A family caregiving meeting is an essential tool when dealing with the care of an aging loved one. These meetings are beneficial for helping to keep all family members abreast of decisions that need to be made, changes in diagnosis or prognosis, and help to ensure that all family members feel that they have a voice. Family meetings can also help to keep caregiving responsibilities from falling solely on the shoulders of one family member. In addition, family caregiving meetings can foster cooperation among family members and lessen the stress associated with caring for an aging loved one.

There are a number of people who should be included in a family caregiving meeting. First and foremost, it is important to include the aging loved one in the meeting whenever possible. This helps the aging loved one to feel that they are being heard and that their opinions and thoughts are being considered. If a spouse is living, the spouse should be included, as well as any children and possibly siblings of the aging person. Some families may choose to include other family members, but this really varies from one family to another. Anyone else involved in care for the person should also be there. This could include paid caregivers, family friends, or neighbors. Depending on family dynamics, a facilitator can be helpful in running the meeting.

First, it is important to note that family caregiving meetings are not a one and done event. They must occur on a regular basis. The first family meeting can occur before an aging loved one actually needs care. This can give the person who may eventually need care more say in their future care, but oftentimes this does not occur. Most families find that the initial meeting needs to occur when an aging loved when begins to show signs of needing care or when a diagnosis is given that determines care will soon be needed. In addition, meetings should be scheduled regularly to discuss changes in diagnosis, prognosis, or general needs of the loved one or the caregivers.

The key to having a successful caregiving meeting is cooperation. This doesn’t mean that family members will agree on everything, but it is important that all family members are respectfully heard and considered. Families must be willing to compromise and seek the best plan for their aging loved ones. Additionally, a smoothly run meeting should have an agenda and families should try to stay focused on the items included on the agenda. When holding a meeting, always put things in writing and be sure that all those involved get a copy of the important information and everyone’s responsibilities.

One of the biggest challenges to family caregiving meetings is the family’s history. All families have their own dynamics that can cause problems in a caregiving meeting. There may be members of the family who are at odds with one another, creating an obstacle to having a successful caregiving meeting. The role that each family member plays can be a challenge. Some members may be overbearing and demand control, while others are peacemakers and do not feel free to share their thoughts. Another challenge is that some family members may be in denial of the severity of an aging loved one’s needs which could make it difficult to get a consensus for care.

Family caregiving meetings are beneficial and necessary when an aging loved one can no longer care for themselves. These meetings can help to divide the responsibilities of caregiving and reduce the stress placed on the family members. It is important that families remember that the meetings are for the care of their loved ones and cooperate with one another to help the process to run more smoothly and successfully.

If you have any questions about something you have read or would like additional information, please feel free to contact us.

Faloni Law Group has six offices in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania to serve you. You can send us a message by clicking here
, or by calling us at (866) 456-9668 .

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When a loved one dies and has likely left behind a will, you will be involved with the probate process. Since this will involve gathering together assets, determining their value, and distributing them to beneficiaries, the process can be complex. This, coupled with also paying off creditors at the same time, creates a recipe for mistakes if you try to do this on your own. Rather than complicate the probate process, choose instead to hire the services of our Fairfield probate attorney at the Law Offices of Faloni & Associates.

Court Supervision

Once you become involved with probate court, there will be a set of rules that must be strictly followed. This usually involves not only which types of documents must be filed with the court, but also what must be contained in each document. Since most states now use part or all of the Uniform Probate Code, work closely with your attorneys to ensure all documents submitted to the court are correct.

Strict Deadlines

To avoid having the probate process be extremely drawn-out, probate courts have very strict deadlines for filings of documents, publishing notices of probate, sending probate notices to potential beneficiaries, and other tasks. If you fail to meet certain deadlines, it is possible the entire process may have to be started again from the beginning. Rather than let this happen, coordinate your activities closely with experienced and knowledgeable Fairfield probate attorney.

Questions about Property

More than likely, some beneficiaries will have questions regarding the distribution of property during the probate process, and may even question the validity of the will. Should this happen, you will need to rely on the Law Offices of Faloni & Associates for assistance.

To have the probate process be as easy as possible, consult with probate lawyers in Fairfield NJ at the Law Offices of Faloni & Associates.

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When completing your estate plan, one of the biggest decisions you will make involves leaving a living will or trust. While they both have many similarities regarding distribution of property and naming beneficiaries, there are also stark differences between the two that could have a significant impact on how assets are distributed. To learn more about these differences and which is best for you, put your confidence in Fairfield NJ estate planning lawyers at the Law Offices of Faloni & Associates.

Revision of Documents

If you create a living will or trust, both allow you to make revisions as your circumstances change, such as getting married or having children. However, it is important to note that if you create an irrevocable trust, it cannot be changed once finalized. Therefore, if you are considering this as an option, ask for advice from trusted and experienced Fairfield NJ estate planning lawyers.

Avoiding Probate

If you want to avoid probate, creating a trust will allow you to do just that, while a will is required to pass through probate court. As a result, property can often be distributed to beneficiaries much quicker through a trust.

Greater Privacy After Death

Once you die, your will becomes a public document, and thus can likely be viewed by anyone who wishes to do so. However, a trust will not be made public, thus allowing you to keep your affairs much more private if you so desire.

Protection from Lawsuits

If you want to lessen the chances of a court battle over your estate, create a trust. While many people have successfully challenged wills in court, few have success when doing the same toward a trust.

Since each person’s situation is unique, many factors will come into play when deciding between a living will or trust. Therefore, always consult with the Law Offices of Faloni & Associates.

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Many people consider estate plans as a need for the wealthy, but the truth is that everyone who has any property at least needs an established will to be used as an advanced directive in case of an untimely death. Distribution of property and information regarding health care are best controlled with an official valid document explaining your wishes. Of course, anyone with extended assets of any amount will need a comprehensive estate plan that is structured in a manner that protects as many assets as possible. Individuals who die intestate will have their property distributed according to state law through the probate process, and an effectively structured will can actually be used to bypass the probate process completely when your situation is evaluated by a legal professional like those at Faloni & Associates Fairfield NJ estate planning attorneys.

What Can Be Included in a Will


The most practical will be relatively simple and to the point. Typical directives begin with disposition of personal property to whomever you choose, including real estate, automobiles, and bank accounts. These items are often automatically distributed to a surviving spouse, but single individuals will need their wishes known in many cases. A will can also include a directive for guardianship of minor dependent children, an assignment of an executor to your estate, and assigning a power of attorney for both finances and health issues. The latter can actually be two different people.

Avoiding Probate


One of the best advantages of a good will is that it can position an estate for bypassing the probate process, which can be a problem when children can be positioned according to state law. Another basic problem with the probate process is possible tax implications and vulnerability to outstanding creditor claims. These issues can all be sidestepped with a will that is designed by a legal estate planning professional.

While many people do not want to address their own mortality, it is still important for those left behind to have your wishes known and legally valid before the eventual happens. Contact the estate professionals
at Faloni & Associates Fairfield NJ estate planning attorneys for more information on the importance of a basic will.

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Product liability claims can be some of the most difficult legal cases in isolated situations where the product is not typically known as defective. Food sources are a primary example of when a product can be contaminated causing significant physical illness for those who have consumed the product while normally the product is safe. However, food products in general are a common source for product liability claims because many can be contaminated when they reach the market. There are other product types that result in similar problems, but not necessarily are products with a minimal shelf life. These products that have generated multiple issues are often identified by the Consumer Protection Agency and listed for attorneys who represent people who have been injured by their usage. This can be an excellent resource of information when attorneys like Faloni & Associates Fairfield NJ injury lawyers must represent victims, and often claims fall into specific classes.

Common Product Liability Claims


There are several categories of claims that are the common result of defective product use, and they include:

Why You Need an Experienced Product Liability Attorney


Although many defective products are clearly identified by the CPA, filing a claim against a manufacturer is still a difficult legal task. The best advantage your personal injury attorney has is the fact that it is not necessary to prove negligence because of strict liability application in defective product cases. The plaintiff legal counsel needs to prove a link between the client’s injury and the use of the product, and the correlation can be either indirect over a long time period or direct from one specific usage. Claims are still defended vigorously because product liability awards are considered punitive in nature, which mean the potential for a high-value claim is always a concern for the manufacturer and possibly the sales outlet.

Never attempt handling a product liability claim personally. New Jersey residents should always call the legal professionals at Faloni & Associates Fairfield NJ injury lawyers for aggressive and comprehensive representation.

The post Product Liability Common Injuries (& What to Do Next) appeared first on Faloni Law Group.

When a person dies and leaves you some or all of their money and possessions, inheritance taxes will likely be due. Though collected in only six states, New Jersey is one of those states. Since settling an estate is very complex, there are many reasons why you will need the advice of Fairfield estate planning attorneys
at Faloni & Associates.

Tax Payment Deadlines

If you inherit part or all of an estate, state law requires inheritance taxes be paid within a certain period of time before any assets of the estate will be distributed. In New Jersey, inheritance taxes are usually due within nine months after the person’s death. As for how these taxes are tabulated, they are based on the value of the taxable estate.

Relationship to the Deceased

In most situations involving inheritance taxes, the payment of the taxes is often linked to your relationship to the deceased. For example, if the deceased was your spouse, any property that is passed to you through the estate is exempt from inheritance taxes in New Jersey. In addition, if property is passed to children or grandchildren, New Jersey will not require the payment of any inheritance taxes.

Probate Process

Though it is relatively easy for most individuals in New Jersey regarding inheritance taxes, there are times when problems may arise upon the death of an individual. In most cases, this is when the will goes through the probate process. While most wills are uncontested, others may have family members or others choosing to oppose the contents of the document. When this happens, it will be crucial to work with an experienced and knowledgeable estate planning attorney to ensure your legal rights are protected.

If you believe you may owe inheritance taxes, schedule a consultation with Fairfield estate planning attorneys at Faloni & Associates to discuss your situation in greater detail.

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Have you recently been involved in a motorcycle accident? There are certain steps you need to take. The first thing you need to do is seek medical attention.

Even if you don’t seem to be injured, it’s a good idea to get a quick check up. This way, you will have full medical documentation after the accident. This will keep you from getting denied for coverage from your insurance company if they try to claim that you waited too long to file a claim or that you filing for injuries unrelated to your accident.

The next thing you need to do is get eyewitness statements from everyone who may have seen your accident. You will also need to get the license and insurance info from the other driver. Finally, you’ll want to get all of the documentation you can from law enforcement and emergency medical authorities who were present.

What Can Fairfield NJ Accident Attorneys Do to Help You?


After getting all of the evidence you need to document your accident you need to file a claim with your insurance company. If you receive any static or resistance from them, you can hire a team of Fairfield NJ accident attorneys. These are the legal experts who will work with you to make sure that you receive the full settlement that you are entitled to by law.

Contact the Firm of Faloni & Associates for More Info


Faloni & Associates are the premiere motorcycle accident attorneys in Fairfield, NJ. Our goal is to make sure that you get the full amount that you need to cover all of your hospital bills as well as the wages you have lost from your job while recovering. Get in touch with us today
to learn more about what we can do to make sure that you can quickly regain your full quality of life.

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Everyone wants to have a significant amount of cash flow and financial assets after they retire. Income level is actually one of the foremost concerns for those who are planning retirement. Not only would the typical retiree like to maintain their standard of living, but many have other interests as well. Anticipation of the lifestyle change is big on everyone’s list, but just exactly how do you plan
when cash flow could be uncertain? Consulting with an estate planning attorney is one way to get ahead of the game when retirement is being assessed for the golden years, and the legal professionals at the  Law Offices of Faloni
& Associates  Fairfield NJ
estate plan lawyers understand that every client is situated differently. 

Ensuring Proper Inheritance


While many retirement plans are paid in a monthly stipend, there are individuals with retirement accounts that include investment instruments. These are oftenpart of a retirement package, and typically assets that can be transferred legally in the event of death. All retirement benefits should be evaluated for assignment of a beneficiary before actually retiring even when it is obvious the spouse will inherit any continuing benefits or there is a qualified dependent minor child. Different retirement plans have different rules in some cases and knowing what would transpire is important. 

Protecting Assets


Significant retirement plans that are part of a larger estate can often require
protection from the probate process in the event of a death. Taxation issues can be considerable, and many times there may be a question of ownership of certain retirement funds. These funds can be set up as part of a trust fund that works best for the entire family, and they can be designed to protect the funds from the government or creditors that may have a claim in a probate situation. 

Contact a Fairfield NJ Estate Plan Attorney


Including a retirement plan in an overall estate can be good method of making
sure your wishes are known with an advance directive, and having the right attorney handling your estate matters. Contact the  Law Offices of Faloni & Associates  Fairfield NJ estate plan lawyers and let them explain how they can help protect your retirement benefits. 

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One of the worst fears that we all have is that we won’t be properly cared for when we get too old to care for ourselves. You can do your part to make sure that this never happens to your loved ones. There are certain steps that you can take to prevent elder abuse from striking your relatives. 

What Steps Can You Take to Prevent Elder Abuse? 

The first thing you can do is to visit your relative frequently. This way, you will always be aware of any sudden changes in their appearance, weight, and behavior. If you suspect that something is wrong, you can report it to the attending nurses, caregivers, or medical staff. 

Meanwhile, there is another form of elder abuse that may be taking place. This is financial exploitation of an elderly person. Your loved one may be getting intimidated or pressured into giving up their money or even make changes in their will to include a certain person. 

If your loved one seems afraid of a particular neighbor, physician, caregiver, or other person, pay attention. This may be the person who is trying to get them to make changes to their will or take advantage of them in some other way.

Contact the Law Offices of Faloni & Associates for More Info 
If you believe that your loved one is becoming the victim of elder abuse and financial exploitation, you need to contact estate plan attorneys in Fairfield NJ. Your claim may be subject to a statute of limitations. This means that, if you do suspect the worst, the time to contact the law offices of Faloni & Associates is now. 

Your best course of action will be to contact an expert team of estate plan attorneys in Fairfield NJ. Our firm will be happy to answer any questions that you may have concerning your case.

The post How Can I Protect My Loved One from Elder Abuse? appeared first on Faloni Law Group.