Estate Planning Attorneys Serving in Princeton

Lives can change in a matter of seconds. If you want to plan for the future proactively, you should consider forming an estate plan. A Princeton estate planning attorney from Van Dyck Law Group can help.

Would you or your family be prepared if you were to face an accident or unexpected medical event? It can be uncomfortable to think about worst-case scenarios, but it is often more difficult for your family to handle those instances without any guidance. Fortunately, an estate plan can ensure your family has access to the information and documentation they need to make the decisions you would want.

Many different elements can make up an estate plan. What you include will depend on your needs and financial situation. Note that everyone can benefit from having an estate plan in place, not just the wealthy. At the minimum, you will want to consider writing and last will and testament. You may also benefit from filing an advance directive so your loved ones know what to do if you are medically incapacitated.

When you work with Van Dyck Law Group, you will have a comprehensive understanding of New Jersey estate planning laws. With our help, you can make the best decisions for your family and your future.

If you are ready to form an estate plan but don’t know where to start, Van Dyck Law Group can help. Call (609) 293-2562 or contact us online to make a no-risk appointment and consultation today.

Estate Planning Lawyers Helping Princeton Residents Prepare for the Future

While Princeton is most well-known for Princeton University and its various other educational institutions, that is not all there is to this open, semi-wooded community. Located in the heart of central New Jersey, Princeton is home to approximately 30,000 residents.

Residents and visitors alike enjoy the quaint charm Princeton has to offer, as well as its abundant recreation facilities. Numerous programs are put on for participants of all ages throughout the year, making Princeton an ideal location for families, young professionals, and retirees.

Van Dyck Law Group is pleased to provide estate planning services to the residents of Princeton. Whether you are just beginning to consider what your plan might look like or you know what needs to be included, we are here to help. The earlier you get started, the more protected your family and assets will be.

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 a Princeton estate planning lawyer at Van Dyck Law to start the process and help your loved ones 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 Law Firm

While we should all plan for our futures, some find the idea of discussing estate planning uncomfortable, perhaps even morbid. Fortunately, the Princeton 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 a Princeton Estate Planning Attorney From 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.