New Jersey Family Law and Divorce Lawyer

JOANNA R. ADU, ATTORNEY

Joanna graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Washington in 2006, and graduated with honors from the Seattle University School of Law in 2016. While in law school, Joanna served as a judicial clerk for The Honorable Theresa M. Pouley, the now-retired Chief Judge of the Tulalip Tribal Court. Joanna also published an article that analyzed how tribal domestic violence convictions could potentially be used in subsequent federal criminal proceedings.

Prior to joining Lyons & Associates, P.C., Joanna had the honor of working as an appellate law clerk for the Honorable Susan L. Reisner, P.J.A.D. In her clerkship, Joanna reviewed, analyzed, and recommended outcomes for appeals of various family matters including DCPP related abuse and neglect and/or termination of parental rights cases, child support, and domestic violence.

Joanna is admitted to practice in New Jersey. She is also a member of the American Bar Association, Asian Pacific Lawyers Association of New Jersey, and Garden State Bar Association.

 

Articles Written by Joanna R. Adu

How QTIP Trusts Help Blended Families Pass on Assets after Death

January 8, 2019

Written by: Joanna Adu, Esq.

For individuals who are married but have children from a prior relationship a QTIP Trust should be a point of consideration in your estate planning process. A QTIP Trust, or Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trust, is an irrevocable trust that allows you to use your assets to provide for your surviving spouse until his or her death while still preserving those assets for distribution to your children thereafter.

My Spouse and I Entered Into an Agreement During the Marriage and Now We’re Getting Divorced, Can Our Agreement Be Enforced?

October 10, 2018

It is not uncommon for people to enter into agreements that address the resolution of their financial affairs and assets while they are still dedicated to their relationship. Prenuptial agreements are entered into before a couple gets married. Postnuptial agreements are entered into after a couple has married. Further, there are actually two types of postnuptial agreements: mid-marriage agreements and end-of-marriage agreements.

Disputes Over Treatment and Therapies for Special Needs Children

August 6, 2018

For co-parents of a child with special needs, it is not uncommon to disagree about decisions related to particular treatments and therapies for their child. There are also times when parents are unable to agree about the nature of a child’s disability and its effect, or lack thereof, on the child’s daily life.