Estate Planning Attorneys Serving in Pennington

If you are worried about what could happen if you were to pass away unexpectedly, you are not alone. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to plan for the future — no matter what happens. An estate planning attorney from Van Dyck Law Group with experience serving Pennington can help.

Establishing an estate plan now is a proactive decision that looks out for the best interests of you and your loved ones. Whether you wish to write a last will and testament, are looking to form a trust, or want to plan for a potential medical crisis with an advanced directive, we can review your options with you.

The Van Dyck Law Group attorneys have been providing estate planning services to Pennington residents and others throughout New Jersey for years. When you reach out to us to discuss your future, we will explain your options and help you determine what is best based on your family’s circumstances.

Establishing an estate plan not only secures your assets and designates your beneficiaries but also protects your legacy. Your surviving loved ones will have the information they need to manage your affairs and carry out your wishes.

If you are ready to learn about planning your estate, Van Dyck Law Group is prepared to talk. Call (609) 293-2562 or contact us online to make a no-risk appointment and consultation today.

Estate Planning Lawyers Helping Pennington Residents Plan for the Future

Pennington, New Jersey is located in Mercer County at the crossroads of the Delaware Valley region and the Raritan Valley region. Known for promoting art and culture, residents and visitors alike gather every May for the annual Pennington Day to enjoy local music, street-fair activities, food vendors, and a parade.

Pennington is also known for its vibrant history. For example, the Pennington Railroad Station, built in 1882, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. It’s a popular point of interest for residents and visitors.

The estate planning lawyers of Van Dyck Law Group are proud to represent the residents of Pennington while helping them plan for whatever the future may hold. No matter whether you are looking to create an estate plan or you simply want to learn more about your options for managing your assets, we can help.

Our services include:

Last Will & Testament Creation
Trust Formation
Estate Tax Planning
Charitable Planning
Special Needs Estate Planning
Asset Protection
Long-term Care Planning
Medical Crisis Planning (Advanced Directives)
Powers of Attorney
Estate Plan Reviews
Probate Assistance

Proudly Serving Our Clients in Mercer County

Van Dyck Law Group provides comprehensive guidance to help individuals get their estates in order. We can assist you in learning more about the most important strategies for estate planning, including helping you put your existing wishes into goal-oriented actions. No matter what your circumstances are in life, you can benefit from working with a Mercer County estate planning attorney who is well-versed in New Jersey law.

Mercer County was first populated well before the founding of New Jersey or the United States. Originally inhabited by the Lenape, early Europeans arrived in the area in 1610. More than a century later, in 1754, a group of trustees decided to move their college to the area — the college that is today known as Princeton University. However, it wasn’t until 1838 that Mercer County was founded.

Today, Mercer County is brimming with flourishing neighborhoods, rich farmlands, and bustling urban centers. Long-time residents and visitors alike can always find something new to do in Mercer County.

The Importance of Establishing an Estate Plan

Estate plans are not just for high-net individuals. Regardless of your financial status or age, it is essential to have an estate plan. Establishing an estate plan will ensure your assets are appropriately distributed after your death and that your personal affairs are prepared for challenges like probate and inheritance taxes.

If you were to pass away without an estate plan, New Jersey law decides what happens to your assets. In most instances, the surviving spouse and/or surviving children are deemed the representative of the estate and have the responsibility of distributing any assets. If there is no spouse or other family members, the court will name a public trustee to manage distribution.

The probate process is long and often expensive. When you have an estate plan, you can help your loved ones save time and money after you’re gone by laying out your wishes officially and strategizing to minimize their own procedural burdens.

Estate planning is especially important when you have dependent children. If you were to die without a surviving spouse to raise your children, the probate court would likely appoint a legal guardian for your children. In some cases, they could go into foster care and become a ward of the state. With an estate plan, you can ensure your children are cared for if you pass away.

There are many other considerations that go into an estate plan, as well, including your advance directive, powers of attorney, and more. Speak to an estate planning lawyer at Van Dyck Law to start the process and help your loved ones in Penningtonl be prepared for the future.

Elements of an Estate Plan

Your wants and needs for your estate plan will affect the types of documents you wish to file.

The most common elements of an estate plan include the following:

Last Will and Testament. Your will contains all of your wishes and intentions regarding the distribution of your possessions after you pass away, as well as other important instructions. You can name a personal representative to manage your estate, describe your preferred funeral & burial arrangements, and offer other guidance for your loved ones in handling your affairs.
Probate Planning. Most wills must pass through probate court to be executed. As there are some exceptions in New Jersey, it is best to work with an estate planning attorney to prepare for the probate process and minimize the duties placed upon your surviving heirs.
Trust Documents. A trust is a legal entity that involves the trustor, trust manager, and beneficiary. They can include specific instructions, including the transferral of property held in trust to a specific beneficiary. Establishing a trust is often favorable during estate planning, as it means avoiding probate court.
Powers of Attorney. In the event you are incapacitated, designating someone with power of attorney specifies who has the ability to make financial and/or medical decisions on your behalf.
Advance Directives. An advance directive is a health care document, also referred to as a “living will.” These documents outline what you want to happen in the event you are medically incapacitated. You can specify which life-saving measures you would like administered, for example, or specify how financial affairs will be managed in your stead.

What to Expect From a New Jersey Estate Planning Lawyer

While we should all plan for our futures, some find the idea of discussing estate planning uncomfortable, perhaps even morbid. Fortunately, the estate planning lawyers from Van Dyck Law group know how to handle your questions and concerns with the utmost respect and care.

When you first reach out to us, we will make an appointment to discuss your options. The more prepared you are for the meeting, the better we can serve you.

For example, consider the following questions prior to the meeting:

What types of properties and assets do you own?
Who may you want to manage your estate and carry out your wishes after your passing?
Will you need a trust or a charitable arrangement, or could you benefit from establishing one?
Who are the beneficiaries you wish to inherit your assets?
Do you need to select an appointed guardian for minor children? If so, who might you consider?

While you won’t need formal documentation when we first meet, mentally preparing to answer those questions can make the preliminary process easier. When you seek estate planning guidance from our lawyers in Mercer County, you can rest assured that your wishes will be honored and your legacy upheld.

Speak With an Estate Planning Law Firm With Experience Serving Pennington at Van Dyck Law Group

Van Dyck Law Group provides clients with personalized estate planning guidance so they can move into the future with confidence and peace of mind. We understand that you cannot always predict what will happen, but with a regular review of your affairs, you will have the opportunity to plan for the broadest range of scenarios.

To leave your loved ones with everything they need to preserve your legacy now is the time to take action. We will explain the steps you need to take to prepare for the future. Schedule your no-risk consultation now by calling Van Dyck Law Group at (609) 293-2562, or contact us online.