Stevens Firm - November 2019

Take a look at our newsletter this month.

What We’re Thankful for This Year What Matters Most THE StevensFirm, P.A. Family Law Center 349 E. Main Street, Suite 200, Spartanburg, SC 29302 • www.SCFamilyLaw.com • (864) 598-9172 November 2019

2019 has certainly been a humdinger of a year for us, and we have so much to be thankful for looking back over all that’s happened. As you may remember, Ben’s mother, Jean, passed away in January. Not a great start to the year. When you run a family business, especially a law firm, you learn pretty quickly who your truly loyal friends are when something like this happens. We’re thankful for all our friends — both personal and professional — who circled around us showing us love and grace like never before to get us through such a difficult time. In April, we got a call no parent wants to get from their child — our daughter, Libby, had been involved in a wreck just a couple of miles from our office. Her airbags had deployed, her car was totaled, and an ambulance had been dispatched. As a result of the wreck, she had narrowly missed being hit head-on by an 18-wheeler traveling in the opposite direction. She was injured but alert and able to talk. We are so very thankful the heavens were looking out for her and stopped the truck just a few feet from where her vehicle was stuck in the road. We are thankful for the eyewitnesses who stopped to help her until we could get to the scene and the ambulance arrived. And we are most thankful a bad situation wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been, and we still have our Libby with us. We’ve had several major cases over the course of the summer and fall that were resolved in our clients’ favor. Each case had particularly

difficult facts and/or very particular circumstances that aren’t usually handled

by the family court in South Carolina. Our

team came together, like never before, to present these cases in ways which demonstrated to the courts how and why our clients should prevail. While some cases ended up settling on what lawyers like to call the “eve” of trial or “on the courthouse steps,” we know those last-minute negotiations would not have been successful without the dedicated and tireless work of both our attorneys and our amazing support staff.

As we prepare to gather with our families and friends this Thanksgiving season, we’re reminded of all we’ve survived and all we’ve been blessed with throughout 2019. Our hearts will be full of grace and gratitude this season because we get to do this wonderful job day in and day out to help those in our community who find themselves in tough situations; we are surrounded by our team here at the office and within our legal community who we can count as not only colleagues but also as true friends; and, at this time of year, we are lucky to have moments to slow down and spend time with those we love most. Our wish for all of you is that your Thanksgiving season is peaceful and full of love and great food!

–Ben and Jenny Stevens

Reminder About Our Firm’s Communication Policy Our promise to you is that while we are working on your case, we don’t take inbound phone calls, faxes, or emails. Our Senior Partner, Ben Stevens, takes no unscheduled inbound phone calls, as we have found this makes him much more productive and enables him to focus on getting your case resolved faster. You can always call our office at (864) 598-9172 and schedule an in-person or phone appointment with any of our attorneys, usually within 24–48 hours. We believe this approach is much better than the endless game of phone tag played by most businesses today. Email is also an efficient way to communicate with us, but please

be advised that emails are not typically checked more than twice per day. If you need something quickly, don’t email — call our office and speak with one of our assistants, who will be happy to help you. Disclaimer: This publication is intended to educate the general public about family law issues. It is not intended to be legal advice. Every case is different. The information in this newsletter may be freely copied and distributed so long as the newsletter is copied in its entirety and proper credit is attributed to “The Stevens Firm, P.A. — Family Law Center (SCFamilyLaw.com).”

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Get Ready for Good Nutrition in November!

2. Cheese It Up! Cheese can undoubtedly make veggies more appealing for your little ones. When making their favorite mac ‘n’ cheese dish, consider adding broccoli and peas to the sauce. The cheese will mask most of the veggie flavor, and your kids won’t care as much! Another option for really picky eaters is to 3 Tips to Get Your Picky Eaters to Eat the Veggies Their Bodies Need

It might seem strange that November — when millions of Americans gather around the dinner table to show gratitude through lavish Thanksgiving feasts — has recently been dubbed Good Nutrition Month. But it’s true; now is the time to pay extra attention to the nutrients your body needs to maintain its healthy state through the new year.

purée vegetables, like sweet potatoes, into the cheese sauce. The bright orange color will mask the inclusion, ensuring your little one gets a good share of fiber-rich nutrients while being none the wiser. 3. Get ‘Beefy’ With Your Veggies.

While mindful eating is a habit families know they should practice year-round, once the holiday season kicks into full gear, it becomes much easier to overlook. With colder weather keeping you inside, the cravings for heartier meals and delicious baked goods leave parents struggling to encourage their picky eaters to consume anything nutritious. If you’re finding it more difficult than usual to convince your child to eat their greens, here are some tips to keep in mind! 1. Let ThemHelp.

If your kids are fans of meat-based pasta sauces, meatballs, or sloppy Joes, you can substitute some of the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms. Since the meaty texture of the tasty fungi is similar to ground beef, it’ll be hard for kids to notice the difference. Riced cauliflower can also be mistaken for tender ground beef when cooked in darker sauces and gravies. While it can be frustrating to negotiate with a picky eater, especially during the holidays, don’t lose hope. Try out these three tasty tips and observe Good Nutrition Month with a little more ease.

If your child has grown out of the toddler stage and is still resistant to eating their vegetables, child psychologists say you should have them help with the cooking process. The excitement and anticipation that comes with getting to prepare the vegetables can encourage kids to try a couple bites during dinnertime. Separation vs. Divorce What’s the Difference in South Carolina? When describing the no-man’s-land between separation and divorce, the movies often get it wrong. How many rom-coms have you seen where one character, in the midst of wooing the leading guy or gal, drops the bomb that they’re in the midst of a divorce — but dating is just fine because they’re separated? In South Carolina, at least, that logic doesn’t add up. Unlike most other states, South Carolina doesn’t recognize “legal separation,” which means even if you and your partner live apart, you’re still considered legally married until your divorce, and dating or sleeping with someone else is off the table. That said, a few legal nuances can make the difference between separation and divorce confusing. While there’s no such thing as legal separation in South Carolina, couples living separate and apart (by the legal definition, which means they also have no intention of “resuming marital relations”) can file something called an Order of Separate Maintenance and Support in family court. While it’s only a temporary order and doesn’t end a marriage, it can help settle some issues for the time being, like child custody, visitation, and support; which spouse will remain in the marital home; who will be responsible for paying the mortgage and other home costs; closing joint accounts; allocating marital debt; transferring titles to personal property; spousal support; and health insurance.

The Order of Separate Maintenance and Support doesn’t cover retirement accounts or final decisions related to alimony — divorce is necessary for that. Still, for a couple not yet ready to commit to a divorce, or a partner seeking support for minor children in the window before a divorce is finalized, an Order of Separate Maintenance and Support can be beneficial. Filing for either an Order of Separate Maintenance and Support or a divorce is a big decision you shouldn’t make without an experienced family law attorney at your side. If you have questions about separation, divorce, or anything else related to family law, The Stevens Firm can help. Call us today at (864) 598-9172 for sound advice and legal support.

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Burnished Potato Nuggets

There are countless ways to prepare potatoes, but not all are created equal. For irresistibly crunchy outsides and deliciously creamy insides, try this recipe. The result is sure to be the star side at your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

She Said ‘Yes!’

• 5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 8 cloves garlic, crushed • 2 sprigs rosemary • Kosher salt, to taste

3 Heartwarming Proposal Stories

1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In a large pot, pour water over potatoes to cover by 2 inches. Salt water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes. 3. Thoroughly drain potatoes and let stand for 10 minutes. Toss gently and season with salt. 4. Meanwhile, combine both oils in a large pan and heat in oven for 10 minutes. 5. Remove pan from oven and add potatoes, turning to coat thoroughly. Return to oven and cook for 30 minutes, turning every 10. 6. Toss in garlic and rosemary and finish cooking for 8–10 minutes. 7. Drain and serve. Directions

Marriage is one of the biggest commitments you can make in a lifetime, which is probably why men the world over lean toward planning elaborate setups for popping the question. Whether they’re adventurous, dramatic, casual, or quirky, there’s nothing quite like a good proposal story. Here are a few we love. A Sweet Surprise Jake, an amateur photographer, relied on his Nikon DSLR camera for help when proposing to his now-wife Taylor. On a trip to California, the pair wound up on Paradise Pier in California Adventure at sunset. At the perfect moment, Jake handed Taylor his camera and asked her to take his photo. When she slid the exposure counter back, she found a ring in the space beneath! Jake got down on one knee, and the rest is history. (BridalMusings.com) Romance at the Top Adventure-seekers Brittany and Daniel started their happily-ever-after at the top of Mount Warning, a peak in Australia that’s the first place in the continent to see the morning sun. After a long climb, they made it to the top and Brittany was admiring the view when Daniel got down on one knee and offered her an even better sight — a ring! (BridalMusings.com) Swept Off Her Feet This spring, Brad devised the perfect proposal for his then-girlfriend Nia, who is a big fan of Harry Potter. Nia had told Brad she was interested in seeing drawings by a local sand artist at a nearby beach, so Brad planned a surprise for the outing. He commissioned artist Mark Treanor to draw a huge Hogwarts Crest in the sand, emblazoned with his proposal! The incredible drawing made headlines, and Brad got the girl. (MuggleNet.com) If you’re planning a proposal just as special as these (or expecting one any day), don’t forget about the next step. Between the “yes” and the dress, consider drawing up a prenuptial agreement. Far from killing the romance, choosing to set down a contract protecting you both will show your soon-to-be spouse that you take marriage seriously. If you’re wondering about the need for a prenup or would like help creating one, call The Stevens Firm today. We can explain why it’s the smart choice and get you started down the path to a secure, happy marriage!

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THE Stevens Firm, P.A. Family Law Center

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349 E. Main Street, Suite 200 Spartanburg, SC 29302

PAGE 1 What We’re Thankful for This Year PAGE 2 Trick Your Picky Eaters Separation vs. Divorce: What’s the Difference? PAGE 3 Burnished Potato Nuggets

3 Heartwarming Proposal Stories PAGE 4 The Gift of Giving

Celebrating Giving Tuesday

Supporting the People You Believe In

November is usually all about Thanksgiving, but it isn’t the only holiday that encourages generosity. Giving Tuesday is a phenomenal celebration in which millions of people from across the globe are inspired to spend 24 hours giving back to the communities they love. Origin and Goal Giving Tuesday is celebrated every year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, and this year, the holiday lands on Dec. 3! It was established in 2012 by the United Nations Foundation and New York’s 92nd Street Y as a response to consumer-driven holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The purpose of the holiday was to spread the spirit of giving, not only for the people in our nation but individuals across the world. The goal is “to create a massive wave of generosity that lasts well beyond that day and touches every person on the planet.” Technology at Its Best Through the use of social media and technology, the organization hopes to encourage and spread generosity on a global scale using the hashtag #GivingTuesday. The website states that “... technology and social media could be used to make generosity go viral; that people fundamentally want to give and talk about giving.”

Through massive social media

platforms like Facebook and

Twitter, the individuals and companies participating in Giving Tuesday can spread their missions and messages all over the world, encouraging others to do the same. How You Can Celebrate Now is the perfect opportunity to support your community and the causes you believe in. The best part of this holiday is that “giving” doesn’t just refer to donating money. People can give back by volunteering their time to help a nonprofit business, donating goods and food, or just buying a stranger some lunch. Even the smallest actions can have the biggest impact. If you’re interested in participating in Giving Tuesday, get together with your friends, family, sports team members, or neighbors to brainstorm on how you can give back. To learn more about how you can participate, visit GivingTuesday.org.

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