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National Making Life Beautiful Day Reminds Us to Pause J une 2024 CHOOSE BEAUTY
You know what they say about taking time to stop and smell roses. This simple act of appreciation is about recognizing what’s beautiful in our lives and the power to halt and find peace intentionally. But it’s hard to stop and savor the fragrance when you feel the world’s weight on your shoulders. June 11 is National Making Life Beautiful Day, and it’s a good reminder of how valuable it is to have a positive outlook. There are many ways to find beauty around you and cultivate gratitude, but it’s not as simple as it sounds when facing oppression, challenges, or hardships. Everything goes back to family law for me, and many clients I work with are going through significant, life-changing shifts. If you are in the middle of a divorce, you might be leaving an abusive relationship, which has altered your ability to enjoy the happy little things up until now. Perhaps you are facing new conflicts over co-parenting schedules or feeling the pressure of court dates, custody arrangements, or any multitude of challenging scenarios that can arise during this process. So, how do you make life beautiful today and find positivity in the coming days?
My first thoughts are to do something simple and get outside to listen to the ambient sounds of your world. Recently, my wife stepped out onto our back deck and turned on her recorder. She collected the sounds of crickets, frogs, and barn owls; the breeze; and planes flying overhead. There was something so tranquil about it, our unique music composed beautifully by nature and the city we call home. Of course, it’s not just the peaceful notes that bring a feeling of beauty; it’s the act of awareness. We likely pass by many opportunities to take in lovely sights every day. It’s easy to miss that colorful garden or pretty sunset when you are not present. Stimuli are right before you, but you must choose to respond to them. We can react actively or passively to dozens of things in a day, so to notice any of them, we have to make a point to stop and see them. Just as I wrote this, I sat in a different chair in my office and really took notice of the Art Deco lamp on my desk my son gifted to me. It’s really neat and reminds me of my son, but how often do I stop to admire it for the cool source of light it really is? I can enjoy that lamp and what it represents any time I want, as long as I am aware and make a point of it. The choice is ours to take a moment to enjoy. When it comes down to it, the key to finding beauty in your life is discovering your autonomy. More specifically, you must realize many things are out of your control. If a tree falls on your home or some jerk crashes into your car, you don’t have supernatural powers to stop it. What you do have control over — the only thing you have control over — is how you react. You can take something as good or bad or choose to see the beauty or ugliness of a situation. The secret to seeing beauty is accepting that you have no control over what happens; you only control your response. Once you know this fundamental truth, you’ll witness more beauty in everything. So, as you go out into the world with a positive point of view, stop and smell the roses. Be sure to see something bright in the challenges you’re going through because there are beautiful possibilities there, too.
“The secret to seeing beauty is accepting that you have no control over what happens; you only control your response.”
–Michael Manely
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T he P robate P laybook How Georgia Handles Estate Debt Settlement
When a person passes, the next step is a petition filed in court to start the probate process. If a will is in place, it typically spells out who will be the estate executor. When there is no will, it’s up to the probate judge to nominate one. During the probate process, the goal is to follow the terms of the will as closely as possible. If there was a will, there is usually a court hearing where anyone named in the will and heirs can attend and potentially contest the will. Any challenges must go to another hearing where someone can argue fraud or misrepresentation. Once the court has determined that a will is valid, the executor must start paying off debts or estate bills. If it’s invalid, the court will examine its intestacy laws, establishing the priority order for the distribution of assets. When there is no will, the courts will use that same priority hierarchy to divvy out assets. Beneficiaries, heirs, and executors must understand that an estate’s debt and bills must be handled before they can receive any benefits. Every state’s priority
order for these fees is different. In Georgia, the following is how debts are prioritized: • Year’s support for the family • Funeral expenses • Expenses of the administration of the estate •
Reasonable expenses of the decedent’s last illness Unpaid taxes or other debts due the state of Georgia or the United States Judgments, secured interests, and other liens created during the decedent’s lifetime
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Discovering you are the heir or beneficiary of a will doesn’t always mean you’re about to get a payout immediately. You must follow a hierarchy and legal process before receiving any benefits. Whether you’re an executor, heir, or beneficiary, understanding the probate admission process is crucial for ensuring a smooth transfer of assets and honoring the wishes of the deceased. Let’s explore the claims that must be resolved before beneficiaries receive their distribution.
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All other claims
Once all these expenses have been paid, beneficiaries can get what comes to them. We always recommend people wait to make any large purchases until all the estate debts and creditors have been paid. By adhering to the prescribed order, heirs can ensure a smoother and more efficient resolution of their loved one’s estate, avoiding potential disputes and delays.
On a Mission to Provide Closure and Clarity M eet E rvin H all At The Manely Firm, our attorneys help people get through some of the most challenging times of their lives. Associate Attorney Ervin Hall joined our Lawrenceville Office this year. With his person- centered approach, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication, he has already changed lives in this community. Family law holds a special place in his heart.
support, who believed education was crucial. He first attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he earned his degree in communications and culture. Ervin then moved to Atlanta, sight unseen, to attend Emory University School of Law. Ervin said his journey wasn’t without challenges. “My journey had quite a few bumps. The first time I took the bar exam, I didn’t pass, but I returned with a vengeance the second time; my 26th birthday present was getting barred and sworn in.” In May 2019, Ervin began practicing law in Atlanta in various courts and practice areas; he branched out to work in insurance, evictions, toxic tort, and commercial litigation. He was drawn to The Manely Firm because he wanted to focus on family law. He said the firm has been incredibly supportive, and everyone has a strong level of trust, which allows the entire team to receive the fruits of their labor. Though law keeps him busy, he enjoys traveling, eating different cuisines, and cooking when he has time. Ervin is creative at heart and has done everything from jewelry design to writing poetry.
“It’s about working with real people, with real issues, looking for real resolution,” he said. “A resolution could be very small, like an apology, all the way to getting one’s kids back.” Ervin has known he wanted to be a lawyer since he was 5 or 6 years old and was inspired by children’s books highlighting significant people like Thurgood Marshall and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “Growing up as an inner- city kid in Philadelphia, I looked at their important contributions not just to the development of the world I live in but as important to my future as lawyer; I wanted to follow in their footsteps.” He started building his skills in high school, participating in activities like debate and mock trial competitions. Ervin said he is thankful for his parents’
For Ervin, the most rewarding part of his job is providing a client with closure and clarity, especially when children are involved. “People look at divorce or child custody as the weight they wake up with, and it’s rewarding to resolve those challenges, put them to bed, and create a sense of finality. It gives the client a bit of breathing room to understand that not every day is like this.” Ervin believes in the power of “reaching back, to reach forward” by laying down the foundations for future generations. It’s clear Ervin has a deep passion for educating clients and the community, and we are so excited to see his career continue to grow here.
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“R eal change , enduring change , happens one step at a time .” –R uth B ader G insburg
It’s never too early to start building a growth mindset. Children who have developed resilience and believe they can grow from adverse situations are better prepared to handle challenges that come their way. As parents and caregivers, we play a pivotal role in nurturing this mindset from a young age, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of curiosity, determination, and achievement. Let’s explore strategies to empower children to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and unleash their full potential. PRAISE THEIR EFFORTS. It’s natural to tell children we are proud of them and to praise them for their abilities and talents. But what’s more valuable, however, is applauding their efforts and bravery in taking on difficult tasks. We can sometimes inadvertently pigeonhole our children in their strengths, causing them to avoid doing things that don’t come naturally to them. By celebrating their continued efforts, you reinforce and support them as they work to learn something new. They build resilience, which means persevering through mistakes or failure until they get the result they want. This quality will help them turn potential disappointments into opportunities throughout their lives. OFFER THEM A DO-OVER. With a fixed mindset, the emphasis is on whether you have or don’t have abilities and intelligence, not on learning or development. Instead, you want your child to believe they can develop desirable traits through work and persistence. One way you can help them is to offer a “do-over” if they make a mistake. Instead of a time-out or revoked privilege, ask them if they would like a do-over to try again. This allows a child to learn and correct in the moment, transforming a failure into a success. MODEL THAT MINDSET. Lead by example and model growth mindset behaviors. Your children must see you taking on new challenges, trying to grow from mistakes, and embracing the unknown. When you make an error, admit it and explain what you learned. By speaking positively to your children about making mistakes, they understand it as part of the learning process even adults go through. Encouraging a growth mindset in children is not just about instilling resilience; it’s about teaching them their abilities and intelligence can evolve and grow through effort and persistence. Empowering Kids to Embrace Challenges M indset M atters
S heet P an S hrimp F ajitas
Inspired by DamnDelicious.net
I ngredients
• 2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined • 2 bell peppers, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste • Tortillas
• 1 onion, sliced • 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp chili powder • 2 tsp cumin • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 1 tsp garlic powder
Topping Options • Sliced avocado • Salsa • Sour cream • Chopped cilantro
D irections 1. Preheat oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 3. Place bell pepper and onion on the baking sheet. 4. Drizzle evenly with 2 tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle with the chili powder mixture; reserve some for shrimp. Bake for 12 minutes. 5. Remove sheet pan from oven and push veggies to one side. Add shrimp to the empty side. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and spices. Return sheet pan to oven and bake for another 6 minutes, until shrimp are pink. 6. Serve on warm tortillas with desired toppings.
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211 Roswell St. NE Marietta, GA 30060 (866) 687-8561 www.allfamilylaw.com
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Embrace the Power of Positivity
The Truth About Asset Distribution How Ervin Hall’s Unique Perspective is Making a Difference Helping Children Develop a Growth Mindset Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
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3 Easy Father’s Day Ideas
I t ’ s F ather ’ s D ay ! Children Create Unique Dad’s Day Gifts
INTERVIEW CARDS If your kids are preschoolers, have them answer questions about their father and record their answers on notecards. Things like, “How old do you think Daddy is? 100? What is one thing Daddy says? What does Daddy do for work? Why do you love Daddy?” The simplicity and innocence of your children’s answers will warm Dad’s heart more than any store-bought gift ever could. SHOPPING SPREE Give each child $10 to pick out something for Dad, all by themselves, then take them to the nearest big-box store. Walker’s youngsters came up with a mirror, a pair of swim trunks, and crib sheets, and they clearly loved being empowered to make choices. PHOTOS FROM A KID’S PERSPECTIVE You may be surprised at some of the angles children choose and the tender moments they capture, “even if they’re not wow-worthy,” Walker says. Her daughter caught a captivating shot of her husband, Ross, napping with their preschool son resting on his shoulder.
Recently, people have been spending big on Father’s Day, and many wait until the very last minute. Last year, Americans spent a record $22.9 billion on Father’s Day, up nearly 10% from the previous year,
according to an industry survey. And more than half of consumers don’t start shopping until the week before Father’s Day, while 3.5% wait until the very last day before the holiday,
according to another survey.
The second survey also revealed that over 75% of shoppers struggle to think of good Father’s Day ideas. Most settle on outings, clothing, gift cards, personal care items, or electronics. Here are three low-budget ideas you can do with your kids that are sure to charm any dad, offered by What’s Up Moms, a top parenting site on YouTube co-founded by vlogger Elle Walker.
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