Maintaining Close Bonds
Easy Vegan Baked Beans
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been with your spouse for a few months or a few years, experiencing a divorce can hurt all the same. Odds are you’ve spent a good amount of time with your spouse’s family. If minor children are involved, you also have the element of the bond between your children and their grandparents. Since no one goes into a marriage truly expecting it to end, the time you have invested into your in-laws can be hard to let go, and the new dynamic between you, your children, and your former in- laws can be tricky to navigate. SHOULD YOU KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR EX’S FAMILY?
Inspired by NoraCooks.com
July is National Baked Beans Month, and you don’t need bacon to celebrate this iconic side dish! This plant-based version will be a crowd-pleaser at your next vegan barbecue.
INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 yellow onion, chopped • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 3/4 cup molasses • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 3/4 cup ketchup • 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 1 1/2 tbsp vegan
Here are some tips on how to interact with your former in-laws.
Speak with your ex-spouse first. You’ve given the marriage all you’ve got, but it may be best for both parties to separate at the end of the day. As adults, communication and respect will go a long way, and that doesn’t change when it comes to divorce. If your relationship or your children’s relationships with your ex’s family is strong enough to fight for, you should talk to your ex about it. This won’t guarantee anything, but the first step is having a mature conversation about it and work through possible scenarios that could arise between you and your former in-laws that may create uncomfortable situations for you or your kids. Set boundaries. You must set boundaries with your former in-laws, particularly with respect to your kids. One important boundary involves the potential for parental alienation. Regardless of why the divorce occurred, former in-laws should be advised on the front end not to discuss the divorce with the kids, and more importantly, not to assess blame against either side, which could result in parental alienation. In Tennessee, while grandparents do have certain rights with respect to visitation with minor kids, their rights are subordinate to parents’ rights and are not guaranteed. The reality is that the divorce may be very difficult on your former in-laws as well, so establishing clear boundaries on the front end with your ex and his or her family is critical. Be respectful. Along those same lines, it is important to remain respectful of your former in-laws and your ex as you transition into this new post-divorce reality. While the transition may be challenging, the respect avenue goes both ways. You should refrain from assessing blame on your ex to your former in-laws as well. Chances are, your in-laws know that your ex could be difficult to deal with at times, but they love him or her as their child all the same. Plan accordingly. Separation isn’t easy, and it’s not supposed to be. Holidays can be challenging as well, particularly if your former in-laws have well-established traditions that your kids enjoy. While Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations won’t look the same as they did while you were married, it is important that you work through these holidays with your ex and plan accordingly. If you need help in your divorce or post-divorce action, our experienced family law attorneys at Douglass & Runger are here to help. Please give us a call at 901-388-5805 should you have questions or visit us at www.douglassrunger.com.
Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp Sriracha • 4 15-oz cans navy beans, drained and rinsed. • 1/2 tbsp liquid smoke (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. 2. In a large pot over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. 3. Add all of the remaining ingredients except the beans into the pot. Mix the sauce well, then stir in the beans. 4. Ladle the beans into a 9x13-inch pan and bake for 1 hour. Serve warm and enjoy!
INSPIRATION
“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work in hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.“ —Alexander Graham Bell
901-388-5805 • 3
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