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Breaking Barriers, Changing Moods The Truth About Lyman Beginning a Journey Starts with Dedication to Transparency 2860 Piedmont Road, Suite 275, Atlanta, GA 30305 lymanfirm.com The Lyman Firm Newsletter TELEGRAPH Amicus Curiae www.LymanFirm.com 404-267-1986 February 2019 The Lyman Firm Newsletter T: 404 267 1986 F: 470 745 0699 JUNE 2025
G eorgia is a blue-collar state — a grassroots mix of farmland,
The Heartwarming Effects of Kindness
I was pulling into a Starbucks recently when another driver cut me off, shaking his fist with a scowl. This guy was clearly angry or just having a bad day. Somehow, I landed in front of him in the drive-thru line. When I reached the service window and collected my coffee, I handed the server $20. “Whatever that guy behind me is having,” I told the server, “cover his order and throw the rest into tips.” mountains, and urban development representing ever-expanding opportunities. Being a native of North Atlanta, I have spent most of my life in this fair state, cultivating both my character and my profession as I grew up. Now, I have a distinct opportunity to help those around me in ways I hadn’t anticipated He and I passed each other on the way out. This time, he waved and smiled at me. in my younger days. I lead The Lyman Firm as a proud curator of justice for the everyday person, somebody who might not have gotten a fair shake before they met me. I believe one person can be the face of a greater movement, That gesture didn’t make much financial sense. But life is so short and fragile. If you can brighten someone’s day, why not do it? The Worldwide Day of Giving is observed annually on June 15, making this a good time to think about spreading a little light through small gestures. I am a habitual over-tipper, often over my fiancée’s objections. I constantly tip more than 20%. I’ve been going to lunch at a taco place here in town for 20 years. My lunch bill will typically be $12–$15, and I’ll tip an additional $10. I hope somebody on the staff will see that and it will put a smile on their face. Giving to people is such a nice feeling. It might not make the best financial sense, but who cares? I’d rather lift someone’s spirit and maybe put a smile on their face if they’re having a bad day or just feeling miserable. I suppose part of me is also hoping these people will remember that tip and welcome me more warmly in the future. When I stopped at that taco place recently, I noticed the bartender was sitting behind the bar, reading a book I also had read recently. I spoke to her about it. We had a great conversation about books, and, of course, that made me feel like tipping more. I added $10 to a $15 check and walked away thinking she might remember me, not only for the pleasant conversation but for tipping well. movement, and these are the everyday people — the On a hiking and camping trip last year with my fiancée at Zion National Park, we had to take a shuttle after our hike back to where we had left our car at the trailhead. That was a one-hour bus ride, and the cost for both of us was only $50. The driver and these are the everyday people — the heroes — I work for as I drive our cases forward to the fullest extent within our legal system, fighting for what’s right. My passions weren’t always for courtroom thrills, though. Growing up in Smyrna, I sought to chase a different kind of rush: the roar of the racetrack. I wasn’t half bad either, eventually taking my hobby for auto racing from amateur status in 2004 all the way to semi-pro in 2007. Unfortunately, like so many other things that went down along with the economy the following year, my racing career crashed in 2008. Shattered by the abrupt end to my racing journey due to a lack of financing, “I believe one person can be the face of a greater heroes — I work for as I drive our cases forward to the fullest extent within our legal system, fighting for what’s right.”
James and three-year-old daughter Cleo — I am fully immersed in the fun-loving, homely, and exciting life of my family. They are my foundation, and without them nothing would be possible. But I also have a second family of sorts in my clients, whom I treat with the respect and attention a person is owed whenever they find they’re backed in a corner and need help. The pleasure I get from representing good, honest people in the courtroom is unrivaled when compared to the other fields of profession I’ve engaged in life.
I began to look for a new avenue to pour my passions into.
As we grow older and further away from our teens and 20s, we begin to realize that life isn’t always about going fast, both literally and metaphorically. It was during my post racing downtime that I realized I wanted to go back to school at Georgia State. After spending years as a writer and editor, I discovered and followed my newfound calling and began practicing law after graduating from law school. After years of unparalleled grit, drive, and success in the field of law, I was fortunate enough to be able to open my own practice in January of 2018. This new venture has even allowed me to work alongside my brother, a paralegal and case manager, in what has been one of the most exciting periods of my life. For now, our plans for the future include an imminent expansion of the firm and growing the company in ways that still allow us to keep our fundamental values and operations in check.
worked for a transportation contractor, and he was super warm and accommodating. He had lived in the area for many years and was giving us a tour as he drove, pointing out natural features of the terrain and sharing some historical facts. Oftentimes, I ask a client to share the names of the attorneys they’ve worked with on other cases. Almost none of them are able to muster Later that day, I received a text from him. “Man,” he wrote, “your tip made my season. That was such a nice thing! If you ever come back and need anything on the trail, please let me know. I would be happy to help out!” My fiancée is right. I’m guilty of overdoing the tips sometimes. But if you can brighten someone’s day, why not do it? It’s worth the cost to do that for people — and maybe give them a little more hope for humanity. an answer — the names of their lawyers completely lost in the tides of life’s trials. That’s when I tell them that there are a million different lawyers out there doing a million different things, but when I take on your case for a serious injury or a wrongful death suit, you’ll remember me as a man who gave you the best possible chance while shooting you straight every step of the way. When the time came for a tip, I gave him $100.
At home with my wife Lindsay beside me, and our two children — our five-year-old son
-Thomas Lyman www.LymanFirm.com | 1 -Thomas J. Lyman
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Turn Their Dreams Into Reality
What It Takes to Adopt a Child
Health You need to be there for your new child, especially as they adjust to their new home and environment, but you can’t do that if you’re battling a serious illness. Stable medical and emotional health are requirements for prospective adoptive parents. Those with a history of chronic illness or currently facing a serious condition must get a letter from their primary physician that states they are physically stable enough to raise the child until they turn 16. If one or both parents have a current or past psychiatric illness, you also need a doctor’s statement assuring stability. All members of the household must prove they are physically and emotionally stable. Criminal History Having prior convictions does not immediately disqualify you but makes things much more difficult. All household members over age 18 must pass a child abuse clearance process. If you or another adult in the home has an arrest history, you must provide personal statements about the incident. Depending on the seriousness of the crime, you may be considered ineligible or require rehabilitation before moving forward. Finances Raising a child isn’t cheap. According to the Institute of Family Studies, the expected cost of raising a child is $202,248–$430,928. There is no specified income requirement to be eligible to adopt, but you must prove you have the necessary resources to provide for the child. You should also consider other adoption costs, such as travel and adoption service fees. Home Environment An adopted child will spend ample time within your home, so the environment must be safe and accommodating to their needs. You must allow the agency to conduct a home study to ensure your house is safe and well-maintained. You may need to provide references that speak to your ability to care for and manage children. You should also be prepared to discuss your adoption and parenting plan. Adopting a child is a serious decision you should not take lightly. If approved, you will be responsible for another human’s life, development, and health. After you verify you meet all the requirements listed above, take some time to explore your state- specific requirements. The adoption process is complicated and sometimes disheartening, but stick with it. It will be one of the best decisions you make in your and your adopted child’s lives!
Welcoming a new child into the family is one of the most exciting and life-changing events we can experience. While many Americans conceive with their significant other, others explore the world of adoption. According to the most recent Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System report, approximately 114,000 foster children are eligible and waiting to be adopted. By adopting a child, you give them a place to call home, a family who cares for them, and experiences they would never have had without you. If you’re interested in adopting a child, you’re probably wondering what requirements you must meet to be eligible. Adoption is not a quick process: Domestic adoptions usually take up to two years to process, while international adoptions often take 2–5 years since you must follow American adoption rules and the guidelines of the child’s home country. These rules are strict, as most countries do not want to place children in unsafe conditions. Here are five of the U.S.’s adoption requirements. Age Both prospective parents must be at least 21 to be eligible to adopt. While this is a minimum age requirement, there is no cutoff age, so even those in their golden years can consider adoption.
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Why Did Old Hollywood Sound So Fancy?
TAKE A BREAK
There’s a certain charm to old Hollywood movies — glamorous stars, sweeping orchestral scores, and, of course, that oddly posh, vaguely British way of speaking. You know the one. The voice makes Katharine Hepburn sound like she’s perpetually midway through an important luncheon and Cary Grant appear to deliver a one-liner while also sipping afternoon tea. This isn’t just a coincidence; it’s the Transatlantic accent , and for a while, it was the gold standard of sophisticated speech. Unlike normal regional dialects, the Transatlantic accent wasn’t something people naturally developed by growing up in a particular area. It was an acquired accent drilled into the minds of upper-crust New Englanders at elite boarding schools and embraced by stage actors who wanted to sound refined. Essentially, it was the linguistic equivalent of wearing a tuxedo at all times. Hollywood, never one to pass up a trend, adopted this cultivated accent in the early days of talkies. Why? Because it made actors sound polished, articulate, and, quite frankly, fancy. The crisp, clipped tones worked wonders for those speedy, back-and-forth screwball comedy exchanges. Just watch “His Girl Friday” and try not to be dazzled by the machine-gun dialogue between Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell! And then, just as suddenly as it arrived, the Transatlantic accent packed its bags and vanished. By the 1950s, Hollywood started shifting away from aristocratic dramas and high-society stories, opting instead for gritty realism and everyday characters. The era of Marlon Brando and James Dean meant mumbling was in, and sounding like you vacationed on the French Riviera every summer was … well, out. Of course, we can still enjoy the legacy of the Transatlantic accent in classic films. Want to master it yourself? Pick up “Speak With Distinction” by Edith Skinner, the holy grail of old- school elocution training. Soon enough, you’ll drop your R’s, crisp your T’s, and stretch your vowels until “dance” becomes “ dahnce .” After all, old Hollywood may be gone, but its impeccable enunciation will never go out of style. Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and the Art of Speaking Like an Aristocrat
Teriyaki Beef Skewers
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
This light, flavorful dish of tender, marinated beef slices can serve as a protein-rich appetizer or a tasty entree for a summer evening.
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar • 1 cup soy sauce • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional) • 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil • 3 large garlic cloves, chopped • 4 lbs boneless round steak, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices • Bamboo skewers soaked in water
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, vegetable oil, and garlic together. Drop beef slices into the mixture and stir to coat. 2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in a refrigerator for 24 hours. 3. Remove beef from marinade, shaking to remove excess liquid. 4. Thread beef slices on skewers in a zig-zag pattern. 5. Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. 6. Cook beef skewers for about 3 minutes per side until the meat is cooked through.
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404-267-1986 www.LymanFirm.com 2860 Piedmont Rd Atlanta, GA 30335
404-267-1986 www.LymanFirm.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2860 Piedmont Rd., Suite 275 Atlanta, GA 30305
INSIDE THIS ISSUE INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Ripple Effects of Kindness: Spreading Light, Fostering Hope
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My Life in the Courtroom, the Home, and the Racetrack
3 Wild Divorce Settlements Ways to Invest in Yourself After Retirement Bistecca Alla Fiorentina The Most Iconic Super Bowl in NFL History Teriyaki Beef Skewers Did Old Hollywood Stars Really Talk Like That? Are You Eligible to Adopt?
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Let’s Retire These Health Myths
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What Happened to Wendy Williams?
The 5-Second Rule Will Make You Sick 3 Health Myths You Probably Believe WENDY WILLIAMS FIGHTS FOR FREEDOM Inside Her Battle for Control Over Her Life
We live in the golden age of information. The answers to many of life’s questions are just an internet search away. Despite this readily available wisdom, we still have a bad habit of believing health-related myths. Here are three popular health “facts” that are total works of fiction. When did you last hear Wendy Williams’ iconic “How you doin’?” It’s likely been a few years, and it’s not because you didn’t tune in to her daytime talk show. Actually, Williams hasn’t filmed an episode of her talk show since 2022. It’s not because she got tired of the responsibility or was taken off the air due to unpopularity. Williams effectively disappeared after an incident with Wells Fargo led to a court-appointed guardian taking over her financial affairs. THE 5-SECOND RULE KEEPS FOOD SAFE Williams learned that Wells Fargo had frozen her accounts after she attempted to make multiple large withdrawals from her bank account. Even more unsettling, her financial advisor, through Wells Fargo, notified the bank that Williams was of “unsound mind,”
The official stance from the John Hopkins Arthritis Center states, “There is no evidence that cracking knuckles causes any damage such as arthritis in the joints.” Still, chronic knuckle- cracking can lead to reduced grip strength, so you might want to break the habit anyway. You’ve probably heard these myths for years, but just because something is common knowledge doesn’t mean it is true. With which prompted a court-ordered guardianship. Initially, many believed this was solely a financial guardianship, but the Hollywood Reporter revealed that the court-appointed guardian was overseeing nearly everything in Williams’ life. So, how did Wendy Williams end up in this situation? In 2024, her care team disclosed that the talk show host had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia. Information related to her situation came from various sources but nothing directly from Williams for many years. She has recently started taking phone interviews and making television appearances and has clearly disagreed with the situation since 2022. information so easily available, always take the time to research the facts, especially when it comes to your health. Wendy Williams states she has been living in a memory unit in New York City for the past three years but does not think she belongs there. “Look, I don’t belong here at all,” stated Williams during a phone interview with “Nightline.” “This is ridiculous.” Williams is actively fighting for her freedom, and one source even told ABC News that Williams’ court-appointed attorney was planning to file a request to terminate the guardianship. The fact that she’s getting opportunities to share her side of the story provides hope to her fans, but only time will tell how this will unravel.
BOTTLED WATER IS SAFER THAN TAP WATER
Seeking out safer water alternatives increases the sales of bottled “spring water” each year. However, bottled water is more expensive, bad for the environment, and, as Dr. Morton Tavel of the Indiana University School of Medicine pointed out, over 50 percent of bottled water is just filtered tap water. The same effect can be achieved with a home filtration system. Of course, if the tap water in your area has been contaminated, bottled water is a safer alternative. However, in most circumstances, bottled water is no healthier than tap water.
Obviously germs and bacteria don’t really wait five seconds to pounce, but snatching your chip off the floor fast keeps most of the germs away, right? Not according to a 2006 study published by Dr. Paul Dawson. He found conclusive evidence that when food comes into contact with a contaminated surface, bacteria are transferred immediately. Even one second spent on tile, wood, or carpet is enough to infest your food with salmonella or another serious contaminant.
CRACKING YOUR KNUCKLES CAUSES ARTHRITIS
The connection between knuckle-cracking and arthritis came from studies where participants self-reported their habits. Modern medical research has shown these results to be false.
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