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A ugust 2024
DADDY DAYS
Turning Tuesdays into Lifelong Memories with My Children Everybody loves the weekend, but one of my favorite days is Tuesday. Tuesdays are Daddy Nights around my house. One day a week, my wife teaches a yoga class in the evening, and I stay home with the kids. About a year ago, I decided to make these weeknights memorable, out-of-the-ordinary events. We move out of the regular Tuesday routine, and my children and I find something new to do. Maybe we turn down all the lights for a 30-minute round of laser tag or head to the pool for a couple of hours. The whole idea is to take advantage of this family time and turn it into something I hope will foster lifelong memories for my children. Everyone tells you that when you have small children, the days are long but the years are short. And the closer your babies are to turning 18, the more you appreciate this adage. My favorite weekends are when I get to stay home with my family. We keep the itinerary short or non-existent, attending church on Sunday and spending quality time playing in the backyard.
Working in a family law firm, we often see divorce cases where one parent may have primary physical custody of a child and the other has visitations every other weekend. This can be a tough adjustment for a parent to make. Imagine going a whole week without seeing your kids. To those of you who may be going through this, I urge you to focus on the quality of time you have with your children, not the quantity. When it’s your time, make sure you’re engaged. Spend time together without phones and other devices. Have meals together that are device-free and find activities to enjoy together. These are the moments your child will look back on one day and feel truly grateful for. “Everyone tells you that when you have small children, the days are long, and the years are short. And the closer your babies are to turning 18, the more you appreciate them.” I recently told a friend about my Tuesday night tradition, and he got teary-eyed. “You just took me back to my childhood,” he said. Apparently he had a similar weekly routine (on Tuesdays, at that) where he and his siblings and his Dad had the evening together while their Mom had a standing obligation away from home. It was sometimes as simple as diving for coins at the bottom of the swimming pool, but it was a special night for him and his siblings. As I reflect on the family fun time I enjoy with my loved ones, I hope that one day, they too will get a tear in their eye as they remember those special Tuesday nights with Dad. I know they are memories I will carry with me forever.
August is Family Fun Month, a time to focus on spending quality time with your loved ones. As the firm grows and I have to travel away from home frequently, I’ve become more intentional about the time I have with my wife, children, and other family members. Quality time with yours doesn’t have to be anything expensive or glamorous; what matters most is that in our busy lives, we make sure the time we spend together is as memorable and enjoyable as possible.
Along with my beloved Daddy Nights, I cherish our family vacations. We had a really special one where we spent three weeks driving up the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to Seattle. We saw a new place almost every single day of that trip and enjoyed the dramatic changes in climate and topography along the way. My kids still talk about that adventure, periodically mentioning one of their favorite little details. It was worth every mile and minute we spent to see their eyes light up as they relive that happy time.
–David Purvis
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G uardians of L egacy How Personal Representatives Manage Estates and Assets
In probate law, a personal representative manages a deceased person’s estate and assets. This individual has an important role and must act diligently to protect an estate in good faith. From managing debts to identifying beneficiaries or heirs, let’s explore what executors or administrators of an estate are responsible for. An executor is either named in the will or appointed by the court and is responsible for managing the money and property of a person who has passed on. The court selects an administrator for people who do not have a will. Each has a to-do list of items and can be held liable if they don’t properly administer an estate. Before a personal representative can act on an estate, they have to file for what are called letters of administration with the court. Only then can they proceed with the will, if there is one, and distribute assets correctly.
Some of the best ways to do that are by looking at title records, doing an asset search, or even looking in the person’s mail. Of course, if there is a will, the representative should cross- reference those other documents to be sure nothing is missing. The representative must also locate and notify any possible heirs and benefactors, especially if the deceased didn’t leave a will. Personal representatives must also notify creditors of the decedent’s death and pay any money owed before awarding disbursements to beneficiaries. Heirs often think they are entitled to the money because they were named in the will, but they can only be awarded if assets are left over after all debts have been paid. They must also ensure the estate has its own bank account and must keep meticulous records, as they may need to report financial information to the court.
If you’ve been selected as a personal representative, you’re stepping into a role of immense responsibility and trust. It’s not just about managing assets; it’s about ensuring a loved one’s legacy is honored and their wishes fulfilled.
A personal representative needs to do several things right at the beginning of the process. They need to identify the assets of the deceased person they will be managing.
The Heartbeat of The Manely Firm’s Paralegal Team M eet J ulie W atkins At The Manely Firm, our team diligently works behind the scenes to help clients through tough times. Their
She worked for a criminal law firm for a year before moving to a family law firm. With her commitment to giving clients her very best, she felt that her last firm didn’t give her the space and energy to provide the proper service. So, she began seeking a firm she knew would empower her to have more impact. Her favorite part of working at The Manely Firm is the diversity of the people and the work. She feels a calling to family law because she likes to see a case from start to finish and take that journey right by the client’s side. “I’ve been through a divorce, thankfully not an ugly one, but I can understand them as a parent or co-parent myself. I can be empathic and understanding of what they are going through. I like helping them understand the process and not be scared.”
empathy for others and passion for doing good strengthen us, and we love celebrating their unique stories. When we decided to create the new position of Paralegal Manager in December, Julie Watkins was the perfect woman for the job! As the liaison between our paralegal and management teams, Julie brings enthusiasm and dedication to this vital role. Julie is responsible for various management tasks, such as tracking the paralegals’ performances, answering questions, managing PTO and vacations, and relaying new policies and procedures to the team. She also takes on regular paralegal duties.
“It takes great time management, organization, and just being able to listen to both sides of the fence,” she says.
When Julie isn’t leading the paralegal team, she loves reading, traveling, and attending craft shows.
Julie had an exciting mid-life career change after working in transportation and logistics for years, working for major trucking companies and retailers like Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters. She moved back to Georgia, and the firm she worked for downsized, phasing out the brokerage side. Julie was looking for a new career path, so she took her love of law and returned to school to obtain her paralegal certificate.
Julie said she wants people to know that in family law, we are happiest when a couple can reconcile, find a good path forward, and be satisfied in the end. “I’m excited every day to help clients achieve that light at the end of the tunnel.”
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N ot Y our A verage C hocolate C ake
Summer vacation is a time for fun, adventure, and family bonding, but it can also bring unique challenges for couples who have divorced and are co-parenting. Between coordinating schedules, managing your child’s travel needs, and potentially dealing with emotional conversations, it’s essential to have a plan. Whether you’re navigating a newly established arrangement or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, these tips for summer vacation will help keep the peace and ensure your children have the best experience. FOCUS ON YOUR CHILD’S TIME. The most important thing to remember is that this is about your children’s time, not the parent’s time. As hard as it can be in certain situations, your child benefits from spending time with both of you. While it’s hard to say goodbye for two or three weeks for a vacation, remember how great this experience will be for them. If you are able, ensure both parents have the chance to take a vacation with the children. INVOLVE THE OTHER PARENT. Communicate your travel plans with your ex. Both parents need to know where the child is, so share details of where you will be going and for how long, as well as the best way to get in contact. It can be a tremendous olive branch to encourage and support your child in buying the other parent a souvenir on the trip. The $20 you spend will be long forgotten, but the sentiment and gesture of that act could be a significant step forward. AVOID COMPETING WITH EACH OTHER. Remember, this vacation is about your child, so don’t talk negatively about your ex on the trip. If you are planning separate trips, don’t try to one-up each other. This time is about quality bonding with your family, not winning or losing. Most often, kids don’t care if you go on a huge trip to an amusement park or just head to the beach for the afternoon. They just want their parent’s attention. Trying to outdo each other only creates tension your child will pick up on. By prioritizing your child’s happiness and maintaining respectful communication with your ex, you can create a summer vacation filled with positive experiences and cherished memories. Remember, it’s not about who plans the bigger trip but about the quality of time for the child. The Ultimate Guide to Co- Parenting During Summer Vacation Q uality T ime , H appy K ids
I ngredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tsp baking soda • 1/2 tsp salt • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar • 3 large eggs • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
D irections 1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until blended; then add vanilla extract. 5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; mix until blended. 6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. 7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 8. Cool in pans, then invert onto a plate. If desired, frost and stack the cakes for a double layer!
“T he purpose of our lives is to be happy .” –D alai L ama
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211 Roswell St. NE Marietta, GA 30060 (866) 687-8561 www.allfamilylaw.com
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Making Memorable Family Moments
The Vital Role of Executors and Administrators in Probate Championing Family Law with Heart and Dedication
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Tips for a Harmonious Summer Break Not Your Average Chocolate Cake
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The Joy of Joining a Cooking Club
C reate or J oin a C ooking C lub ! A Recipe for Great Food and Friendships
COOKING UP A GOOD TIME Each time your cooking club meets, you can embark on a new and exciting culinary adventure! Having a theme for your club’s meetup — like Thai, Italian, or French — can allow your group to spread their foodie wings and learn more about regional cuisine. You can also replicate one of your favorite television cooking competitions, like “Chopped” or “Cutthroat Kitchen,” and turn one of your club’s gatherings into an entertaining spectacle! If you want to embark on a group diet, meal prepping with your group is a great way to reduce food waste and save money by bulk purchasing groceries. Collaborating on a culinary project can help rekindle friendships while exploring a fun hobby with those whose company you adore. If you want to socialize more while creating delectable memories with loved ones and friends, then a cooking club may be your new favorite group hobby!
Cooking clubs can turn a chore into a flavorful event, with your friends acting as the ingredients for a good time and some good food. Let’s face it: Preparing a meal on your own can sometimes be a lonely, uphill
slog, but if you cook with others, utilizing a theme, goal, or challenge to make it all the more exciting, it can be spectacular! Here are two reasons why — and how — you should create a cooking club! FRIENDS OF A FEATHER Cooking clubs usually comprise a small group of friends who come together regularly to cook. If you have friends who are similarly interested in expanding their
culinary horizons, you are well on your way to establishing a successful club! Agree on a time — weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly — to collaborate on themed meals, preparation, or even cooking challenges, and away you go!
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