Community Corner

Appointments Available for 'Free Wills for First Responders'

Attorneys are offering free legal services on Saturday at MONOC, and more than half of the appointments have been snapped up.

In their everyday lives, first responders face significant risks in their lives rushing to help people who are in danger. But too many of them don't even have a basic will. 

Volunteer lawyers are coming to their aid on Saturday, with the free "Wills for Heroes" program. The event is hosted by MONOC Mobile Health Services in Wall Township. 

"I think that, unfortunately, first responders in general are not paid at the rate they probably should, and as a result having a will is not their top priority," said Scott Matin, a Vice President of MONOC. "In reality, it should be because the risk of premature death is more likely, due to their involvement with emergency services." 

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Any person involved in emergency services is invited to make an appointment for the free services, provided by the Young Lawyers Division, a branch of the NJ State Bar Association, by registering at this link with MONOC. Participants will download and fill out paperwork prior to the event. There are limitations on the complexity of the wills, and estate size.  

Of the 48 slots, only 20 appointments are left, said Matin on Wednesday at noon. 

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Young Lawyers Division Chairman Jeffrey Neu, practicing in Red Bank, said the Wills for Heroes program was inspired by  the tragic events of September 11, 2001 when so many first responders lost their lives. 

"From the legal community side, we realized a large number of them did not have wills," he said. "We know it’s a small gesture to make, but we want to make sure our first responders are taken care of best we can."

The Young Lawyers are interested in helping more first responders like firefighters and first aid squads set up wills, said Neu. Organizations can contact the division by calling 732-978-4053 or by email, jeff.neu@kuzasneu.com.



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