Check out our August newsletter!
Justice MONTHLY
229-888-0888 • www.puttingpeoplefirst.law
AUGUST 2020
Wedded Bliss in the COVID-19 Era
GETTING MARRIED AND FILING FOR IMMIGRATION DURING A PANDEMIC
L ike many people, I have my own story of COVID-19
relationship between Georgia and Brazil, but we both had a gut feeling that we were ready to start our lives together. On Feb. 23, Priscila landed in the U.S. for a two-month stay. Up until that point, we had been filing the necessary paperwork and doing all we could to move her immigration process along. We were hopeful for a June wedding, but as COVID-19 loomed, all of our plans changed suddenly.
affecting my plans, but amid the chaos, Priscila and I have a happy announcement to share.
We’re married!
We made a spur of the moment decision to legally get married on the courthouse steps in Lee County — Dougherty County’s courthouse was closed — on May 20, more than one year after meeting. Probate Judge Melanie Gahring and her assistant were the only two witnesses present at our union and stood a safe 6 feet away f rom us.
First, Priscilla’s flights back to Brazil waffled. The April flight was canceled and then moved multiple times before all flights to Brazil were canceled through June. Thankfully, Priscila’s visa was valid through August, so we had enough time to determine our next steps. After
consulting with immigration legal experts, we decided the best course
Despite missing any of the big plans we may have had, it was still a surreal
was going to be to formally get married. This would allow Priscila to safely stay in the U.S., especially as COVID-19’s presence grew in Brazil and travel became increasingly more dangerous.
moment. I can remember the nerves and anticipation that morning, and as we were saying our vows, Priscila began to tear up. At the sight of her tears, I couldn’t help but become overwhelmed with intense yet beautiful emotions.
Throughout the summer, we’ve continued to file Priscila’s immigration paperwork. This entire process has been unlike anything I’ve experienced in my life. There are many steps, restrictions, and guidelines to follow, and we've often been left waiting for months without a response. But we’ve remained optimistic and persistent. Hopefully by the time you read this newsletter, Priscila will have officially immigrated to the U.S. There have been many obstacles, and every step we’ve had to take to get here has not been easy, but there are two certainties that I take away from everything we’ve experienced: We will have quite the story to tell, and every step we've had to take so far has been worth the result.
At the time I'm writing this article, it’s been nearly a month since Priscila and I tied the knot, and so far, it’s been great! It’s a huge relief to be married, and we’re both looking forward to starting our lives and raising a family together. After all, it’s the little things in life that add up to our greatest joys. We’re looking forward to celebrating with friends and family when it is safer for us all to be together, as well. However, the process of getting here has been fraught with many obstacles, and I’m sure anyone who has gotten married in this pandemic can relate. If you can remember all the way back to my February 2020 cover letter, I announced that Priscila and I were engaged and planned to get married in June 2020. We had enjoyed a fun, albeit exhausting, long-distance
-William F. “Trey” Underwood, III
Published by The Newsletter Pro . www.TheNewsletterPro.com
www.puttingpeoplefirst.law | 1
DEAL WITH YOUR EMOTIONS IN A HEALTHIER WAY
COPING STRATEGIES VS. COPING MECHANISMS
What do you do when you feel anxious, sad, or stressed? Do you reach for your phone to scroll through Instagram? Do you turn to a Snickers bar for comfort? Maybe an episode of “Parks and Recreation” is your go-to form of relief. If you use any of these methods, you’re not alone. When humans face difficult situations, they often turn to coping mechanisms to numb emotions and help themselves feel better in the moment. Emotional development expert Alyssa Blask Campbell identifies many common coping mechanisms, including engaging in screen time, making to-do lists, seeking information, indulging in alcohol or cigarettes, and asserting control where possible. Coping mechanisms make you feel better in the moment, but they don’t always help process and deal with emotions in the long run. Coping Strategies vs. Mechanisms
focus on coping strategies that help you work through challenging emotions and find calm again.
There are also certain immunities and regulations for government- owned vehicles. For example, emergency response vehicles are permitted to weave in and out of traffic and speed to get to the scene of an emergency efficiently. Commercial Vehicles In the private sector, there are some rules specific to drivers of commercial vehicles. These can be put in place by governing bodies or by businesses, but unfortunately, some professional drivers disregard these regulations. For example, the Georgia Department of Public Safety notes that drivers must be “off duty” after driving for 14 hours and must get 10 consecutive hours of time off in a 24-hour period. Drivers also cannot be “on duty” for more than 70 hours in an eight-day period if the company operates every day. However, some drivers and companies stretch these limits. Many companies also have their own guidelines and operating procedures, which can cause confusion for those trying to prove negligence or navigate the proper steps when filing an accident claim. An accident involving a government-owned or commercial vehicle can be incredibly complex, and representing yourself could prove costly. Our legal experts have experience in a number of unique accident situations. If you would like assistance with your claim, call 229-888-0888. Coping strategies are things like breathing exercises, talk therapy, journaling, reading, and physical movement like dancing. While these may take more time to yield results than a TV program or candy bar, tapping into these strategies helps you feel better and process what you’re going through, which allows you to release whatever is causing you strife. Because the way you react when your emotions overwhelm you has an impact on the way you feel during and after that experience, it’s all the more important to understand the different coping tools at your disposal. As you learn to incorporate coping strategies into your life and call on them when you’re dealing with hard emotions, give yourself grace. You can still turn to healthy coping mechanisms when you need them. The key is to also incorporate some of these strategies to help you better process whatever comes your way.
Turning to coping mechanisms is a habit you may have learned as a kid. It’s understandable, and it’s okay. But instead, you want to
THE COMPLEXITIES OF AN ACCIDENT WITH A GOVERNMENT-OWNED OR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE Vehicle accidents take just seconds to occur, yet the consequences can be complex. Depending on the background of the other parties involved in an accident, the entire process of filing a claim can change, including your ability to seek compensation and the amount you’re owed. Below are two characteristics of vehicles that can affect your claim. Government-Owned Vehicles From city-owned dump trucks to federal SUVs, there are numerous government-owned vehicles occupying Georgia roadways. After an accident, the statute of limitations to file a claim against a government agency varies from the standard limit. Typically, parties have two years to file a claim against other parties involved in an accident, but that number fluctuates depending on the agency. If you are filing a claim against a city or county vehicle, that deadline is just six months. For state- issued vehicles, the time limit is one year, while federal vehicles follow the two-year rule. However, if your claim against a federal vehicle is denied, you have about six months to dispute the decision.
2 | 229-888-0888
4 STEPS TO SAFETY
WHEN YOU SUSPECT ELDER ABUSE OR NEGLECT
However you decide to care for your aging loved ones — whether that be at home or in a medical facility — making the decision is no easy feat. When you trust experts to care for your loved ones, you are expecting them to provide the same level of care that you would provide if you could.
We Value You! At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., the trust we build with our clients is our most valuable asset. To show our appreciation, we would like to thank our clients who have referred others to us since our June newsletter: Charlie Barrett, Frederick Harris, and Jasmine Christful Your recommendations are greatly treasured by everyone at our office. Clients can also leave their comments on our services through Google Reviews ! These statements give us critical feedback and help other clients facing stressful life situations find dependable lawyers. Previous and current clients can also receive free notary services at our office. Learn more about this service by giving us a call at 229-888-0888. Finally , seek legal assistance. Even if you suspect the abuse or neglect was minor, the implications could have long-term effects. A consultation could lay a foundation for holding abusers accountable. If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of elder abuse or neglect, The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., can help. Call our team today, or learn more on our blog at PuttingPeopleFirst.com. were not aware existed. And second, if they fail to act, you will have a record of a complaint, which could benefit you in the future. Ensure you have witnesses to this report and record it if possible. Then seek action through state agencies that govern these facilities or programs. For example, in Georgia, nursing home and assisted living facilities that fail to properly care for aging adults should be reported to the Division of Aging Services at the Department of Human Services. (You can find more details online at Aging.Georgia.gov.) These agencies will conduct formal investigations, which could also save more lives.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 in 6 older adults experience some form of elder abuse, the most common of these being psychological abuse and neglect. The signs and symptoms of abuse can range from depression to broken bones, but knowing what to do next could be vital to protect your loved one and others. (See this month’s insert for further details on the signs of elder abuse and neglect.) Your first step is to ensure your loved one is healthy and safe. If you believe they are in immediate danger, call 911 or transfer them to another facility. Next , report the elder abuse to a superior. This could be a manager or director at the facility or a supervisor from the company you have hired for in-home care. By doing this, you accomplish two goals. First, you may alert the leadership of potential liabilities and dangers they
PEACH & ARUGULA PASTA SALAD
Nothing says summer like a pasta salad filled with your favorite fresh fruits and vegetables, and this combination is the perfect way to cap off a warm summer day!
Ingredients •
8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
•
2 large fresh peaches, diced or sliced 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced 1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved
• • • • • •
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
•
1/2 tsp sea salt Pepper, to taste
•
2 tbsp lemon juice 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• •
1 cup corn
6 cups arugula, packed
Directions 1. In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta for approximately 9 minutes or until al dente. Drain pasta and place in a separate bowl. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta and toss with the feta cheese. 3. Add peaches, red onions, tomatoes, corn, and arugula to the pasta mixture. Lightly toss to mix well. Add more olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
Thank you for trusting us to serve you!
www.puttingpeoplefirst.law | 3
Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
229-888-0888 www.puttingpeoplefirst.law
1918 DAWSON RD. ALBANY, GA 31707
Priscila and Trey Get Married! PAGE 1 How Coping Strategies Help With Stress PAGE 2 Government or Commercial Vehicles and Your Accident Claim PAGE 2 Do These 4 Things When You Suspect Elder Abuse or Neglect PAGE 3 Peach and Arugula Pasta Salad PAGE 3
Celebrate National Chefs Appreciation PAGE 4
NATIONAL CHEFS APPRECIATIONWEEK
Celebrates Those Who Bring Communities Together
Restaurants have had an especially tough time staying afloat during the pandemic. Most eateries had to discontinue dine-in service, and those that couldn’t adapt to offering takeout or delivery may still be questioning whether they’ll ever be able to open their doors again. During the pandemic, it became clear to many of us just how important a role our favorite restaurants play in providing not just tasty chow, but also a sense of comfort and community. Celebrating National Chefs Appreciation Week is a great way to let the chefs who run those eateries know just how much they mean to us.
alike can show appreciation for the art and dedication chefs bring to their craft every day. Several restaurants across the country celebrate with special events and menus, and patrons flock to their favorite places for great food and company and to support the chefs who bring their communities together.
How can I celebrate?
eatery on Google or Yelp. The beauty of this holiday is that celebrating includes doing activities you probably already do, so it’s easy to participate. Chefs play a signif icant role in the evolution of culture, protection of tradition, and construction of community. Their food brings us together, f ills our stomachs, and brightens our moods. We may not have fully recognized all they do for us until recently, but now that we have, we can truly celebrate Chefs Appreciation Week to the fullest.
Now that many restaurants are opening back up for service at a limited capacity, it’s possible to dine in and further support the chefs who make the food you love. But, if you’re still not comfortable eating at a restaurant, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate. Continue having food delivered or picking up curbside from your favorite places. Whether dining in or carrying out, remember to tip well! You can also post about your favorite dishes on social media or leave a glowing review for your favorite
What is it?
Since the holiday’s inception in 2013, it has most commonly occurred during the third week of August; this year, it’s August 16–22. Restaurants, patrons, and home cooks
Published by The Newsletter Pro . www.TheNewsletterPro.com
4 | 229-888-0888
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker