Atlanta Divorce Law Group - February 2021

Atlanta Divorce Law Group - February 2021

MYVALENTINE’S DAY GIFT TO YOU

IMPROVE YOUR LOVE LIFE WITH ‘CELEBRATING PARTNERSHIP’

When I introduce myself to people as a divorce attorney, they usually assume I only help clients whose marriages are doomed to fail or already falling apart. That couldn’t be further from the truth! My team and I handle hundreds of divorce cases, but when a spouse comes to see us, we never assume divorce is their only option. Often, we’re able to help couples communicate more effectively, work through their differences, and reconcile their relationships before it’s too late. When I’m helping a couple through this process, one thing I love to do is recommend the book “Celebrating Partnership” by Alison Armstrong . Armstrong is an intimacy and partnership coach, and she’s been helping partners and individuals with their relationships since 1995. She publishes books and teaches workshops and courses like the famous “Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women.” When one of my best friends recommended I read “Celebrating Partnership” in 2018 and I looked Armstrong up, one thing that stood out to me was her client list. She’s helped high-level executives, entertainers, athletes, CEOs, and entrepreneurs work through their issues — including everyone from radio host Dennis Prager to singer- songwriter Alanis Morissette. In “Celebrating Partnership,” Armstrong explains the strength and vulnerability it takes to be a good partner and what you need to do to break out of the negative patterns your relationship might be stuck in. When I first read through that section of the book, it reminded me a bit of Bill Murray’s character in the movie “Groundhog Day.” Many of us are stuck in the same behavior loops and don’t know how to get out. If you pick up “Celebrating Partnership,” Armstrong will show you how, and she’ll also help you polish your communication skills and learn to be more vulnerable and self-aware. In “Celebrating Partnership,” Armstrong explains the strength and vulnerability it takes to be a good partner and what you need to do to break out of the negative patterns your relationship might be stuck in.

Reading a self-help book might feel a bit awkward or cheesy at first, but I promise that “Celebrating Partnership’’ is worth your time. In fact, I’d go so far as to call this recommendation my Valentine’s Day gift to you! Reading it has helped an amazing number of my clients and friends work through their relationship struggles. Its lessons don’t just apply to marriage, either — I’ve found nuggets of wisdom that have helped me be a better mother, daughter, and business leader, too. In fact, I learned so much from “Celebrating Partnership” that I immediately picked up the rest of Armstrong’s books. Then I listened to her recordings. I really wanted to meet her in person, but her live events are only for students who’ve reached a certain point in her coursework. Still, I was determined! My passion for the concept pushed me to do 60 hours of her lessons — enough to qualify for two events. Meeting Armstrong in January 2020 was inspiring, and I can’t believe a year has already gone by!

February 2021

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Alison and Sara in January 2020

Whether you’ve been through a divorce, are struggling in your current relationship, or simply hope to take your marriage from “good” to “great,” I’d highly recommend “Celebrating Partnership.” Reading it will help you cultivate the self-awareness you need to avoid repeating past mistakes. It will also show what to look for in a partner and guide you through prioritizing your relationship no matter how hectic your life gets. If you do pick up a copy of the book this month, let me know! I’d love to hear what you think. After you’re finished, pass it on to a friend who could use some of Armstrong’s wisdom. The book might just be the push they need to change their life for the better, too.

–Sara Khaki

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2 ADLG Virtual Events You’ll Love! Don’t Miss These Valuable Resources

HAPPILY EVER AFTER DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP MEETING (VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP) When: Saturday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. Register: AtlantaDivorceLawGroup.com/Happily-Ever- After-Divorce-Support‑Group/

Our complimentary divorce support groups and seminars are going 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. CHILD CUSTODY BOOTCAMP (COMPLIMENTARYWEBINAR) When: Thursday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. Register: AtlantaDivorceLawGroup.com/Webinars/Child-Custody-Bootcamp/ If you’re in the middle of a child custody battle, February might be your least favorite month of the year. It’s difficult to focus on spreading love and tenderness on Valentine’s Day when you’re worried about your children, but you don’t have to go through this tough time alone. Our team has helped hundreds of clients through the scary, confusing process of seeking and winning custody, and we’re here to give you a (virtual) helping hand, too. At our complimentary webinar, you’ll learn about different types of custody and how courts decide it. We’ll also discuss the importance of protecting your children from parental conflict, different types of custody schedules, and the do’s and don’ts of navigating child custody during divorce. With this information in your back pockets, you’ll leave this webinar feeling confident, prepared, and ready to finish February strong.

After a divorce, it’s normal to ask yourself, “Why?” and hope to find an answer. This internal quest is stressful, and court proceedings and child custody battles only make it more difficult. Luckily, there is a way to break the cycle, find closure, and look toward the future: listening to the advice of experts and sharing your experience with your peers! Our Happily Ever After Divorce Support Group brings people going through divorce together. Just after Valentine’s Day, our friend and the founder and CEO of Family Solutions Counseling, LLC, Kathleen Shack, will lead an online meeting you can join from the comfort of your home. Sign up today to get her expert guidance, connect with new friends, and learn how to let go of the past and move forward into a brighter, better spring.

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.

Nothing says “I love you” more than equipping your children with important knowledge they’ll need for the rest of their adult lives. Even if they groan about it now, they’ll be grateful for the know-howwhen they’re on their own in the future. Keep in mind that your home classroom doesn’t have to mimic a school classroom. Research from the University of Utah shows that kids learn best through hands-on activities and play. Have fun while teaching these life skills, and you’ll earn thank-yous for decades to come. CLEAN THE HOUSE Were you ever surprised by how often you have to clean your kitchen? Your child may be too. Although your 10-year-old won’t have to worry about cleaning the stove today, they will need to know how when they move out, so find ways to incentivize cleaning and make it more fun. You can have your kids collect “chore points” that add up to a prize, like an extra hour of playing video games! DEVELOP COOKING SKILLS You may be hesitant to have a little chef in the house, but if you’re teaching them how to clean up and stay safe while making some easy dishes, there’s no reason to worry! Even if you’re not a great cook yourself, it’s fun to prepare simple recipes as a family. Plus, your kids will get used to the idea of cooking for themselves, which is both healthy and cost-effective. LEARN TO GARDEN What’s a better way to get outdoors with your child than to garden together? From using tools like shovels and rakes to nurturing another living organism, gardening provides plenty of rich life lessons, such as patience. UNDERSTAND HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE Whether they’re learning how to use an electric breaker, unclog a drain, or clean out the washer or dryer, your kids can get started learning household maintenance skills with just a little guidance. Who knows, maybe they will be their dorm’s future superhero! There are many lessons you can teach your child at any age, so don’t limit yourself! Be creative with the lessons you pass on, and there’s a chance they’ll never forget them!

4 Life Skills You Can Teach Your Kids This Valentine’s Day

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Share the Love This Month 4 WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR LOVED ONES THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

A DAILY JOURNAL ENTRY February and March are usually when New Year’s resolutions begin to falter. To encourage yourself and your loved one, consider starting a daily journal. Leave a journal where you both have access to it and write positive messages inside for the other person. This acknowledgment of hard work is exactly what you both need to continue pursuing your goals this year.

Every Valentine’s Day, people want to find the best ways to show their partner or even a close friend how much they care. It is easy to get sucked into thinking you have to give them the most expensive or elaborate present you can find, but sometimes, the most meaningful gifts are the simplest. Here are four easy ways to show your loved ones how much you care this February. A TEXT A DAY Knowing someone has your back throughout the year, no matter how difficult things can get, is a great source of support and love. In addition to the usual communication you share with your loved one, add in a supportive text each day, whether it’s simply letting them know you’re thinking of them or wishing them luck on a presentation or interview. The best part about these texts is that they can be sent year-round. AMORNING MESSAGE BOARD Whiteboards are fun to draw on and make great calendars, but they can also be used to share heartfelt messages with your roommates or spouse. Writing positive messages like, “I hope you have a wonderful day!” or “You matter!” can make all the difference. Waking up to a loving note from someone they care about could mean the world to them and shift their entire mood for the day.

RANDOM GIFTS You don’t have to wait for a birthday, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day to give your loved one a gift. Buying small gifts lets your friend or spouse know you’ve been thinking about them. Whether it’s a treat they enjoy, a book, or even a small gift card, these thoughtful gestures are sure to make them smile.

Concierge Partner’s Corner

HERE’S WHAT OUR Clients Are Saying!

One of the most challenging parts of getting a divorce is untangling your finances from those of your ex-spouse. According to a 2020 NerdWallet survey, about 77% of couples have joint accounts, and that makes it tricky to plan for the financial future of your family. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone! There are financial advisors out there who specialize in helping people in the middle of life transitions, and ADLG partner Tammy M. Gruen is one of them.

“I felt supported by the Atlanta Divorce Law Group in the divorce process. I was very hesitant at first, and they never rushed me. Once I hired them for representation, they acted swiftly to protect my interests. They also took the time to help me understand the legal landscape and [the] strategic options for my specific situation. I was very satisfied with the outcome. I made the right choice in hiring Jeanette and the ADLG Team. I would highly recommend them!” –MJ B.

Tammy works for the investment banking company Raymond James and helps people in Suwanee, Johns Creek, Cumming, Alpharetta, and Duluth organize their finances and reach their personal and financial goals. “I provide comprehensive financial planning and investment strategies for individuals and families,” Tammy explains. “I am focused on helping folks who are going through transitions such as a job or career change, divorce or loss of a loved one, or those on the eve of retirement.” With Tammy’s help, you can find an investment strategy that aligns with your values, empowers you, and puts you on the path for a bright financial future. To reach her, email [email protected].

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LOVE BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AND LIFESPAN

It doesn’t take a scientist to tell us that a healthy, loving relationship can lessen our stress — but did you know it also boosts our immune system’s response and could help us live longer? Multiple studies have shown that couples in happy, loving marriages tend to have lower blood pressure. Marriage itself isn’t the key to a healthier life — the love is, researchers find. How do researchers define a loving relationship? To put it simply, it depends on the couples’ own opinion. Married couples with a high quality (aka loving) relationship showed significantly lower ambulatory systolic blood pressure than singles. However, happily married couples and singles had lower blood pressure than people in low quality marriages. Which means, at least in terms of your health, it’s much better to be single than unhappily married. How does it help your blood pressure exactly? Well, when positive events occur, the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin interact with your dopamine reward system. Vasopressin in particular helps control blood pressure.

Of course, getting into a new relationship can be a little stressful! Cortisol, the stress hormone, initially rises when you fall in love. However, it quickly drops in a long-term, stable relationship. Those low cortisol levels sustained for a long period of time contribute to many health benefits. But how does it improve your immune system? That’s a bit of a mystery to researchers. So far, women in love have shown changes in their gene regulation of immune cells compared to women not in love. Some theorize that this is in order to

prepare for pregnancy. Unfortunately, we still don’t have conclusive research on whether men in love better fight flu and other viruses, too. High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” since it has no symptoms, but it will steadily degrade your health over time, significantly increasing your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease. And while love is certainly not the only way to lower blood pressure, it’s comforting to know our loved ones can boost our health for a longer, happier life. Happy Valentine’s Day!

5 Places to Treat Yourself This Valentine’s Day THESE LOCAL SPOTS HAVE YOU COVERED!

1. The Woodhouse Day Spa (Alpharetta) What better way to pamper yourself than a spa trip? Head to Woodhouse to soak in an aromatherapy bath, relax during a therapeutic stone massage, or enjoy a “warm spiced mud wrap” that leaves your skin looking years younger. 2. Rumi’s Kitchen (Atlanta) Rumi’s Kitchen is one of Sara’s favorite spots in the city for Persian food. This Valentine’s Day, make a reservation for yourself or invite your friends and family along for a night of Chef Ali Mesghali’s cooking. The kabobs, Chilean sea bass, chicken barg, and Darjeeling creme brulée are legendary. 3. All Fired Up (Alpharetta) If you have an artistic side, All Fired Up is a great spot to stretch those muscles! At the studio, you can paint a premade piece of pottery (they have 700 options to choose from) or build your own sculpture or pot from raw clay. This is a great place to bring friends, family, or your kids for a day out. 4. St. Cecilia (Atlanta) St. Cecilia, one of the best Italian restaurants in the city, is going all-out for Valentine’s Day this year! You can treat yourself and a friend to a prix fixe “coastal European” dinner including antipasti, braised beef cheek agnolotti, pan roasted halibut, and dessert, or call in to order a pasta kit for curbside pickup. 5. Atlanta Botanical Garden (Atlanta) Yes, it’s February, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy time in nature. From Saturday, Feb. 13, through Sunday, April 11, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is hosting Orchid Daze in its Fuqua Conservatory. Bring along a cup of coffee and relax as you walk through thousands of colorful, fragrant blooms.

If your plan for Feb. 14 includes a sad romantic movie, a bag of chocolate, and a lonely bubble bath, we have news for you: You can do better! Going through a divorce or custody battle is no reason to spend Valentine’s Day in a slump. Instead of giving in to negative emotions, why not treat the person who has stuck by you through it all: yourself! To help you do that, we’ve put together a local Valentine’s Day itinerary for you. These five spots are at the top of Sara’s list when she needs a pick-me-up, and they’re guaranteed to turn your day around. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your planner and start scheduling.

A visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden makes a great Valentine’s Day outing!

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