A Difficult Discussion
Talking to Your Kids About Cancer
As pink-clad products line store shelves this October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, children are bound to be curious. Since they rationalize the world around them with what they already know, kids may ask silly questions like, “Is cancer contagious?” Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or you just feel it’s time to educate your children about the disease, answering questions can be difficult.
may need more comprehensive answers to their questions. A 5-year-old is going to have different concerns than a
16-year-old, so your approach must be different. However, regardless of your child’s age, always tell the truth. Focus on Prevention Education
These tips can help you prepare. Always Tell the Truth
Telling a child that you or a loved one has cancer can be complicated. To start, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends giving yourself time after hearing the news of a cancer diagnosis to process this new reality. Two-parent households should tell their children together, while single parents are encouraged to ask an adult with a positive influence on the child’s life to join the conversation. Remember, your child will be experiencing the same emotions as you but in a kid’s body, where hormones and developmental changes are already wreaking havoc. Monitor their emotions and offer them space and opportunities to discuss their feelings with a professional. When it comes to explaining the disease and its consequences, younger children may require fewer details and broader concepts, while older kids
A loved one doesn’t have to be diagnosed with cancer for you to educate your family about the disease and its prevention. Studies have linked prevention efforts, including anti-smoking campaigns and healthy lifestyle programs, to actually preventing cancer. (In fact, half of all cancers can be prevented!) Teach your child about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and excessive sun exposure to foster healthy habits and lifestyles. Organizations that host walks, benefits, and other events for cancer prevention and research can be great sources of education for families, too. The ACS has resources for families living with cancer or those wanting to learn more. Visit Cancer.org for more information.
Goodbye, Common Law Marriage The South Carolina Supreme Court Upends Tradition
Only a handful of the 50 U.S. states recognize common law marriage, and, as of this summer, South Carolina is no longer one of them. On July 24, the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled in Stone v. Thompson (Appellate Case No. 2017-000227) that the need for common law marriage had “eroded” over time, and that the issues those unions can cause in family court are more trouble than they’re worth. In the past, South Carolina couples were considered common-law married if they were able and intended to get married, lived together, and presented themselves as married to the public. Contrary to popular belief, there was no requirement for the length of time couples had to live together to qualify for a common-law marriage, and, just like traditional unions, common-law marriages had to be ended through a divorce. The new law states that from July 24 forward, couples who want to have their marriage recognized by the state must acquire a marriage license and file their certificate of marriage with the Probate Court. The court also stipulated that for a common-law marriage formed before the deadline to be considered legitimately established, the couple must demonstrate “mutual assent to be married by clear and convincing evidence.”
common-law marriage, now is the time to check in with a family law attorney and discuss whether a formal, legal marriage is best to protect the interests of both parties. Give The Stevens Firm a call today at 864- 598-9172 and schedule a consultation to ensure your future is secure.
While common-law marriage is not seen as frequently as it once was, if you or someone you know currently considers themselves to be in a
2 www.SCFamilyLaw.com
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