Atlanta Divorce Law Group - August 2020

Atlanta Divorce Law Group - August 2020

A DIFFICULT CUSTODY BATTLE WHO GETS TO DECIDE IF THE KIDS GO BACK TO SCHOOL?

August 2020

One of the big issues parents have to address this year is a question I certainly never thought I’d have to ask: Will I send my kids back to school this fall? Whether or not schools will reopen for in- person lessons is a question being asked across the country. Here in Georgia, some school districts are committed to remaining completely virtual while others are letting parents choose between virtual or in-person classes for their kids. This choice has caused a fair amount of tension between divorced couples who are co-parenting together. They have to come to this decision together, which can be difficult if exes don’t agree on the best course of action. In divorce, custody rights expand beyond physical visitation schedules. There’s also legal custody, which comprises the decision- making rights over a child’s education, medical care, travel, extracurricular activities, and religion. These decision-making rights are often divided up between the parents. Mom may have custody rights for medical care, travel, and religion while Dad has rights for education and extracurricular activities. Right now, we’re still trying to figure out if the decision of whether to send kids back to school or keep them virtual is a medical decision or an education decision. If there’s a split, where one parent has medical decision-making rights and the other has education decisions, the question of in-person versus virtual education may lead to a custody battle. One parent may insist that it’s a medical decision and they aren’t sending their kids back to school due to health concerns. The other parent could insist that it’s an education decision and that the kids should go back to school because kids learn better in the classroom. We have no real precedence to suggest how these cases could play out, but we predict that a judge may look at the circumstances of each case. If the child has a health condition that puts them at higher risk, then it could be a medical decision. Otherwise, it will likely be an education decision. Ideally, it won’t come to the courtroom. We encourage our clients to try and communicate with their ex first. The best method around any issue is for the two parents to do everything they can to co-parent together. If you are dealing with a difficult or combative personality then you may need to get attorneys involved, but ideally you will be able to work together

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and determine what is best for your children. Children will be very aware of what side their parents are on, and if the parents cannot agree, the children might feel guilty about going or not going to school this year. That’s not a feeling we need to put on our children. These are difficult conversations, but they are conversations all parents need to have right now, whether you’re married or divorced. I honestly don’t know what the right answer is. My husband and I have been having these conversations all summer. Do we hire a tutor? Do we ask Grandma and Grandpa to help? Do we alternate which of us is working each day so the other can do home-schooling? Do we send the kids to private school? There are so many uncertainties and our concerns only compound because our children are involved. Divorce doesn’t mean the conversations have to be any different than the conversations married couples are having right now. Parents need to communicate and keep their children’s best interests at heart. There are times when going to court may be a necessity, but if you are in a situation where you can communicate, even if that communication isn’t always easy, we encourage you to take that option first. You may have to agree to disagree on some things, but if you can find a happy medium, your family will usually be much better off than having this hashed out in front of a judge.

–Sara Khaki

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Find Support and Look to the Future With Hope DIVORCE AND CHILD CUSTODY

Our complimentary divorce support groups and seminars are going online! Register for these upcoming webinars to gain knowledge, resources, and emotional support that can help you feel empowered while you go through major life changes. HAPPILY EVER AFTER DIVORCE VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP When: Thursday, Aug. 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Register by emailing: supportforyou@ atldivorcegroup.com Divorce can be a challenging, emotionally draining experience. There are moments when you may feel like you are the only person in the world facing such challenges. That’s why we offer free divorce support groups, to help connect our clients to other people who can share and understand their experiences. Hosted by licensed marriage and family therapist Kathleen Shack, these support groups focus on

various topics surrounding divorce. Learn how to work through the challenges you’re facing and look to the future with hope. CHILD CUSTODY BOOTCAMP (COMPLIMENTARY WEBINAR) When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 9:30 a.m. Register: Atlantadivorcelawgroup.com/ seminars/child-custody-bootcamp Child custody is one of the most challenging, painful aspects of the divorce process. The idea of not having custody of your children can be a terrifying prospect for parents. Don’t let fear dictate your decisions. Register for this webinar to learn about different types of custody and how courts decide custody. During the webinar, we will also discuss the importance of protecting children from parental conflict, different types of custody schedules, and the do’s and don’ts of navigating child custody during divorce.

We are dedicated to continuing to provide valuable information to our clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Register for these webinars today to gain this information from the comfort and safety of your home.

WITH THESE SENSORY-RICH ACTIVITIES HELP YOUR KIDS HANDLE STRESSFUL SITUATIONS

You can see it happening, almost in slow motion: Your child goes from playing and laughing to frowning in less than a second. They start to cry, and suddenly, a meltdown is underway. Is this just the way raising young kids is? Does a lack of sleep, change in routine, or intense hunger always have to lead to a meltdown? While it’s human to feel emotions and express them, you can use certain strategies to help your child navigate major emotions and calm down. The key is helping them tap into their central nervous system with activities that engage their senses.

Just like adults, younger kids sometimes need support to regulate their emotions, especially in situations that are stressful for them. That’s where activities that engage the five senses can be really beneficial. Sensory activities that utilize the five senses can help your little one connect their body to their immediate surroundings and the larger world around them.

Here are some sensory-rich activities that can help kids feel calmer in stressful times:

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Make a pile of pillows and jump into it.

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Put on some fun music and dance.

• Bounce your little one on your lap or an exercise ball.

• Take them for a spin around the house in a box or laundry basket; kids can even race each other.

• Create a slide by propping a mattress or exercise mat against the couch.

These are activities you can use right where you are to help your child find their calm again, even in a meltdown. According to early childhood development expert Alyssa Blask Campbell, sensory input stays in the system for about two hours, meaning even just five minutes of these types of activities can give you and your child hours of calm throughout the day.

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STUCK INSIDE? 3 ACTIVITIES TO KEEP YOU BUSY

PLAN YOUR NEXT VACATION

Summertime means getting out of the house to enjoy the sunshine and the bright blue sky. But even during this great time of year, you may

Spending the day inside might just be the perfect time to plan your next vacation. Use this time to calculate the expenses of the trip, such as travel, board, food, and souvenirs. You can also research and figure out where you’re going to stay ahead of time, whether that be a hotel or an Airbnb, to optimize your experience. Once you have the groundwork done, you’ll have a better idea of how your trip will go and be able to focus on the fun stuff when the time comes!

have to spend some of these precious days inside, not outside. Rather than scrolling through social media or reminiscing about better days, here are a few ideas you can use to turn a day spent indoors into a fun summer memory!

GET CRAFTY

CHANGE IT UP

You’re bound to have a few materials floating around the house that you can use to create a new art project or even start a new hobby. If you have extra sheets of paper lying around, then give origami a go. Do you have a shirt you don’t wear anymore but still love? Turn it into a new pillow cover or a bag. You can also create fun garden

If you’ve been putting off rearranging or reorganizing a room in your house, then a day at home is a great chance to get started. Switching up the layout of your stuff gives your home a fresh new look and provides you with an opportunity to deep-clean your space. If you have a patio or porch, then try sprucing up those outdoor spaces with new furniture, potted plants, or trendy decor. Just imagine how satisfying it will feel once everything is in a new place and sparkling clean. Even when you’d rather be outside enjoying the last days of summer, these indoor activities will keep you entertained and give you something fun to look forward to!

decorations by painting rocks, making a wind chime, or repurposing an old boot into a new plant holder. You never know — whatever you choose to do could become your next passion.

Concierge Partners’ Corner

HERE’S WHAT OUR Clients Are Saying!

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many families have struggled to meet child care and education needs. You don’t have to juggle everything alone. Lisa Martin, general manager of the North Metro Atlanta branch of College Nannies, Sitters and Tutors is here to help. Lisa has been helping lighten the load on families since she started babysitting in seventh grade. Today, she works with over a thousand families, connecting them with professionally trained nannies, babysitters, and tutors who can help meet their child care needs. Lisa is dedicated to making life easier for parents and helping kids realize their potential. “Once in a seminar to develop an elevator speech, I described myself as a Mom-to-All and the room of my co-workers went, ‘Wow, that IS you,’” Lisa says. “I love the tiniest baby to grumpy teenager with the same commitment to making sure that I help them be better, do better and know that being better is more fun.” College Nannies, Sitters and Tutors can provide part-time, full-time, on- demand, and virtual help. Find trustworthy help in your area by visiting CollegeNanniesAndTutors.com/locations/alpharettaga today.

‘Professionalism, Responsiveness, and Support’ “I can’t say enough about the professionalism, responsiveness, and support I received from this firm. My experience from start to finish was outstanding. I always felt comfortable knowing that Jeanette, Trish, or another member of their team was there to speak with me if needed and always were quick to reply to emails. They kept their commitment to see the process to the end without any hidden fees. They truly are a class act and for the first time in a very long time I believe there is a happily ever after! “Thank you again, and please feel free to share my comments with any prospective clients — I highly recommend you and your firm.”

–Mark M.

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National Chefs Appreciation Week CELEBRATE THOSE WHO BRING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

HOW CAN I CELEBRATE?

Restaurants have had an especially tough time staying afloat during the pandemic. Most eateries had to discontinue dine-in service, and those that couldn’t adapt to offering takeout or delivery may still be questioning whether they’ll ever be able to open their doors again. During the pandemic, it became clear to many of us just how important a role our favorite restaurants play in providing not just tasty chow, but also a sense of comfort and community. Celebrating National Chefs Appreciation Week is a great way to let the chefs who run those eateries know just how much they mean to us.

Now that many restaurants are opening back up for service at a limited capacity, it’s possible to dine in and further support the chefs who make the food you love. But, if you’re still not comfortable eating at a restaurant, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate. Continue having food delivered or picking up curbside from your favorite places. Whether dining in or carrying out, remember to tip well! You can also post about your favorite dishes on social media or leave a glowing review for your favorite eatery on Google or Yelp. The beauty of this holiday is that celebrating includes doing activities you probably already do, so it’s easy to participate. Chefs play a significant role in the evolution of culture, protection of tradition, and construction of community. Their food brings us together, fills our stomachs, and brightens our moods. We may not have fully recognized all they do for us until recently, but now that we have, we can truly celebrate Chefs Appreciation Week to the fullest.

WHAT IS IT?

Since the holiday’s inception in 2013, it has most commonly occurred during the third week of August; this year, it’s August 16–22. Restaurants, patrons, and home cooks alike can show appreciation for the art and dedication chefs bring to their craft every day. Several restaurants across the country celebrate with special events and menus, and patrons flock to their favorite places for great food and company and to support the chefs who bring their communities together.

WHY DID MASKS BECOME SO POLITICAL?

UNMASKING THE TRUTH

To wear a mask or to not wear a mask? This is the controversial question of 2020. There is some evidence to suggest that universal masking may help slow the spread of COVID-19, but the research is ongoing. Ongoing scientific research is rarely a hot topic, so how did a simple piece of cloth become a political statement? For that, we can literally look at our political leaders. The reason mask-wearing tends to fall along political lines for the general public is because it has fallen along political lines for politicians.

Many prominent Democratic politicians have been vocal about their support of mask wearing. Likewise, prominent Republicans have voiced their skepticism over the effectiveness of masks in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve seen this here in Georgia, as Gov. Brian Kemp has opposed mandatory mask policies proposed by various city mayors. This divide between public figures can create a divide in the general public.

In an interview with Vox, Wiley noted that the battle over masks is not the first time we’ve seen how leaders and public figures can influence public health. The rise and fall of smoking in the United States was largely influenced by who was or wasn’t pulling out a cigarette on screen. “When you see someone you respect model a behavior, it influences your own views about that behavior,” Wiley said. This kind of human behavior can lead to serious problems. The divide between pro- and anti- masking has become contentious, at times even violent. Individuals have become the subject of ire by strangers on the street simply for going outside without a mask. Employees at restaurants or grocery stores have even faced physical abuse when trying to enforce their company’s mask policy. No matter where a person stands on universal masking, it’s clear that this behavior is unacceptable. No one deserves to be abused over a simple piece of cloth.

Lindsay Wiley is a law professor at American University who specializes in public health law.

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