Estate Planning Attorneys Serving in West Windsor

There are times when our day-to-day routines can seem monotonous. However, this predictability is better than the alternative: unexpected moments of crisis. It only takes a moment for your loved ones’ lives to change should you succumb to a serious illness or pass away unexpectedly. To aid them in moving forward in your absence, and to preserve your own legacy, consider working with an estate planning attorney with experience serving the West Windsor community.

While we may not be able to predict when an illness or accident will upend our lives, we can do our best to plan for worst-case scenarios. When you establish an estate plan, you will be providing your family with the guidance they need to abide by your wishes in the event of your passing.

By working with a Van Dyck Law Group attorney, you will have the opportunity to plan for whatever the future may hold. Whether you are looking to write a last will and testament, wish to establish an advance directive, or want to start a trust, we have the knowledge and resources to guide you through the estate planning process. We can also help you keep any existing plans up to date.

Our attorneys understand the sensitive nature of estate planning, so we promise to handle your estate matter with the utmost respect and professionalism. We are here to guide you and determine how best to proceed for your family and your legacy, no matter your situation.

Learn about the benefits of creating an estate plan with Van Dyck Law Group. Call (609) 293-2562 or contact us online to make a no-risk appointment and consultation today.

Estate Planning Lawyers Preparing West Windsor Residents for the Future

Located on the eastern border of Mercer County, West Windsor has always been a popular location for busy commuters because of its proximity to New York City and Newark. The area also has a lot to offer in terms of shopping and restaurants, recreation, and education.

West Windsor is best known for its environmental stewardship. Made up of nearly 50% open space, the area features many parks and recreation facilities, farmland, and a natural green belt.

The estate planning attorneys from Van Dyck Law Group are honored to provide services to the residents of West Windsor. Whether you are a long-time resident or a newcomer, there’s never a wrong time to start preparing for your future. We are here to 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 (Advance 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 wards 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 be prepared for the future. We know how to meet the needs of clients all over New Jersey, including West Windsor.

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 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 Attorney Serving West Windsor 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.