Social Media During Divorce and Custody

What Can We Learn from Halloween?

Halloween is around the corner and so is the festival mood across the country. It is a time when kids, friends, and neighbors come together to have some scary fun.

The interesting part about the tradition of Halloween in America is its cultural mix. Even though the Christian practice of honoring saints and spiritual connections is the mainstay of the original way of celebrating, the Halloween we know today is a mixed bowl of practices from around the world. For instance, the ‘trick or treat’ tradition of pulling pranks was brought over by Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 19th century, the same time around which Halloween became a recognized holiday.

The tradition of wearing scary costumes, another popular practice, was brought over by the Celtic people. The theme had a purpose, which was to fool the spirits roaming around on earth during All Hallow’s Eve. It also represents the idea of tackling adversity with a light-hearted approach.

So, apart from being a celebratory occasion for the harvesting season, the beginning of winter, and cultural traditions, the 31st of October should also be a reminder for everyone to face the challenges of life with more humor and creativity.

Social Media During Divorce and Custody

By Ann Arena

Social media posts may only take a few seconds to type out and share. However, they can have dire implications in some cases involving divorce and custody.

Even if you take precautions by making your social media accounts private or limiting who can view your profile, you need to be aware that what you post is still susceptible to being shared as evidence in your divorce and custody case. The same goes for posts that you've removed. Remember, once something is online, it can never truly be deleted.

To protect yourself and ensure a simpler resolution to your divorce and/or custody case, consider the following before you share anything online:

Your custody rights could be impacted: One of the most important matters to resolve in a divorce is how to handle child custody. After all, children are the most important thing in a parent's life. Therefore, some parents will do anything and everything to ensure they can protect them and their rights to be with them. Sharing posts of photos of you drinking alcohol or using drugs, could make you look irresponsible, and judges are not likely to ignore posts of this nature.

Your spending habits can be seen: Another vital aspect of the divorce process is determining financial matters like child support, alimony, and property division. In a contentious divorce, couples often struggle to come to an agreement on how to resolve these matters. When we get something new, or go on a glamorous vacation, the temptation to show it off on social media is strong. Resist that temptation! Your ex could use your social media posts to argue that you have more money than you claim or that you are deliberately increasing credit card debt. Constantly bragging online about your expensive new car and other lavish purchases can be used against you. If you're in the middle of a divorce, especially when child support or spousal support issues are pending, think twice before you post.

Everything you share can be used against you: Getting a divorce or dealing with a custody matter is a very emotional process. It is very important that you do not share your feelings about it on social media. In the heat of the moment, you may want to say something negative about your ex, but in the end, it will only hurt you. Venting about your case, your attorney, the judge, or your former spouse can make its way back to the judge and will not do you any favors. Avoid making negative posts that have anything to do with your divorce or custody case, even after it is over.

Your child’s social media usage: While often overlooked, if your child or children are old enough to have their own social media accounts, it’s important to monitor them extra closely during your divorce and custody case. If your child posts anything about the money you or your former spouse are (or aren’t) spending, any expensive gifts, or mom or dad’s new boyfriend or girlfriend, it can have the same negative impact it would if you posted it yourself.

At the end of the day, the number one rule is to use common sense. Less is more when it comes to social media, and if you’re unsure about a post, it’s likely better to just avoid posting it.

Contact Ann Arena at aarena@pjrlaw.com or 717-591-1755 for further guidance.

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Celebrating Halloween with Less Sugar

It is very easy for kids as well as adults to go overboard while gorging on sweets during Halloween. While it is completely normal to relish the occasion, taking some constructive measures to control sugar intake will help maintain healthy lifestyle habits.

Buy fewer treats than you think you will need. This way there will not be any leftovers for you to binge on.
Always buy those candies that you like the least in major quantity.
Make your kids eat a regular diet before ‘trick or treat’ to ensure that they are not facing heightened sugar cravings.
Calculate candy consumption in sugar grams rather than calories.
You can altogether look at making non-candy stuff a major part of your ‘treating’.

There are some healthier alternatives for candies that can be kept at home for parties and as Halloween treats to give away. These items will keep the sugar consumption low and your Halloween healthier.

Pretzels
Sugar-free gum
Baked Chips
Plain Cookies like Graham Crackers or Vanilla Wafers
Juice Boxes
Hot Chocolate Mix

Handling Pressure at Work

Almost every job puts people in situations of high pressure and the ability to navigate stressful scenarios at work is one of those soft skills that is good to have. Read 5 key tips on how to handle pressure situations better while working.

Make a prioritization strategy
Learn to predict crunch situations in advance
Focus on one problem at a time, avoid multitasking
Change your approach towards pressure, think of it as an opportunity to grow
Try to build inner physical calmness, do deep breathing practices at work

Fun Activities for Fall

The arrival of Halloween means that the cold winter season is about to commence leaves us with fewer interesting things to do. However, there is still enough time to make the most out of this fall. Here is a list of exciting things that you can look forward to doing this fall, apart from APPLE PICKING!

Go for a scenic train ride in your town. Look for railways that capture the true essence of the autumn landscape.
Take a stroll to your nearest farmer's market and look out for warm apple cider doughnuts.
If you think culinary arts might be your thing, then try making mulled wine and candy apples at home.
OR you can try pumpkin art. Hone your pumpkin carving skills for Halloween in advance.
Go for a hayride with your family.
Try making fall candles; add your decorative flare.
Visit the best fall harvest festival in your area.
Go for a wine tasting. It’s arguably better than doing one in the summer, because there are usually fewer people.
Take out an entire weekend for hiking, ziplining, picnics, etc., to witness autumn leaves in full embrace.
Go to an outdoor movie screening with your friends.