Melody Vanderlaan

After law school, (2003) I launched my legal career as a prosecutor at the State Attorney's Office in Marion County (5th Judicial Circuit), where I advocated on behalf of victims of crime and held those responsible accountable for their actions. It was there that I cultivated extensive (jury and bench trial) litigation experience.

Three years later, I co-founded Vanderlaan & Vanderlaan, P.A. alongside my husband, Kristopher Vanderlaan. Kris and I continue to practice together with his focus on family law, civil (business) litigation, criminal defense and probate.

My own passion, however, has always been rooted in estate planning — my practice encompasses elder law, guardianships, Medicaid asset protection trusts, comprehensive trust planning, special needs planning for families navigating the complexities of caring for a loved one with disabilities, and VA planning for Veterans and their families seeking to maximize their well-deserved benefits. I am also committed to helping families with minor children develop thoughtful protection plans that offer lasting security and peace of mind for those they cherish most. My goal has always been to preserve my clients' family legacies — and to keep families out of court and free from conflict when planning for their future. While a trust is generally the preferred vehicle for comprehensive asset protection and avoiding lengthy probate administration, I recognize that every client's circumstances are unique. For those with a will in place, my firm brings the same level of dedication and litigation expertise to probate matters, handling each case as efficiently and compassionately as possible — so that loved ones can instead focus on sharing precious memories and lasting legacies!