Atlanta Divorce Law Group - August 2021

Atlanta Divorce Law Group - August 2021

August 2021

Feeling Overwhelmed by Back-to-School? 3 Tips for Getting Through the Chaos

Can you believe it’s August already? After more than a year of downtime at home and stuck in isolation, this summer felt like going from 0 to 60 overnight. My family had so many things to do and so many people to see that June and July passed in a finger snap. Now, it feels crazy that we’re back to the grind of sending Rami and Hanna to school, picking them up again, and making sure they get their homework done on time. If you have kids at home, I bet you’re feeling similarly overwhelmed. Usually, summer is the time we can all relax and recharge, but the vaccine rollout flipped that script and made this summer the season of go-go-go. I fell into this trap, too, and I’m heading into fall feeling a little bit worn out. To combat that, I’ve come up with three strategies that will help me (and maybe you!) get through this back-to-school chaos. 1. GIVE YOURSELF GRACE. The last year and a half wasn’t easy. Your kids might have gotten behind at school because of the challenges of virtual learning or because COVID-19 impacted your family. They might have missed out on classes they wanted to take, sports they wanted to play, or other extracurricular activities they were excited about. As you gear up to fill in those gaps this school year, remember they don’t have to catch up on everything overnight! It’s okay if your kids don’t become sports heroes or academic superstars overnight or don’t invite friends over every weekend. Be patient and give yourself and your family the grace to get back to things slowly. 2. CHECK YOUR FOMO. The fear of missing out, or FOMO, can really impact our mentality. If you find yourself scrolling social media, comparing yourself to others, and feeling guilty that you aren’t doing enough, remember it’s

“It’s okay if your kids don’t become sports heroes or

okay to put down your phone. You can’t do and be everything. It’s more important to focus on a few priorities and do your best. 3. LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE. This sounds like a big cliche, but focusing on the positives helped me get through last year, and it’s still a powerful tool. During COVID-19, I tried to focus on the perks of isolation like family time, self-reflection, and the lessons learned from pivoting personally and professionally. Now, I’m looking at the bright sides of the back-to- school season. Yes, it’s stressful, but Hanna loves back-to-school shopping just like I did at her age (getting new books, fresh pages, and sharp pencils was the nerdy highlight of my year), and Rami is really excited about starting fourth grade and seeing his friends in the classroom. Those are big upsides! Feel free to steal these tips if you think they’ll help you get through the month. I know I’ll be turning to them as Hisham and I buckle in for the back-to-school, fall, and holiday seasons. academic superstars overnight, or don’t invite friends over every weekend. Be patient and give yourself and your family the grace to get back to things slowly.”

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–Sara Khaki

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Join Us Online This Month! 2 COMPLIMENTARY EVENTS TO EASE THE DIVORCE PROCESS

your questions, explain how the divorce process works, and go over financial concerns to think about. If you’re on the fence about what’s right for your family, this discussion is a must. Head to the website to sign up! HAPPILY EVER AFTER DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP MEETING (VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP) When: Saturday, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m. Register: AtlantaDivorceLawGroup.com/Happily- Ever-After-Divorce-Support-Group There is no convenient time to get divorced, but tackling the process at the start of the school year is especially tough if you have children. You may feel stressed, confused, and overwhelmed. If you do, we can help. Our Happily Ever After Divorce Support Group was designed specifically for people like you. During its monthly virtual meetings, therapist Kathleen Shack helps folks

Our complimentary divorce support groups and seminars are available online! Register for these upcoming events to gain knowledge, resources, and emotional support that will help you feel empowered while you go through major life changes. CONSIDERING DIVORCE (COMPLIMENTARY WEBINAR) When: Thursday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m. Register: AtlantaDivorceLawGroup.com/ Webinars/Considering-Divorce “Divorce” can be a scary word to bring up to your spouse, particularly if you’re not 100% sure it’s the best option for the two of you. To make sure you really know what you want before you pull the trigger, sign up for our “Considering Divorce” webinar. This discussion is free, and you can join from the comfort of your home or office. ADLG attorney Allen Russell will answer

going through divorce and custody battles move forward with grace.

Kathleen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Gottman Couples Therapist, Certified Discernment Counselor, Collaborative Divorce Coach, Child Specialist and Registered Divorce Mediator, and the Founder and CEO of Family Solutions Counseling, LLC. Her years of experience make her a knowledgeable, comforting port in the storm. To get started on your happily ever after, sign up for this month’s session at the website listed. Here at ADLG, we’re not letting COVID-19 slow us down. Sign up for these virtual events to get the information and support you need without leaving home.

Given the choice between an elderly person living alone in the countryside and a young recent college graduate living in a major metro area, who do you think would have a greater chance of experiencing loneliness? While many seniors do suffer from loneliness, you may be surprised to learn that people in their 20s and 30s experience loneliness today more than any other age group. In fact, the post-college years are when loneliness peaks despite opportunities to interact with others in the workplace or other social environments. A FRONT ROW SEAT TO EVERYONE’S HIGHLIGHT REEL When you view someone’s social media, chances are you’re seeing a “highlight reel” of their life. When you compare your behind-the-scenes footage to that highlight reel, it can leave you feeling unaccomplished and isolated, which further leads to loneliness. Given that millennials are very involved with social media, it’s no wonder their age group is lonelier. THE POST-DORM FRIENDSHIP DROUGHT Even before the advent of social media, people moved away from the conditions that created friendships when they left their college dorms. According to sociologists in a 1978 study, there are three conditions that lead to making friends: “proximity, repeated and unplanned interactions, and settings that encourage people to let their guard down.” Young people are much less likely to come across these conditions in their lives after college. HOWTO FIX IT Loneliness isn’t easy to tackle. It takes time and effort to alleviate, and it starts with actively looking for opportunities to form relationships with other people. It can be scary putting yourself out there, but you might be surprised by how accepting other people can be. Rejection is always a possibility, but so is the remedy to your loneliness. You’ll never know how many future friends you may have until you get out and look around for them! AND HOW TO STOP IT Why So Many Young People Are Lonely

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Will a Night at the Movies Change Forever? MOVIE THEATERS IN POST-PANDEMIC TIMES

Out of all the businesses hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, few were affected more than movie theaters. For the past year, as movies have debuted on streaming services rather than in theaters, many industry leaders, critics, and theatergoers alike have raised the alarming question: Did COVID-19 kill the movie theater industry?

are funnier when you laugh with others. A hero’s triumphs are more spectacular when you cheer them on together. (Who didn’t go nuts when Captain America caught Thor’s hammer in “Avengers: Endgame”?) When you leave the theater, you feel a little closer to the strangers around you, and having been immersed in the movie alongside your friends, you can discuss how you liked the movie on the way home.

In short? No. Not by a long shot. Though the past year has left the industry somewhat beleaguered (AMC closed 60 theaters permanently, Cineworld reported losses totaling $2 billion, and the Alamo furloughed more than 5,000 employees). Yet, despite all of this, a night at the movies is here to stay. When a Vox reporter reached out to various moviegoers about whether they would attend theaters once the pandemic ends, many of them said yes because streaming a film in their living room just can’t provide the same experience.

Of course, movie theaters will still change as a result of the pandemic. Theaters are working to become more digital, some even moving to eliminate paper tickets and creating options to order concessions before your arrival. More theaters may promote private viewings of movies so people can be more careful about whom they watch movies with. Some theaters are also trying to create more of an “experience” for moviegoers by offering a wider array of food and even comfier seats. However, these changes, especially given the circumstances of the past year, are hardly surprising. The movie theater industry has been evolving for over 100 years, and it certainly won’t stop evolving now.

Watching a movie in a theater completely immerses one in the experience — you can’t pause the film to watch later or do chores. And you’re in it with the whole theater. Comedies

Concierge Partner’s Corner Richard Rose of Allstate

What Our Clients Are Saying!

In most marriages, spouses divide up financial duties like car insurance, rental or home insurance, and even saving for retirement. Each person handles the things they’re best at — so it can be scary to split up and find yourself suddenly responsible for all of the financial details of your new life. If you’re struggling to understand your insurance plan or acquire insurance that works for you, Richard Rose of Allstate can help. Richard has lived in the Johns Creek/Alpharetta area since 1995 and opened his Allstate agency in 2017. He’s a family man with a real passion for his community. He loves tennis and golf, and when he’s not working or volunteering, you can find him cheering on his kids at their sports games.

“I enjoyed working with Allen on my divorce. No one wants to go through one, but he had lots of experience and knowledge about the system and was the calm to my storm. I felt my billing was fair, and we even went to trial. I had a very favorable outcome and I am glad I chose him to represent me.” –Natalie M. “Allen Russell is a great divorce attorney. Very knowledgeable in what he does and professional with a high ethic. Just listen to him, you won’t be disappointed.” –Lyn L.

“I’m in the insurance industry because I love working with and helping people,” he says. “I believe treating people courteously and honestly is the only way to do business. Whether you need to choose car insurance, rental insurance, protect your dream home or save for retirement, I’m here to help you choose coverage that fits your needs.” To reach Richard today, call 770-664-0602 or stop by his office at 3518 Old MIlton Parkway in Alpharetta.

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3 NATURAL WAYS TO BOOST YOUR ENERGY WITHOUT CAFFEINE Don’t Reach for the Coffee

If you can’t start your day without your daily cup — or cups — of joe, you’re not alone. More than 450 million cups of coffee are consumed by U.S. residents every day, and unfortunately, heavy caffeine consumption may not be healthy. (It’s a big reason why celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Jim Carrey, and Kim Kardashian don’t drink it!) Moderate amounts of caffeine can improve your mental health, and some studies suggest it could even prevent some chronic conditions. However, there are major downsides to overconsumption, which equates to more than four cups of coffee each day. These can include high blood pressure, addiction symptoms, and decreased mentality. If you want to break out of the caffeine cycle and reduce how much coffee you drink, try replacing that cuppa with one of these methods! STRETCH After lying in one position all night, your body may feel stiff and achy. Stretching awakens your muscles and helps you break out of that groggy

morning feeling. Start with your back and do some slow core twists. Then, sit on the floor and lay your legs out in front of you. Stretch forward, then sit back up. Next, position your right foot on the opposite side of your left knee. Keeping your hips centered, turn your torso toward your right foot so that your right arm is on your right knee. Switch to the other side and repeat as needed. Finally, pull your head toward your shoulders to loosen your neck. GO FOR AWALK When you wake up in the morning, head outside! Movement stimulates your brain and improves your mood, and the act of walking is relaxing enough that it doesn’t require much effort on your part. Plus, it’s a great way to get your steps in, wake up slowly, and get outside before a busy day. JUST BREATHE This might sound like it will lull you to sleep, but there are actually some breathing techniques that can help you wake up! The “breath of fire” is a rapid-fire breathing technique, during which you

inhale deeply, exhale deeply, inhale deeply again, and then exhale quickly. Repeat this as needed. Other practices that focus on breathing, like yoga, can be effective, too. Waking up isn’t an exact science, but once you find a healthy method that works for you, you may never need coffee again. (Gasp!)

WHO GETS THE PETS?

How to Hang on to Your Furry Friends in a Divorce

HOWTO TIP THE ODDS IN YOUR FAVOR When deciding who gets to keep a shared pet, the court considers a few things:

In 2019, a SpotOn Virtual Smart Fence study found 98% of dog owners consider their pups “members of the family.” Many people feel the same way about their cats, horses, birds, and snakes! These close bonds bring joy to our lives, but they also have a downside: Deciding the fate of a pet during a divorce can be nearly as emotional as a child custody battle. YOUR PET’S LEGAL STATUS Under Georgia law, pets are considered property. This means that in most cases, whoever purchased the pet will walk away with it when the divorce is over. However, things get more complicated if both parties have partial ownership of the pet and consider it “community property.” When that happens, the animal’s future home is ultimately up to the court.

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Is it a service animal or emotional support animal (ESA)? Who handled most of the pet’s care and expenses?

Are there multiple pets in the household? Is the pet connected to the property?

If the pet is a service animal or ESA, the court will likely keep it with the person it serves. The court may also favor the person who handled most of the pet’s expenses and care. If that’s you, any documentation you can provide (e.g., vet bills) will help prove your case. When there are multiple pets in the household, the court may decide to split them up for “equitable distribution” but could be convinced to keep them together if you can prove it’s in the pets’ best interests. The property may also play a role. For example, if one spouse wins the horse barn, they may be awarded the horses as well. Keep this in mind when negotiating for property. TURN TO THE EXPERTS Ultimately, your pets’ fate comes down to the strength of the argument you and your lawyer can put together. To learn more about this complicated situation and discuss your hopes and worries, call us today at 678-203-9893.

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