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FAREWELL, FURRY FRIEND! lymanfirm.com The Lyman Firm Newsletter TELEGRAPH Amicus Curiae www.LymanFirm.com 404-267-1986 February 2019 2860 Piedmont Road, Suite 275, Atlanta, GA 30305 The Truth About Lyman Beginning a Journey Starts with Dedication to Transparency T: 404 267 1986 F: 470 745 0699 The Lyman Firm Newsletter MARCH 2025
G eorgia is a blue-collar state — a grassroots mix of farmland, mountains, and urban development representing ever-expanding opportunities. Being a native of North Atlanta, I have spent most of my life in this fair state, cultivating both my character and my profession as I grew up. Now, I have a distinct opportunity to help those around me in ways I hadn’t anticipated in my younger days. I lead The Lyman Firm as a proud curator of justice for the everyday person, somebody who might not have gotten a fair shake before they met me. I believe one person can be the face of a greater movement, and these are the everyday people — the heroes — I work for as I drive our cases forward to the fullest extent within our legal system, fighting for what’s right. My passions weren’t always for courtroom thrills, though. Growing up in Smyrna, I sought to chase a different kind of rush: the roar of the racetrack. I wasn’t half bad either, eventually taking my hobby for auto racing from amateur status in 2004 all the way to semi-pro in 2007. Unfortunately, like so many other things that went down along with the economy the following year, my racing career crashed in 2008. Shattered by the abrupt end to my racing journey due to a lack of financing, “I believe one person can be the face of a greater movement, and these are the everyday people — the heroes — I work for as I drive our cases forward to the fullest extent within our legal system, fighting for what’s right.”
Saying Good-Bye to Sophie
to give my kids a good role model and show them what it means to be a good person.
A noted author once said there are places in the heart you don’t even know exist until you love a child. In recognition of March 20 as Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, an unofficial holiday encouraging us to appreciate the children in our lives, I have to say that having kids has been an amazing experience. My two kids and I recently went through a tough, moving ordeal together that I’m sure none of us will ever forget. We had to put our family dog, Sophie, a 15-year-old Lab mix, to sleep. Sophie had lived a good, long life. My daughter Cleo, who is 10, and my son James, 12, had spent every Christmas of their lives with her. We brought in an amazing in-home pet euthanasia service, so we were able to say goodbye to her at home. Cleo didn’t want to be in the room when Sophie passed, but James decided to be present. I held it together until Sophie was gone. Then my son looked up at me with tears in his eyes, and I lost it. It was a real waterworks — an emotional moment we shared.
I couldn’t be prouder of my son for being present at Sophie’s passing and dealing with it. A lot of kids don’t get that opportunity. We lost another older dog, Eva, three years ago. James wasn’t there when she passed, and he has expressed lingering sadness, saying, “I really miss Eva.” But with Sophie, the subject hasn’t come up much — largely, I think, because my son was there and gained a sense of closure, or acceptance, over her death. I didn’t have that experience as a kid, but I wish I had. It would have made losing my dad easier. Before he died in 2014, I had never experienced a significant loss, and I had a massive fear of his passing. When the time finally came, experiencing that loss and celebrating his life afterward was so powerful. I’ve read a lot of parenting books, and one I love is “Good Inside” by Dr. Becky Kennedy. The author compares helping children deal with their emotions to building a two-story house. All their emotions are on the main floor. As parents, our job is to help them build a staircase to the second floor, where they learn emotional regulation. We help them understand that they are going to feel sadness, anger, and other powerful emotions and recognize and manage them when they come up, and to develop coping strategies. Part of that learning is realizing you don’t have to hold onto those emotions forever. Losing a loved one is a sad part of life. But one of the most powerful parts of that experience is to meet it head-on, come out the other side, and realize you’ll be okay. I am glad my son experienced that with Sophie’s passing. I believe it will help him when I leave this planet. He will know, “I’ve been here; I’ve been through this before. I know how to grieve — and I will be okay.” Oftentimes, I ask a client to share the names of the attorneys they’ve worked with on other cases. Almost none of them are able to muster an answer — the names of their lawyers completely lost in the tides of life’s trials. That’s when I tell them that there are a million different lawyers out there doing a million different things, but when I take on your case for a serious injury or a wrongful death suit, you’ll remember me as a man who gave you the best possible chance while shooting you straight every step of the way. James and three-year-old daughter Cleo — I am fully immersed in the fun-loving, homely, and exciting life of my family. They are my foundation, and without them nothing would be possible. But I also have a second family of sorts in my clients, whom I treat with the respect and attention a person is owed whenever they find they’re backed in a corner and need help. The pleasure I get from representing good, honest people in the courtroom is unrivaled when compared to the other fields of profession I’ve engaged in life.
I began to look for a new avenue to pour my passions into.
As we grow older and further away from our teens and 20s, we begin to realize that life isn’t always about going fast, both literally and metaphorically. It was during my post racing downtime that I realized I wanted to go back to school at Georgia State. After spending years as a writer and editor, I discovered and followed my newfound calling and began practicing law after graduating from law school. After years of unparalleled grit, drive, and success in the field of law, I was fortunate enough to be able to open my own practice in January of 2018. This new venture has even allowed me to work alongside my brother, a paralegal and case manager, in what has been one of the most exciting periods of my life. For now, our plans for the future include an imminent expansion of the firm and growing the company in ways that still allow us to keep our fundamental values and operations in check.
Becoming a father is probably the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. It makes me want to be a better human being —
At home with my wife Lindsay beside me, and our two children — our five-year-old son
-Thomas Lyman -Thomas J. Lyman
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No one enters a marriage thinking it will end in divorce; however, when people hear the words “nuptial agreement,” the implication is that the couple has no faith the marriage will stand the test of time. But consider a different perspective. These agreements, whether prenuptial or postnuptial, can also be viewed as intentional steps toward restoring marital bliss, which can be especially beneficial when couples have financial concerns after marriage. Postnuptial agreements, in particular, can assist couples in making the best financial decisions for their marriage. Prenuptial vs. Postnuptial The only difference between a “prenup” and a “postnup” is the time of signing. A couple signs a prenuptial agreement before marriage, whereas they sign a postnuptial agreement afterward. Both types of agreements are contracts both spouses agree to sign to ensure a fair and decent distribution of financial assets in the event of divorce. 4 Common Reasons for Postnuptial Agreements There are many reasons a couple may want to create a postnuptial agreement. Perhaps both spouses wanted to sign a prenuptial agreement but never got around to it, or maybe the couple had a change of heart and wanted one after all. Either way, a postnuptial agreement can assist in the following scenarios. Dividing Interest in a Business: Separate or Marital Properties When dividing interest in a business, the main concern is determining marital and separate property. If the business belonged to one spouse before marriage, it is their separate property. If the business was established after marriage, it’s considered marital property. However, if both spouses contributed to the maintenance and operations of the business, Could They Be the Solution for Marital Harmony? CONSIDERATIONS OF POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
“A postnuptial agreement has an important place in many marriages and can relieve stress if you have relentless concerns about financial matters.”
it can be viewed as a hybrid property. Postnuptial agreements help couples categorize the business as a separate property to be left to the titled spouse. Determining Inheritance: To Whom Does the Money Go? If a spouse is bequeathed a large inheritance, the couple may choose to discuss the distribution of the funds in case the marriage dissolves. This is especially important if you live in a state where assets are equally dispersed between spouses if the assets were obtained during the marriage — i.e., community property. A postnuptial agreement trumps the community property law, granting the heir their full inheritance. Rebuilding a Relationship Postnuptial agreements can also function as a way to mend a strained marriage. Infidelity, for example, can be devastating to a marriage. As a condition for the marriage, the non-cheating spouse may require the cheating spouse to agree to sign a postnuptial agreement. This can signify hope for the marriage — but only under certain conditions. Protecting Stay-at-Home Parents A stay-at-home parent may have spent years out of the workforce but has equally contributed to the upkeep and harmony of the home. Because of that, the legally unemployed parent may find reentering the workforce difficult and want financial security through a postnuptial agreement. This would ensure they get a fair distribution of assets. Are you considering a postnuptial agreement? A postnuptial agreement has an important place in many marriages and can relieve stress if you have relentless concerns about financial matters. If you’re considering a postnuptial agreement, seek legal advice to navigate the complexities of these legal documents.
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Is there really such a thing as “ organized chaos ”? It depends on whom you ask! If you thrive in clutter, this article isn’t for you. Creating an organized space is simply a matter of ensuring household items have a place to be stored — and not in the one drawer filled with everything from ketchup packets and paper clips to a random Cheeto! Whether you’re preparing for house guests or diving into a spring-cleaning marathon, these organizing tips will bless your cluttered mess! Tension Rods for Shoe Storage Need more shoe space? Not a problem — just grab a few tension rods! If you have two sturdy objects — dressers, a wall and nightstand, etc. — you can place two tension rods between them and create a “shelf” to place your shoes on. Add multiple rows of tension rods for extra storage. Clothes Pins for Cabinet Door Storage Kitchen cleaning supplies, especially lightweight items, don’t always have to be placed on the floor inside the under-sink cabinet. Putting double-sided tape onto clothes pins and sticking them inside the cabinet doors creates an excellent place to hang rags/sponges, kitchen gloves, and sink stoppers. Napkin Holders for Pot Lids Using zip ties and upright wire napkin holders, you can create a lid organizer for your pots and pans. Rather than flipping the lid upside down on top of the pot, you can create a designated space for all the lids to reside. You can even organize your lids from smallest to largest! Pool Noodles as Hanger Spacers Between Clothes Pool noodles work as spacers to keep your clothes hanging neatly. Just take a pool noodle and make one cut length-wise to open the noodle, and then cut it horizontally into 1-inch pieces. Place the pieces on the bar in your closet and hang your clothes according to how many hangers you want between each spacer! Honeycomb Organizer for Socks and Undergarments Drawers that house undergarments and socks tend to get disorganized quickly. Honeycomb organizers are the perfect addition to ensure all items fit in the drawer, making it easier to grab what you need. These organizers are also adjustable, so they’ll fit any drawer size! Get It Together! DIY Organization Tips to Bring Order to Your Living Spaces
TAKE A BREAK
Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
Inspired by EatingWell.com
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots • 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
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 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 • 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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404-267-1986 www.LymanFirm.com 2860 Piedmont Rd Atlanta, GA 30335
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Teaching Kids How to Navigate Sadness and Loss
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My Life in the Courtroom, the Home, and the Racetrack Postnuptial Agreements: What They Are and Why They Matter 3 Wild Divorce Settlements Ways to Invest in Yourself After Retirement Bistecca Alla Fiorentina The Most Iconic Super Bowl in NFL History Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
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Let’s Retire These Health Myths Decluttering Hacks Made Easy
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Food-Based Courtroom Follies
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The 5-Second Rule Will Make You Sick 3 Health Myths You Probably Believe BEEF BRIEFS BIZARRE FAST-FOOD LEGAL BATTLES
BOTTLED WATER IS SAFER THAN TAP WATER quantity of meat in its burgers compared to those other popular fast-food restaurants sold. Decades later, a New York resident launched a one-man mission to prove that one of Burger King’s modern-day competitors, Taco Bell, failed to heed the burger giant’s lead. In the summer of 2023, Frank Siragusa filed a class action suit against Taco Bell, alleging the company had “materially overstate[d] Seeking out safer water alternatives increases the sales of bottled “spring water” each year. However, bottled water is more expensive, bad for the environment, and, as Dr. Morton Tavel of the Indiana University School of Medicine pointed out, over 50 percent of bottled water is just filtered tap water. The same effect can be achieved with a home filtration system. Of course, if the tap water in your area has been contaminated, bottled water is a safer alternative. However, in most circumstances, bottled water is no healthier than tap water. versus the actual ones he purchased. While the case was ongoing as of this writing, Siragusa’s love for fast-food beef cannot be disputed. A Vegan Vendetta Vanquished CRACKING YOUR KNUCKLES CAUSES ARTHRITIS The connection between knuckle-cracking and arthritis came from studies where participants self-reported their habits. Modern medical research has shown these results to be false. Although only 3% of the adult population in the U.S. identified as vegan, according the amount of beef and/or ingredients” in its advertising for its Mexican Pizza and Crunchwrap menu items. Siragusa’s suit includes photographic evidence comparing the robust size of the advertised products
The official stance from the John Hopkins Arthritis Center states, “There is no evidence that cracking knuckles causes any damage such as arthritis in the joints.” Still, chronic knuckle- cracking can lead to reduced grip strength, so you might want to break the habit anyway. You’ve probably heard these myths for years, but just because something is common knowledge doesn’t mean it is true. With In his suit, Williams argued that because Burger King had added a plant-based meal option to its menu, consumers were led information so easily available, always take the time to research the facts, especially when it comes to your health. in his Impossible Whopper — marketed as a meat-free alternative to the popular burger — had been cooked on the same grill as beef products. to believe the meal would be prepared separately from the animal-based items in the kitchen. The judge disagreed, later dismissing the case and noting that Burger King’s marketing of the Impossible Burger promised only a meatless patty and nothing more. The lesson learned? Sometimes, even in the world of fast food, what you see is what you get. to research presented by the Vegetarian Resource Group in 2022, people who refuse to eat any animal-derived products remain a passionate and vocal minority. In 2019, a vegan named Philip Williams took Burger King to court after learning that the patty
We live in the golden age of information. The answers to many of life’s questions are just an internet search away. Despite this readily available wisdom, we still have a bad habit of believing health-related myths. Here are three popular health “facts” that are total works of fiction. Is seeing always believing? Well, plaintiffs in two of the oddest legal cases in recent years set out to show the world that what ends up on our trays or in our drive-thru bags may not be as scrumptious as fast-food joints promise in their ads. A Clash With Burger King THE 5-SECOND RULE KEEPS FOOD SAFE Readers of a certain age may remember Wendy’s’ famous “Where’s the Beef?” campaign that brilliantly marketed the Obviously germs and bacteria don’t really wait five seconds to pounce, but snatching your chip off the floor fast keeps most of the germs away, right? Not according to a 2006 study published by Dr. Paul Dawson. He found conclusive evidence that when food comes into contact with a contaminated surface, bacteria are transferred immediately. Even one second spent on tile, wood, or carpet is enough to infest your food with salmonella or another serious contaminant.
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