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Timing Is Key What Matters Most Modifying Child Custody Agreements
THE Stevens Firm, P.A. Family Law Center
349 E. Main Street, Suite 200, Spartanburg, SC 29302 • www.SCFamilyLaw.com • (864) 598-9172 July 2018
If you’re thinking about modifying your current child custody order, you may be wondering how long you need to wait after the order has become official. Truthfully, there is no correct amount of time you should wait before filing for a modification. You can technically file to modify a previous order the day after the order has become official. However, we don’t recommend this practice, since in order for the judge to approve a change, you have to be able to prove a substantial change in circumstances. But custody orders can be changed frequently due to facts and evidence. In our experience, there are certain times of the year when you have a better chance of the court deciding in your favor. For example, the court is much less likely to modify custody during the school year, especially when the changes you’re requesting require the child to move to a different school district. We typically see custody modification cases between the months of May and August and then again between late November and early January. When temporary orders are issued during these times, it helps keep a child’s routine intact and ensures they don’t have to deal with distractions during the school year. Unless there are special or emergency circumstances, if a client wants to file a custody modification outside of these time frames, our advice is typically to wait until it’s conducive to the child’s schedule.
One of the most common reasons a parent wants to modify their custody agreement is because of a new job, a new relationship, or they have remarried. In the latter two examples, it’s not uncommon that the other parent doesn’t like the idea of a new parental figure coming into the picture,
which prompts them to seek more rights within their custody agreement. While most attorneys usually suggest mediation before litigation, more often than not, exes don’t have any desire to see a mediator.
“Unless there are special or emergency circumstances, if a client wants to file a custody modification outside of these time frames, our advice is typically to wait until it’s conducive to the child’s schedule.”
Certain circumstances warrant quick custody modifications. These can be cases where physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, substance abuse, and criminal activity are suspected. Cases like these tend to be clear-cut in the court’s eyes, and decisions are often made quickly, especially when the attorney requests an emergency hearing, in order to protect the children from potential harm. Most custody cases last a year from start to finish, but under exceptional circumstances, they can be much shorter. If you are considering filing for a custody modification, call our team today. We can help you determine when and how to file your case based on your specific circumstances, and we can offer solutions to best help your family adjust during the process.
Ben Stevens
Reminder About Our Firm’s Communication Policy Our promise to you is that while we are working on your case, we don’t take inbound phone calls, faxes, or emails. Our senior partner, Ben Stevens, takes no unscheduled inbound phone calls, as we have found this makes him much more productive and enables him to focus on getting your case resolved faster. You can always call our office at (864) 598-9172 and schedule an in-person or phone appointment with any of our attorneys, usually within 24–48 hours. We believe this approach is much better than the endless game of phone tag played by most businesses today. Email is also an efficient way to communicate with us, but please
be advised that emails are not typically checked more than twice per day. If you need something quickly, don’t email — call our office and speak with one of our assistants, who will be happy to help you. Disclaimer: This publication is intended to educate the general public about family law issues. It is not intended to be legal advice. Every case is different. The information in this newsletter may be freely copied and distributed so long as the newsletter is copied in its entirety and proper credit is attributed to “The Stevens Firm, P.A. — Family Law Center (SCFamilyLaw.com).”
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Learning That Doesn’t Feel Like School
Mentally Stimulating Activities for Summer
Every summer, parents across the country have to deal with the same delicate problem. They want to make sure their kids continue to learn without feeling like they’re being assigned tasks. After all, summer homework is every child’s worst nightmare. Luckily, you don’t have to rely on math problems and book reports to keep your child’s development from taking a two-month vacation. Here are a few mentally stimulating
activities that are as educational as they are fun. For Little Ones: Homemade Bubbles
Bubbles fascinate young children, so why not spend a day making your own solution and experimenting with different types of bubbles? The formula is simple: 1 part dish soap (Dawn or Joy work best) to 10 parts water. Optionally, you can also include 1/4 part glycerin. The process of making the solution will teach ratios, and finding creative ways to blow bubbles fosters problem-solving skills and creative thinking. For Teenagers: Family Dinner Party Cooking teaches so many important skills: math, science, nutrition, concentration, cultural understanding, following directions, creativity, time management, and more. Even better, it doesn’t feel like learning; it feels like fun. Encourage your older children to take the reins for preparing regular meals throughout the summer. You can pick guiding themes, like “a trip to Mexico” or “pasta party,” but let them choose the recipes and prep the meals on their own.
For the Entire Family: An Educational Field Trip Field trips always inspire excitement in students, and you’ll find the same goes for your family members. You can tailor your destination to the interests of your kids for maximum engagement. If you have a family of art lovers, head to a museum for some inspiration and discussion. Kids who prefer the outdoors will enjoy a nature walk or hike. You can bring along a field guide to identify flora and fauna. These trips may not pack the thrill of a water park, but they’re fun in an entirely different way.
Meet our staff
Caitlin Powell: Legal Assistant to Ben Stevens It’s no secret to most attorneys, but many clients don’t know it: A great legal assistant makes a great law firm. They are the secret weapons who make our entire process tick. At The Stevens Firm, we are blessed to have wonderful legal assistants. Caitlin Powell, legal assistant to our senior partner, Ben Stevens, just recently had her three-year anniversary with us, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. We feel fortunate that she feels the same way. “Overall, it’s been a joyful experience. The attorneys are amazing, and they treat everyone like family,” Caitlin said.
When she first started off in this field, Caitlin had every intention of becoming a lawyer one day. But sometimes life takes us in a different direction, and in Caitlin’s case, she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I get the best of both worlds: being a mom and assisting in legal work,” she explains. “And I’m able to enjoy the free time I get.” But even though she’s a certified paralegal who has long had the desire to get into law, Caitlin didn’t always work in the role she’s in now. “I started as a receptionist for the firm. I expected to pay my dues because everyone wants experience.” Caitlin certainly doesn’t look at this as a negative. Instead, she saw it as a great opportunity to find her feet in an unfamiliar field. “You want that opportunity for experience when you’re first starting. It was good to learn from that perspective rather than be tossed right in.”
really wants to help people, and when we do, it’s a really great feeling.” Her values, being perfectly in sync with our firm core values, are what make her an essential part of our team, but she says it’s our philosophy that makes a difference for her. “When I met with the team in my initial interview, I knew this was the place I would grow and where I wanted to be,” Caitlin says. We’re thankful to have such amazing people on our team. Our mission is to help those experiencing family legal issues, and having team members like Caitlin makes all the difference for our clients.
When Caitlin explains her favorite part of working here, her heart truly shines. “The attorneys here are truly ‘counselors’ of the law. Our team
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Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops This flavorful take on pork chops is the perfect centerpiece for your meal. You can serve the chops alongside a simple salad, charred asparagus, or any other summer veggies you want.
Sizzling Local Events for July What Do the Library, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Art All Have in Common?
Ingredients
Things are heating up in Spartanburg! Here are three sizzling events for July that are sure to have you ready for all things summer.
• 4 boneless pork chops • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar • 3 tablespoons raw honey • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
A Brief History of Spartanburg County When: July 10; 6–7 p.m. Where: Boiling Springs Library
Directions
1. Heat oven to 400 F. 2. Generously season pork chops with salt and pepper. 3. In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, red pepper flakes, and thyme. 4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently for 5–6 minutes. 5. On high heat in an oven-safe saute pan or skillet, sear the pork chops for 1–2 minutes on each side. 6. Brush chops with half of glaze and transfer to oven. 7. Roast 6–8 minutes. 8. Remove from oven and brush with another coat of glaze. Let cool 5–10 minutes and serve. take a break
Locals and newbies alike can learn a lot from this local event. Boiling Springs Library is offering up the history of our county in a fun and exciting presentation by Brad Steineke, Spartanburg County Library’s assistant director of local history. In just one hour, you’ll learn all about our city and the surrounding areas. By the end, you’ll have enough fun facts to wow your friends and family.
Second Saturday When: July 14; 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where: Vintage Warehouse
This event serves as an avenue for our creative community to display their passions. Come check out amazing artists and vendors from all walks of life. If you’re looking for local color, great food, and a fun atmosphere, you don’t want to miss this.
‘Rock of Ages’ When: July 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 8 p.m.; July 15 and July 22 at 3 p.m. Where: Spartanburg Little Theatre
If you’re ready to sing in your Whitesnake jean jacket or fluff your hair using an entire canister of hairspray, than this is the show for you. “Rock of Ages” combines the music of the ‘80s with a beautiful love story. The show provides a unique opportunity to hear over 28 face-melting songs from the era, all set on L.A.’s Sunset Strip. Come for the music, but stay for the edge-of-your-seat entertainment!
Independence Day Barbecue Freedom America
Washington Revolution Parade Fireworks
Colonial July USA Congress
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THE Stevens Firm, P.A. Family Law Center
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PAGE 1 How Timing Impacts Child Custody Modifications PAGE 2 Summer-Worthy Learning Opportunities Meet Caitlin, Our Superhero Paralegal PAGE 3 Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops Local Events You Won’t Want to Miss PAGE 4 Songs of the Summer in History
Music is always changing, but one thing’s for certain: There will always be a “song of the summer” when the heat starts rolling in. To be crowned the true song of the season, a track must be everywhere, stuck in everyone’s heads — whether they like it or not — and have a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it part and parcel of the warmer months. Here are two summer slammers (and three contemporary options) that typify this vital trend. 1963: The Beach Boys, ‘I Get Around’ When Brian Wilson was asked whether there were any great summer songs he didn’t write, he answered, “No, not really.” Though there are certainly better jams from the Beach Boys’ tangled, complicated career, “I Get Around,” “Fun Fun Fun,” and their other hits from the early ’60s virtually wrote the blueprint for future songs of the summer. They’re sunny, annoyingly catchy, and filled with youthful exuberance. 2003: Beyoncé, ‘Crazy in Love’ Even before she led Destiny’s Child to international success and branched out on her own to become the de facto world queen of pop, it seemed Beyoncé was destined to change the musical landscape. Though she’d secured numerous smash hits before, “Crazy in Love” was to many people the calling shot that signaled her eventual ascent to the throne. With her thrilling, powerful vocals backed by enormous horn samples and Songs of the Summer
Dominant Jams of the Warmer Months
undeniable hypeman Jay-Z, it’s arguably the apex of contemporary pop. NME even goes so far as to call it “the best song of the millennium.” Today’s Contenders This year’s contenders seem to be slow out of the gate, making it difficult to declare the victor just yet, but there are some promising options. Drake’s “Nice for What” is riding high on the Billboard charts but isn’t quite as sing-along friendly as others. His “One Dance” dominated the summer of 2016, however. Other options include rap dynamo Cardi B’s spicy “I Like It” — the perfect song to play at a summer cookout — or the boilerplate EDM uplift “The Middle” by Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey — the perfect song to play over the loudspeakers at Target.
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