Pacific Northwest Family Law - April 2023

FIND MORE ‘YOU’ TIME Developing a Self-Care Routine

MAKE TIME FOR HOBBIES. Most people find themselves constantly juggling countless tasks and obligations. With so much to do, making time for your least favorite activities likely won’t happen; instead, do something you enjoy. After all, self-care is about you! Yoga, reading, journaling, jogging, and meditating are just a few ways to get in some “you time.” If you like it, do it! PLAN YOUR SELF-CARE TIME. Without adding self-care to your schedule, your healthy behaviors may get placed on the back burner. Block off time for your favorite activities: Once it’s on your calendar, you’re more likely to work a routine into your day. KEEP IT SIMPLE. Complex rituals may create more stress or anxiety when you should be relaxing. Instead, keep it simple by focusing on relaxing, breathing, and recharging. Go for a walk in the park, take a nap, get a massage, stretch, or take a few moments to do absolutely nothing. Simplicity is the key.

Life isn’t easy — when juggling a career, family, children, social obligations, and housework, finding time for yourself can be difficult. Studies show that roughly 59% of individuals only make time for self-care after they’ve become stressed out. Here are some ways to develop a healthy routine that suits your busy life. BECOME INTENTIONAL. When developing a self-care ritual, it’s essential to identify your reasons behind taking better care of yourself and to pinpoint your needs. With a clear vision and motive behind your efforts, developing healthy habits to nurture and incorporate into your everyday routine becomes easier. CREATE LARGE AND SMALL SELF-CARE OPTIONS. You don’t need to do the same self-care ritual all the time, but make it a point to do something for yourself every day. On busier days, you may only have a moment to take a few deep breaths and mentally reset, but on other days, you may have time for a relaxing bath, massage, workout, or pedicure.

Who Pays for Private Schooling?

Most parents have strong opinions about their children’s education. Some firmly believe in the value of public education, while others think a private school would better serve their children. Those opinions can also change over time depending on location, finances, and a child’s special needs. So, what happens when divorced parents disagree on whether private school is necessary? Child support agreements often include provisions for school tuition. The process is generally straightforward when the parents agree their child(ren) should attend private school, with parents splitting the cost proportionately. But cases often arise where one parent believes private school is beneficial while the other thinks it’s an unnecessary expense. When parents cannot negotiate a resolution, courts consider several factors before deciding whether to order private school tuition as a part of child support.

Generally speaking, the first question is whether the child attended private school before the divorce. If the family previously paid for private schooling, the parent who wants to change the arrangement will generally bear the burden of proving a valid reason. Judges will also determine whether a parent can afford private school. Changes in material circumstances, like reduced income due to job loss or disability, can result in an altered child support agreement. However, courts generally don’t change a child support arrangement due to a voluntary change, like willingly leaving a job for a lower-paying one. Courts usually do not order child support for private schooling when the child previously received a public education. Still, there can be extenuating circumstances. The judge will weigh a child’s special needs and whether a private setting can better serve them. Social concerns,

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