The Bledsoe Firm - May 2023

THE BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE MYSTERY MONTH

Host a Murder Mystery Dinner!

Did you know May is Mystery Month? There are dozens of ways to celebrate this enigmatic occasion, from playing Clue to rewatching "Glass Onion" — but why not bring those experiences to life and host your own murder mystery dinner at home? Thanks to a plethora of kits on the market, doing so is easier than ever! What is a murder mystery dinner? A murder mystery dinner is essentially a real-life game of Clue. You invite friends over for dinner and turn your home into the set of “Knives Out” — without the blood, of course. Each of your friends takes on the persona of a character in the story, and when one of them is “murdered,” you compete to uncover who dunnit. Step 1: Pick your kit. Planning a murder mystery dinner from scratch would take the ingenuity of Sir Arthur Conan

Doyle. Luckily, you have several ready-made mysteries to choose from! You can find boxes from Masters of Mystery and My Mystery Party at your local board game store, but you can find many options available online, too. Night of Mystery (NightOfMystery.com), for example, sells both in-person and virtual kits with themes ranging from ‘80s prom to Christmas homicide. If your friends and family don’t like the idea of acting and dressing up, that’s okay — you can still solve a mystery over dinner! Look into kits available through Unsolved Case Files (UnsolvedCaseFiles.com) or Hunt A Killer (Shop. HuntAKiller.com), which involve collaborative mystery-solving without the character work. Step 2: Curate your guest list . Most murder mystery dinners require at least four people, while some include characters for six,

eight, or more! Check the number of players on your kit and invite your most creative, analytical, theatrical, and mystery-loving friends. Step 3: Decorate and plan the menu. If you choose a themed murder mystery, level up your event with a matching menu and decor! For games taking place in England, whip up a shepherd's pie and make a cardboard cutout of Big Ben. For Havana Nights, plan a build-your- own Cubano bar and throw on an Afro-Cuban playlist. You can be as over-the-top as you like. Remember, it’s Mystery Month!

GRANDPARENT ADOPTION

How to Adopt Your Grandkids in Orange County

As a divorce firm based in Southern California, we often encounter families facing unique circumstances, such as grandparents seeking to adopt their grandkids. If you’re considering this option, it’s essential to understand the specific legal requirements and procedures involved. In California, adoption is a permanent legal process that confers the same rights and responsibilities as biological parents. The grandparents must file a petition for adoption with the court to begin the process. This typically involves completing a home study, undergoing criminal background checks, and interviews with the grandparents and the children. Working with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through this process and ensure you complete all necessary paperwork correctly is vital. One of the critical factors in the adoption process is the biological parents’ role. In California, both parents typically must provide their consent to the adoption unless their parental rights have been terminated or the court deems them unfit. If only one parent has parental rights, their consent is required unless they are unable or unwilling to provide it. If both parents are deceased, the

grandparents may be able to proceed with the adoption without consent.

Another factor considered in California is the relationship between the grandparents and the children. The court often views grandparents who provide extended care for the children as a positive factor. However, showing the grandparents have a stable and healthy relationship with the children is essential, and that adoption would be in their best interests. It’s worth noting that adult adoption is also an option in California. This allows grandparents to adopt their adult grandchildren. This process is typically more straightforward than adopting minors and may not require consent from the biological parents. In summary, if you’re considering adopting your grandchildren in California, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements and seek experienced legal guidance. An attorney can guide you through the process and help you make the best decisions for your family. Call our office today if you have any questions or need assistance.

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