person intended.

How does probate work in New Jersey?

Probate is the court process of administering an estate. It usually means a filing with the county Surrogate's Court, identifying assets, paying debts, and distributing what remains.

How long does probate take?

It depends on the estate. A straightforward matter can move efficiently. Disputes, unclear assets, or administrative delays stretch the timeline.

What does an executor have to do?

An executor manages the estate: the paperwork, collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing property under the will or, if there is no will, under New Jersey law.

I was just named executor. What should I do first?

Learn the responsibilities and the probate steps before you file. Erin walks executors and administrators through that process so the estate stays on track.

Can probate be avoided?

Sometimes. Trusts and beneficiary designations can let certain assets pass outside probate. The plan has to be set up that way in advance, and not every asset can pass that way.

What is estate litigation?

It involves an estate that has already been probated, or is in process, when an interested party has concerns. That often happens when an administrator or executor is not handling the estate, or a next of kin does not trust someone applying to serve. It can lead to removal, audits, a court-ordered administrator, and further court proceedings.

Is the first consultation free?

For estate administration and estate litigation, Erin offers the first 30 minutes of consultation at no charge. From the details you provide, she explains your options and the best way forward.

Lewis Legal
908-271-6931 erin@elewislegal.com

Have Questions About Estate Planning or Probate in New Jersey?

Don't let complex legal paperwork or family disputes catch you off guard. Get clear, direct guidance from attorney Erin C. Lewis. Remember, the first 30 minutes of consultation for estate administration and litigation matters are completely free. Let’s talk today and protect your family's future!

Or call or text 908-271-6931. Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Evening and weekend calls by appointment.