Common Estate Planning and Family Issues for Military Personnel

Since 2009, Michael has focused the majority of his practice on representing vulnerable people and their families when there is abuse or neglect in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, and hospitals.

Michael knows how to go to trial when necessary. He was lead counsel on the Estate of Mary Dwyer v. Harborview, the largest nursing home verdict in the state of New Jersey – a $13.2 million dollar verdict in Hudson County. He received great training serving as an Air Force Judge Advocate, where he tried many cases all over the world in the United States, Japan, Qatar, and Kuwait.

As a specialist, he regularly lectures around the country and teaches other lawyers how to prosecute these claims. He’s been published many times, including in the New Jersey Law Journal and the national attorney magazine Trial.

Having lost his own family members in institutions, Michael has a certain level of understanding with all of his clients. He knows first hand what it’s like to see someone you care about struggling, and brings a specific passion to his work.

Robert F. Morris is a Shareholder in the Trusts & Estates Group of Stark & Stark. Mr. Morris’ practice focuses on the areas of estate planning, wills, trusts and probate. Mr. Morris has substantial experience in drafting sophisticated estate planning documents including complex wills, insurance trusts, personal residence trusts, and grantor trusts. He provides counsel to both fiduciaries and beneficiaries in all aspects of trust, probate and estate administration, including the litigation of contested estates and trusts. Mr. Morris’ estate planning practice also includes business succession planning, partnership agreements, and limited liability operating agreements. Mr. Morris’ real estate practice focuses upon contracts and leases for real property, particularly as they relate to estate planning issues. 

Mr. Morris is the founder and current chair of the Mercer County Bar Association, Estate Planning & Probate Committee.  He is a frequent lecturer on estate planning and probate issues at civic and Bar organizations.  For four years following law school, Mr. Morris served in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps and was assigned to the Army Armor Center, Fort Knox, Kentucky. 

Education

• J.D., Vanderbilt University Law School, 1997
• B.S., University of Pennsylvania, Wharton Business School, 1994
  • cum laude

   

  Bar Admissions

  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • District of Columbia

   

  Professional Organizations

  • Mercer County Bar Association 
  • Founder and Chair, Estate Planning & Probate Committee

   

  Community Organizations

  • Free and Accepted Masons in Princeton

   

  Press Placements

  • "Who Gets Your Stuff When You're Dead?" U.S.1: Survival Guide. September 18, 2013.
  • "Helping Clients Mitigate Real Estate Fraud." New Jersey CPA. Jan.-Feb. 2010 ed.
  • "Highlights of Recent Changes in Federal and State Law Related to Estate Planning and Probate." Mercer County Lawyer. August 2010.

   

  Speaking Engagements

  • “Reclaiming Your Inheritance – New Jersey Estate Litigation.” Stark & Stark Webinar. January 2015.
  • “Prepare for Tomorrow by Acting Today: Tips for Ensuring a Successful Estate Plan.” Stark & Stark. June 10, 2014.
  • “Prepare for Tomorrow by Acting Today: Tips for Ensuring a Successful Estate Plan.” Stark & Stark. April 30, 2014.