Estate Planning Attorneys Serving in Highland Park

When we face the unexpected, it can be challenging for us and our family to know what to do in the moment. During these times of uncertainty, having an estate plan in place will help. Planning for the future can seem intimidating, but when you work with an estate planning attorney with experience in the Highland Park area, you can rest assured that your affairs and assets will be handled appropriately and according to your most important wishes.

Often, it is assumed that estate planning is only for those who possess abundant wealth. However, this is far from the case. No matter your financial situation, your loved ones will benefit from having the opportunity to reference your estate plan in the event you pass away or are medically incapacitated.

When you seek guidance from a Van Dyck Law Group attorney, they will explain the different parts of an estate plan. We help you decide which aspects of planning you need to be prepared for and to potentially set aside a legacy to be remembered by. From writing a last will and testament to establishing an advance directive or naming powers of attorney, our lawyers will guide you through the estate planning process to make the process as easy as possible.

Secure your family’s future with help from an estate planning lawyer. Call (609) 293-2562 or contact us online to make a no-risk appointment and consultation today.

Estate Planning Lawyers Planning for the Future in Highland Park

Only about an hour’s drive from both New York City and Philadelphia, Highland Park is a popular location for families, working professionals, and retirees. With its diverse community, residents and visitors can be alongside those who share their traditions while also being immersed in new cultures.

The area is known for its bustling downtown. Filled with restaurants serving an array of cuisines, locally-owned businesses, and commercial buildings where many residents work, it’s a great place to live, shop, work, or visit. Main Street Highland Park hosts events all year round, like a weekly Farmer’s Market and an annual winter holiday event.

Residents of Highland Park can benefit from working with our attorneys to prepare for whatever the future may hold. When you seek services from Van Dyck Law Group, you can craft an estate plan that meets your family’s needs and protects your legacy.

Estate planning laws can be confusing. Fortunately, our attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of the laws in New Jersey. No matter your circumstances, we will explain what your options are and how you can form the best estate plan to protect your future, as well as your legacy.

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 Middlesex County

Estate planning is affected greatly by state law, so it is advisable to work with a knowledgeable Middlesex County estate planning attorney. The lawyers at Van Dyck Law Group are well-versed in estate planning laws and have the resources to help you strategize for whatever the future may bring. We will also ensure your plan is kept up-to-date with any changing wishes.

Located in central New Jersey, Middlesex County is the third-most populous county in the state. Established in March 1683, the location for Middlesex was chosen because of its proximity to the Raritan River. The Middlesex County of today features an extensive transportation network, including a number of rail stations, the area also plays home to a vast public park system made up of more than 6,300 acres.

Middlesex County holds the nickname of “the greatest county in the land.” Known for its proximity to Philadelphia and New York City, as well as its world-class health care and educational institutions — including Rutgers New Brunswick and Penn Medicine – Princeton Plainsboro — Middlesex rigorously promotes community, culture, commerce, and education.

With a focus on enrichment, Middlesex County aspires to provide all residents with the opportunity to access the arts, culture, and history. With a median age of 39.3 across over 830,000 residents, many residents in the county are at stages in their lives where it makes sense to state planning for the future. Van Dyck Law Group is proud to serve the residents of Middlesex County and the surrounding areas when it comes to their estate planning needs.

Build Your Legacy With Help from an Estate Planning Law Firm Serving Highland Park

Planning for the future can be overwhelming, especially without the right support system. However, with an estate planning lawyer helping you manage your affairs, you can be prepared for whatever life may bring.

While estate plans are most often thought of in regard to someone’s passing, they also come into effect during a person’s lifetime. If, for example, you were to be in an accident that left you medically incapacitated for a time, having documented Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives can ensure you receive the care you would choose if you were able to make those decisions.

At Van Dyck Law Group, managing attorney Fiona Van Dyck is recognized as a leading practitioner of estate planning in New Jersey. In addition to providing guidance to Highland Park residents, she also provides continuing education instruction to members of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. If you have questions regarding estate planning, elder law, Medicaid, or Veterans affairs, Fiona Van Dyck and her team can provide you with answers and personalized guidance towards reaching your estate planning goals.

What To Know About Planning Your Estate in New Jersey

Many people assume that their end-of-life wishes are fully outlined with the last will and testament. However, there are many more components to a comprehensive estate plan. A well-crafted plan will protect your assets and save on estate taxes while avoiding probate. At a minimum, your estate plan should contain a will and a durable power of attorney for someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf. However, there are other elements to consider, including a trust, medical directives, and designated beneficiaries.

Components of an Estate Plan

Will — A last will and testament is a legally-binding document that explains how your property is to be distributed after your death. Wills can also appoint legal representatives to carry out wishes, identify guardians for minor children, and provide other instructions including those for your funeral and burial.
Trust — A trust is a legal agreement holding a trustee responsible for the management of the trust’s assets and their possible future transfer to a beneficiary. The trustee, which could be an individual, law firm, bank, or other institution, holds property for the beneficiary — which is often either a spouse or child(ren). Trusts are set up for different reasons, including establishing charities, avoiding probate, and reducing estate taxes.
Power of Attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document that appoints a person to act in your place to make medical or financial decisions for you in the event you are incapacitated. Without a power of attorney, a court needs to appoint a guardian or conservator to your estate to make decisions on your behalf.
Medical Directives — A medical directive can include many documents, including your will and power of attorney. Medical directives can guide care for someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are incapable of doing so. They can also establish the type of end-of-life care you want. For example, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders are set with a medical directive.
Designated Beneficiaries — As you create your estate plan, you also want to ensure your retirement plan beneficiary designations are current. Naming a beneficiary is crucial to ensuring your benefits are appropriately distributed after your death.

Secure Your Family’s Future With Van Dyck Law Group

No matter what your goals are for the future, Van Dyck Law Group can help you prepare. When you reach out to an estate planning attorney serving Highland Park, they will review your goals and help you construct a tailored estate plan that meets your needs. As time passes, you may find that your intentions change — and that’s okay. We can adjust your estate plan as needed to keep your wishes as current as possible and to reflect the current contents of your estate.

Van Dyck Law Group is focused on providing our clients with valuable, personalized service. When you craft an estate plan with our guidance, you can rest assured your family will have everything they need to uphold your legacy, preserve your memory, and protect their own financial future. Schedule your no-risk consultation appointment now when you call Van Dyck Law Group at (609) 293-2562 or contact us online.