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M ay 2025
WHY LAUGHING MIGHT BE THE BEST THING YOU DO TODAY You wouldn’t have guessed it, but some of the greatest belly laughs I have ever heard came from some of the most serious people I knew. My mother’s family was very stern, a cross between Scotsmen and Prussians. They weren’t exactly the laughing type, but sometimes my grandmother and her two daughters would fall into these unstoppable giggle fits where they could hardly breathe. It showed me a side of them that was otherwise very guarded, and it cracked open something almost sacred — an intimate joy that connected them in ways no words could. That is the kind of power laughter holds. It softens hard edges, bridges distances, and allows us to be human together. The Radical Act of a Good Giggle
World Laughter Day is in May, and it’s a reminder of the ways humor can connect us. Much more than a happy little moment, the intimacy of laughter is a potent tool in our relationships and in how we face the world. I’ve always had a funny bone, and I love silly stuff like “Monty Python’s Flying Circus.” All our boys were raised on “Monty Python” and could probably quote chapter and verse from “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” When Shelia and I visited Scotland, we made a point to visit the castle where part of the movie was filmed. It seemed so silly to be in the room of this ancient building with so much history, and all I could think about was the knights of the Round Table dancing and singing in the space. It’s just more proof of how compelling and unifying laughter is. You form an instant bond with someone when you learn they’re a fan of those ridiculous Brits, too, or any of your favorite go-to’s for a chuckle. Laughter doesn’t just bring people together; it is a way to hack our brains and intentionally change our disposition. Laughter releases brain and gut chemicals like endorphins and serotonin, which also correspond with mood, digestion, sleep, and cardiovascular function, the very building blocks of good health. So, if we can wield humor to change our mindset, it’s a way to communicate between our subconscious and conscious. It’s like a window into our cognition that pulls us out of flight or fight mode to calm down and deal with stressors differently. It’s not difficult to master this skill. When you realize you’re feeling down, you can turn to those trusty shows, books, or videos that elicit some giggles. We have been watching a lot of “Fraiser”; it’s become our Thursday night routine, and at some point, we will always find ourselves cracking up. So, what things make you laugh, talk, or just guffaw? There’s tremendous power in that.
The great satirist Mark Twain said, “Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand,” and this sentiment resonates deeply in the face of today’s political absurdities. When confronted with injustice and you draw the proverbial line in the sand, the question becomes: What happens when someone crosses it? Traditional civil resistance is a powerful tool, but humor can also be a form of resistance. Laughter can be a subtle act of defiance, a way to reclaim power, to unify and undermine authoritarians. Comedy requires no weapons, and history’s great comedians like Lenny Bruce and George Carlin proved it can challenge norms and shift society. Whether you’re making sense of the chaotic world or facing a difficult transition like divorce, “sunlight” can be the best disinfectant. Part of that glow is the humor, the absurdity of what’s taking place, and you can best bring that to light by laughing at it. So, laugh hard, laugh often, and channel your inner Monty Python with an “It’s just a flesh wound.” If you can find a reason to giggle when the world feels like it’s hitting you over the head with a rubber chicken, you’re already winning.
–Michael Manely
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Call for a Consultation: ( 866) 245-5685
Estate Planning for Every Stage of Motherhood From Crayons to College
College-Aged Children When your children grow up and head to college to start their adult lives, you want to set them up for the next exciting chapter. When they turn 18, set up medical directives in your plan to allow you to make medical decisions and access their health records and information if something happens to them. You should also designate yourself as their financial power of attorney so you can help manage their finances, take care of bills like rent for them, and add money to their bank account so they can handle their college expenses. It’s not too early to help them set up their own estate plan. Your Mother Also consider that your own mother may need support from your plan as she ages. Prepare for the possibility of long-term medical care, establishing options to cover those expenses down the road. You will want to make yourself or another trusted loved one their power of attorney and create an advance medical directive that spells out what should happen if she becomes ill or hospitalized. You can also create a letter of instruction, a nonlegal document that explains your parents’ wishes.
Motherhood is one of the most beautiful roles we can have in life, and it comes with a busy to-do list. One of the most important tasks of all for moms is ensuring their estate plan also protects and nurtures their family. In honor of Mother’s Day this month, let’s look beyond the flowers and brunch and explore how to safeguard your loved ones at every stage of life!
Young Children For young moms who may have just had their first child or are still caring for a minor, one of the most critical elements to include in your plan is who will be the guardian of your child if something happens to you. Choose someone you know will have their best interests at heart, is responsible, and will pass on the values that matter to you. Both parents should designate a guardian. Make sure to select a trustee as well who can diligently manage money in a trust for your child, as minors can’t inherit any assets on their own.
Compassion and Clarity in Every Case Meet Marin Winter At The Manely Firm, our work is about people, and our team often helps clients during some of their most emotional experiences. Associate Attorney Marin Winter brings compassion and clarity to the often complicated world of family law. actually knew what I was doing, as opposed to other firms that just throw you into the deep end,” she said.
As an associate attorney, she’s responsible for drafting motions, trial preparation, and ensuring everything is ready to go when a case is presented before a judge. She works diligently to ensure appropriate evidence and sound legal arguments support the client’s goals. Since her time here, she’s learned about the many gray areas in family law cases, and that there’s not always a clear-cut winner. For Marin, the greatest reward of this work is seeing the difference one can make in the lives of people going through challenging times. “In family law, you are directly affecting their life, and I like that I can actually see how my work actually matters in the long run.” Outside of work, Marin enjoys spending time with her three adopted cats — Hippo, Giraffe, and Salem — and likes to take weekend trips back to Tennessee.
“It’s very rewarding,” she said. “There are a lot of emotions involved, but most of the clients, at the end of the day, are very grateful for you.” Marin has had a lifelong interest in law since middle school. Though she briefly considered going into the medical field, once she began taking biology classes, she discovered she didn’t have a passion for it. Switching to politics, she quickly discovered a love for the subject and started her journey to law school. Once she graduated, she knew she wanted to be in family law and began looking for a firm where she could grow her skills and get meaningful hands-on experience. She knew she had found where she belonged when she joined us in October.
“I knew I needed to go to a firm that was actually going to take the time to train me and make sure I
Marin loves the firm’s positive environment and team bond, and we are so proud to watch her continue to grow.
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MATTERS OF THE HEART
SLOW COOKER SHREDDED BEEF LETTUCE CUPS
When Grown- Up Problems Weigh on Young Shoulders
I ngredients
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 2 lbs) • 3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped • 2 medium sweet red peppers, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 8-oz can unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp cornstarch • 3 tbsp water • 24 lettuce leaves for serving
One of the cruelest things we can do to a child is ignore what they feel. Divorce, custody battles, and other types of family conflict can weigh heavily on young people, sometimes putting the kids right in the middle of it. They hear it and feel it, and too often, they are left to carry the weight of grown-up problems without the tools to understand or express what’s going on inside. Emotional intelligence is essential not just for us adults but also for children. It’s truly about showing up, being honest, and teaching them what it looks like to feel something deeply and still move through it with strength and compassion. Many situations we see here at The Manely Firm deeply impact the children involved. It could be their parents separating or a grandparent who has been their caregiver suddenly being yanked away. As you nurture their emotional intelligence during this time, you can model it for them by getting in touch with your feelings. Parents make mistakes, too, so apologize to them when it happens and explain how you could have done things better. Just like you can offer your child a chance for a do-over, you can ask for one. Show them what that looks like. Tell them the truth in an age-appropriate way. But what do you say to them if their other parent isn’t modeling good emotional intelligence when you are prioritizing it? If your ex is trying to use your children, manipulate them, or tell them things that are untrue about you, ask them how it makes them feel when mommy or daddy says that to them. Help them identify those feelings, like sadness or anger; you can share that it makes you sad, too. You can guide them to understand that it is okay to be upset about it, and the more they can tune in to their feelings, the better they can get through family conflicts. A robust emotional vocabulary allows your children to manage difficult transitions more smoothly. Remember, every time you can help your child name an emotion, it’s a tool they can use for life. Even in the hardest moments, that kind of support plants a seed of resilience.
D irections 1. In a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, combine roast, carrots, peppers, and onion. 2. In a small bowl, stir together the next 6 ingredients; pour over roast. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Remove roast, let cool slightly, then shred. 4. Skim fat from cooking juices, then transfer juices and vegetables to a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. 5. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stir mixture into juices, and cook 3–4 minutes until sauce is thickened. 6. Return beef, sauce, and vegetables to slow cooker; cook for 10–15 minutes. 7. Serve beef in lettuce leaves.
“A mother is the truest friend we have.” –W ashington I rving
–Shelia Manely
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Call for a Consultation: ( 866) 245-5685
211 Roswell St. NE Marietta, GA 30060 (866) 687-8561 www.allfamilylaw.com
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When Life Gets Absurd, Laugh Louder
Guardians, Directives, and Mom Wisdom How Marin Winter Supports Families Through Change Modeling Strength and Compassion for Kids Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
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Everyday Habits to Keep Your Family Healthy
Healthy Families Start With Smart Habits TIPS FOR FIGHTING GERMS YEAR-ROUND
For families, “sick season” can seem never-ending. Just when it feels like the sniffles are gone for good, someone else comes down with a cold. Even though the weather’s getting warmer, germs have not taken a vacation. Keeping your family healthy requires extra precautions, no matter the time of year. Keep your hands clean. Focusing on everyday hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent illness, and it all starts with hand-washing. Soap and water are the go-to combo, but hand sanitizer is an excellent option for cleaning on the go. Teach kids to wash
proteins like chicken and fish and fiber-rich foods like avocados and broccoli also support a robust immune system.
Stay on top of surface cleaning. Germs love high-contact areas like countertops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, and light switches. Cleaning these surfaces daily reduces germ exposure and complements frequent handwashing. If someone has been sick, more frequent wipedowns will help prevent others from getting sick. And
don’t forget about phones, tablets, and remote controls. These devices harbor bacteria and viruses and come into contact with our hands and faces. See a doctor when symptoms linger. Unfortunately, even the best prevention habits can’t guarantee an illness-free household. If a family member has a fever lasting more than two days or cold and flu symptoms lasting
their hands before eating and after using the restroom, playing outdoors, and visiting crowded places. You can even turn this habit into a fun family ritual by having your little ones sing their favorite song while scrubbing for 20 seconds. Fuel up with healthy choices. A strong immune system is also key to illness prevention. Getting adequate sleep and eating a nutrient-dense diet provides natural immune-system support. The kids and adults in your family can boost immunity by loading up on fruits and vegetables; focus on those full of vitamin C, such as strawberries, citrus fruits, and bell peppers. Lean
longer than 10 days, it’s time to visit your health care provider. When in doubt, trust your instincts — early treatment can be key to≈ensuring quick recovery.
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