Elder Law, Family Law, and Estate Planning in Hackensack, New Jersey

Do you want to make sure your will does not go through  probate  in the aftermath of your death? When a will goes through probate, the court must decide who gets what. Although this may not sound ideal, there are ways to avoid probate altogether. You must take certain steps while you are still living to ensure that you have properly handled your estate and have made important decisions on who you would like to have as beneficiaries. Add a Joint Owner to Everything You Own If you know, love, and trust someone important in your life, such as your partner or adult child, you can add that person as a joint owner to everything you own. For example, you would add this person’s name to your bank account while making him or her co-owner of anything you own, such as your home, rental properties that are in your name, and any vehicles that belong to you. When you have a joint owner and you pass away, probate is avoided because the joint owner will get to keep your belongings....

Living as a co-parent in a child custody arrangement is not easy for everyone. Even if you are able to communicate well with the other parent, the situation can still be challenging to navigate. As a co-parent, the most difficult time of the year is often when school resumes. Why? Having a child go back to school is not only stressful on you, but on the child, as well. Below, you will find some tips for preparing for the new school year as a co-parent so it goes off without a hitch. Get Everyone on the Same Page The most important thing you can do in preparing for a new school year is to get everyone on the same page, including the other parent. Everyone should have the schedule from the school for the year so that there are no questions about the first day or when the child has days off from school. Arguments are more likely to occur when the parents are not on the same page. It does not mean that the two of you need to be cordial or have a good relationship. You must simpl...