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The Bledsoe Firm JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551 OCTOBER | 2025
NO TRICKS, JUST TRUST HOW WE HELP YOU FACE FAMILY LAW FEARS
THE FEARS WE SEE AT THE BLEDSOE FIRM At The Bledsoe Firm, our clients don’t usually come in afraid of ghosts or goblins, but they do come in with fears that feel just as real and just as unsettling. Divorce, custody disputes, and other family law matters can create deep worries.
Halloween is the one night of the year when fear becomes fun. The shadows seem a little darker, the wind whistles a little louder, and the sight of a creepy clown lurking in the distance is supposed to make you laugh, right after it makes your heart skip a beat. From haunted houses to horror movie marathons, Oct. 31 is a celebration of all things spooky. Fear, on Halloween, isn’t something to avoid. It’s something to embrace. EVERYDAY FEARS IN DISGUISE Of course, Halloween isn’t the only time we get spooked. In everyday life, some people break into a cold sweat at the thought of visiting the dentist. Others freeze at the sight of a snake or feel their stomach drop when they’re in tight spaces. Heights, public speaking, spiders, flying … the list of human fears could fill a witch’s spellbook. The truth is that no matter who we are, we all have fears, and they can sometimes hold us back from things we want or need to do. FACING THE MONSTERS HEAD-ON Fears, while powerful, are rarely invincible. Experts say facing fears in small, manageable steps can chip away at their power. If you’re afraid of public speaking, start by practicing in front of a mirror, then a friend, and build from there. If you’re nervous about snakes, learn about them, see them from a safe distance, and maybe one day you can visit the reptile house without bolting. Knowledge and exposure, mixed with patience and support, often turn paralyzing fears into manageable challenges. Over time, what once made you run might even make you smile.
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Will I lose time with my kids? Will I be okay financially? Will the court see my side?
These questions can haunt someone far more than any haunted house.
TURNING LEGAL FEARS INTO CONFIDENCE We understand that stepping into a family law case can feel like stepping into a foggy graveyard without a flashlight. That’s why our mission is to shine that light for you. At The Bledsoe Firm, we don’t see clients as case numbers. We see people with lives, emotions, and futures on the line. We take the time to know you, understand your story, and guide you every step of the way.
We explain what’s happening, prepare you for what’s next, and fight for the best possible outcome. Your peace of mind is as important to us as your case result because we believe winning isn’t just about what’s on paper. It’s about helping you feel secure in your future. From all of us at The Bledsoe Firm, may your Halloween be full of treats, your scares be the fun kind, and your future be bright. Happy Halloween! —John Bledsoe
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CO-PARENTING MADE SIMPLE
TIPS TO HELP KIDS ADJUST TO 2 HOMES
Divorce doesn’t just change life for parents; it changes life for kids in ways that are sometimes hard to see at first. Suddenly, the idea of “home” becomes two homes, with two sets of rules, routines, and maybe even bedrooms. For children, this shift can feel unsettling. The good news is that with patience, planning, and a lot of love, parents can help their kids adjust and even thrive in this new chapter. CONSISTENCY IS KEY. Kids crave structure. When parents can align on bedtimes, homework expectations, and even simple household rules, children feel more secure. No two homes will be identical, and that’s okay, but a sense of predictability goes a long way in reducing stress. If your child knows what to expect at both Mom’s house and Dad’s house, the back- and-forth transition becomes smoother. CREATE COMFORT IN BOTH SPACES. A child should never feel like a guest in either parent’s home. Make sure they have their own space, even if it’s just a corner of a room with
familiar blankets, books, or toys. These small touches remind them they belong in both places. Letting kids choose some decorations or keep a few favorite items in each home gives them a sense of control in a situation where much feels out of their hands.
more than you talk, and reassure them their feelings are normal. Younger children may act out instead of talking, while older kids may withdraw. Both are coping mechanisms. Gentle patience and open dialogue help them process the changes. AVOID A TUG-OF-WAR. One of the toughest but most important things divorced parents can do is shield children from conflict. Speaking negatively about the other parent or making kids feel like they have to choose sides puts enormous pressure on them. Instead, remind your child that both parents love them and that it’s okay to love both parents back. Finally, remember that adjusting to two homes is a process, not an overnight shift. Some days will be easier than others. What matters most is that your child feels loved, supported, and understood in both places. Divorce may have changed the shape of your family, but it doesn’t have to change its foundation — your child’s sense of safety, love, and belonging.
KEEP COMMUNICATION OPEN. Divorce can stir up big feelings: sadness, confusion, anger. Encourage your child to share what’s on their mind without judgment. Listen
Desk Job? Don’t Settle Healthy Habits to Fight Deskbound Blues
DESIGN YOUR SPACE Creating a pleasing, well-organized workspace can help motivate you to stick to healthy habits. Use colors and materials that feel inviting and comfortable. Choose desk items and organizing tools that help you keep your work surface tidy and clear. Add plants, decorative objects, or wall art that inspires or uplifts you, and display objects that spark pleasant thoughts, such as family photos. Use natural light whenever possible, or a full- spectrum light that is close to daylight. Taken together, these subtle changes can help you maintain your health and well-being, without missing a beat at work!
Staying healthy and fit can be a challenge when your job requires you to sit at a desk most of the time. A growing share of Americans spend their workdays at a computer, and as many as 70% of them eventually develop neck, back, or shoulder pain or problems with obesity. Research shows that embracing healthy habits can help you avoid those harmful effects. Here are a few to try. MASTER ERGONOMICS Following good ergonomic practices can prevent neck and shoulder pain. Choose a chair that provides lumbar support. Adjust the height of your chair and monitor until you can sit in a relaxed, erect posture with your feet flat on the floor and the top of your monitor slightly below eye level. Notice when your gaze
drifts downward and your shoulders become rounded, and correct your posture by lifting the top of your head toward the ceiling. Adjust your keyboard so your wrists are level and relaxed when typing to allay wrist and arm strain. GET UP AND STRETCH Break away from your desk and walk around for a few minutes every hour, if possible. Do gentle stretches to relax your back and neck. Loosen your upper back muscles by bending your chin toward your chest and rolling it gently from side to side. Relax your neck by holding your hands behind your head with fingers intertwined and pushing back gently against your fingers. Stretch one arm over your head, lean to the opposite side, then switch arms and repeat.
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W ord S earch
DECIDING WHERE TO LIVE AFTER DIVORCE One of the biggest questions many people face after divorce is where to live and whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a new home. Beyond just finding a roof over your head, this decision carries financial, emotional, and practical weight. The “right” answer depends on your unique circumstances, priorities, and long-term goals. WHY RENTING MAY BE THE RIGHT CHOICE After a divorce, renting often provides much-needed flexibility. You may not know how your finances, career, or even custody arrangements will look in a year or two. Renting gives you time to settle into your new reality without the pressure of a mortgage or significant upkeep costs. It can also help reduce stress while navigating legal and financial transitions. For parents, renting near your child’s school or your co-parent’s home may make logistics easier. Renting also keeps your savings liquid. Instead of pouring money into a down payment, you can focus on rebuilding your emergency fund or paying off divorce-related debts. WHY BUYING MAY BE APPEALING On the other hand, buying a home provides stability. If you’re ready to put down roots, owning a place of your own can feel empowering after a period of upheaval. A permanent home offers children consistency, especially when they’re adjusting to two households. Financially, buying can also be a smart move if you’re in a strong position. Mortgage payments can build equity over time, and you may benefit from tax advantages. If your credit score is solid and you’ve received a fair property settlement, buying could be a path to long-term security. QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF • How stable is my income right now? • Do I have enough savings for a down payment and emergency expenses? • How long do I plan to stay in this area? • What feels more important right now: flexibility or stability? THE BOTTOM LINE There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For some, renting is the smartest short-term solution while they regain financial footing. For others, buying represents a fresh start and a sense of control. What matters most is choosing an option that reduces stress, fits your budget, and supports your new chapter. Rent or Buy?
Candy
Gourd
Haunting
Leaves
Libra
Marigold
Moon
Opal
Pumpkin
Soup
Teachers
Touchdown
Inspired by TheCookieRookie.com
Extra-Crispy Ranch Chicken Cutlets
INGREDIENTS • Olive oil • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste • 3/4 cup flour • 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese • 1 oz ranch seasoning, store-bought (1 packet) or homemade • Cooking spray
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with olive oil and set aside. 2. Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. 3. Set out three shallow bowls. In the first, combine flour and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the eggs to the second bowl. Mix panko, Parmesan, and ranch seasoning mix in the third bowl. 4. For coating, dip seasoned chicken breasts in flour, coating both sides. Then, dip the chicken in the beaten eggs and, finally, the panko mixture. 5. Place each coated chicken breast in the prepared baking dish. 6. Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray. 7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165 F and is golden brown.
Divorce changes many things, but it also opens the door to creating a home that truly feels like yours, whether rented or owned.
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Inside
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Don’t Let Fear Cast a Spell on Your Future
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2 Homes Don’t Have to Mean Double the Stress for Kids Smart Moves for Staying Healthy at Your Desk
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Renting vs. Buying Post-Divorce Extra-Crispy Ranch Chicken Cutlets
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Reel in More Fish This Autumn
Where, When, and How to Hook Fish This Fall AUTUMN ANGLING
EXPERIMENT WITH DEPTHS Fall turnover can scatter fish throughout various depths. Don’t hesitate to try different depths until you locate active fish. Using a fish finder can help you identify these productive zones.
MATCH THE CATCH In fall, baitfish grow larger. Adjust your lure size and color to mimic the prevalent forage in your fishing area. This increases the likelihood of enticing bites. EXPLORE STOCKED WATERS Many lakes and streams are stocked with trout and catfish in the fall. These fish are often eager to bite, providing excellent opportunities for anglers. UTILIZE LIVE BAIT Live bait can be particularly effective in cooler temperatures. Minnows, nightcrawlers, and shad can more effectively entice sluggish fish than artificial lures. MONITOR WATER CONDITIONS Fall often brings changes in water levels due to drawdowns. Stay informed about these conditions, as they influence fish locations and behavior.
As cooler temperatures, golden leaves, and holidays roll in, fall is one of the best-kept secrets in fishing. While many pack up their rods after summer, savvy anglers know autumn
is when the real magic happens. Fish feed aggressively as they prepare for
winter, and the crowds of people enjoying the water have thinned out. A few tweaks can level up your fishing game this season, whether you’re chasing bass, crappie, or trout.
FISH THROUGHOUT THE DAY Unlike summer, when fish are most active during dawn and dusk, fall fish feed more consistently throughout the day. This allows for flexible fishing schedules without the need for early starts.
TARGET SHALLOW WATERS
As temperatures drop, baitfish like shad move into the backs of creeks and embayments. Predatory fish such as bass and crappie follow, making these areas hotspots. Focus your efforts on these shallow zones to increase your catch rate.
FOCUS ON STRUCTURE Fish gravitate toward structures like
submerged wood and rocky banks during fall. These areas provide shelter and warmth, and targeting them can lead to successful catches.
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