Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
VANDTLAW.COM | 678.736.7700
W hat N ot to D o D uring D ivorce AVOID THE PITFALLS THAT WILL HURT YOUR CASE
JANUARY 2026
When you’re going through a divorce or fighting for custody of your children, you don’t always know how to act or even what to expect in the courtroom. This can lead people to make mistakes that directly impact their case. They may feel like they’re finally breaking free from a difficult situation and can let their hair down, but taking the wrong action will come back to haunt them.
the discovery process, so it’s best to avoid posting anything on social media until the divorce process is officially over.
USE YOUR CHILDREN AS THERAPISTS DURING OR AFTER YOUR DIVORCE. The period after a divorce can be very difficult for some people. With no one else to turn to, you may feel compelled to open up to your children and share your thoughts, but this can be damaging to your relationship and their mental well-being. Your children are not there to manage your emotions or be a tool used to create more hate for the other parent. Doing this is one of the quickest ways to lose custody. Get a therapist, go out with friends, or take a vacation. Anything is better than using your children as a vehicle for your frustration. LIE TO YOUR ATTORNEY. This is probably the biggest no-no when it comes to family law cases. Your attorney is here to help you. If you lie to your attorney or withhold vital information, they will be blindsided when the truth comes out, and it will come out. We can’t build a defense or help you without the right information, so don’t lie. WITHHOLD PARENTING TIME DUE TO CHILD SUPPORT. It’s not always easy to receive child support payments from an ex-partner, but you can’t make your own rules to punish them. Child support and parenting time are separate entities in the court’s eyes. There is a process to address late or missing child support payments, but you can’t tell them they can’t see their kid before you get paid. Your children are not for sale. BECOME RECKLESS. Some people will do things during or after a divorce that aren’t easy to come back from. If you feel tempted to call your ex-spouse’s employer and speak negatively about them, resist the urge. These actions can reflect poorly on you and may have serious financial consequences if they result in job loss. Some people will live out a new relationship in front of their kids, but this can be very damaging to them. Lastly, do not drink and drive. A DUI will only make things worse.
Over the years, I’ve helped many members of our community with their family law needs and provided advice that helps them advance in a direction that works for them in their unique situation. If you’ve been a regular reader of my newsletter, you’ve likely picked up some valuable tips and beneficial information for you and your children, but this month, I want to do something different in recognition of Opposite Day on Jan. 25. Instead of sharing what you should do, I want to share some actions you should never take while going through a family law case. POST EVERYTHING YOU DO OR FEEL ON SOCIAL MEDIA. For many Americans, social media has become an outlet to express their thoughts and feelings, but sharing too much about a spouse or new love interest on social media could hurt your case. If you deny being in a relationship but post pictures of yourself on a trip with a new partner, that is evidence against you. Posting that you hate your spouse or went out of your way to hide all your assets will be used against you. Everything will be brought up in a deposition or during
If you have questions about family law or need representation, please contact us at your earliest convenience!
- Esther Vayman
1
N o M ore ‘R inse and R epeat ’ CREATIVE WAYS TO BREAK UP THE DAILY GRIND
LIVING ROOM OBSTACLE COURSE Use pillows, chairs, and other household items to transform your living room into an obstacle course. This activity encourages physical activity and teamwork, all within the comfort of your home. FAMILY STORYTELLING CIRCLE Gather the family in a circle and take turns adding sentences to a story. This collaborative activity sparks creativity and often results in hilarious and imaginative tales. Talk about memory-making! IMPROMPTU CRAFT SESSIONS Keep a box of craft supplies handy for on-the-spot art sessions. Even 15 minutes of drawing, coloring, or simple DIY projects can provide a satisfying creative outlet for both kids and adults. PAJAMA WALKS UNDER THE MOON On clear nights, consider a short walk around the neighborhood in your pajamas. This simple activity offers fresh air, a change of scenery, and a unique way to end the day together.
Breakfast, school, work, dinner, rinse, and repeat.
distractions. You can even create a “screen bucket/basket” for everyone’s phone or tablet during this designated time. ONGOING DINNER BOARD GAMES Extend the dinner table experience by introducing a board game that spans multiple nights. You can pause and resume games like Monopoly or Clue over several evenings. It’s a great way to stay connected all week long! DANCE PARTY SNACK BREAK Inject some energy into your evening by turning snack time into a mini dance party. Play your family’s favorite tunes and let loose together, creating joyful memories and a fun atmosphere.
Busy weeknights often leave little room for quality family time. However, with a bit of creativity and intentionality, you can transform even the most hectic evenings into memorable bonding moments. Here are seven engaging, low-prep activities that fit seamlessly into your evening routine. SCREEN-FREE TIME AFTER DINNER Designate a window of 30–45 minutes after dinner as a screen-free time for the entire family. This intentional time allows for uninterrupted conversations, taking a walk, playing a favorite sport outside, or enjoying each other’s company without digital
M aking T his Y ear W ork for Y ou ( and Y our K ids ) STRESS, SURPRISES, AND SHARED CUSTODY
While there’s plenty of excitement involved whenever we reach a new year, it also brings an opportunity for new challenges. We have to navigate priority shifts, our kids may want to explore new hobbies or extracurricular activities, and there’s the lingering pressure of trying to ensure this year is more successful, rewarding, and happy than the last. While this can be difficult in its own right, those facing divorce proceedings or custody battles will have even more on their plate. If you want to ensure the next 12 months are as successful as possible, you need to establish some beneficial strategies. Here are a few to help you get started!
should let the other parent walk all over you, but surprises happen, and your flexibility will make life easier for your children. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF. Life is stressful, and those facing difficult family situations can encounter additional stress, anxiety, and depression. Don’t let these feelings take over your mind. Set aside some time each month for some of your favorite activities and relaxation. You should also consider taking a small trip for yourself if your finances and schedule permit it. KEEP YOUR KIDS’ NEEDS ABOVE ALL ELSE. Don’t lose sight of what’s most important. When you get into an argument with the other parent or experience a difficult day at work, you may want to bury your head in the sand and wait for time to pass. Keep your composure, stay strong, and spend that time with your kids instead. Not only will it strengthen your relationship, but it will also improve your mindset!
calendar that both parents have access to that includes important events from the school calendar, the kids’ extracurricular activities, and your own personal responsibilities. One of the best things you can do is adopt a mindset that allows you to be adaptable and amicable when something unexpected happens. This doesn’t mean you
STAY AHEAD OF CO-PARENTING CHALLENGES.
Whenever things change, there’s a chance for additional stress. This becomes crystal clear when looking at co-parenting. Create a plan now to get everyone on the same page. Make a shared
2
VANDTLAW.COM | 678.736.7700
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT OF LAST YEAR?
Amanda D. Having my bonus babies for the summer Amanda H. My nine-day Caribbean cruise Maggie Finding out we were having another baby
Brooke Moving into my new apartment Stephanie Coming back to V & T Law Abigayle Vacationing in Blue Ridge for the 1st time Katie Getting my puppy Gianna
“I SEND ALL MY DIVORCE CLIENTS OVER TO VAYMAN & TEITELBAUM, A VERY PROFESSIONAL OUTFIT, AND THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. GREAT FIRM FOR ALL THINGS DOMESTIC AND PROBATE.” RAVE REVI EWS
Natasha Watching my cat have kittens
Applying to law school
Ashlyn Going to Boston
R oasted C auliflower S teaks W ith R omesco S auce
ingredients • 1 cup dry small lentils • 6 cups water • 1 tsp salt • 1 extra-large cauliflower • 1/2 red onion • 1 large bell pepper • 4–6 garlic cloves • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 2 tsp cumin, divided
BRAIN BREAK
• 1 tsp coriander • 1 1/4 tsp salt (3/4 tsp marinade, 1/2 tsp sauce) • 1/2 cup almonds • 1/2 tsp pepper • 1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne • 1 tbsp tomato paste • 1 tbsp red wine/sherry vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil • 2–4 tbsp water
directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Boil lentils with salt and water until tender, drain, and drizzle with olive oil. 3. Cut cauliflower into 1/2-inch steaks; slice onion; quarter bell pepper. Add to sheet pan with whole garlic cloves. 4. Mix olive oil, paprika, 1 tsp cumin, coriander, and salt; brush over veggies. Bake 35 minutes, removing garlic when golden. Sauce: In food processor, pulse roasted peppers, onion, garlic, and almonds. Add salt, pepper, cayenne, tomato paste, vinegar, olive oil, and water; pulse. Divide lentils among bowls, add sauce, and top with cauliflower.
BOOTS CANDLES CARNATION FURNACE
INSULATE JANUS OPPOSITE RESOLUTION
GARNET HOCKEY
SKATING SWEATER
Inspired by FeastingAtHome.com
3
VANDTLAW.COM | 678.736.7700
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
VANDTLAW.COM | 678.736.7700
3625 BROOKSIDE PKWY, SUITE 130 ALPHARETTA, GA 30022
I nside 1
COMMON BEHAVIORS THAT JEOPARDIZE FAMILY LAW OUTCOMES
2
BITE-SIZE FAMILY ACTIVITIES THAT FIT YOUR SCHEDULE
YOUR BLUEPRINT FOR A BETTER YEAR
3
QUESTION AND ANSWERS
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER STEAKS WITH ROMESCO SAUCE
4
FIND YOUR FLOW AND FALL BACK IN LOVE WITH EXERCISE
G et B ack on T rack and F eel S tronger T han E ver EASE BACK INTO FITNESS WITHOUT THE STRESS
Restarting your workout routine after a long break can feel like climbing a mountain, but you don’t need to scale Everest on day one. You should start small and start smart. Even one or two weekly workouts can reignite your energy and rebuild your confidence. The key isn’t intensity at first, but creating a rhythm you can stick to.
1,000 steps daily, or squeeze in 20-minute workouts three times a week. Every little win builds confidence and sets the stage for bigger achievements, like hitting 10,000 steps daily or finishing a full-length fitness class. SCHEDULE WORKOUTS AROUND YOUR LIFE. Fitness should fit your life, not disrupt it. Figure out your prime energy hours. Maybe mornings fuel your focus, or evenings recharge your motivation. Even 15–20 minutes count when you’re easing back in. Start where you are, and gradually increase intensity. Remember, your stamina will grow alongside your consistency, not overnight.
like a reward rather than a chore. Then, try a 30-day challenge to keep things interesting: a mile walk every day, one new workout a week, or short movement breaks during work hours. At the end of the month, reward yourself with a massage, a new gym bag, or a small treat to reinforce your progress. BUDDY UP FOR ACCOUNTABILITY. Accountability is a game-changer. A workout buddy or group can push you to show up on lazy days, celebrate your wins, and keep the process fun. Studies show that having someone alongside you can boost your consistency, motivation, and happiness. Getting back into exercise isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, celebrating small wins, and making fitness a part of your life again. Start small, plan smart, and enjoy every step of the journey.
CRUSH SHORT-TERM GOALS. Small victories spark momentum. Instead of staring at a massive goal and feeling defeated, focus on micro-challenges: Walk an extra
REINFORCE MOTIVATION WITH RETAIL THERAPY.
A new pair of shoes, a matching workout outfit, or a fancy water bottle can make exercise feel
4
VANDTLAW.COM | 678.736.7700
PUBLISHED BY NEWSLETTER PRO | NEWSLETTERPRO.COM
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator