Check out our January newsletter!
All Family Law. All Around the World.
J anuary 2026
Steer Your Life With Intention Why a Few Seconds of Thought Matters
Imagine being out on the water. You could be aboard a sailing boat, designing your course and crafting the success of your voyage as you point toward your north star. Conversely, you are just being thrown about in the waters, tossed from rock to rock with no control whatsoever over what happens to you. The contrast between these two very different journeys has to do with intentionality. Choosing purpose is the difference between drifting in whatever shows up and attentively deciding how you will move with what is thrown at you. The real key I’ve found happens long before a grand decision. It starts in the space between what happens to you and how you respond.
give myself some time to think, and respond with something more civil, thoughtful, gentle, and hopefully more productive. “We must give ourselves the space to be wrong and remember to extend a little grace to the other person.” It’s essential, when interacting with others, to strive to provide outcome-based responses. We also need to realize how very likely it is that we are incorrect about our initial assumptions in a situation. We must give ourselves the space to be wrong and remember to extend a little grace to the other person.
January is National Be On-Purpose Month, and while things will undoubtedly come your way that are well beyond your volition, purposefulness is
really about your reactions. Think of the wise quote about how your life experience is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
Think about when someone cuts you off in traffic. It’s usually a gut reaction of honking your horn, cursing, and maybe even shaking your fist their way. However, what you may not realize is that they may be experiencing an emergency and are rushing to the hospital. Maybe they just found out their parent has passed away, or they have just gone through a breakup and are reasonably a little distracted. If you had given yourself a short pause, extended grace to them and yourself for being incorrect in the moment, it could have made a difference in both of your days. Being on purpose doesn’t mean you have all the answers or have it all figured out. It means you choose, again and again, to meet the world with curiosity, clarity, and compassion. We can’t control and calm the seas, but we can steady our hands on the wheel. We can give ourselves an extra breath, that moment of grace, and steer ourselves with intention.
When you are aware, mindful, and purposeful in the way you process the daily data you receive, it can bring much more calm and peace to your life. Give yourself a few moments to take in what’s occurred and think carefully before you make another move. As I grow older, I find myself taking this pause more and more.
Growing up, my mother could cut you off at the knees with a single quip; it was her superpower. For a
long time in my life, I inherited some of that from her. Often, someone will say something, and I’m quick to think up a response, one that may not be particularly pleasant. However, I’ve learned to hold off,
–Michael Manely
1
Need help with a family law matter? Call now to book a strategy session. (866) 245-5685
DIVORCE IN THE NEW YEAR January has earned the nickname “Divorce Month” because filings tend to surge after the holidays when people desire a fresh start in the new year. For those facing the end of a marriage, especially this time of year, it can feel emotionally overwhelming and lonely. But this is also a powerful opportunity to pause, ground yourself, and discover a new you. and even professionals. The people you love will be there to listen, encourage you, and provide emotional strength. You can form new relationships by joining classes, gyms, or group therapy with other individuals going through divorce. Counseling and support groups are an effective way to manage, understand, and progress with your feelings in a healthy, safe setting. Your lawyer can help you find resources. Turn Heartbreak Into Healing, Strength, and a Life You Love
Put yourself first. Though you may have been putting off self-care during your relationship, it’s time to turn the spotlight on yourself. Focus on simple, daily habits that promote your health and well- being, like morning walks or meditation. Find things that help you stay positive and grateful, such as motivational podcasts, books, or a special playlist. This is a time to set personal boundaries, limiting interactions with people or behavior that no longer serves you. Perhaps, most importantly, rewire your self-talk so you treat yourself with kindness.
Plan your next chapter. A divorce isn’t just an ending, it’s also a beginning. Visualize what you want your new life to look like and use that as motivation to keep moving forward. Remember, you don’t have to do everything all at once. Create a plan and use small, intentional steps to achieve it. As you knock off tasks on your list, celebrate the wins. Your lawyer can be a crucial guide through the legal process and help you stay on track, especially if you have children and need to create or change parenting plans.
If your new year begins with a divorce, remember that brighter days lie ahead, and this is your chance to start an exciting new chapter. Contact The Manely Firm for support on your journey today.
Lean on trusted friends. Just because you are single does not mean you have to go through this process alone. Build a solid support system of friends, colleagues,
THE ANNUAL REVIEW YOUR FAMILY NEEDS From Custody Conflicts to Peace of Mind
The new year is a perfect time not just to take stock of your goals, but also the legal foundations that protect your family. A comprehensive legal checkup should include reviewing custody agreements, child support, and other family documents, such as alimony agreements or your estate plan. If anything has
changed in your circumstances, like a new job or your children’s schedules, you can address them head-on this month and set your family up for a smooth 2026. Custody Agreements Child custody can be a highly sensitive topic for co-parents, and you and your ex may have different ideas of what childcare should look like. An annual review can help ensure the agreement remains in the children’s best interest and takes into account any significant changes. If one parent’s schedule can’t accommodate the original parenting plan or your children have new needs, it’s time to modify the agreement. Child Support Changes in employment, income, health, or family dynamics can all impact child support agreements. If you or your co-parent has lost a job or received a raise, it may be best to modify the order to ensure there are enough resources to support your child. As your children grow older, their needs and reliance
on both of you may also change. Parenting plan revisions may necessitate adjustments to child support if one parent is assuming additional responsibilities. Relocations or an illness in the family are also reasons to rethink this document. Other Important Documents If your family has experienced significant life events since 2025, you should revisit your estate plan. Make sure your will still reflects your wishes and that your assets and beneficiaries are up to date. You may want to make changes to your Power of Attorney designee or who will carry out your plan when the time comes. The new year is a prime time to review your insurance policies to ensure you and your family are still effectively covered. At The Manely Firm, we can help ensure all these essential documents reflect your current circumstances and, more importantly, support your children. To schedule a consultation or review of your agreements, contact us today.
2
allfamilylaw.com
MATTERS OF THE HEART
This delicious dish will help make your home the go-to destination for Taco Tuesday! SLOW COOKER BIRRIA TACOS
Mindfulness is the first step to emotional intelligence. You have to be able to go to the balcony, see yourself (your emotions, your reactions, the space you are in) clearly, without judgment or rushing to fix anything. It’s the practice of coming back to the present long enough to recognize what’s actually happening inside of you, instead of living in the past or future. You have to get curious about your feelings. Pay attention to your thoughts, the sensations in your body, and your awareness of your surroundings. Ask yourself if something in your space is contributing to your current feelings, such as a bad smell, a scratchy sweater, or a loud construction zone. Some of the biggest challenges to mindfulness are that our minds ruminate and replay things over and over, or we jump to what may happen next, the worst or best case scenarios. Mindfulness begins with letting go of all that, not judging it, and accepting that it is your experience at this moment. You need empathy for yourself and others. Once you become more intentional, you improve your ability to regulate your own emotions and understand others’ emotions more effectively. Self- awareness enhances social awareness and even helps rewire your brain to think more effectively. If you can stop and pause, you can identify and understand your actual emotions more clearly. “I’m not happy” doesn’t communicate to anyone how you feel. Emotional intelligence and presence require you to ask what’s really going on. For example, are you humiliated or embarrassed? Naming the difference helps you decide how to respond in a way that improves the situation for you and those around you. Mindfulness requires practice. You can meditate, and if your mind has trouble being still, you can take a walk. Think about your steps, the sensory experience of the ground beneath your feet, and your breathing. Before bed, I like to reflect on what I’m grateful for and the people or situations in my life that need uplifting to calm my mind before sleep. Emotional Clarity Starts With Awareness
I ngredients
Inspired by SimpleWhisk.com
• • • • • • • •
3 dried guajillo chiles 2 dried ancho chiles
• • • • • • •
1 tbsp dried oregano 2 tsp ground cumin
1 medium onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
4 garlic cloves
1 tsp salt
1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes
Pepper, to taste Corn tortillas
3 lbs beef chuck roast
2 cups beef broth
Fresh cilantro and diced onion for garnish
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
D irections 1.
Soak dried chiles in hot water for 15 minutes.
2. Process chiles, onion, garlic, and tomatoes in a blender until smooth. 3. Place beef in a slow cooker and pour the chili mixture over it. 4. Add beef broth, vinegar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. 5. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or until the beef is tender. 6. Shred the beef using forks, then mix back into the sauce. 7. Fry tortillas in oil until crispy, then assemble tacos as desired.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” –P eter D rucker
If you can be mindful and let go of what you are afraid of in the future or what you lament from the past, you will feel empowered now.
–Shelia Manely Need help with a family law matter? Call now to book a strategy session. (866) 245-5685
3
211 Roswell St. NE Marietta, GA 30060 (866) 245-5685 allfamilylaw.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1 2 3 4
From Gut Reactions to Grace
From Pain to Possibility
Legal Resolutions That Protect Your Loved Ones
Mindfulness in Motion
Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
The Brain Science of Teenagers
More Than Mood Swings THE SCIENCE BEHIND ADOLESCENT BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
Risk and Reward While this imbalance can make adolescents more vulnerable to reckless choices, it also makes them incredible learners. The teen brain is wired for exploration, novelty, and social connection. This sensitivity to reward can fuel creativity, adaptability, and growth. Sleep Shifts If you’ve ever noticed teens staying up late and struggling to wake up, there’s science behind it. During adolescence, melatonin (the sleep hormone) kicks in later, shifting the natural sleep cycle. Unfortunately, early school start times mean that many teenagers don’t get enough rest, which can hurt focus, mood, and impulse control. Mental Health Triggers Adolescence is also when many mental health conditions first appear, from anxiety to depression.
Even though the brain reaches nearly adult size by early adolescence, it’s far from finished. The teen years are a period of massive remodeling. Neural pathways are strengthened or pruned depending on how often they’re used. This process, called synaptic pruning and myelination (insulating nerve fibers for faster communication), makes the brain more efficient but more sensitive to outside influences. The Emotional ‘Gas Pedal’ vs. Rational ‘Brakes’ Here’s the tricky part: The limbic system, which processes emotion and reward, develops earlier than the prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for planning, judgment, and self-control. This uneven growth explains why teens sometimes act impulsively or take risks, especially in social situations. Scientists call this the dual systems model, where their emotional “gas pedal” is pressed before their rational “brakes” are fully installed.
The rapid brain changes, hormonal shifts, and social stress make this a vulnerable period. Yet, the same flexibility that makes the brain sensitive also makes it resilient. With support, healthy habits, and stability, teens can develop strong coping skills and thrive. The Big Picture The teen brain isn’t broken. It’s under construction. Yes, it can be unpredictable, but it’s also primed for growth, adventure, and innovation. With patience, guidance, and encouragement, we can help teens channel that powerful development into building amazing futures.
4
allfamilylaw.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator