Navigating Custody During the Summer Months

Atlanta D ivorce Law Group

Happily Ever After Divorce Newsletter

May 2018

OUR SERVICES | OUR TEAM | RESOURCES | CONTACT US

Greetings!

TIPS FOR TAKING THE STRESS OUT OF SUMMER VISITATION

While divorced parents may have become accustomed to the routine of their weekly visitation plan, they can be confused at first by the incorporation of extended visits over the summer. But this new schedule does not have to be complicated or overwhelming. Extended visits provide parents the opportunity to take vacations with their children and to make memories outside of the regular school year. Atlanta Divorce Law Group has some tips on keeping the summer schedule as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

Plan in advance.

To be a good co-parent, be sure to plan summer vacations in advance and communicate any dates and destinations to your ex. This allows the custodial parent ample time to ensure the child(ren) have everything they need for the trip (seasonal clothing, appropriately-sized shoes, etc.). Having the right supplies will help the trip go smoothly.

Consider you child's emotions.

Depending on the age of your child, spending an extended amount of time with one parent can be difficult for them. Do not take it personally if the child talks about missing the other parent while on vacation with you. Also recognize that your child may need more time to get used to a different environment and schedule. Stephanie, our former Business Development Representative shares this story: “I remember when our divorce was new; my son was extremely difficult and emotional when I would pick him up after spending the weekend with his Dad. I soon came to realize that he was dealing with leaving his Dad for the next few days and getting re-acclimated with my house and rules which were very different. He was probably sad about leaving one parent, happy to see me, and conflicted about all those feelings. When I thought about it this way, I learned to just give him space for the first few hours after picking him up and not ask anything of him. I think this made the transition better for both of us.” As Stephanie expressed in her story, it is important for parents to be sensitive to their children's needs and emotions during times of change.

CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE

THE SURVIVORS PROJECT:

Promoting Advocacy for Victims of Domestic Violence

The Survivors Project began as a way to raise awareness and to promote advocacy for domestic violence victims and the issues that they face every day. It was dedicated to giving voice to those who had been silenced for so long. Two weeks after The Survivors Project published an article about a women suffering from a myriad of abuses from her husband and at her workplace, I received a cease and desist letter. The woman's ex-husband was threatening me with a lawsuit if I did not remove the story from The Survivors Project's website. Upon receiving this letter, my first instinct was to make sure the survivor was safe and had not been threatened in any way. My second instinct was to fight.

The first organization that partnered with The Survivors Project refused to provide legal support to the project or me. I was on my own to find pro bono legal support (pro bono because I was not getting paid for creating or writing The Survivors Project). After many searches, I finally found an attorney who agreed to take my case pro bono -- but only if I agreed to take down the survivor's story. This was another major defeat; I felt like I had failed the project's mission, failed the survivors, and failed at my own internal code to never fall victim to an abuser again.

It soon became clear to me that The Survivors Project needed to be more than just awareness. Financial limitations are a constant barrier for victims to get out of violent situations. In my own experience, both as a survivor and with the cease and desist letter, financial restrictions drastically hindered my ability to fight abusers. I never wanted anyone to feel this way. This is how the legal fund was born.

Sharing stories is still an incredibly important part of The Survivors Project and always will be. My hope is that the survivors who benefit from the Project feel like they have a community of supporters and that they will develop the strength and freedom to one day help someone else. Knowing that you are safe and that you are not alone is the first step in preparing yourself for life outside of the abuse atmosphere.

Through both the legal fund and the stories shared, I look forward to The Survivors Project making as big as an impact as possible throughout the years. But even if just one person’s life is changed for the better, that will make it all worth it. Someone saved me many years ago and I want to continue returning the favor.

By: Caroline L. Huftalen, Founder, The Survivors Project

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

IT'S TIME FOR ME TO FIND MY HAPPILY EVER AFTER...

My name is Stephanie Taylor and I have had the pleasure of working for ADLG this past year as the Business Relations Representative. I came to this firm shortly after losing my husband to cancer. During my stay here, I have made some choices that will hopefully propel me in a direction to find my own happily ever after .

I have loved working with the clients and Concierge Partners here at ADLG. I have been able to relate to many of your stories. My first marriage was tumultuous; it felt like I was dragging an anchor behind me for 17 years. My husband and I stuck it out for the sake of the kids, but I never miss an opportunity to tell someone that you aren’t doing your kids any favors by modeling a dysfunctional relationship day in and day out. Once my divorce was final, I remember clearly how good it felt to have a fresh start -- a new life that I had the power to turn into anything I wanted. There were days when I doubted my decision. There were financial struggles and tough decisions in the process. But make no mistake -– the end result and the chance to improve the way my life was going was completely worth it.

WE NEVER STOP IMPROVING

Paul Ghanouni, a criminal defense attorney with the Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, recently gave an educational presentation to the Atlanta Divorce Law Group. Mr. Ghanouni spoke about issues important to family law cases, including domestic abuse, restraining orders, and other relevant topics. At Atlanta Divorce Law Group, we are always focused on ways to improve and to better serve our clients.