Virginia Legal Blog

Co-parenting is all what you make of it. If you don't want things to work out, you'll always find a reason to argue with your ex-spouse. Conversely, if you're devoted to providing your children with the best life possible, you'll always find a way to make things work.

There are a variety of tips you can follow to help yourself and your children during this often stressful time. Here are five to consider:

• Think about everyone's feelings: Don't focus so much on your feelings that you overlook what's best for your children. Just the same, spend some time thinking about your ex-spouse, as this person is in the same position as you.
• Keep an open mind with schedules: Yes, a schedule is extremely important when co-parenting, as it helps keep both parents on the same page. It also gives your children a clear idea of where they'll be every day of the week. However, there are times when you have to adjust your schedule, such as if your children have an extracurricular activity or your ex is out of town.
• Pick your battles wisely: As tempting as it is to argue with your ex about everything, this will only add stress to your situation. Pick your battles wisely, while getting into the habit of letting the small things roll off your back.
• Know how to effectively communicate: It's up to you and your ex to settle on the best way to communicate. If you're able to get along, this won't be an issue. Conversely, if you're always fighting, it's often best to communicate via text or email.
• Don't get in the way during visits: When your children are with their other parent, find something to occupy your mind. This ensures that you aren't calling or texting your children, which could upset your ex.

Estate planning might seem as if it is making headlines more and more frequently. From when to consider creating wills to how to handle digital assets, information is everywhere. Despite this, some people in West Virginia still do not fully understand the importance of wills, powers of attorney and other essential estate planning documents.This is particularly true for a certain age group.

While most people might expect younger generations to struggle with the concept of a finite life and the need of estate protections, few might expect those over the age of 55 to deal with the same issues. Merrill Lynch and Age Wave recently conducted a study of 3,000 people over the age of 55 and discovered that many lack important estate planning protections. Despite a prevailing consensus that it is best to implement an estate plan before turning 50, only 55 percent of people in this age group have a will.

Virginia readers know that drafting a will is an integral part of the estate planning process. This is the document by which a person outlines what he or she wants to happen to personal property and other matters after he or she passes away. However, there are significant limitations to what wills can accomplish, and each person would be wise to determine what other documents and protections they may need. 

When thinking about estate planning, most people think about a will. This document can provide many protections, but there are certain things it cannot do. For example, a person cannot include any provisions of disability planning in his or her will. Wills only take affect when a person dies, but there are tools that allow him or her to make plans in case of an incapacitating illness or injury in the future.