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The Bledsoe Firm JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551 FEBRUARY | 2025
LIFE AFTER YOUR CASE PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE WITH FINANCIAL PLANNING
According to the age-old maxim, money doesn’t buy happiness. But there’s no denying that money can help create a comfortable life. However, when you’re in the throes of a family law case, money can be tricky. Whether you’re worried about the cost of a divorce or adoption or your family law matter came up unexpectedly, finances are often a common concern among our clients, no matter how financially stable they were prior to their case. The good news is that a family law matter doesn’t have to wipe out your finances. Yes, you may experience different financial obstacles than before, but with evidence-based planning and the right budget for your goals, you can still live a happy, secure life. And there’s no better time than the beginning of a year to set off on the road to financial success. Let’s get started. START WITH YOUR GOALS. Setting big goals for what you want your future to look like can help you properly allocate your funds. For example, do you want to travel in retirement, or do you want to move to your dream city? Do you want to buy a house or a new vehicle, or do you have closer goals, like hosting your child’s birthday party at a local amusement park? Whatever you want the future to look like, setting those goals now allows you to carve out a financial path. (By the way, it’s okay if those plans change in the future!) GET STABLE FOR EMERGENCIES. One of the pillars of financial comfort is having an emergency fund. Start by detailing all your monthly expenses. This includes home costs, bills, alimony, child support, and subscriptions. You could also factor in fluctuating expenses like groceries and gas.
Then, if possible, start saving a set amount each month, with the goal of stockpiling enough funds to pay for those expenses for 3–6 months. And then don’t touch it! This emergency fund is just that — for emergencies! If something were to happen where you couldn’t work, this fund would allow you to live comfortably for a short period of time.
ESTABLISH A BUDGET. It sounds old school, but a budget is an invaluable tool. There are many systems you can try. For example, Dave Ramsey’s envelope system works well for many people, but others find it outdated since we live in a less cash-focused society. Others use their Excel skills to create their own financial tracker, while others rely on apps that can connect directly to bank accounts. Whatever works best for you isn’t as important as actually using it for two reasons: You can set limits on your spending, as well as track it; and you may not realize how much you are spending on certain expenses until you track the data. Then, you can make any necessary changes.
TRUST OUR EXPERTS. You wouldn’t change the spark plugs in your car if you
weren’t a mechanic. So, why would you be expected to know everything there is to know about finances? One of the best parts
of the digital age is you have access to experts across many different platforms. You could go the traditional route with a financial planner, or you could find sources on your own, such as NerdWallet, Tori Dunlap (whose company’s focus is specifically geared toward women), Intuit Mint, and other websites and experts who have established themselves as true professionals. We’re not just family law experts at Bledsoe Law. Our team is committed to helping our clients find peace in their new lives once their family law matter is closed. If you have questions about your case or need further support, call our team today. —John Bledsoe
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JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551
INJURY-FREE RUNNING THE COMFORT OF ROUTINES FOR YOUR CHILDREN
CREATING NORMALCY DURING THE STRESSES OF DIVORCE
CONSISTENCY IN CHORES AND RULES During the divorce process, whether both parents are living together or not, your children’s daily routine and chores around the house should not change. When your children arrive home from school, if their schedule is homework first, dinner, then screen time, etc., then that routine should remain the same. SCHOOL SUPPORT It may be helpful to consider speaking to the counselor at your child’s school to help them navigate their feelings. If your children have behavioral issues at school, someone will at least know what’s potentially causing the behavior. These strategies can all be outlined in a structured parenting plan that meets your family’s unique needs. At The Bledsoe Firm, we can help with that. Our legal team will listen to your concerns and help you with the big decisions that impact your family relationships. Schedule your free consultation today.
Going through a divorce is a stressful and emotionally taxing process for everyone involved. But it can be especially confusing and traumatic for children. Your priority is ensuring your children continue to thrive during the divorce process. It may not be easy, but you can create a stable
routine for your children that will foster structure and care while minimizing stress. Follow these strategies to promote calm and stability for your children during difficult times. CIVIL COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR CO-PARENT When speaking about your co-parent, avoid bad- mouthing them. Your ex may have been a difficult spouse, but they also may have been a great parent, and you can’t take that away from them just because the marriage is ending. Remember, children thrive with two loving parents, whether married or not. OPEN AND HONEST COMMUNICATION Transparency is key for both parents. Divorce may bring about certain emotions or behaviors in your children that both parents should be aware of. Consider scheduling regular times to share observations you’ve noticed in your children. This shows your children you’re still “parenting” together despite the divorce.
Get Proactive About Your Probiotics Taking Charge of Your Gut Health Can Be Delicious!
PICKLES: Pickles aren’t only the perfect addition to your burger or salad! Naturally fermented pickles and their juice are actually saturated with helpful probiotics, vitamins, and minerals your body needs. GREEK YOGURT: Greek yogurt is the all-star of all gut-friendly foods simply because it can be used in many different ways. You can eat it plain, add fruit, or create salad dressings, sauces, and smoothies! The key is to check the label to ensure it says “Live and Active Cultures.” That means it likely contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei. KIMCHI: This healthy, bacteria-driven food is the cornerstone of Korean cuisine, made with fermented cabbage and gochujang, a Korean chili paste. It also contains vegetables like daikon radish, ginger, and carrots. The fermentation process makes it a probiotic.
If “health is wealth,” then maintaining optimal gut health is the road map to success! All too often, we think of gut health as keeping stomach issues at bay. While that belief has some truth, improving your gut health is crucial in regulating and supporting your body’s overall functions.
So, how can you achieve optimal gut health?
The answer is simple: probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria housed in your gut to help your body’s natural processes, and adding them to your daily diet can do wonders for your overall gut health. Of course, you can take various tablets, capsules, gummies, and even sodas now to get your daily dose. However, supplements in those forms can get pricey, especially when certain foods are naturally packed with the probiotics your body needs. Here are three delicious foods you can eat to get your daily dose of gut health.
Kimchi can be found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store and sometimes in the produce department. It’s never too late or too early to start getting proactive about probiotics. Incorporating these “easy on the gut” foods into your daily diet will change the makeup of the bacteria in your gut, which, in turn, will keep your body’s overall functioning in tip-top shape.
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W ord S earch
UNDERSTANDING KEY DIFFERENCES AND TREATMENT OPTIONS We’ve all had “those days,” right? Happy and laughing one day, down in the dumps the next. These instances of feeling happy and sad aren’t uncommon — life events (good or bad) and stress can bring about these shifts in mood. However, if you experience these feelings with increased intensity or frequency, you could be struggling with mental health issues from other underlying conditions such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. BIPOLAR DISORDER VS. BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER (BPD) Both disorders have considerable overlap in symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis. Understanding the differences in the symptoms is key to providing the proper help people need. Bipolar Disorder: A mental disorder that causes extreme mood fluctuations, typically manic or depressive episodes. Family history plays a critical role in determining the cause of the disorder and changes in the makeup of your brain’s structure and chemistry. Some key symptoms of bipolar disorder include: Bipolar Disorder vs. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Chocolate
Dream
Equality
Groundhog
Grammy
King
Lincoln
Pizza
Roses
Super Bowl
Valentine
Women
Inspired by LeCremeDeLaCrumb.com
Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
• Extreme mood shifts • Impulsivity • Risky behaviors • Mood episodes lasting weeks or longer
INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp butter •
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2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Treatment: Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anti-convulsants are the primary forms of treatment for individuals with this disorder.
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 cup pine nuts
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2 tbsp herbes de Provence
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1 cup spinach
Borderline Personality Disorder: As the name suggests, BPD is a personality disorder, but it’s also associated with mood changes (emotional dysregulation). Similar to bipolar disorder, genetics also is a determining factor in how the related symptoms occur. However, BPD is also linked to abuse and trauma, such as sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, as well as substance abuse from parents. Some key symptoms of BPD include:
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3/4 cup canned sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned
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Fresh thyme, for topping Salt and pepper to taste Cooked rice or linguine, for serving
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1 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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• Rapid changes in mood • Paranoia • Lack of self-worth • Mood episodes lasting hours or days
DIRECTIONS 1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 7–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. 2. In the same pan, add garlic, herbes de Provence, tomatoes, chicken broth, cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, pine nuts, and spinach and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, and stir periodically until thickened and spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. 3. Return chicken to the pan and top with salt, pepper, more Parmesan cheese, and thyme, and serve over rice or linguine.
Treatment: BPD is typically treated with psychotherapy, as well as medications that treat some of the associated symptoms.
As much as we focus on physical health, mental health is equally important. Because bipolar disorder and BPD have overlapping symptoms, seeking treatment from a medical professional is essential for an accurate diagnosis. If you or someone you know may be experiencing these symptoms, don’t go it alone. Please seek help.
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JustFamilyLaw.com 949.363.5551
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551
23101 Lake Center Drive • Suite 310 Lake Forest, CA 92630
Inside
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Financial Stability and Family Law Matters
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Establishing Stability For Your Kids When Your Marriage Is Ending Tasty Alternatives to Probiotic Supplements Recognizing Mental Health Disorder Symptoms Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun- Dried Tomato Sauce
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Appreciate the Wonders of Eternal Flame Falls
A Glimpse Into a Mystery of Nature EARTH’S ETERNAL FLAME
Visitors to Eternal Flame Falls, a unique, naturally occurring gas flame emanating from the ground near Orchard Park, New York, often describe it with feelings of awe. A natural gas leak from deep in the ground fuels the Eternal Flame, and a waterfall tumbles down
35% ethane and propane in addition to methane. The research team also noted a series of other small gas seeps within the shale layer where the Eternal Flame flare originates. One geologist on the team theorized that the gas might have been produced within the shale by a different process that scientists have not yet identified.
from a rock face between hikers and the flame, creating a grotto-like effect that draws scores of visitors year-round. Natural gas emissions from the Earth aren’t uncommon; however, the flame that gives Eternal Flame Falls its name is unique in several ways. According to a team of Italian and American geologists who investigated the leak in 2013, the gas is released at a relatively shallow depth of about 1,300 feet underground. The lukewarm shale surrounding its origins is much cooler than the 100-degree Celsius temperatures at the origin point of most naturally occurring flames.
In addition to gas combustion, natural eternal flames can be created by peat fires or coal seam fires, ignited by lightning, human activity, or electricity caused by tectonic stress. Humans often create and maintain eternal flames, too, to commemorate people or events. In the U.S., manmade eternal flames burn at Ground Zero, the site of the 2001 terrorist attacks, and the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
The hike to view New York’s Eternal Flame Falls is a 40-minute round trip. However, the flame is difficult to access in wet seasons when the river swells to a torrent, so
Natural gas leaks are usually composed of methane, but the gas fueling New York’s Eternal Flame is a unique blend of
check the weather beforehand.
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