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SEPTEMBER 2024
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The Power of Collaboration at Pacific Northwest Family Law
Behind every successful case and satisfied client at Pacific Northwest Family Law is a dedicated team working seamlessly together, combining their expertise and compassion to get the best outcomes for the people we serve. Our attorneys, legal assistants, and support staff collaborate tirelessly, ensuring clients receive the personalized attention and legal guidance they deserve. I couldn’t be prouder of our team here and their commitment to excellence. We wouldn’t be able to do this work without them, so this Labor Day, I wanted to highlight the hard work and unity that drives our firm and makes a real difference in the lives of those we serve. When people first call us, they’re treated with care and respect. We all highly value active listening, from our intake team of receptionists and firm ambassadors to our attorneys. During every step of the process, clients will feel heard, like they have an ally and friend during this challenging time. Our firm ambassadors are one of those first points of contact with a client, and they are incredibly skilled at determining if we are the right firm for a case. Our intake team then gets new clients all set up by scheduling appointments and acting as an ambassador, answering questions and greeting them.
It’s hard to imagine what our office would look like without our hard- working administrative assistants. They’re the people who make sure every I is dotted and every T is crossed. They constantly take on whatever tasks must be completed and keep our daily operations running smoothly. We rely on them with total confidence. Our team of legal assistants is another backbone of support at the firm, helping our attorneys in many important ways. They are responsible for keeping cases organized and assisting with many aspects of a case, such as filing documents, researching, and communicating with clients. Our attorneys are among the most passionate groups I’ve ever met. Not only do they bring such strong skill sets and expertise to cases, but they also genuinely care about the people they serve. They will fight hard for our clients and act as strong advocates and support systems. I’m constantly moved by their desire to be a positive force for people as they go toward a better life. Family law requires commitment, heart, and deep empathy, and every one of our lawyers epitomizes those traits. Seeing them at work is impressive because they always strive to do more for their clients. I’m proud that they serve an essential role in
this new chapter for families they are working to help.
At Pacific Northwest Family Law, we believe in taking an honest and aggressive approach to our cases. We pride ourselves on being straightforward and ensuring clients never feel lost or alone during this time. We understand how emotional these cases can be, and we’re here to create personalized and achievable goals for you and your family, no matter what changes they are going through. I’m proud that we have a shared belief at the firm that the most peaceful resolution for families is the goal, but we’re prepared to fight hard if we have to take a case to the courtroom. Each team member is vital in ensuring clients receive compassionate, expert care throughout their legal journey. Our unified approach makes all the difference from our first contact with clients to the final resolution of their cases. I am so proud of the dedication, professionalism, and heart our entire team brings to the table daily. Here’s to the collective effort that not only makes our firm thrive but also transforms the lives of those we serve. Happy Labor Day from all of us at Pacific Northwest Family Law!
–Scott Ashby
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and respond appropriately, which can enhance their empathy and understanding of emotional states. When a child learns to care for the needs of their beloved pet, they learn that other people also have needs and emotions that must be cared for. HEALTH BENEFITS Numerous studies have shown that children with pets are less likely to develop common allergies and asthma. Surprisingly enough, it didn’t matter whether these kids grew up with cats or dogs; both were equally likely to help prevent asthma and certain allergies. Of course, children who have already been diagnosed can have their symptoms triggered by their furry friends. That’s why parents should consider introducing a pet as early as possible! EMOTIONAL SUPPORT Pets provide a unique comfort that can sometimes elude even the closest family members. During challenging or stressful times, a pet can comfort a child. A pet’s presence can be incredibly soothing and reassuring, providing a silent strength without the complication of human emotions. FUN AND ADVENTURE Let’s not forget that pets are fun! They bring laughter and joy to a household. Kids’ adventures with their pets — from exploring the backyard jungles with a trusty dog to hosting a tea party with a patient feline — can foster creativity and imagination. Pets truly make a home more vibrant and livelier. They teach lessons in love, life, and the joy of simple things. So, if you’re contemplating adding a pet to your family, know that the pitter-patter of little paws can benefit your child’s development. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want an extra dose of unconditional love around the house?
THE PAWSITIVE EFFECTS
The Integral Role of Pets in Enhancing Childhood Development
We all know a family pet can bring a world of fun, but animal companions are actually proven to do much more than that! Pets are more than just your kids’ companions; they play a significant role in child development. Here’s how every child can benefit from growing up with a furry (or not-so-furry) friend. SOCIAL SKILLS AND EMPATHY Pets often serve as a child’s first friend and confidant. Interacting with a pet requires a child to read nonverbal cues
How to Find Balance as a Working Parent
Navigating the world of work and parenting can feel like a high-wire act, but with the right
schedule of career tasks and parenting
responsibilities. Create a calendar or fill out your planner to separate work from your home life. Seeing everything you need and want to accomplish helps you better plan your days and balance your ambitions with quality family time. You can also create a schedule for your children so they can see when their playtime is or when it’s time to clean up for the day. SET BOUNDARIES It’s essential to set boundaries for you and your family. Speak to your children about your schedule
strategies, you can find balance and thrive in both roles. As a working parent, every day brings new challenges and triumphs, from juggling meetings to managing school pick-ups. September 16 is National Working Parents Day, and whether you’re looking for ways to streamline your schedule, boost productivity, or carve out more family time, our tips will help you master the art of balancing career and home life. CREATE A CALENDAR Staying organized is a game- changer for planning your busy
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TAKE A BREAK
A divorce is one of the most significant life changes anyone can face, and it’s crucial to reflect that change in your legal documents. Updating your will after a divorce is not just a formality — it’s essential to ensure that your wishes are honored and your assets are distributed according to your current intentions. Whether that means removing an ex- spouse from your beneficiaries or appointing a new guardian for your children, revising your plan helps protect your legacy and secure peace of mind. NEW CHAPTER, NEW WILL Why Updating Your Plan Post-Divorce Is a Must YOUR CURRENT WISHES Divorce causes many changes in your life, including your priorities and the relationships most important to you. Your ex- spouse may no longer be the person you trust to make essential decisions about your assets, children, healthcare, or other significant factors in your future. By updating your will, you can ensure you have a new executor to oversee your estate and can spell out your preferences that reflect your wishes post-divorce. YOUR CHILDREN Your children’s well-being and stability rely on your plan being current and accurate. You need to spell out what will happen with their care and financial support if you cannot care for them. After a divorce, you may want to appoint a guardian in your will who will take care of your children if something happens to you and your ex. If you were to pass away unexpectedly or become incapacitated, your ex-spouse would likely be the person to raise your children. So, if you believe your ex-spouse is unfit, documenting that in your will is an important step. YOUR BENEFICIARIES If you don’t remove your ex from your will, they may still inherit a significant portion of your assets or payouts from accounts like your insurance policy. Add a new beneficiary, like a friend, family member, or your children. By updating your will, you can rest assured that your estate will be distributed to the people you love most and want to benefit from your assets. Revising your will can realign your estate planning to reflect your current relationships and priorities, provide clear instructions for your children’s care, and designate beneficiaries who truly reflect your intentions. Don’t let outdated documents dictate your future — update your will to protect what matters most to you.
SOLUTION:
and needs, and let them know when you are unavailable because you’ll be working. Though you might not be able to tell your manager you are unavailable for specific tasks, you can create work boundaries by committing to setting down your phone or turning off the work laptop during family hours. You can say “no” to tasks like volunteering to chaperone a school field trip if you don’t have the space, time, or energy. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF To take care of others at work or home, you have to take care of yourself. Ensure you spend time in your busy schedule doing things that make you happy and healthy. Read a new book, take a relaxing weekly bubble bath, visit a friend, or take a dance class. Along with doing things that bring you joy, ensure you eat a solid diet, drink plenty of water, and exercise. Remember, balancing work and family is an ongoing journey. Creating a detailed calendar, setting clear boundaries, and prioritizing self-care can create a harmonious blend of productivity and personal fulfillment.
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1359 Columbia Park Trail Richland, WA 99352 564.212.2733 pnwfamilylaw.com
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1 | Meet the Team That Makes Your Legal Journey Seamless
2 | Explore the Positive
Benefits of Pets for Kids
Essential Tips for Busy Parents
3 | Don’t Let Outdated Wills Affect Your Legacy
4 | Completing Your Fall Bucket List
Autumn Awaits IDEAS FOR YOUR FALL BUCKET LIST
After a summer spent adventuring outdoors, you may feel like turning into a pumpkin come fall. But fall is full of uniquely enjoyable opportunities. From brewing cider to hanging up creepy Halloween decorations, here are three bucket-worthy activities that make the most of autumnal creativity and coziness. APPLE PICKING FOR APPLE CIDER Apple picking season starts in the waning days of summer before ending in October, making September the best time to visit a local orchard. Whether you’re in Alaska, Wyoming, or almost any state in between alphabetically, pick-your-own apple orchards offer you and your friends the chance to get back out in nature, exercise, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Best of all?
Apples are the easiest fruit to pick, and the reward is a delicious, ready-to-eat snack or an ingredient in a refreshing beverage. Ground-up apples are the base ingredient for apple cider, a delicious drink that epitomizes the greatness of fall! BLAZING BONFIRE Now that summer is spent, a good, old-fashioned bonfire is in order. Whether making s’mores or sharing ghost stories, a bonfire is a recipe for a good time with friends, family, and the occasional apparition. HORRIFYING HALLOWEEN HOME We have all seen the homes on the block with bare lawns and dark porches during Halloween. But what’s the fun in that? If that was your home last
year, now is the perfect time to turn it around and embrace the most macabre, creative ideas for decking out your home — inside and out. From creatively posed skeletons to a front porch full of jack-o’-lanterns, there is no shortage of simple, scary props to adorn your home. If you have never carved a jack-o’- lantern, it should be on your bucket list — not just for fall. See how far you can take Halloween this year!
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