Independent Contractior rights I am employed as an exotic dancer and signed a…

Independent Contractior rights
I am employed as an exotic dancer and signed a stage rental agreement stating that I was an ‘independent contractor’ not an employee. As an independent contractor, does my employer have the right to fine me for being late, or calling out sick? I’m looking for the laws for an independent contractor, and my rights but I’m having trouble. Do I have any rights?

living wills My husband has 2 children from a previous marriage, and I have a…

living wills
My husband has 2 children from a
previous marriage, and I have a niece
and nephews I’d like to include as a
beneficiary of our estate. I’d also like
to avoid inheritance tax for my niece
and nephews. His children and my
nice are grown, and the nephews are
under 10. Do I need a will and a
trust? Do we need 2 separate wills
and trusts, or can one work?
Thank You,
Denise

Original Last Will & Testament My sister had a will drawn up in New Jersey.

Original Last Will & Testament
My sister had a will drawn up in New Jersey. She has since been declared incompetent to handle her own affairs and has been moved to a nursing home in Illinois. I have a durable POA and closest living relative. I have sold all her property in New Jersey and all she has left is a portfolio which I am managing for her. I have asked her lawyer in New Jersey to send me the original of the will, so that I will be ready for probate when she passes away. The lawyer refused, citing privacy issues. He claims my sister asked him to keep it safe for her. I do have a copy of her will, but not the original. I do have originals of her POA and Living Will.
What privacy issues is the NJ lawyer talking about? I have copies of all her documents, bank statements, investments, pensions, etc.
Do I have a legal right to get the original will? Does he have a legal right not to give it to me? He said that a colleague researched the subject for him and under NJ Law and legal ethical standards, he cannot send the original to me until my sister passes away and that my POA does not give me any testamentary rights.

quit claim deeds My mother passed away recently without a will.

quit claim deeds
My mother passed away recently without a will. She left a house with a mortgage (balance unknown)- my sister lived with her. I don’t want the house or anything else from the estate. Do I file a quit claim deed – if so, how? where? I live in FL. Can I file without traveling to NJ? Is there naything else I should know? Thank you.

How do we avoid the legal hassle of probate court I live in California and…

How do we avoid the legal hassle of probate court
I live in California and have two older siblings that live in New Jersey and our mother lives in New Jersey as well and will turn 81 this October. What is the best way for us to avoid the legal hassles of probate, estate taxes and inheritance taxes that will come about if and when the time comes when our mom passes? Would placing one or all of us on the deed of the house by use of a quit claim work?