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The Bledsoe Firm JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551 MARCH | 2025
THINK BEFORE YOU POST
HOW YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA CAN END UP IN COURT
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF ON SOCIAL MEDIA I encourage everyone — divorced or not — to be careful on social media. But if you’re in the middle of legal proceedings, you need to be extra cautious. Here are some golden rules. 1. Pause before you post. Before posting anything, ask yourself: Does this help my case, hurt my case, or make me look unhinged? If there’s even a slight chance it could be taken the wrong way, don’t post it. 2. Lock down your privacy settings. Make sure your accounts are private. This won’t make you totally immune to snooping (hello, mutual friends and sneaky screenshots), but it does add a layer of protection. 3. Limit oversharing. Now is not the time to post about your finances, your new relationship, your frustrations with your ex, or anything that could be twisted out of context. Remember, less is more. 4. Avoid passive-aggressive posts. We all know those posts, the vague and dramatic ones meant for someone but not addressed directly. (“Some people really need to grow up …”) These might feel satisfying in the moment, but they can make you look bad in court. 5. Don’t delete posts. If you already have questionable posts out there, talk to us before deleting anything. Deleting posts can sometimes look worse than leaving them up (because, surprise, the other side probably already has screenshots). The best approach is to take a social media detox or, at the very least, stick to safe and neutral posts. Pictures of you spending time with your kids, sharing positive memories, or even just appreciating a beautiful sunset are totally fine! Just keep anything that could stir up drama off the feed. —John Bledsoe
“Just setting up my twttr.”
That was the very first tweet ever posted on Twitter on March 21, 2006, by the platform’s co-founder, Jack Dorsey. It was a simple, innocent little message, but, wow, if only Jack knew what he was starting. Fast forward nearly two decades and social media is a huge part of daily life — whether we’re scrolling through memes, oversharing photos, or getting into debates with strangers on Facebook. But while social media can be fun and a great way to stay connected, it can also be a digital minefield, especially if you’re going through a divorce or custody battle. One wrong post, long rant, or photo from a fun night out can come back to haunt you in ways you never expected. When emotions are running high, venting on social media feels tempting. Maybe you had a frustrating day in court, your ex is driving you absolutely nuts, or you just want to throw up a post about how much you deserve that beach vacation you’re about to take. But before you hit “post,” ask yourself: Would I want a judge to read this out loud in court? Because trust me, they will. Screenshots live forever, and anything you post, even if you delete it, can be saved, printed, and used as evidence. That seemingly innocent post about celebrating your “newfound freedom” with drinks at happy hour? Your ex’s attorney may try to spin it as evidence that you’re irresponsible. That meme about “being done with all the drama”? It could be twisted to make you look hostile.
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JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551
INJURY-FREE RUNNING THE BIGGEST FINANCIAL PITFALLS TO WATCH FOR DURING DIVORCE Divorce is already an emotionally taxing experience, but when you add in the financial complications, it can quickly become ALLOWING EMOTIONS TO DRIVE FINANCIAL DECISIONS
OVERLOOKING HIDDEN DEBTS Many couples share credit cards, loans, and other financial obligations. If you’re not careful, you could end up responsible for debts you didn’t even know existed. Before finalizing the divorce, pull a copy of your credit report to make sure you’re aware of all joint debts. NOT UPDATING BENEFICIARIES AND ESTATE PLANS One of the most overlooked financial mistakes is forgetting to update beneficiaries on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and estate planning documents. If you don’t make changes, your ex-spouse could still be listed as the primary beneficiary. FAILING TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE Divorce can feel like a financial setback, but it’s also a chance to reset and create a new plan for the future. Work with a financial professional to develop a post-divorce budget, reassess your retirement goals, and make sure you’re on track for financial stability.
Divorce can be messy, and emotions often run high. Many people make costly financial decisions simply to “win” or out of spite. Before making any big moves, take a step back and ask yourself: Does this decision make sense for my long-term financial health? Working with a financial advisor and/or a divorce attorney from a firm like ours can help you separate emotions from logic. NOT UNDERSTANDING THE TRUE VALUE OF ASSETS All assets are not created equal. A $50,000 savings account is very different from a $50,000 retirement account when you factor in taxes and withdrawal penalties. Along the same lines, keeping the marital home might seem like a win, but it could become a problem if you can’t afford the mortgage, maintenance, and taxes on a single income. It’s important to fully understand each asset’s long-term costs and benefits before making agreements.
overwhelming. While it’s easy to get caught up in the personal side of things, making smart financial decisions during this time is important to protect your future. Let’s take a look at some of the most common financial mistakes people make during divorce — and how to avoid them.
Drinking Done Differently Riding the Alkaline Water Wave
Ready to experience one of the hottest — and wettest — celebrity health trends hitting Hollywood and beyond? If you admire Jennifer Aniston’s radiant skin or Tom Brady’s lengthy football career, you may want to try alkaline water. Endorsed by the aforementioned actor and athlete and a growing list of other notables — including model Miranda Kerr and singer Beyoncé — alkaline water is produced through electrolysis to have a higher pH than standard bottled water. Many believe it possesses properties that can improve a person’s complexion, fight heart disease, and aid in cancer prevention, among many other benefits. SCIENCE-DRIVEN SIPS In addition to providing the apparent health benefits of traditional water, many say
alkaline water offers drinkers a gateway to A-list health. Enthusiasts claim the product’s higher pH improves metabolism and energy levels, detoxifies the body, promotes glowing skin, and reduces the likelihood of bone loss by neutralizing acid in the bloodstream and hydrating the body more efficiently. THE PRICE OF POURED HEALTH While alkaline water advocates are quick to praise the product, a higher pH comes with a higher price tag for consumers. Depending on your brand of choice, one gallon of premium alkaline water may cost more than $30! Because it is a human-made product and not something that simply flows from our taps, alkaline water requires processes including mineralization, filtration, ionization, and quality assurance before it reaches supermarket shelves. These expenses and the costs of good old-fashioned
marketing have contributed significantly to the sticker shock frugal shoppers feel.
HYDRATION AND HYPE So, is alkaline water worth it? While encouraging people to drink more water is never bad, the jury is still out on the ultimate benefits of this pricey libation. Although the Mayo Clinic acknowledges that some studies have shown a link between alkaline water and bone health, more extensive research is needed to prove all other claims, including cancer-fighting properties. As with any trendy health fad, receiving sound advice from your physician may spare your body and bank account from unnecessary habits.
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W ord S earch
Winning With Grace
Aquamarine
Basketball
HOW TO HANDLE YOURSELF IN A CUSTODY BATTLE Custody battles with your child’s future at risk can be emotionally stressful and challenging. While it’s easy to let emotions take over, making an effort to stay patient and composed can make a huge difference in both the legal outcome and your well-being. MAKE YOUR CHILD’S BEST INTERESTS YOUR PRIORITY. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to “win” the custody battle, but remember, this isn’t about beating the other parent — it’s about what’s best for your child. Judges prioritize stability, safety, and overall well-being when making custody decisions. Show you are committed to providing a loving, supportive, and consistent environment for your child. MAINTAIN COMPOSURE AND PROFESSIONALISM. No matter how frustrating the situation gets, keep your emotions in check. Avoid arguing with your ex in front of your child, through text messages, or in emails. Anything you say or do could be used against you in court. Always communicate in a calm, respectful manner and focus on resolving issues rather than escalating them. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Keep a record of important interactions, including communication with your ex, missed visitations, and any incidents that could be relevant in court. Having documented evidence can support your child’s case if concerns arise regarding your child’s well-being. FOLLOW COURT ORDERS AND LEGAL ADVICE. Even if you disagree with temporary custody arrangements or other rulings, follow them. Showing respect for the legal process demonstrates you are a responsible parent. Additionally, listen to your attorney’s advice. They have the legal expertise to help you navigate this situation effectively. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Custody battles are draining, both mentally and emotionally. Lean on your support system to help you cope with stress. Taking care of yourself ensures you’re in the best possible place to take care of your child. At the end of the day, your actions, attitude, and ability to remain focused on your child’s best interests will influence both the outcome of the case and your child’s experience during this time.
Bluebird
Clover
Green
Ides
Leprechaun
Madness
Pisces
Spring
Tangerine
Tulip
Inspired by EatingWell.com
Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
INGREDIENTS •
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
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1 cup peeled and chopped carrots
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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
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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
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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.
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Inside
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Keep It Off the Feed!
Avoid These 5 Common Money Mistakes During Divorce
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Next-Gen Nourishment
Navigating Custody Cases Without the Drama
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Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
The Effects of Getting Outdoors on Our Mental Health
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Getting Outside Can Help You Feel Better WOOD YOU BE-LEAF IT?!
POSITIVE BRAIN STIMULATION
Many of us neglect our mental health because we’ve desensitized ourselves to stress, instead teaching ourselves to “white knuckle” through the day. However, if you knew a better way to manage
When you spend time outdoors, taking in the sunlight and fresh air, your body releases the feel-good hormone serotonin in return. Many antidepressant medications work by
your stress, you could loosen the reigns more, right? Well, when was the last time you spent some time outside? Whether it’s going on a hike, tending to your garden, or riding a bike, research reveals the positive effects on your mental health of spending time outdoors.
inhibiting reabsorption of this key neurotransmitter. Additionally, sunlight activates melatonin release, which helps regulate our internal clock. The more sunlight we get each day, the more our bodies know when it’s time to go to bed.
IMPROVED OVERALL MOOD Everyone occasionally falls into a “funk.” And while it’s normal to experience that mood at times, it shouldn’t be a constant
ENHANCED FOCUS AND ATTENTION
Whether at home or in the office, our brains can go a mile a minute, focusing on everything except the task at hand. While you’re supposed to be working on a PowerPoint presentation, your
feeling. A 2010 study revealed that exercising in nature for just five minutes improved self-esteem and overall mood. Experiencing nature often makes people feel grounded and more connected to the Earth, leading to feelings of happiness and a sense of purpose. A separate study revealed that participants who went on nature walks had increased positive emotions after the walk.
brain thinks about the new tire you need and the pile of dirty dishes in the sink. A 2020 study found that spending time in nature can calm the mind, allowing for enhanced focus. Further studies on outdoor play settings stated that children with ADHD were calmer after playing in green spaces than in other settings.
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