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S eptember 2019
N ational F amily D ay Fami ly Doesn’t End Wi th Divorce
What I do revolves around family. I understand the importance of family, especially during some of the hardest times of our lives. Celebrating these ties, not only with our blood relations but also with friends and within blended families, is crucial. I’ve seen again and again how people come together to build relationships that last lifetimes and how they fall apart. National Family Day is celebrated on Sept. 26, which is a perfect opportunity to talk about the importance of long-lasting family ties, even if those ties have been tied in many different ways over the years. A principal fact I’ve come to understand is that family is forever. This extends from the moment two people are married and lasts throughout the rest of their lives, especially if they have children. Even if parents go through a divorce, family doesn’t end when someone leaves to build a new life; it only grows larger. Like it or not, a person will still be connected with their former spouse. Ensuring an amicable, productive relationship can be essential to a child’s growth. Children are exceptionally sensitive to divorce, and the environment surrounding the divorce will have a lasting impact on how they are affected. If, for example, a couple divorces and are particularly harsh to one another, it’s absolutely going to hurt the kids involved. However, if a couple divorces and remain on friendly or civil terms, it will support the children in many different ways. Shelia and I have a blended family, and we understand these types of situations very well. We strive to maintain relationships with our previous
“A principal fact I’ ve come to understand is that family is forever .”
spouses so all of us can work together to continue supporting our children. And even when a former spouse passes, that impacts the family, too. Families may morph, but they do not end. Maintaining relationships are even more difficult for families who live in different countries. We have so many clients who travel the world visiting children who live in a completely different culture than they do. One of our clients recently had their daughter for the whole summer for the first time. The client took her out to visit family members, many for the very first time, so she could get to know that whole side of her family.
divorce doesn’t sever a relationship. While parents may no longer be together, their children are going to grow up, fall in love, and maybe get married. Hopefully, children will want both their parents to attend their wedding. Later in life, those children will have children and want to have grandparents for their kids. Parents, divorced or married, must work together toward the shared goal of their kids’ well-being. By taking the initiative, they can ensure their children live full and loving lives. And I’m pretty sure this is what every parent wants. –Michael Manely
Parents must face a reality after going through a separation or creating a blended family: Their
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I s Y our C hild B eing B ullied ? What You Can Do to Help them advice or question the way they handled the situation, but doing this can give your child the impression that it’s their own fault they are being bullied. Let them tell you the whole story, without judgment, and then help them come up with ideas on what to do next. being bullied, you should inform teachers as soon as possible. Apart from that, there are several ways you can help your child to deal with bullies, so talk to them about what approach they would be most comfortable with, such as de-escalation strategies or a buddy system with their friends. As with most conflicts, the sooner you handle the situation, the better. FINDING THE RIGHT SOLUTION Once you’ve been informed that your child is Today, William works side by side with Michael, Shelia, and the rest of our steadfast team. He specializes in family law, custody and visitation, child support, and estate planning. “I really enjoy what I do at the Manely Firm,” William says. “Family law can be a fairly difficult area to practice in because there’s so much emotion involved. Some days, that emotional strain can take its toll, but the reward of helping my clients and their families get some peace in their lives always trumps the tougher days.” During his free time, William enjoys watching baseball and playing golf. “I grew up with sports, and I still really enjoy getting involved when I can,” he says. However, for the past few months, most of his time has been devoted to preparing for his first child. “My wife and I have been really busy taking care of the baby. We’re expecting in November, and both of us are doing our best to make sure everything is ready for when the baby arrives.” On behalf of the entire Manely Law staff, we want to congratulate William on this wonderful new addition to the family!
A new school year is a prime opportunity for kids to make new friends among their classmates. Unfortunately, kids also form connections during the school year that aren’t always positive, and many children become the targets of school bullies. If you suspect your child is being bullied, there are a few things you can do to help. KNOWTHE SIGNS Kids usually don’t open up about being bullied right away. However, there are some common signs that your child is being harassed. Here are a few of them:
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If they’re rushing to the bathroom after school, it may indicate that they’re being bullied in the bathroom, which is a common tactic bullies use to avoid teachers.
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If their grades suddenly change, it may be the result of constant harassment.
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Anxious or depressed moods can be the result of bullying as well.
W illiam C. K ing LISTEN When your child does open up, the best thing you can do is listen. It can be tempting to try to give Our team member highlight this month is featuring one of our amazing attorneys, William King. William has been with the firm since the early days when he helped his parents, Michael and Shelia, as a young boy. If you spot one or more of these signs, it’s time to talk to your child about what’s happening to them at school. At 12 years old, William would come into the office after school to shred papers and take out the trash. “That eventually worked into an internship when I entered high school,” he remembers. “I worked on the website, answered phones, set up events, and did a bit of looking into things when they needed me to. This was when we were way smaller than we are today.” Although it seemed like William was setting himself up early to pursue a career in law, his younger self didn’t want anything to do with becoming an attorney. “Growing up, I always swore I would never be an attorney. But, when I was done with undergrad, I grew up a little and realized I needed to know what to do with my life, and going down the path that would lead me to become an attorney was the most organic decision that fit my life perfectly.”
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If they’re refusing to go to school or ride the bus, they may be dreading their bully.
Associate Attorney and Soon-to-Be Father
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Why They Matter and How We Help Our Cl ients W ills , T rusts , and E state P lanning As we come toward the last quarter of the year, holidays are nearing. While many think it might be too soon to think about holidays, everyone at the Manely Law Firm believes this is one of the best times to start wrapping things up for your family. One of the best gifts you can give your family is a plan that removes any anxiety involving your assets and health. Estate planning includes wills, trusts, advanced health care directives, powers of attorney, and guardianship, either permanent or temporary. All of these documents are essential for end-of-life and emergency issues. No one likes to think about end-of-life matters or situations in which they are incapacitated, but it’s vital to prepare for them. Our attorneys talk to our clients about this all the time; they don’t want their family to deal with any legal problems, go to court to make a payment, or get authority to make a payment while going through emotional distress. An estate plan is set up so your family can mourn you, celebrate your life, or take care of you without worrying about anything else. The best part about setting up an estate plan is that it is never too early to do it. William King, one of our experts in wills, trusts, and estate planning, explains that kids as young as 14–16 can get in contact with an attorney to set up an estate plan, though not very many do. William also hosts public forums where he talks about the benefits of estate planning and encourages people to ask questions. The Manely Law Firm offers consultations to talk one-on-one, explain the process, and pass out questionnaires. Once our clients submit these documents, we draft up an estate plan, which our clients look over. After this step, we meet with our clients once again. Our goal is to make sure that their estate plans are something they can rely on with confidence.
C acio e P epe
Inspired by Bon Appétit
I ngredients
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6 oz pasta, ideally spaghetti or bucatini 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and divided
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1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano- Reggiano 1/3 cup finely grated pecorino cheese Kosher salt, for pasta water and to taste
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D irections
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In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stopping 2 minutes short of desired doneness. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add pepper and cook until toasted and aromatic, about 1 minute. Add reserved pasta water and bring to a simmer. Transfer pasta and remaining butter to pan and reduce heat to low. Add Parmesan cheese and cook until melted, tossing pasta throughout. Remove pan from heat and add pecorino, continuing to toss until cheese is melted and sauce coats pasta.
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4. Transfer to bowls and serve.
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211 Roswell St. NE Marietta, GA 30060 (866) 687-8561 www.allfamilylaw.com
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Family Is Forever
How to Respond to School Bullies
Team Member Highlight
Taking Care of Your Family Through Estate Planning
An Excursion in the Pennine Alps
Nestled between Italy and Switzerland, Monte Rosa is the second highest peak in the Alps, making it one of the best views in either country and one of the more physically demanding ascents in the mountain range. In the late summer and early fall, tourists and locals alike tour Monte Rosa to pay their respects to the peak and to be challenged by the cross- country trek over the mountain. The full tour of the mountain is a nine-day journey that starts in Switzerland and crosses quickly over into Italy, winding its way through both countries before eventually returning trekkers to their starting point. The out-and-back path is the most popular route, though there are other ways to approach it. However you go, you’ll encounter massive glaciers, rigorous 1,000-meter ascents and descents, and breathtaking views that are sure to make this journey memorable.
true Alpine experience. You can book them in advance to guarantee your bunk and a dinner of spaetzle or lasagna, depending on which country you’re in that night. Unless you’re traveling with an experienced mountaineer, a guide is recommended for touring Monte Rosa, even if you only plan to traverse a small section of the mountain. Weather can vary greatly and change quickly in this region, so you never know when you’ll encounter ice or snow, which can lower your visibility. Toward the top of the peak, you’ll even have an opportunity to cross a sprawling glacier, and having a guide will ensure you have the necessary equipment for a safe trip. On top of the spectacular views, you can expect a beautiful blend of cultures and an experience unlike any other on your tour of Monte Rosa. Plus, you may even get to see a few Swiss cows or mountain goats along the way!
A n A lpine E xcursion Tour Monte Rosa
For accommodations, opt for charming mountain huts to immerse yourself in the
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