Bruckert, Behme & Long, P.C.Bruckert, Behme & Long, P.C.2026-07-09T08:21:42Zhttps://www.bblattorneys.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1104001/2019/06/cropped-fab-icon-min-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Bruckert, Behme & Long, P.C.<![CDATA[Tips for negotiating custody and parenting time in a divorce]]>https://www.bblattorneys.com/?p=499882025-06-11T10:21:14Z2025-06-11T10:21:14ZPrioritize communication
Open and honest communication is crucial. Talk to your spouse about your concerns and listen to theirs. Effective communication can help prevent misunderstandings and make the process smoother.
Remember, it is not just about talking; it is about listening, too. Good communication sets a positive tone for future co-parenting.
Focus on stability
Children need stability during and after a divorce. Courts often consider the child's routine and environment when making custody decisions.
Aim to minimize disruptions to their daily life. Consistent schedules and familiar surroundings can help your children adjust better. Stability can ease their transition into this new phase of life.
Be involved
Stay engaged in your child's life. As much as possible, attend school events, participate in extracurricular activities and spend quality time together.
Being present shows your commitment to their well-being. Courts take note of parents who actively participate in their child's life. Your involvement can also strengthen your relationship with your child.
Seek counseling (if needed)
Counseling offers a neutral space to discuss your feelings and concerns. It can help both parents and children cope with the emotional aspects of divorce. A therapist can also offer strategies to improve communication and resolve conflicts.
Avoid parental alienation
Never speak negatively about the other parent in front of your children. Parental alienation can harm your child's relationship with both parents.
Courts take parental alienation seriously and may penalize parents who engage in such behavior. Instead, focus on fostering a positive relationship between your child and both parents.
Legal representation is crucial
The decisions made during custody negotiations create the foundation for your child's future. When dealing with custody matters, it is best to have a skilled attorney by your side. Professional legal counsel can help ensure that you make informed choices that protect both your rights and your child's well-being.]]>On Behalf of Bruckert, Behme & Long, P.C.<![CDATA[Should you update your estate plan?]]>https://www.bblattorneys.com/?p=499812025-04-11T19:24:56Z2025-04-11T18:59:17ZOne of the questions many people have when creating an estate plan is whether they can make changes later. Yes. It is possible to update an estate plan, and it is often recommended to do so regularly.
If you have an estate plan and are unsure if you need to update it, you may want to learn why this can benefit you and how soon you should make changes. Here is what you should know:
What are the benefits of a revised estate plan?
The main benefit of updating an estate plan is that you can add or remove assets from your itemized list. This is a common change that many people make after buying or selling valuable assets (real estate, vehicles, jewelry, etc.). You can also change who can benefit from your estate plan, adding or removing beneficiaries. Another reason you may want to update your estate plan is because you want to protect your legacy. After learning about your legal options, you may want to add a trust to your estate plan. A trust can help to protect your estate from disputes, probate and estate taxes.You may also need to update your power of attorney or living will, especially if you begin to develop serious medical conditions. A power of attorney and living will can help you control how you would be taken care of if you suffered from a serious injury or illness and can no longer care for yourself. A revised estate plan may also benefit you if you recently had a child. You can assign a guardian who would be responsible for caring for your child if you suffered a fatal injury or illness.
How often should you alter your will and other legal documents?
If you are considering making changes to your estate plan, then this may be the right time. However, many people do not update their estate plan for three to five years. This is often about the amount of time for people to add valuable assets to their estate. You may also want to consider making changes to your estate plan if you recently married, divorced, lost a beneficiary, had a child or developed an illness. Legal guidance can help you keep you estate plan current.]]>