Atlanta Divorce Law Group - June 2020

Atlanta Divorce Law Group - June 2020

CAN SUMMER VACATION STILL BE FUN? HOW TO MAKE A NEW ADVENTURE

June 2020

When you are raising children, summer vacation is often the highlight of the year. This is a time for summer camps, family trips, and all the fun opportunities that come with the kids being out of school for a few weeks. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s clear this summer will be very different. My family was planning a trip to London this summer. My daughter loves Peppa Pig and my son is really into history and World War II right now, so this was an adventure we were all looking forward to. Canceling this trip was disappointing, but we know it was the right move. Though this summer might not look like how we planned, that doesn’t mean it won’t be fun. I know a lot of people are switching their plans to take a family road trip rather than fly to their destination. There are also plenty of ways to have summer fun at home. That said, canceling major plans creates even greater challenges when you share child custody with your ex. A lot of child custody arrangements have been disrupted due to COVID-19. Most of these arrangements work around the school schedule, and many students have been out of school since March. Families have questions about when they get their kids. Cross-country custody exchanges become even more difficult when air travel is no longer an option. If you and your ex agreed that you would have the kids for a big trip and that trip was canceled, do you still get the kids during that time? Additionally, what if

you need to take a trip now that you weren’t planning on because of COVID-19? How do parents grapple with this disruption? A lot of stress and anxiety about summer vacation is common right now. Hopefully, if you find yourself in this situation, you and your ex will engage in positive communication and come to an agreement on a new schedule. If you don’t have that kind of relationship, you should definitely speak to your attorney to create a formal, temporary agreement. Ideally, it won’t come to this. Summer vacation means a lot to families. It’s still possible to have a great summer by making a new arrangement that works for everyone. Summer vacation isn’t ruined — parents just have to be a bit more creative this year. If you are taking a road trip, make sure you pack plenty of extra food just in case your destination suffers from food shortages. If you’ve booked a resort or theme park trip, check those use-by dates and possibly reschedule the trip for later in the year. You can even use the time spent rescheduling your trip as an opportunity to reconnect with the kids. Treat it like a “virtual vacation.” Research destinations together and get the kids involved in picking activities they’re excited about. Though it might not be the trip you originally dreamed about, you can still have fun and enjoy new adventures.

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–Sara Khaki

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Register for Our Complimentary Webinars! PREPARE FOR LIFE’S BIG CHANGES

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.

In any situation, the divorce process is emotionally challenging. These challenges only grow when your ex is a combative, narcissistic, or contentious personality. This month’s support group will focus on navigating the high-conflict, ugly situation that comes with divorcing a narcissist. Licensed marriage and family therapist Kathleen Shack, M.S. will be leading the group and offering strategies for working through the emotional challenges participants are facing. Register today to get access to this event and our library of webinar videos. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ADOPTION (COMPLIMENTARY WEBINAR) When: Tuesday, July 21 Register: AtlantaDivorceLawGroup.com/ seminars/what-you-need-to-know-about- adoption/

Opening your home to a child through adoption is a wonderful decision that comes with a lot of hard work. If you are considering adoption, make sure you join us for this free online seminar. We will discuss the various adoption options, what to expect during the process, and the financial considerations of adopting. We will also discuss adoption and strategies for helping your family adjust to a new normal. 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.

DIVORCING A COMBATIVE, NARCISSISTIC, OR CONTENTIOUS PERSONALITY (SUPPORT GROUP WEBINAR) When: Thursday, June 18; 6:30–8 p.m. Register: AtlantaDivorceLawGroup.com/june- 18-2020-support-group/

HOW THE TELEVISION STAR SHAPED CHILDHOODS LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM MR. ROGERS

Fred Rogers may have passed away in 2003, but the world he created remains with us. In 2018, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” documented his life and outlook, and in 2019, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” depicted Rogers and the journalist whose life was changed by the star of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” These movies demonstrate that we’re still fascinated with the man behind Daniel Tiger and King Friday. Why? In part because the lessons Rogers so thoughtfully depicted are as relevant for today’s generation as they were for those who grew up watching his show. IMAGINATIVE PLAY IS A FOUNDATION OF CHILDHOOD. “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood,” Rogers said. Rogers knew that play, which can seem inconsequential to grown-ups, is an important part of childhood development. Imaginative play allows children to step outside of their own perspective and experience another. In the process, they engage in abstract thinking and expand their universe. Mr. Rogers encouraged viewers to use their imaginations by creating a fantastical world called the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. WE ALL DESERVE TO BE LOVED. Rogers knew that not everyone has someone at home who tells them that they are special and loved. So he took it upon himself to tell viewers, ending each episode of “Mister

Rogers’ Neighborhood” by saying, “You’ve made this day a special day by just your being you.”

FEELINGS ARE MENTIONABLE AND MANAGEABLE. Rogers helped viewers understand that it’s okay to feel mad, sad, and scared, and he helped countless children learn healthy ways to cope with tough emotions. This was a mission dear to his heart. Margaret McFarland, a child psychologist at the University of Pittsburgh who became the chief psychological consultant for “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” shared with Rogers the concept he turned to again and again on the show: “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and whatever is mentionable can be more manageable.” You can explore more of Mr. Rogers’ enduring messages at MisterRogers. org. Share “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” with your children and show them a world where they can grow, learn, and play.

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TURN YOUR VACATION INTO A STAYCATION 3 WAYS TO REPLACE A CANCELED VACATION

Vacations provide opportunities for families to spend time together in a relaxed environment, get away from the routines of everyday life, and create meaningful memories. If you’ve recently had to cancel a trip but still want to create the experience of a vacation for your family, then a staycation is just what you need.

about your own knowledge and interests and encourage them to get creative and make their own contributions, too. Have everyone create art, take photos, or write about their prized possessions. Display these masterpieces around your home and let their creators take you on a tour. Learning more about one another builds meaningful bonds. BRING YOUR TRIP HOME You probably chose your original vacation destination in order to experience new and different cultures and activities. But just because you’re no longer traveling to that location doesn’t mean you can’t experience some of what it has to offer! Research popular local cuisine, activities, and history of the area, then create ways to experience them with your family. Cook a traditional meal, recreate a scenic location through photographs, or share a story about local lore and history. Your changed plans will no longer feel like a missed opportunity. Staying at home doesn’t mean your family can’t have the fun of a vacation. All it takes is a little creativity and innovation to build an experience that will bring your family closer together. CONCIERGE PARTNERS’ CORNER: Blake Hauger Makes Getting a Mortgage Simple

TRANSFORM YOUR BACKYARD When you’re trying to recreate a vacation, the outdoor areas of your home present a variety of possibilities. You can turn a sandbox into a relaxing beach, complete with a kiddie pool “ocean.” If you have trees, then set up a zip line or obstacle course. You can even stimulate summer brains with a scavenger hunt around the backyard with hidden clues in the dirt or bushes. The ultimate prize can be something you would have purchased on your original

vacation, like a souvenir you can find online. CREATE A ‘FAMILY MUSEUM’

Many vacations include an educational aspect in order to enrich our understanding of the place we’re visiting, and museums are a great way to accomplish that. If you’re confined to the house, then teach your kids

HERE’S WHAT OUR Clients Are Saying!

You’ve found your next home. Maybe it’s the dream home you’ve spent years searching for. Maybe it’s the house that will help you transition into the next stage of your life. Whatever your situation, once you’ve found your home, now comes the tricky part: getting a mortgage. This is where Blake Hauger, Senior Loan Officer at Northpoint Mortgage, can help. Blake has been a mortgage loan officer for nearly 20 years. Over the years, Blake has helped countless families get into their new homes through his “education first” approach. The mortgage process

“Once I retained the Atlanta Divorce Law Group, I finally felt comfortable. In fact, I felt cared for. The process to hire the firm was seamless. I never felt like a number. I had an incredibly competent representation. Even after my case was resolved, they followed up to see how we were doing. When dealing with your family, you want the best possible representation, and that’s what you’ll find here!”

can be technical and overwhelming. Blake aims to help his clients feel confident in their decisions by educating them about the process first. He has a gift for communicating very detail oriented programs in a way that people are able to understand. This is how he’s able to earn his clients’ trust and help them begin their journey as successful homeowners. Do you have big questions about getting a mortgage? Get in touch with Blake Hauger now at Northpointmortgage.com/about-blake-hauger/ .

–Amy B.

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It’s Time to Raise a Glass! YOUR GUIDE TO THE PERFECT VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR

If you can’t see your friends in person to clink wine glasses or whiskey tumblers, never fear: A virtual happy hour can bring all of your closest pals right into your living room. The concept is simple. Using online meetup programs like Google Hangouts, Zoom, or FaceTime, you can drink with friends across the country without leaving home. If you don’t want to get out of your sweatpants but want to sip a classy cocktail, this is a win-win. But, you can also ditch the sweats and go all-out for the full virtual happy hour (VHH) experience. Here are five short steps to VHH success. 1. PICK YOUR PLATFORM. In the days leading up to your VHH, your friends need to agree on a single platform. Once you choose, make sure everyone has downloaded it and encourage your buddies to do a test run to ensure they can be seen and heard. 2. THEME IT UP. Every party is better with a theme, and VHH is no exception! Considering the decade, Roaring ‘20s is a popular choice, but you can go with whatever floats your friend group’s

boat, whether that’s Kentucky Derby or “Harry Potter” (alcoholic butterbeer, anyone?).

3. WRITE YOUR MENU. While you could just drink whatever beer or half-open bottle of wine is sitting in your respective refrigerators, where’s the fun in that? To really class up your VHH, chat with your friends about the ingredients you all have on hand and come up with a themed cocktail menu to “order” from on the big night. 4. DRESS TO THE NINES. Since you’re in the privacy of your own home, you can try out your wackiest, fanciest outfits without public judgment. If you’ve always wanted to try on a Roaring ‘20s flapper dress or a Roman toga, now is the time! Remember, if you go with the “Harry Potter” theme, your bathrobe could easily pass as a wizard’s robe in a pinch. 5. DRINK! You’ve planned perfectly, so now it’s time to enjoy each other’s company. Plus, there’s one final perk: Since you’re drinking and giggling on your own couch, you don’t need to worry about a designated driver or an Uber to get you the handful of steps to your bedroom. You’ve got this!

HERE’S TO DEAR OLD DAD CELEBRATING FATHERS EVERYWHERE

Dads have really had to double down over the last few months. They’ve become teachers, coaches, and 24/7 caregivers as the COVID-19 pandemic sent kids out of the classroom and into a home-school environment. Parents everywhere have been under a lot of strain. As we approach Father’s Day, we want to shout out all the great dads out there. You might not be able to spend Father’s Day in person with your dad this year for a number of reasons. Here are a few ways you can celebrate a meaningful, long-distance Father’s Day. PLAN A (VIRTUAL) DINNER TOGETHER

together over a video call. You can even cook your dad’s favorite meal while you’re catching up. Just make sure not to spill any sauce on your computer. SURPRISE HIM WITH DESSERT Did you inherit a sweet tooth from your dad? Give him permission to indulge this Father’s Day. If you have time, bake your dad’s favorite cookies and mail them to him a few days early. And if you don’t want to go through the hassle of sending baked goods over USPS, food delivery apps like DoorDash have plenty of restaurants that will deliver great desserts right to your dad’s door. CELEBRATE HIS INTERESTS Does your dad say, “I don’t need anything,” every time you ask him what he wants for Father’s Day? Then get him something no one needs: a subscription box! Countless subscription services will deliver a box of goodies to your dad each month, all themed around his interests. Is your dad a fisherman, a grill master, or a huge nerd? You’ll find the perfect gift for him. Check out these dad-approved subscription boxes at Cratejoy. com/box-insider/best-subscription-boxes-for-dad/ .

Video call programs like Zoom have become the norm, and they’re not just for business meetings. Schedule a time with your dad to share a meal

Here’s to all the dads who have gone above and beyond for their kids in this challenging time and all the time. Thank you for everything you do.

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