Check out our May newsletter!
All Family Law. All Around the World.
M ay 2024
Climate Change, Stress, and the Surge in Family Law Cases A STORM BREWING
Deadly hurricanes, record-breaking heat, and heightened carbon dioxide levels in the air we breathe — many stressors come with climate change. While we can see a major storm’s negative impacts on communities or the physical symptoms one can experience in extreme weather, recent research has discovered the effects go even deeper. They are changing the very makeup of our genes and biochemistry, which ties right into family dynamics. Recently, I read an article in The Guardian about how the climate crisis affects our brains and more. For example, researchers have discovered that children who were in utero during Hurricane Sandy were startlingly influenced by those pre-natal stressors. They are at a significantly higher risk of psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression, and those symptoms showed as early as preschool. Evidence also suggests that temperature spikes drive increases in violent behavior like hate speech and domestic abuse.
A psychological weight comes with frightening weather patterns. Folks concerned about the climate may feel emotionally tapped, leaving little to tend to the issues at home. So, what do we do to address the problem, especially since the climate continues to be a concern? As individuals, it’s crucial to constantly check in with ourselves and be aware of our stress levels, probably multiple times a day. The Guardian article suggests that we must develop biological resilience or the ability to recover or even thrive in the face of rapid environmental change. “As the globe heats up, there will be more divorces, more family members unable to care for themselves, and more people struggling with the resulting stress.” The family law community must prepare for a massive triage focused on mediation and recovery. Rising temperatures are linked to violence and severe neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, and the trend of weather extremes will continue. So, how much more of that conflict do we anticipate? How can we best model a preventive approach? Environmental stressors will inevitably increase our workload as family lawyers, and we owe it to these families to prepare for the influx. The neurological impacts of climate change on families are still a moving target, and we will continue to need conversations in our law offices about how it may play out for real people. As the globe heats up, there will be more divorces, more family members who are unable to care for themselves, and more people who are struggling with the resulting stress. We can create an ecosystem of calm for them and a framework to discuss and manage these climate-driven anxieties within their families.
Over my years of practice, I’ve learned that family law has seasons or cycles of busyness.
As climate catastrophes increase, I know the number of family law cases will also rise. Significant environmental or societal changes cause people to worry about having insufficient money; it can also prompt complicated arguments.
–Michael Manely
1
Call for a Consultation: ( 866) 245-5685
P lot Y our F inancial F uture The ABCs of Wills and Trusts
PROBATE Probate is the court process used to review the assets of someone who has passed away. When you have a will, it must go through this public procedure so the judge can determine if the will is valid and distribute your assets properly. However, if you opt for a trust, you avoid the lengthy and costly probate process, and the information remains private. A trust ultimately gives you greater oversight and control of your assets. COST Trusts are more costly and complex to establish than a will, a relatively simple document. However, a trust will give you more administrative power over your assets and immediate access to your funds. With trusts, the trustee can choose how to manage the assets throughout their lifetime. For example, money could be withdrawn from the trust to cover funeral costs if someone dies. The court would determine whether it was a valid expense if you had a will. Additionally, trusts allow you greater management over your legal
fees. You can spell out how much to pay your trustee versus a will, where the designated executor can apply to probate court to withdraw money. PEOPLE When you select a trustee to manage your trust, the court can’t overrule your choice. Often, people choose family members as trustees, but choosing the individual with the best financial skills is wise. Being able to designate your trustee can help you protect what is most important of all: your children. Your trustee, not the court, will manage your child’s assets based on your wishes. They typically will take care of medical care, education, etc., and wait to distribute principal until the children are at the age or station in life you designated. While both wills and trusts are essential tools in estate planning, they cater to different needs and circumstances. If you need assistance creating the right estate plan, we’ll guide you through the process.
Navigating estate planning can feel like a maze, especially when distinguishing between key documents like wills and trusts. Though both legal instruments help you designate your wishes for your assets and the legacy you leave behind, there are some significant differences between them. Understanding how each instrument functions will ensure you select the right option to secure your future and protect your assets.
From ‘Legally Blonde’ Inspiration to Family Law Champion M eet E mily M c C larty Each of our attorneys at The Manely Firm brings dedication, expertise, and passion to the practice. We love to highlight their incredible contributions and share their unique stories. Associate Attorney Emily McClarty joined us in our Marietta Office last May and has already significantly impacted our clients. As one of our Spanish-speaking attorneys, Emily can help clients
Before applying and entering law school at the University of Wyoming College of Law in 2020, Emily had a defining experience when, out of nowhere, she applied to be a camp counselor at a summer camp. While there, she saw many children from broken families and the foster system. Being able to connect with the struggles children faced within families in crisis grew her passion for family law. Emily attended law school during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which she said was a challenging time. Her first year was completely online, and she completed most of her coursework in her one-bedroom apartment on Zoom. Emily was drawn to The Manely Firm because she wanted to make a difference in the lives of families in Georgia and beyond. She loves the opportunity to use Spanish to influence and help abroad and in the States. The firm has been an absolutely remarkable place for her to start her legal career, and she values the supportive environment where she can always ask questions.
through family law proceedings in two languages. She has even done some international work for us in Hispanic-speaking nations. “I have spoken Spanish my whole life,” she says. “My mom moved from Cuba in the 1950s, so I learned the language from her and my grandmother.” Emily said it’s hard to tell where her passion for the law came from, but a popular movie is what led her to pursue a career as a lawyer. “As corny as it sounds, ‘Legally Blonde’ is what got me really interested in it,” she says. “It’s just classic and funny, and [the main character, Elle] aspired to do great things, so it piqued my interest.” Knowing she wanted a career in law, she also decided to choose a major to fall back on. She graduated from Georgia College and State University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in economics.
her beloved cat and gets together with friends from her church group several times weekly.
The most rewarding part of the job for Emily is “seeing the smile on people’s faces when the struggles come to an end. Reuniting a parent with a child or seeing a family come back together; it’s almost like a star in front of your eyes, going from dim to burning bright again.” Emily’s mission of child advocacy shines like a brilliant star every day, and we are so proud to watch her grow her career with us.
Outside work, Emily enjoys crafty things like cross- stitching and knitting. She loves spending time with
2
www.allfamilylaw.com
“W ake up determined , go to bed satisfied .” –D wayne “T he R ock ” J ohnson
When a challenge comes your way, you can transform it into a stepping stone for personal and professional success. By adopting a growth mindset, you will see “I can’t” become “I’m learning.” This robust framework isn’t just about positive thinking; it’s also about fully embracing the journey and understanding that every stumble is just another lesson as you evolve. At The Manely Firm, embracing growth is one of our core values, and that doesn’t just mean growing bigger. We do everything we can to help our team and clients adopt a mindset that sets them up to thrive in every facet of their lives. As a family law firm, we must help our clients embrace conflict as an opportunity and recognize where it creates space for them to flourish. Here are some methods to start building a growth mindset for yourself. WELCOME CHALLENGES Those with a fixed mindset may brace themselves against challenges, but one of the most valuable steps you can take to achieve a growth mindset is to welcome them. Instead of seeing obstacles, reflect on the chance you have received to learn and improve. If someone gives you constructive feedback or criticism, don’t get angry or judgmental; get curious. To grow, you must shift your perspective and remember your potential is unlimited as long as you are present and ready to work. REDEFINE FAILURE Failures, like challenges, are also influential teachers. Don’t look at a defeat as a dead end but rather as proof you are boldly trying something new and putting yourself out there. We all make mistakes and face failures, but when you feel like giving up, analyze what you could do differently next time. CELEBRATE SUCCESS Make an effort to celebrate all the little successes as much as the large ones. But, even more importantly, draw inspiration from the victories of others. People with growth mindsets don’t view other people’s growth as a threat; they see it as a win. What can you learn from a peer who reached a career milestone? Have people around you used strategies you can bring into your workflow? Allow your surroundings to motivate you and fill your social circle with positive people. Remember, the path to growth is lined with ups and downs, and it’s up to you to frame those moments as building blocks. Don’t tell yourself, “I can’t do this.” Allow yourself to shift to, “I can’t do this yet, but I will learn.” Shift Your Perspective With a Growth Mindset FROM ‘I CAN’T’ TO ‘I’M LEARNING’
C itrus BBQ C hicken
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
I ngredients • 8 skin-on chicken leg and thigh pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tsp ground cumin • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika • Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/3 cups ketchup • 2 tbsp brown sugar
• Juice and zest of 1 orange • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
D irections 1. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Combine all other ingredients in a small bowl. 2. Reserve 1 cup of the sauce and add the rest to the plastic bag. Toss to evenly coat the chicken and marinate overnight. 3. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add remaining sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer to thicken sauce, about 10 minutes. Set aside. 4. On grill set for medium-high heat, arrange chicken skin side down. Cook until grill marks form, about 4 minutes. Flip chicken, cover grill, and cook until a thermometer inserted into thighs reads 165 F, about 20–25 minutes. 5. Serve with remaining sauce.
3
Call for a Consultation: ( 866) 245-5685
211 Roswell St. NE Marietta, GA 30060 (866) 687-8561 www.allfamilylaw.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1 2 3 4
How Climate Catastrophes Fuel Family Conflicts
The Estate Planning Puzzle How Emily McClarty Empowers Clients in 2 Languages How to Transform Opportunities Into Challenges Citrus BBQ Chicken
Essential Steps to Ensure Your Mental Well-Being
S afeguard Y our B rain H ealth WITH THESE 3 SIMPLE PRACTICES
The brain is like a command center for our bodies; it processes everything, from memories to emotions. Our happiness, cleverness, and general well-being require us to take good care of that gray matter. If we give it what it needs, it will serve us well. Here are a few tips anyone can incorporate into their routine to give their brain some TLC.
self-esteem, confidence, and body image. The cyclical nature of negative self- talk makes it hard to get rid of, often requiring therapy, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a standard and effective treatment.
AVOID ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS.
Ultra-processed foods aren’t just bad for your heart; they also harm your brain. Hot dogs, sugary sodas, and TV dinners — just a few culprits — harm emotional
KEEP THE PHONE OUT OF BED. When you transition from asleep to awake in the morning, your brain waves steadily transition from alpha to theta to beta. So, don’t reach for your phone when you open your eyes first thing. Doing so interrupts your brain’s essential waking process, resulting in a slew of adverse effects throughout the day, including making it harder for you to think creatively, among other things.
and cognitive health. One study found that people who eat these things are more likely to have depression and anxiety. Another study correlated high ultra-processed food consumption with an intelligence decline, especially with aging. It’s unclear why ultra- processed foods are so bad for brains, but the leading theory connects it to gut health. Regardless, abstaining from or reducing your intake of these foods is vital to protecting your mental and physical health.
STOP NEGATIVE SELF-TALK. We’re our own worst critics. Doubting and discouraging ourselves
is easy, but pushing away negative self-talk is imperative. It leads to stress and overwhelming perfectionism while harming relationships. It undermines positive
4
www.allfamilylaw.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator