Check out our March newsletter!
www.AttorneyRobertJames.com 404.891.0977
March 2025
Kids Transform Not Just Our Lives
If you have kids, you know one thing for sure — life is never the same after them. It’s not just about sleepless nights, endless laundry, or finding mystery stains in places they shouldn’t be. It’s a fundamental shift in who you are as a person. March 16 is Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, and it’s a perfect reminder that children don’t just grow up; they change us in ways we never imagined along the way. Before kids, life revolves around you — your plans, dreams, and weekend brunches that last for hours. Then, suddenly, you have a tiny human who relies on you for literally everything. They don’t shape their lives around yours. Instead, you shape yours around them. Spontaneous nights out don’t really happen, and plans after work are only possible if they align with homework, bedtime, or the latest school project that was somehow assigned the night before it’s due. And here’s the thing — it’s not just logistics that change. Your whole mindset shifts. Before kids, you worry about career goals and what’s next for you. After kids, you start planning their future before they can even walk. Their happiness becomes your happiness. Their struggles become your struggles. And, somehow, it feels like the most natural thing in the world. If kids will teach you one thing, it’s patience. Remember when you liked your house neat and organized? That’s likely gone. If you ever lived with a neat freak before kids, you probably watched them slowly break down over time. Take my wife, for example — before children, she was scrubbing the tub at 5 a.m. and organizing everything to perfection. She’s since adapted. Children teach you that some things aren’t worth stressing over. Spills on the couch happen, and that mismatched outfit your toddler insisted on wearing to daycare isn’t worth the battle. They teach us to let go of control and embrace the chaos (even if we grumble about it along the way). Being a parent doesn’t just change your personal life — it changes your professional one, too. I used to spend a lot more time in the courtroom, fighting to be the best trial lawyer I could be. But I But Also Who We Are
realized something important — I couldn’t be the best lawyer and the best dad at the same time. I had to make choices. And while my career is still incredibly important, my kids are more important. I wouldn’t trade that shift for anything. We like to think we shape our kids and guide them to become responsible adults. But here’s the thing: They shape us just as much, if not more. They make us better and soften the edges we didn’t even realize we had. They teach us about completely selfless love. They show us how to live in the moment, find joy in the simplest things, and laugh even when we’re covered in baby food or managing a teenage temper. They’re God’s greatest gift. My kids may have turned my life upside down, but if I’m being honest, I wouldn’t have it any other way because of the person God has changed me into through my children.
–Robert D. James
www.AttorneyRobertJames.com | 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
No one enters a marriage thinking it will end in divorce; however, when people hear the words “nuptial agreement,” the implication is that the couple has no faith the marriage will stand the test of time. But consider a different perspective. These agreements, whether prenuptial or postnuptial, can also be viewed as intentional steps toward restoring marital bliss, which can be especially beneficial when couples have financial concerns after marriage. Postnuptial agreements, in particular, can assist couples in making the best financial decisions for their marriage. Prenuptial vs. Postnuptial The only difference between a “prenup” and a “postnup” is the time of signing. A couple signs a prenuptial agreement before marriage, whereas they sign a postnuptial agreement afterward. Both types of agreements are contracts both spouses agree to sign to ensure a fair and decent distribution of financial assets in the event of divorce. 4 Common Reasons for Postnuptial Agreements There are many reasons a couple may want to create a postnuptial agreement. Perhaps both spouses wanted to sign a prenuptial agreement but never got around to it, or maybe the couple had a change of heart and wanted one after all. Either way, a postnuptial agreement can assist in the following scenarios. Dividing Interest in a Business: Separate or Marital Properties When dividing interest in a business, the main concern is determining marital and separate property. If the business belonged to one spouse before marriage, it is their separate property. If the business was established after marriage, it’s considered marital property. However, if both spouses contributed to the maintenance and operations of the business, Could They Be the Solution for Marital Harmony? CONSIDERATIONS OF POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
“A postnuptial agreement has an important place in many marriages and can relieve stress if you have relentless concerns about financial matters.”
it can be viewed as a hybrid property. Postnuptial agreements help couples categorize the business as a separate property to be left to the titled spouse. Determining Inheritance: To Whom Does the Money Go? If a spouse is bequeathed a large inheritance, the couple may choose to discuss the distribution of the funds in case the marriage dissolves. This is especially important if you live in a state where assets are equally dispersed between spouses if the assets were obtained during the marriage — i.e., community property. A postnuptial agreement trumps the community property law, granting the heir their full inheritance. Rebuilding a Relationship Postnuptial agreements can also function as a way to mend a strained marriage. Infidelity, for example, can be devastating to a marriage. As a condition for the marriage, the non-cheating spouse may require the cheating spouse to agree to sign a postnuptial agreement. This can signify hope for the marriage — but only under certain conditions. Protecting Stay-at-Home Parents A stay-at-home parent may have spent years out of the workforce but has equally contributed to the upkeep and harmony of the home. Because of that, the legally unemployed parent may find reentering the workforce difficult and want financial security through a postnuptial agreement. This would ensure they get a fair distribution of assets. Are you considering a postnuptial agreement? A postnuptial agreement has an important place in many marriages and can relieve stress if you have relentless concerns about financial matters. If you’re considering a postnuptial agreement, seek legal advice to navigate the complexities of these legal documents.
2 | 404.891.0977
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Is there really such a thing as “ organized chaos ”? It depends on whom you ask! If you thrive in clutter, this article isn’t for you. Creating an organized space is simply a matter of ensuring household items have a place to be stored — and not in the one drawer filled with everything from ketchup packets and paper clips to a random Cheeto! Whether you’re preparing for house guests or diving into a spring-cleaning marathon, these organizing tips will bless your cluttered mess! Tension Rods for Shoe Storage Need more shoe space? Not a problem — just grab a few tension rods! If you have two sturdy objects — dressers, a wall and nightstand, etc. — you can place two tension rods between them and create a “shelf” to place your shoes on. Add multiple rows of tension rods for extra storage. Clothes Pins for Cabinet Door Storage Kitchen cleaning supplies, especially lightweight items, don’t always have to be placed on the floor inside the under-sink cabinet. Putting double-sided tape onto clothes pins and sticking them inside the cabinet doors creates an excellent place to hang rags/sponges, kitchen gloves, and sink stoppers. Napkin Holders for Pot Lids Using zip ties and upright wire napkin holders, you can create a lid organizer for your pots and pans. Rather than flipping the lid upside down on top of the pot, you can create a designated space for all the lids to reside. You can even organize your lids from smallest to largest! Pool Noodles as Hanger Spacers Between Clothes Pool noodles work as spacers to keep your clothes hanging neatly. Just take a pool noodle and make one cut length-wise to open the noodle, and then cut it horizontally into 1-inch pieces. Place the pieces on the bar in your closet and hang your clothes according to how many hangers you want between each spacer! Honeycomb Organizer for Socks and Undergarments Drawers that house undergarments and socks tend to get disorganized quickly. Honeycomb organizers are the perfect addition to ensure all items fit in the drawer, making it easier to grab what you need. These organizers are also adjustable, so they’ll fit any drawer size! Get It Together! DIY Organization Tips to Bring Order to Your Living Spaces
TAKE A BREAK
Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
Inspired by EatingWell.com
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots • 1 cup chopped yellow onion • 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic • 3 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth • 1 (15-oz) can (no salt added) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper • 1/4 tsp plus 1/8 tsp salt • 1 (9-oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini • 1 (5-oz) package baby spinach • 1 cup heavy cream
Directions 1. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots and onions and cook for about 5 minutes or until onions are softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. 2. Add broth, tomatoes, fresh basil, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer for about 5 minutes or until carrots are slightly tender. 3. Stir in tortellini. Cook until pasta is tender. Reduce heat to medium-low. 4. Add baby spinach and cream. Cook until spinach is wilted. Serve and garnish with additional basil if desired.
www.AttorneyRobertJames.com | 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
404.891.0977 www.AttorneyRobertJames.com 233 Peachtree St. NE Suite 1200 Atlanta, GA 30303
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
The Unexpected (and Incredible) Side of Parenthood
2
Postnuptial Agreements: What They Are and Why They Matter
Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
3
Decluttering Hacks Made Easy
Food-Based Courtroom Follies
4
BEEF BRIEFS BIZARRE FAST-FOOD LEGAL BATTLES
quantity of meat in its burgers compared to those other popular fast-food restaurants sold. Decades later, a New York resident launched a one-man mission to prove that one of Burger King’s modern-day competitors, Taco Bell, failed to heed the burger giant’s lead. In the summer of 2023, Frank Siragusa filed a class action suit against Taco Bell, alleging the company had “materially overstate[d] the amount of beef and/or ingredients” in its advertising for its Mexican Pizza and Crunchwrap menu items. Siragusa’s suit includes photographic evidence comparing the robust size of the advertised products versus the actual ones he purchased. While the case was ongoing as of this writing, Siragusa’s love for fast-food beef cannot be disputed. A Vegan Vendetta Vanquished Although only 3% of the adult population in the U.S. identified as vegan, according
to research presented by the Vegetarian Resource Group in 2022, people who refuse to eat any animal-derived products remain a passionate and vocal minority. In 2019, a vegan named Philip Williams took Burger King to court after learning that the patty in his Impossible Whopper — marketed as a meat-free alternative to the popular burger — had been cooked on the same grill as beef products. In his suit, Williams argued that because Burger King had added a plant-based meal option to its menu, consumers were led to believe the meal would be prepared separately from the animal-based items in the kitchen. The judge disagreed, later dismissing the case and noting that Burger King’s marketing of the Impossible Burger promised only a meatless patty and nothing more. The lesson learned? Sometimes, even in the world of fast food, what you see is what you get.
Is seeing always believing? Well, plaintiffs in two of the oddest legal cases in recent years set out to show the world that what ends up on our trays or in our drive-thru bags may not be as scrumptious as fast-food joints promise in their ads. A Clash With Burger King Readers of a certain age may remember Wendy’s’ famous “Where’s the Beef?” campaign that brilliantly marketed the
4 | 404.891.0977
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator