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JANUARY 2023
Having Availability Is the Best Ability THROUGH CONSISTENCY AND DEPENDABILITY
During my career, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge through every experience. Whether it be from those who mentored me, or those seeking wisdom from me, that knowledge transfer has been an invaluable resource. I remember one of my first mentors at my first job right
improvement concepts. Natasha and Richard both mentored me over the years, and I credit them both for teaching me core concepts of self-improvement that I still utilize today. It’s funny — many people assume you only gather knowledge from older, experienced individuals, but you can learn from anyone! Besides Doug and Natasha, there were a few other lawyers in our building when I started practicing law who served as mentors to me. I worked alongside Cliff Darnell, a real estate closing attorney, and Phillip Walker, a family law attorney. Cliff and Phillip were great attorneys and were ethical, professional, and confident. Both guys possessed incredible work ethics and served as role models to me. I will always remember one piece of advice that Cliff gave me, which was essentially that being a successful attorney, regardless of the specific niche, was all about showing up to work every day and consistency. It seems like such a simplistic concept, but it is correct. There are countless other mentors who helped me out tremendously over the years, and mentoring our young attorneys and staff members is one of my favorite parts of my job. I’m constantly teaching and mentoring our team and helping them reinforce their understanding of our “whys.” Why do we do the things the way we do them? Why do we have written policies and procedures? Why are our letters drafted this way? Why do we establish these internal deadlines? Its important for our team members to understand the “why” in everything we do. I know that I am much more receptive to concepts when someone explains the purpose behind the concepts to me instead of just being authoritarian about it. Law is one of the most challenging career paths to take, and without a mentor, it’s easy to develop habits that are hard to break. I was lucky I met Doug and he showed me the ropes! So many people either don’t have solid mentors or worse yet, don’t realize they need a mentor. We are never too old to learn new things, and regardless of your profession or even job status, I’d encourage everyone to seek out mentors and be quick to mentor others. I promise you you’ll be better for it!
out of college. I was working at Messe Frankfurt — a Frankfurt, Germany- based trade show company — in the Atlanta subsidiary office. One of the salesmen at the firm, Daniel Mckinnon, took me under his wing and taught me some of the basics about being a professional. Daniel was about 10 years older than me, and I was fortunate to travel with him on business trips to Los Angeles and Frankfurt, Germany, and pick up a lot of great insights from him as a young professional. As for mentors in the legal field, Eugene “Doug” Douglass — my former law partner who is retired now — was a tremendous mentor to me. I met him in 2004 when I was a baby lawyer just starting my legal career. Doug taught me how to practice law and how to deal with clients and opposing counsels. I spent hours asking Doug questions and observing him practice. I would send him my legal work product, and he would correct it. He taught me how to write, how to craft legal arguments, and how to work. I don’t see him as often as I used to, but he’s like a second father figure to me and still has a presence around the office. At times, I still rely on him for professional guidance. Another legal mentor of mine is actually one of my friends, Natasha Hazlett. Coincidentally enough, Natasha is a few years younger than me, but she along with her husband Richard introduced me to personal development and self-
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HEY ALEXA, AM I SICK? A NEW HEALTH APP IN THE WORKS
You might be able to tell when you’re getting sick just by talking — your voice may sound raspy or strained. You can gain insight into a person based on their speech. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health are developing an app that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to determine if you’re ill — all by studying the voice. Voice data is being collected in five areas of health concerning neurological, voice, mood, respiratory, and pediatric disorders. The team of experts hopes to obtain 30,000 voice samples to improve the accuracy and algorithm of the app so it can diagnose multiple kinds of health conditions and disorders. Dr. Yael Bensoussan, the director of the University of South Florida’s Health Voice Center and the leading researcher on the study, stated that vocal vibrations and breathing patterns can
provide tons of information about your overall health. For example, if someone were to speak low and slow, it could be a sign of Parkinson’s disease. Scientists even think they can diagnose depression or cancer by analyzing and studying a person’s voice. So, how would this app work? According to Fox 13 in Tampa, you can speak into your phone, and the app will record your voice and cross- examine it with its voice collection database. While this may be new to some, researchers in Australia developed a voice screening app that can detect Parkinson’s disease and COVID-19. But what makes Dr. Bensoussan’s study and app different than her competitors is that she aims to keep data privacy at the forefront of her research.
help millions of people. Dr. Oliver Elemento, a co-investigator and director of the Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, told Fox 13 that “future findings could lead to a revolution in health care, where continuous voice monitoring could alert physicians earlier than currently possible to certain conditions.” It’s important to note that this app is in the early stages of development and is not a total replacement for a medical professional. If you need medical assistance, please visit your doctor!
Scientists and researchers on the team are excited about the future and how this app will
Adjusting to a New Lifestyle HOW CHILDREN CAN BENEFIT FROM THERAPY
Not only is a divorce overwhelming for the two parties involved, but it ripples throughout the entire family. When there are minor children involved, they can be particularly susceptible to the aftermath of a divorce. They must adjust to a new lifestyle and face working through the feelings associated with the changes and losses they’re experiencing. It may be difficult to understand how your child feels or thinks, so keeping a line of communication open and available is essential. That doesn’t come easy, so it’s crucial to look for signs. Some children don’t always bounce back as quickly or as easily as others, and although you may know your child well, it can be hard to determine where you can genuinely help. You may be faced with choosing between letting them resolve it on their own over time or looking for outside help, such as therapy.
As a parent, it can be challenging to seek outside help. Many want to turn to friends and family, and although that is still a valuable resource, therapy opens a nonbiased window of opportunity to find new ways to help your child. Sessions after divorce create new routines and coping skills that may go a long way toward making your child feel comfortable again.
Some other benefits include the following:
• Reconnecting with family members • Providing a safe, judgment-free environment for communication • New coping mechanisms to reduce stress Whether it be family therapy or individual, there are many ways therapy can help your child after a divorce. It’s normal for children to be overwhelmed with emotions, so use your best judgment before looking for outside resources. If you think therapy may be appropriate in your divorce action, the family law attorneys at Douglass & Runger can guide you through that process. Please give us a call at 901-388-5805.
• Straying from routine daily tasks • Causing disruption for other members of the family • Trusted people express concerns about your child’s symptoms • Lack of socialization with friends or peers • Problems eating or sleeping • Acting out against others The changes and challenges that come with divorce are difficult for adults, but for children, it can be incredibly intense. It’s natural for a child to struggle with complicated emotions. Therapy can help ease the transition into a new normal.
Here are a few warning signs that your child may need or benefit from therapy:
• Exhibiting symptoms like anger or withdrawal that persist over several weeks
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Keeping the Best Interests of the Child What Affects Custody When we typically think of child custody, many people believe it means choosing whose roof the child will live under. But that isn’t all there is to it! There are different meanings to the word “custody” in the context of the law. Typically, legal custody refers to a custody arrangement ordered by a court, but not always. For instance, Tennessee has a statute that provides legal custody of minor children born outside of the marriage to the children’s mother, in absence of a court order to the contrary. Essentially, if you have a minor child born out of marriage in Tennessee, the law presumes the child’s mother has legal custody, which means as a father, you must file a Petition in Juvenile Court to even establish court-ordered visitation, much less, legal custody. Conversely, in the context of a divorce proceeding, a court-ordered Permanent Parenting Plan establishes legal custody for a child. All divorces in Tennessee involving minor children require the entry of a Permanent Parenting Plan that sets forth critical information pertaining to parties’ minor children, including: the identity of the Primary Residential Parent (the individual who has legal custody of the children for more than 50% of the time), the visitation schedule for the Non-Primary Residential Parent, decision-making regarding the children, and child support. Physical custody refers to the individual with whom the minor children are spending their time without regard to legal custody. For example, it is fairly common for a Permanent Parenting Plan or a juvenile court order to be in place setting forth that one parent possesses legal custody of the minor children, but in reality, the child is staying with the other parent the majority of the time, contrary to the terms of the court order. In other words, the parent with whom the child is staying has physical custody of the children. In situations such as this example, it is typically recommended that the parent with physical custody file something in court to alert the court that they have physical custody despite an existing order that confers legal custody to the other parent. Regardless of whether or not a custody situation is being litigated as part of a divorce or an out-of-wedlock situation, all matters involving child custody in Tennessee are guided by the child’s best interests. That means while the parent’s wishes for custody are considered, the court must rule based on what it believes to be in the best interests of the children’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Air Fryer Roasted Salmon With Sautéed Balsamic Spinach
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
This recipe is healthy, affordable, and quick to make on busy nights when you need dinner in a pinch!
INGREDIENTS • 3 tsp olive oil, divided • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) • 1 1/2 tsp reduced- sodium seafood seasoning • 1/4 tsp pepper • 1 garlic clove, sliced
• Dash of crushed red pepper flakes • 10 cups fresh baby spinach (about 10 oz) • 6 small tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat air fryer to 450 F. Rub 1 tsp oil over both sides of salmon, then sprinkle with seafood seasoning and pepper. In a greased air fryer basket, place salmon. 2. Cook about 10–12 minutes until fish flakes easily. 3. In a 6-qt stockpot, place remaining oil, garlic, and pepper flakes. Heat over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in tomatoes; heat through. 4. In a small saucepan, bring vinegar to a boil. Cook until vinegar is reduced by half, then remove from heat. 5. Arrange spinach on serving dish. Place salmon over spinach mixture and drizzle with balsamic glaze. INSPIRATION “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” —Winston Churchill
The court can consider some of the following factors in this determination:
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The child’s relationship with each parent
• Who has been the primary caregiver for the child during the child’s life • The work schedules of the parents • Any other party who might be residing with a parent and who may have interactions with the child (a new live-in partner of one of the parents, for example) • The desires of the child so long as the child is at least 12 years old Every case is different, and here at Douglass & Runger, PLLC, Attorneys at Law, we are dedicated to ensuring you and your child’s best interests are met and represented throughout the process. Contact us today at (901) 388-5805 to learn more about the child custody process.
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2820 Summer Oaks Drive Bartlett, TN 38134 901-388-5805 www.DouglassRunger.com
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1 Mentors Lead You Down the Path of Success 2 Can AI Determine if You’re Sick? Should My Child Go to Therapy After a Divorce? 3 Understanding the Difference Between Legal and Physical Custody Air Fryer Roasted Salmon With Sautéed Balsamic Spinach 4 3 Unique Winter Activities to Experience Inside This Issue
Want to Try Something New This Winter? CHECK OUT THESE 3 UNIQUE ACTIVITIES
Throughout winter, we have the opportunity to participate in many activities that are only possible during this season. We can ski, snowboard, snowshoe, sled, and more. While some people fly south for winter vacations to escape the cold weather, others travel to extraordinary winter destinations within our country. Plenty of options are available if you’re looking for a truly unique experience this winter. Here are three winter activities that will leave you with long-lasting memories. SNOWMOBILE TOURS IN ALASKA Alaska is one of America’s hidden gems, even though it’s the biggest U.S. state. If you’re looking for unique winter experiences, you’ll want to visit Alaska. One of the coolest adventures you can experience is a snowmobile tour. You can hop aboard a snowmobile and ride the same path as the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race or visit some beautiful mountains and glaciers. Many of these tours will lead you right past moose, bears, and caribou as you take in the beauty of Alaska’s environment. SKATING ON MIRROR LAKE AT LAKE PLACID Lake Placid, New York, had the privilege of hosting the Winter Olympics twice, so it’s no surprise they have some amazing cold weather activities
to showcase. A truly exceptional experience is skating on Mirror Lake. They have a 2-mile-long ice track where you can test your speed and areas for people to skate openly or play a game of ice hockey. You can even participate in dog sledding there. It’s a beautiful area filled with various winter activities.
ICE FISHING EXCURSIONS IN BRAINERD, MINNESOTA While fishing might be more commonly known as a spring or summer activity, you can get plenty of fishing done in the winter if you know where to go. Brainerd is considered one of the best places to visit for ice fishing enthusiasts. There are over 300 fishing lakes near the city, and you can expect to catch bluegill, walleye, largemouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, and many others. If you like to fish throughout the year, check out Brainerd.
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