The Bledsoe Firm - December 2021

The Bledsoe Firm - December 2021

The Bledsoe Firm JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551 DECEMBER | 2021

GIVE YOUR KIDS THE GIFT OF PERSPECTIVE 3 BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING

The holiday season is right around the corner, and it’s a popular time for people to give back to their communities. Through charity work, we can provide for those who are less fortunate and need some extra assistance. From volunteering at animal shelters to helping repair homes for Habitat for Humanity, there are many great options when it comes to community service. Even children can help out and volunteer at various places. Many animal shelters, nursing homes, and thrift stores provide options for younger children and teens to help out and give back to their communities. While kids will certainly benefit from the experience, they will also learn some advantageous life lessons that they can utilize later on. Gives Them a Greater Attitude While you can teach your kids that there are others who aren’t as fortunate as them, seeing is believing. By doing community service at places like food banks, children can learn that there are families that struggle to put food on their tables, and they will also understand the importance of volunteer work and why it’s so good to get involved in the community. This, in turn, can increase your child's desire to take action and help those less fortunate.

This type of experience can also help kids better appreciate the things they have such as their home, family, and even the fact that they have food on the table.

Builds Their Social Skills If you’re worried about your children’s ability to make new friends, volunteering is a great way to get past that. Your child is likely to meet other children when volunteering in the community, which will introduce them to new people and experiences. This can improve their confidence and make it easier to make new friends in all walks of life. Helps Shape Their Future Once kids see the difference they are making in the lives of others, they may want to continue their volunteer efforts. By volunteering, they are not only improving their own outlook, but they are also making a difference in their community and creating a better future for everyone. Children will discover things that interest them while volunteering that could set them up on a future career path that is incredibly rewarding. The life lessons that they learn through volunteering will play a role in nearly every aspect of their lives, making them more compassionate and even kind. There are many different organizations that are looking for volunteers around this time of year, and most are quite welcoming to children. If you’re looking for something for your children to do with their free time this holiday season, find a place that will accept younger volunteers — and maybe even tag along with them! —John Bledsoe

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THE NEXT BIG HEALTH SECRET

Why Seeing an Attorney May Be Good for You!

Consulting with an attorney when you are facing legal trouble allows you to have an advocate and expert in your corner who is fighting for you and your rights. And according to recent studies, it may be good for your health too! According to NPR, a 2017 study of Veterans Affairs offices in Connecticut and New York found that veterans who saw clinic attorneys reported improved mental health within three months after their initial meetings. Additionally, in Colorado, a five-year survey of 69 patients from 2015 to 2020 found that patients in Medicaid programs who saw attorneys at their clinics had a decrease in the amount of physical health problems they were facing.

By consulting with lawyers — in addition to psychiatrists, social workers, and medical doctors — patients are lowering their stress levels, improving their physical well-being, and staying closer to their families. But how does this work? To answer that question, we have to examine the toll stress takes on our bodies. Constant stress, like concerns about visitations or deportation, can cause our bodies to fail. This often leads to headaches, heartburn, a weakened immune system, insomnia, stomach problems, and more. These problems then compound into other issues, causing the body to spiral when intervention isn’t possible. However, when the source of stress is relieved, the side effects are eliminated as well. This can powerfully help people who are facing potentially life-altering legal situations. So, while your attorney may not be able to perform heart surgery or help alleviate your knee pain, their expertise may be just what you need to feel better in the long run.

While further studies are needed to corroborate this evidence, the message is clear: Finding solutions to your legal concerns through an attorney is healthy!

This idea has led to several states permitting Medicaid patients to use some of their health care dollars toward legal clinical programs. For example, in Colorado, some chronically ill patients are struggling with immigration issues or problems as a result of losing their jobs in the COVID-19 pandemic.

HOW TO HANDLE JOINT ACCOUNTS IN YOUR DIVORCE

Joint accounts can be a difficult and tricky situation during a divorce. You may use that account to pay necessary living expenses, but your spouse could simply empty it, leaving you wondering what to do next. What actions can you take without interfering with any divorce proceedings? Even if your spouse was the breadwinner and you never directly made a deposit in your life, you have a legal right to funds in a joint account. This also doesn’t mean that the money goes to whoever withdraws the funds first. Both you and your spouse have a legal right, so there are consequences when one spouse decides the other doesn’t matter. A judge can order the spouse who emptied the account to return the money, make them pay for their spouse’s legal fees, and even give the aggrieved spouse a greater share of the marital property to make up for it. The most important thing you can do is to get lawyers involved early. A lawyer can help you enact a temporary protective order that bars both parties from touching the account unless they do so for an approved reason. Banks don’t have to follow these orders, but it can make your

spouse hesitate, since there can be severe consequences for violating court orders.

You also need to keep records regarding the account. Monitor every

withdrawal you make from that account and only spend money on necessities. Keep any receipts so you can state your case if any challenges arise. As soon as you know you’re getting a divorce, open your own account, even if you don’t have much to deposit. At some point, that joint account will close, and the best way to protect yourself is by having money that your former spouse can not touch. A judge can still allocate marital assets from separate accounts, but anything earned or received after the divorce gets filed should be safe.

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W ord S earch Candles Celebration Jingle Jolly

Mistletoe Ornament Present Santa Sleigh Stocking

DIVORCE ATTORNEY OR MARRIAGE COUNSELOR? W ho S hould Y ou C all ? Most married couples go through disagreements. Arguments can be expected, but when the going gets tough, these couples have to decide if it’s worth trying to stay together. Depending on where the relationship is and how the couple is feeling, they may decide to call a marriage counselor or a divorce attorney. Every marriage is different, but if you’re wondering what steps you need to take next, we’ve put together a few things to consider when deciding between a marriage counselor and a divorce attorney. Whether it’s amicable or not, if a couple is ready to split up, they should contact a divorce attorney. These couples may still decide to resolve their issues, but a divorce attorney acts as a solid backup plan if things don’t improve and can help manage many problems, including financial discourse and disclosure requirements, custody agreements, the division of assets and property, and the division of retirement benefits. On the other side, marriage counseling can help couples learn a better way of communicating. Couples don’t even have to be in a rocky place to visit a marriage counselor. Sometimes, a third party with an unbiased view can provide clarity to their situation. While in marriage counseling, they may discover that their relationship won't work and may set up an appointment with a divorce attorney. In most cases, couples should contact a marriage counselor before a divorce attorney. Recognizing a problem is the biggest step toward solving it, and a marriage counselor can help them work through their issues or help them determine if they need to consider a divorce. Divorce attorneys and marriage counselors are both there to help couples progress to whatever the next step may be in their relationship.

Wassail Wreath

DIY HOLIDAY EGGNOG

Inspired by TastesBetterFromScratch.com

INGREDIENTS

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6 egg yolks 1/2 cup sugar

• • • •

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 pinch salt

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 tsp vanilla extract Cinnamon and whipped cream, for garnish

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2 cups milk

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Set aside. 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer. 3. Add a spoonful of the milk mixture to the egg mixture. Whisk vigorously and repeat, one spoonful at a time. 4. When most of the milk is whisked in, add the egg mixture to the saucepan. 5. Whisk until the liquid thickens slightly or reaches 160 F. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. 6. Pour the eggnog into a glass container and cover. Refrigerate. 7. When the eggnog has thickened, pour it into glasses, garnish, and enjoy!

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Inside

3 Benefits Your Children Gain From Volunteering

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Your Attorney Is Good for Your Health! How to Handle Joint Accounts in Your Divorce Do You Need a Divorce Attorney or a Marriage Counselor? DIY Holiday Eggnog

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Decorate Your Gingerbread House Like a Pro

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CREATING A HOLIDAY MASTERPIECE

HOW TO DECORATE YOUR GINGERBREAD HOUSE LIKE A PRO

One of the most popular holiday traditions has become making and decorating gingerbread houses. The tradition began in Germany in the early 1800s and originated from Grimm's "Hansel and Gretel." Some shy away from the idea of making their own gingerbread house, but have no fear — if the Germans did it in the early 1800s, so can you! To simplify things, many gingerbread houses come with baked pieces and a full decorating kit. This helps you have more time for the best part: the actual decorating! Each kit usually comes with fun candy and icing, so you can make something really kick-butt for the holidays!

Icing will be your best friend. Think of it as the yummy glue that holds everything together while also acting as a colorful trim for your gingerbread house. However, because it’ll keep the house from falling, be sure to use a lot! Spice drops also make for a great trim and “roofing,” just use icing to hold them in place. Alternate between colors or use a variety to make your house really pop. M&Ms are certainly a must-have for anyone decorating their gingerbread house. Not only are they delicious, but they also make cute, little accents all over the house and yard.

Mini cookies of your choice may also make a deliciously good-looking roof. Try layering them up for a dimensional look! And, for extra pizazz, strategically place mini candy canes throughout the yard and on either side of the front doors and windows. If you want to get really detailed, try using actual candy bars as fire logs in the fireplace. Just be sure to store your gingerbread house in a cool area so nothing will melt! Whether you prefer a simple gingerbread house or a flashy one, any and ALL candy can be used! Get decorating and be sure to have a bite of candy along the way!

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