There’s something magical about seeing a stack of presents wrapped in bright, multicolored paper. However, that enchanting scene quickly evaporates a few hours later when all those wads of wrapping paper and plastic bows are chucked unceremoniously into the garbage. What if we told you there are countless ways you can still enjoy wrapping and unwrapping presents, without all the waste? Here are a few creative gift wrap alternatives to consider this holiday season. Brown Paper Bags With the holiday season comes holiday shopping, and if you opt out of plastic grocery bags, you’re sure to have a surplus of brown paper bags in the pantry. Drop a present into the bag, tape it shut, and you’re good to go. Add some simple lace or a ribbon for an old-timey feel or get creative with stamps and hand-drawn artwork. This wrap job lets your imagination run wild.
Old Maps and Calendars These days, pretty much every phone has a built-in GPS, so you probably won’t need the map from your 1999 road trip anytime soon. If you still have an old map, why not use that for wrapping? The unusual designs guarantee your gifts will be one of a kind. And don’t worry if there are notes scrawled across the paper. Old events or directions will add some unique flair to the presents. Furoshiki Fabric is an excellent substitute for wrapping paper. You can use a scarf to create two gifts in one or pull out scraps of fabric from old projects. The traditional Japanese practice of furoshiki is all about wrapping goods in fabric. Described as “functional fabric origami,” you’d be amazed at how a few well-placed folds can turn your gift into a work of art. Learn how to wrap anything, from boxes to bottles, at ceas.ku.edu/ furoshiki-instructional-videos.
You don’t have to follow the same gift wrap habits year after year. After the effort you put into finding just the right present, you should be able to make
your gift wrap just as special. Find a method that’s uniquely you and get started!
Should Your Spouse BE PAYING ALIMONY?
Alimony — payments either in lump sum or on a continuing basis for the support and maintenance of a spouse or former spouse — is often court- ordered during the proceedings and lasts until well after the divorce is over. Alimony is paid by the supporting spouse to the dependent spouse, and the amount widely varies. Each case is evaluated in accordance with the requirements of the statute, case by case. According to Florida legislature, when determining whether to award alimony, the court first must determine whether either party has an actual need for alimony or maintenance, and whether either party has the ability to pay. If it is determined that there is a need and a spouse can pay, the amount is based on many factors, including but not limited to the following.
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Financial resources of each party.
awarded for any length of time up to the duration of the marriage. Finally, alimony following a long- term marriage may be awarded on a permanent and periodic basis. Bridge-the-gap alimony may be awarded to assist the dependent party in making the transition from married to single life, and it may not be awarded for more than two years. This amount of alimony cannot be modified in amount or duration, and it is terminated upon the death of either party or marriage of the dependent party. Many other types of alimony payments exist under Florida legislature. If you have any questions about alimony or child support please call us anytime.Also, if you know anybody who is confronted with divorce, custody, alimony, or support issues anywhere in Florida, please feel free to refer them to us for help.
• Earning capabilities, educational levels, vocational skills, and employability of each party. The contribution of each party to the marriage, including but not limited to services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other party. Tax treatment and consequences if awarded. Just about any other factor that affects the parties’ finances that the court wishes to consider. When determining alimony, the length of time a couple has been married can determine how much alimony will be paid to the dependent spouse. For example, short- term marriages have a duration of less than seven years, moderate-term marriages have a duration between seven and 17 years, and long-term marriages have a duration of 17 years or greater. Alimony after short-term marriage is usually awarded on a temporary basis. Meanwhile, alimony awarded after a moderate-term marriage may be • • • • Child responsibilities of each party.
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The standard of living established during the marriage.
Duration of the marriage.
Age and physical and emotional condition of each party.
2 (904) 360-6100
“JACKSONVILLE’S ATTORNEY AT LAW.”
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