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THE Stevens Firm, P.A. Family Law Center
349 E. Main Street, Suite 200, Spartanburg, SC 29302 • www.SCFamilyLaw.com • (864) 598-9172 June 2018
The Complex Nature of Relocation Cases
Is Litigation Worth the Move?
In the last 20 years, society has become increasingly mobile. Social media is a major part of life, and people are less likely to live in one town their entire lives due to online dating and broader access to employment opportunities. People move for many reasons, and summer tends to be one of the most popular times for relocation. In our office, we see an uptick in relocation cases once the school year ends. People move for many reasons, like job transfers or opportunities, family obligations, military obligations, educational opportunities, fresh starts, or just simply because they want to experience something new. Moving with children can be an ordeal and requires additional planning. However, relocation cases can be as complicated as the move itself. Adults have the right to live wherever they want. The court can’t stop a parent from moving, but they do have the authority to prevent a child from moving with one parent against the other parent’s wishes. In these cases, the court will often make their ruling depending on three things: where the parent wants to move, the reason for the move, and the child’s relationship with their other parent. While a short-distance move won’t always mean an “easy” relocation custody case, a long-distance move will almost always equal a complicated case for the family court to decide. Each case is unique; however, we can
usually gauge the court’s decision based on the three factors above. When our clients come to us with relocation cases, we tell them they have three options. First, a client can move without the court’s or other parent’s approval and wait to see if the other parent has an opinion or files for legal
action. We don’t recommend this option. Second, the client can give the other parent notice of their intention to move and give them a reasonable amount of time to object. We recommend this option because it offers some flexibility for the other parent while also keeping our client’s autonomy intact. Third, the client can file an action with the court and ask permission to move their child. The benefit of this option is that it yields a definite answer from the court, but it’s not the fastest process, and it can be costly.
If you intend to file a relocation case, there is one thing you need to consider. The court will often investigate the location where you plan to move so that they can make the best determination for your child. The entire process can be quite costly, and clients often decide that the move is not worth the expense
“Relocation cases can be as complicated as the move itself.”
of litigation. Call our team today at (864) 598-9172 if you have given thought to relocating. We can help you weigh your options and determine the best course for you and your child.
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).”
1 (864) 598-9172
Think Outside the Box As your teen becomes more independent, they may be interested in getting a summer job. Whether they want to save up for a big purchase or just have some extra spending money, summer jobs can solidify the importance of hard work and responsibility for your child. Plus, the earlier your teen starts, the sooner they can learn how to manage their money. Fast-food restaurants and clothing stores are popular first jobs, but encourage your teen to think outside the box and try one of these creative money-making opportunities. Online Surveys and Reviews
Unconventional Summer Jobs for Teens
Petsitting and Housesitting If your teen is trustworthy and responsible, there’s no reason they can’t work for neighbors, friends, and family. Most professional petsitting and housesitting services require their sitters to be over 18, but Care.com allows teens 14–17 to register as “Teen Providers” with parental consent. Depending on where you live and how much experience your teen has, they can expect to earn $15–30 per visit, and they may be able to ask for more to stay overnight. Help your teen get the word out by posting on social media. Most importantly, keep your teen safe by helping them screen clients and teaching them what information to share.
Companies are eager for consumer feedback, and they are willing to pay for it. Sites like Swagbucks and MySurvey offer members the opportunity to complete tasks like taking surveys, writing reviews, and watching videos to redeem rewards in the form of cash or gift cards. Teens can also preview up-and-coming music as reviewers on Slice the Pie. Sites like these require quite a bit of work for a relatively small wage, but they can be the perfect first job for a child who wants to try earning a few bucks for the first time. Teens under the age of 18 will require parental consent. Virtual Storefronts If your child has a flare for arts, crafts, or anything else DIY, encourage them to set up an Etsy shop. There are no membership fees, and after Etsy’s 3.5 percent cut, sellers receive their profits via PayPal. Minors age 13–17 must have a parent or legal guardian manage their Etsy account. Last month, the Children’s Museum of the Upstate opened their newest location in Spartanburg at 130 Magnolia Street. The museum’s mission is to “spark a lifelong passion for curiosity and learning through play,” and with their newest location, the museum is ecstatic about touching the lives of more children right here in our town. The Children’s Museum began with one mother’s wish to create a place in upstate South Carolina where children would be inspired and learn in an informational, hands-on environment. In December 2003, benefactors donated the former Greenville County Library building and the surrounding land to The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, and that mother’s dream began to take shape. With 20 interactive exhibits on three floors, the 80,000-square-foot facility at Heritage Green is one of the largest children’s museums in the United States. With their recent expansion into Spartanburg, the museum remains committed to serve the needs and interests of all children. With the expansion to the Spartanburg location, the museum is truly focused on serving additional upstate communities. Creating the new venue allows Spartanburg families regular participation in programs that prepare children for academic success. The new museum is geared toward ages 5 and under, and programming will align with best practices in the field of early childhood education through daily story time, art time, and cooperative, physical play.
Summer jobs are a great way for teens to earn extra cash and learn responsibility. The next time your teen asks you for money to go to the movies, encourage them to earn some spending cash of their own. Who knows? They might actually treat you to a movie sometime! The Children’s Museum of the Upstate — Spartanburg
Admission into the museum is $5 per guest or $150 for a family membership that grants unlimited access to both the Greenville and Spartanburg locations. To learn more about the Children’s Museum, visit tcmupstate.org/spartanburg.
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Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches These homemade cookies are the perfect platform for sweet ice cream. Whip up a batch for a cool summer treat no store- bought option can touch.
Local Events What’s Happening in Spartanburg? Music on Main When: June 7, 14, 21, and 28; 5:30–8:30 p.m. Where: Downtown Spartanburg Music on Main, presented by Piedmont Natural Gas, is Spartanburg’s favorite after-work, live-music series. It’s a social gathering spot where friends and colleagues get together to enjoy great music, cold beer, and good times right at Daniel Morgan Square. Join us on June 7, 14, 21, and 28 to see Reshana Marie, The Electric Soul
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter • 1 1/2 ounces store-bought waffle cones, lightly crushed • 1 1/2 cups oats • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed • 1 large egg yolk • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 4 pints ice cream (any flavor)
Directions
Band, Dirty Grass Soul, and Sweet Tea Trio. This is a free event, but make sure to bring cash, your ID, and a blanket or chair. Smoking, outside alcohol, and pets are prohibited.
1. Heat oven to 350 F. While oven is heating, cook butter in saucepan over medium heat until browned, 5–8 minutes. Scrape browned butter into a heatproof measuring glass. 2. Pulse waffle cones, oats, flour, and salt in a food processor or blender. Once cones are finely ground, add brown sugar and pulse again. 3. Whisk egg yolk, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. 4. Add egg mixture to food processor while spinning on low. Once integrated, slowly add browned butter; blend until dough forms a solid mass around blades. 5. Form dough into 26 balls and place 2 inches apart on a parchment- lined baking sheet. Flatten balls and bake 12–15 minutes or until edges begin to brown. 6. Let cool, then spread ice cream between cookies to make sandwiches. 7. Freeze for up to 5 days — or enjoy today! take a break
‘The Greatest Showman’ Tumble Camp When: June 25–29; 4:30–8:30 p.m. Where: 3D Centre of the Arts
At “The Greatest Showman” Tumble Camp, campers will work on developing flexibility, strength, and tumbling skills while moving to songs from this year’s best musical. Not only will campers improve their tumbling skills during camp, but they will also receive a daily snack and a 3D CA Summer Camp T-shirt. On the last day, parents can attend a special all-camp performance. Tumblers are advised to wear dance attire or comfortable, tight-fitting clothing. No shoes are required. Beginner and intermediate classes start at 4:30 and end at 6:00, and advanced classes begin at 6:30 and end at 8:30. This camp costs $95. Tumblers can register at 3DCentreOfTheArts.com/2018summercamps.
Red, White, and Boom When: July 4 and 6; 10 p.m. Where: Barnet Park
Join us at Barnet Park to celebrate Independence Day in Spartanburg’s favorite way! Come hungry and enjoy great food including barbecue, funnel cakes, burgers, hot dogs, Philly cheesesteaks, ice cream, and more. At the end of the night, settle down with your family to watch a spectacular fireworks show presented by Zambelli Fireworks. Admission for this event is $5, but children under 6 get in free. Remember to bring cash, your ID, and a lawn chair or blanket. Smoking and pets are prohibited at this event. See you there!
3 (864) 598-9172
THE Stevens Firm, P.A. Family Law Center
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
349 E. Main Street, Suite 200 Spartanburg, SC 29302
PAGE 1 The Complex Nature of Relocation Cases PAGE 2 Unique Job Ideas for Teens Have You Visited the New Children’s Museum? PAGE 3 Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches Local Events PAGE 4 Business Must-Read: ‘The Origins of Happiness’
‘The Origins of Happiness’
Changing Our Ideas of Success
What is happiness? How can we encourage well-being in others? These are the sorts of questions that have kept philosophers busy since the dawn of human history. In “The Origins of Happiness,” a team of the world’s leading social scientists tackles these age-old mysteries. Their groundbreaking findings may change the workplace and public policy. Listed as one of the top five books Business Insider was excited about for the year 2018, “Origins” does not disappoint. If you want to better understand your own happiness or the happiness of others, you’ll find the book to be an enlightening page turner. Even though it’s based on years of research and filled with graphs and data to support the authors’ arguments, it doesn’t read like a heady scientific report. On the contrary, this fairly short book is surprisingly accessible. Between the charts and equations, you’ll find “Origins” has wit, charm, and wisdom in spades. With their down-to-earth prose, the authors dissect complex arguments and strip long-held beliefs to their core assumptions. The result is a methodical yet enjoyable exploration of what it means to live well in today’s world. While it’s designed to help policymakers quantify and boost the satisfaction of their citizens, there is something for everyone in “Origins.” The chapters on success and happiness in children are of particular interest to parents and educators, for example. Business owners and
managers should be especially interested in the book’s data-driven reimagining of wealth and happiness.
The paycheck is no longer the universal incentive for employees we once thought it was. One has only to look to Silicon Valley to know that some of the most successful companies on the planet have prioritized the well- being of their employees. The quirky perks and benefits offered by Google and Amazon make much more sense from a business standpoint after reading “Origins.” This is one of those rare works that captures the prevailing winds of the business world and puts them into easy-to-understand terms backed by hard data. Far more than vague platitudes about money not buying happiness, “Origins” will change the way you think about everyone’s well- being — including your own.
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