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VanDyckLawGroup
QUARTER 3, 2025
VANDYCKFIRM.COM
From Milestones to Major Moves KEY TIMES TO UPDATE YOUR ESTATE PLAN
Many people invest effort in creating an estate plan, then put the documents in a drawer and forget what they say. This is understandable, but it also can cause people to overlook the need for an update. We generally like our clients to touch base to review their estate-planning documents every 3–5 years, to make sure the documents still say what they want them to say and reflect life’s inevitable changes. DIVORCE Splitting with a spouse in New Jersey significantly impacts estate- planning documents. Upon a divorce, New Jersey law automatically revokes an ex-spouse’s designation as a beneficiary on any investment, insurance account, or annuity, and an agent with power of attorney or health care decision-making rights. This can shock ex-spouses who have an amicable divorce and still want their ex to play a major role in their lives. Unless they update those documents and re-authorize the ex-spouse to make critical decisions or be a beneficiary, their original wishes will be invalidated. In a cautionary tale, one insurer refused to pay the named beneficiary of a $1 million life insurance policy because the beneficiary was the policyholder’s ex-spouse and the designation had not been updated after the couple divorced. The couple were still great friends, but the policyholder’s wishes went unfulfilled. Sadly, the life insurance proceeds went to the policyholder’s legal heirs under state law — his siblings. If you don’t want your ex-spouse to act as your agent or beneficiary, removing their name is also a smart move. That prevents your executor from having to explain to the bank or other institution why the person named as agent is no longer playing that role. THE THANKSGIVING DINNER RULE We advise clients to look around the table at Thanksgiving dinner and take stock of whom they see. If someone named as an executor, heir, or beneficiary in your estate plan wasn’t invited, you may need to invoke the “Thanksgiving Dinner Rule": If an agent or heir is no longer someone you invite for events with loved ones, perhaps your plan needs an update!
A marriage or remarriage also changes the lineup. Most people name their new spouse as the agent or beneficiary. If the new spouse has children, decisions may be needed regarding their status in an estate plan. Even a sudden increase in wealth may require rethinking your estate- tax plans, considering the implications for your heirs, and changing related documents. ADVANCING YEARS Only the most fortunate families can afford the high cost of assisted living or nursing home care out of pocket. As our clients advance toward the life stage when many need long-term care, their agents should be empowered to create a trust if necessary to avoid having to spend down all the senior’s assets to qualify for Medicaid. The power of attorney papers should state clearly that the agent has the right to make a gift from the estate or set up an irrevocable trust in order to shield some assets.
Our clients who plan proactively for these needs have a much better chance of preserving assets and averting future long-term care crises.
CHILDREN MATURING At your last estate plan review, your youngsters may have been too young to serve as your agents for medical or financial decisions. But children grow up very fast, as all parents know, and yours may have reached the point where you trust them to make those decisions for you. As you can see, many life events can call for an estate plan update. That’s why we recommend meeting with a trusted advisor to go over all your documents at least once every 3–5 years. Stop in and spend some time with us. Let’s think about whether your plan still works as you wish! -Fiona Van Dyck
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CREATE MEANINGFUL HOLIDAY MEMORIES WITH YOUR KIDS Traditions Start Here
Festive national holidays offer a great opportunity to strengthen family ties and traditions. While most people regard the end-of-year holidays as prime time for family get-togethers, you can make great memories in any season — including the Fourth of July! To foster traditions your loved ones will enjoy, start when your children are young. Repeat your chosen rituals year after year, but stay flexible enough to update them to suit your kids’ developmental stages. EMPHASIZE LIVE ACTION Activities that immerse your children in sights, sounds, smells, and live action can be the most memorable. Community Fourth of July parades offer a great opportunity to socialize with neighbors and friends of all ages. To make memories, don’t just watch the parade — encourage your kids to join it!
Midsummer is a great time to participate in light-hearted three-legged races, an egg toss, and sack races. As kids age, consider holding a Fourth of July Family Bowl for an annual game of soccer, softball, or touch football. At day’s end, fireworks offer a chance to gather in a lawn chair or on a blanket in the grass and enjoy some favorite snacks. CAPITALIZE ON FAMILY FOIBLES Think about traditions that evoke some quirk or twist unique to your family. If your kids love water balloons, a red, white, and blue water balloon fight can leave them laughing. Your family’s favorite films about patriotism or national identity may include fantasy tales, such as the animated 1986 immigrants’ story “An American Tail,” or darker stories, such as “Born on the Fourth of July,” the 1989 film on a Vietnam vet’s struggles after the
war. Whatever your preference, watching a beloved movie together as a family can reinforce shared values. For maximum fun, ban cellphones and make lots of popcorn. MAKE IT MATTER Decorating your house and yard with flags, red-white-and-blue bunting, and patriotic pinwheels can help children get into the spirit. To create a tangible memoir, take photos of the fun and print them for an album or deposit them in a “Fourth of July Memory Jar.” When you pull them out next year, those images will spark plenty of laughs!
The Simple Secret to Better Health in Your Golden Years Sip by Sip
from illnesses, and an elevated rate of unplanned hospital admissions, according to a 2021 study in the journal Nutrients. Another study, a review of 18 studies of adults 60 and over, showed that dehydration also predicts higher rates of mortality and frailty, longer hospital stays, mini-strokes, and poorer neurocognitive functioning. The causes of dehydration are complex, including a decline in seniors’ ability to perceive thirst, or simply forgetting to drink fluids regularly. And dehydration isn’t always easy to diagnose. It may be marked by fatigue, irritability, muscle cramps, or dizziness. Other signs, such as a low volume of dark-colored urine or a dry mouth, can also be a side effect of medications or symptoms of different conditions. Researchers advise paying conscious attention to a senior’s water intake and taking steps to maintain it at healthy levels. Making drinking a part of seniors’ regular daily routine and providing social support for consuming more fluids are linked to healthier hydration levels. Offering a variety of beverage choices in lightweight cups with large, easy-to-grasp handles also tends to help. Determining the right intake for each individual isn’t always a clear- cut process. As a general rule, to calculate a person’s daily fluid needs, divide their body weight in pounds by three and aim to drink one ounce of water for each pound, according to the National Council on Aging. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink at least 50 ounces or about 6 cups of water daily. The best path, however, is to speak to your doctor about your hydration needs.
Dehydration is a common problem among older adults. According to a 2023 study of 22,000 people 65 and over, about 1 in 4 seniors living in their communities or assisted living facilities are dehydrated. Water is essential for our bodies to function well, from lubricating the joints to keeping blood circulating freely to the heart. July is Self-Care Month, so this is a good time to focus on hydration as one of the most important aspects of self-care.
Chronic dehydration is linked to a higher rate of long-term health problems, including poorer cognitive performance, worse outcomes
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Van Dyck Law Group Expands With New Bridgewater Office We are thrilled to announce the opening of our newest office, 750 US 202 S, in Bridgewater, New Jersey. This expansion marks an exciting milestone for Van Dyck Law Group as we continue our mission of providing compassionate and expert legal services in estate planning, elder law, and life care planning. We have been dedicated to helping families navigate complex legal matters with care and integrity for years. With this new location, we are eager to serve the communities of Somerset, Hunterdon, and surrounding areas, ensuring that more individuals and families have access to top-tier legal guidance when they need it most. “We are beyond excited to bring our services closer to Bridgewater and the greater region,” says Fiona Van Dyck, Managing Attorney. “This expansion allows us to connect more personally with our clients and continue providing the trusted support they rely on.” We welcome local residents to visit our Bridgewater office to learn how we can assist with your estate planning and elder law needs. For inquiries or appointments, visit VanDyckFirm.com or call us today at 908-676-7717 . We look forward to serving you!
Mark Your Calendars for These Events!
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS When: July 16, Aug. 20, and Sept. 17 (the third Wednesday of each month), 2 p.m.
Where: The Dementia Center at Van Dyck Law — Princeton
FAMILY DEMENTIA ACADEMY A comprehensive program that guides you on the important things to know when caring for a loved one with dementia. Refreshments will be served. When and Where: July 9, 2–4 p.m., at The Dementia Center at Van Dyck Law — Princeton July 10, 2–4 p.m., at The Dementia Center at Van Dyck Law — Bridgewater
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
CONTINUING EDUCATION Become a Certified Dementia Practitioner!
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Seminar Offering 8 Credits for SW, CALA, LNHA. Presented by Fiona Van Dyck, Esq., Managing Attorney.
Where: The Dementia Center at Van Dyck Law — Bridgewater
INGREDIENTS • 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with reserved oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
When: Aug. 12, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fee: $200
Resilient Legal Planning with a Dementia Diagnosis Offering 1 Credit for SW, LNHA, CALA. Presented by Fiona Van Dyck, Esq., Managing Attorney.
Where: The Dementia Center at Van Dyck Law — Bridgewater
When: Sept. 10 — 9:30 a.m. Registration, 10 a.m. Presentation
To register: Please call 609-293-2563 or email dementiacenter@vandyckfirm.com .
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Inside 1 As Life Changes, So Should Your Estate Plan 2 Create Holiday Traditions That Last Combating Chronic Dehydration in Older Adults 3 We're Expanding! Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken 707 State Road, Suite 102 | Princeton, NJ 08540 750 US 202 S, Suite 120 | Bridgewater, NJ 08807 VANDYCKFIRM.COM | 609-580-1044
Mark Your Calendars for These Upcoming Events
4 The Path to a Happier You
We all want to live long, happy, and fulfilling lives, but doing so can be challenging. We must intentionally reduce stress and bring more balance to our lives. This doesn’t necessarily mean we must overhaul our lives and find new jobs and friends while removing anything that doesn’t bring us joy. Instead, we can make simple changes to our day-to-day routine that can significantly impact our perspective, happiness, and overall well-being.
Want to improve your outlook and get more enjoyment from life? Try incorporating the following behaviors into your routine!
SPEND MORE TIME IN NATURE. You’ve probably heard countless times how beneficial spending time in the great outdoors can be for your mental health and overall well-being, but that just shows how valuable it is. You don’t have to take up hiking or visit a national park to get your fill of nature. Simply taking a walk through your neighborhood or enjoying some time in the backyard will help you boost your health and connect with the world around you. PRACTICE GRATITUDE. Stress and difficult situations can overshadow so much good in our lives. Take some time each day to reflect on the blessings in your life and show your appreciation for those who matter most to you. If you have a hard time finding things to focus on, consider picking up journaling. Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to boost your mental well-being and gain more appreciation for life. DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY NO. One of the most difficult things in life is telling others “No,” especially to your friends and family. However, failing to say no can negatively affect your mood and perspective. Make time for yourself, and don’t be afraid to turn down invites or requests if they impede your personal time or ask you to do something overwhelming or stressful.
3 HABITS THAT LEAD TO A MORE FULFILLING LIFE Small Changes, Big Impact
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