Can You Get It Over With Quickly When Filing for a Divorce?

August 6, 2019 by Leave a Comment

There is no such thing as a stress-free divorce, even if you part amicably and remain friends for decades to come. But is there such a thing as a quick divorce? History knows examples of this litigation going on for years and costing fortunes. However, even if it’s amicable and simple, breaking off a marriage might take months in some places.

What’s the Average Duration of an Amicable Divorce with No Complications?

The laws governing divorces and legal separations vary depending on the state. However, on average, you should be able to finalize the divorce within 30-60 days. But bear in mind that this is the time that doesn’t account for a mandatory waiting period. That one might last months and it might be impossible to waive even in an amicable divorce.

The state where divorces are easiest is Nevada, which is part of the reason why there are so many of them. But there you can break off your marriage within a few weeks. On the other hand, even if you want to get a quick divorce in Texas, you’ll need to wait for about 90 days, and that’s if everything runs smooth as silk. Your divorce hearing won’t even be scheduled less than 61 days after you file all the relevant paperwork. But there are also places like South Carolina where you can’t even file for a divorce unless you’ve lived apart with no sexual relations for a year.

Regardless of the state the duration of the divorce process might take years if the spouses cannot reach an agreement. Settlements will take as long as your negotiations will last. And if there are appeals and court hearings mixed in, you might spend a good portion of your estate on lawyers’ fees.

Factors That Affect the Speed of a Divorce

Aside from being contested or uncontested, factors that affect the speed with which you can get a divorce include:

  • The size of your estate (families with a lot of assets might be unable to avoid involving lawyers as legal counsel is a mandatory re2quirement in some states)
  • Children (the situation gets exceedingly more complicated if you cannot settle on child custody as this will make a court hearing mandatory)
  • Waiting period or legal separation mandated by state law
  • Prenuptial agreement terms

How to Speed Up a Divorce

The fastest possible way to get a divorce is to settle everything with your spouse directly and file for an uncontested divorce. In this case, you will be able to dissolve your marriage within the shortest legal period mandated by state law.

However, if you are unable to do this, your best bet is hiring a lawyer. Legal experts will know all the loopholes that your local laws have that can speed up the process.

Note that if the case involves abuse and threat to you or the children, the process can be expeditated. But you will most likely need to involve the police as well as get the injuries registered by a medical professional so the report can be used as evidence.

Overall, no two cases are the same, so it’s impossible to determine how much time exactly your divorce might take. Even in the case of an amicable separation, there is no guarantee that your spouse doesn’t change their mind at the last minute and decide not to settle.

When hiring a lawyer, your chances for a prompt settlement are bigger, but the costs will be significantly higher. If money is an issue and filing for an uncontested divorce is impossible, you will have to settle for a lengthy divorce that will require a lot of research and personal visits to the courthouse on your part.

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4 Simple Ways to Eliminate Stress When Traveling as a Family

July 16, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Vacations are planned with hope and optimistic anticipation. Unfortunately, sometimes vacations can cause more stress than they can relieve. Because of this, we listed a few simple ways to alleviate a great deal of unnecessary stress that can be brought on by a family vacation. 

 

Rent a Car

When you rent a car, you are on your own timeline. You can relax at the restaurant because you do not need to worry about the last public transportation bus leaving at a certain time. You can stay out as long as you like, or if the kids are getting fussy, you can leave as early as you like. Public transportation with kids is more stressful than it is worth. 

 

But sometimes car hire can be very stressful, too. Because of this, be sure to plan your rental in advance, so you get a car that is roomy enough for your family. Renting the car online well in advance will also save you money. Plan a little ahead as to what will benefit your family the most.

 

It is also nice to rent a car even for road trips so that there is less of a chance for the car breaking down. Since rental cars are almost always new and boast low mileage, they are less likely to fall apart in the middle of a road trip. Or if heaven forbid a car accident occurred, you can return the car and swap it for a new one on the road as opposed to waiting for your vehicle to get fixed.

 

Plan Relaxation for Yourself and Fun for the Kids

Whether it is a ski trip or beach getaway, be sure to have activities planned for the kids. These trips are simple because a day of skiing easily wears kids out while you can go and get a massage or shop. The beach or pool also wears kids out, but you can still keep a close eye on them as you work on your tan. 

 

Smart planning for the activities you and your kids can enjoy will keep everyone happy. The kids will stay entertained and have fun while you get to sit back and relax. If you plan on taking on the task of entertaining your kids the whole trip, you will likely be more exhausted from the trip than you were before the vacation. So plan your relaxation beforehand and keep the kids busy during that time so the whole family can get the most out of the vacation.

 

Pack Games and Distractions for Travel Times

The travel itself is the hardest part of vacations with the family. Whether it is a long road trip in a crammed car or a flight with limited leg room, it is never fun to manage children in compact spaces for long periods of time. 

 

In order to combat this, be sure to pack many distractions. It can be in the form of handheld video games or movies. It can also be word games, card games, or coloring. Just be sure to have distractions available for your kids to stay entertained. 

 

Snacks

Hanger has no mercy when it seeks victims. Both young and old are not immune to their mood being affected by an empty belly. Pack or buy plenty of snacks along the way so there is always something to keep the family satisfied. A great deal of drama can be avoided with simple snacks.

 

You can make the snacking fun as well by trying local small bites or favorites from home.

 

Vacations are always planned with good intentions but sometimes they can be a nightmare. To avoid any extra stress, keep these tips in mind so you can enjoy your time away with your family.

Filed Under: evergreen, family, traveling Tagged With: ,

Want More Time to Spend With Your Family? Try Working From Home

April 8, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Cities like Boston, New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta have some of the worst traffic in the country. Depending on where you live, you can spend up to 10 hours a week or more commuting to and from work. But what if there was a way to get those 10-plus hours back? Imagine being able to spend that time with your kids, helping them with their homework, sitting down with them to a nice breakfast or lunch, or just talking with them about their day. An extra 10 hours a week would also give you more time to work out, spend quality time with your spouse, work on hobbies or even get more sleep.

 

One way you can convert your commuting time into family time is by working from home. More Americans than ever before are ditching their commutes and working at jobs that can be done from the comfort of their home offices, kitchen tables or living room sofas. And you can be one of them. Below, you’ll find some ideas for finding full or part time work that will allow you more freedom to travel with your kids, save your car some wear and tear, and maybe even help you find some time for yourself.

 

Working from home also has the added benefit of being better for the environment because of the decrease in the use of fossil fuels, and it can help keep you from having to miss work because of bad weather or when one of your kids gets sick.

 

Do a search for remote job openings.

 

Job listing sites like Indeed, LinkedIn and Zip Recruiter make searching for work-at-home jobs simple. Once you know what you’d like to do, type the type of job you are looking for into the site’s search bar followed by the word “remote.” Make sure you set your search’s geographic area to “anywhere” so your search results won’t be limited to jobs in your area. (After all, you’ll be working remotely so the location of the company isn’t that important.) Once you find a job you’re interested in, these sites also make it easy to upload your resume and fill out an application online.

 

Some job listing sites, like FlexJobs.com, SkipTheDrive.com and Remote.co only list remote job opportunities, so make sure to check those out as well.

 

Update your LinkedIn page.

 

Change the settings on your LinkedIn page to let recruiters know you’re open to being contacted about job openings. In the summary field at the top of your profile page, make sure to write a description of your background and skills, specifying that you are looking for remote opportunities.

 

Talk to your current employer.

 

Believe it or not, many employers these days are open to allowing their onsite employees to switch to working in a home office. Technologies like Skype and GoToMeeting make planning virtual meetings simple. And since many people are happier working from home, companies with a lot of employees working remotely often find that they have a lower turnover rate than companies employing only on-site workers. Many businesses also find that remote employees are more productive than those they have working in-house.

 

Think about starting your own business.

 

Are you a writer? A graphic designer? Do you have experience working as a software engineer or social media whiz? Maybe your background is in accounting? All of these skills and more translate well to a work-at-home lifestyle and can be the basis of a successful at-home business. Think about your experience and what you’d like to do for work, and how you would manage working in a home environment, then start developing a business plan.

 

There are several websites out there that can help you figure out what you need to do get your home-based business going. Many high schools and community colleges also offer free or low-cost adult learning courses aimed toward people who want to launch their own at-home business. Other resources can include state-funded job training centers, free courses at your local library, and classes offered by nonprofit organizations.

 

The best part about starting your own business, besides being able to make your own hours and no longer having to commute, is that there are usually very few up-front costs.

 

Don’t give up.

 

Finding the right at-home job, or starting an at-home business from scratch can take some time, but don’t be discouraged. According to 2018 U.S. Census data, more than 8 million people worked from home in 2017, more than 5 percent of the U.S. workforce, and that number is increasing every day.

 

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What to Do If Your Child Experiences a Dental Emergency While Traveling

March 14, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Dr. David Hudnall (emergencydentist247.com)

 

Traveling is a fun activity that many families enjoy together. Whether it’s by car, plane, or boat, exploring new places as a family is a great way to make memories that last a lifetime. However, sometimes things happen while traveling that you may not be expecting, for instance, dental emergencies. Dental emergencies can be common in children so it’s important to know what to do if your child experiences one while traveling. I have been practicing dentistry for 18 years and have seen that one of the most common dental emergencies in children is a broken or chipped tooth. Here’s how you can help your child with through a dental emergency while traveling until you can get into a dental office.

 

  1. Immediate actions

 

If your child breaks or chips their tooth, it can be stressful and unexpected. The best thing you can do is remain calm, and try to alleviate any anxiety your child may be feeling. Broken and chipped teeth are common and can easily be fixed by a dentist. Once you realize that your child’s tooth is broken, attempt to locate the broken fragment. This will help the dentist repair your child’s tooth once they are at their appointment. Next, rinse your child’s mouth with warm water to eliminate as much bacteria as possible. If there is any blood from the broken or chipped tooth, locate some gauze to help minimize the bleeding. Keep rinsing your child’s mouth regularly until their dental appointment.

 

  1. Treat the pain

 

A broken or chipped tooth may cause a fair amount of pain for your child. In these instances, the best way to relieve pain is by taking children’s Tylenol or other over the counter pain relievers. If you don’t have any with you, you can purchase them at most drug stores.  Another way to deal with the pain is by using a cold compress. This will reduce any swelling that your child may be experiencing and help them manage any pain.

 

  1. Get to an emergency dentist

 

The sooner you deal with the dental emergency, the better. That’s why it’s important to find an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Visit emergencydentist247.com to find an emergency dentist near you and learn more about how to deal with dental emergencies. Try to schedule a dental appointment within 24 hours. With a broken tooth, your child’s tooth may be jagged which can irritate the mouth and tongue. Your emergency dentist will smooth the edges and fill in the part that chipped off. You will also receive follow-up care instructions that you need to follow closely to ensure a smooth healing process for your child.

 

Dental emergencies seem to happen when you’re least expecting it. For instance, a family vacation. It’s important to be prepared in case this happens and know what to do when it does. If your child chips or breaks their tooth while you’re traveling, don’t stress as they are common and can be fixed easily. Follow these steps and schedule an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible. Traveling is a great way for you and your family to make memories and dealing with a dental emergency quickly will help you continue to make those memories with your loved ones.

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STORY LAND’S BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR IS HERE!

November 8, 2018 by Leave a Comment

New Hampshire theme park

After wrapping up a successful 65th season mid-October, Story Land welcomes the off season with its biggest sale yet! The annual Black Friday sale kicked off on November 5th, and as always, offers the deepest discounts on Story Land season passes, day tickets, and more!

ALL-NEW for 2019 – the Story Land Platinum Season Pass!  In addition to unlimited admission to Story Land and great perks like dining and retail discounts, the Platinum Season Pass grants the passholder unlimited admission to Living Shores Aquarium (livingshoresaquarium.com) from its opening in Spring of 2019 through the end of the year. Also exclusive to the Platinum Season Pass are one time use “Bring a Friend Free ANY Days”, where Platinum passholders can bring up to 3 friends to Story Land FREE! Shoppers can save $20 on the new Platinum Season Pass, $30 on Premium Season Passes and a whopping 40% off Basic Season Passes! All season passes entitle the passholder to unlimited admission to Story Land during the season, while Premium and Platinum passholders get lots of other fun perks. The full list of pass benefits can be found atstorylandnh.com/seasonpass. Season pass payment plans are available in 3 month or 6 month formats, with payments as low at $7.49. Shoppers can also save $16 off day tickets, which are valid any day of the 2019 season and make great gifts!

The FREE Preschool Play Pass is back for the 2019 season! The Preschool Play Pass grants complimentary admission to children ages 3-5 for the entire summer. “The Preschool Play Pass was a big hit with many families in 2018, and we look forward to offering this very affordable option again in 2019,” stated Lauren Hawkins, Director of Marketing. The guidelines and activation info for this pass can be found at storylandnh.com/prekpass, and all parents are urged to read all pass information before registering their children.

The Black Friday sale ends at midnight on December 4th, and these prices are can’t-miss. 2019 promises another summer of family fun, new events, and Story Land magic in the Land Where Fantasy Lives! Visit storylandnh.com for more info and to shop all the deals.

About Story Land and Palace Entertainment:

Story Land, located in New Hampshire’s beautiful White Mountains, is a premier children’s theme park that has entertained thousands of families with young children for over 60 years. Story Land is “Where Fantasy Lives” and features over 20 unique rides, exciting live shows, and favorite nursery rhyme animals set on 35 beautifully maintained and landscaped acres. Story Land is owned and operated by Palace Entertainment, one of the leading leisure park operators in the United States. Palace Entertainment owns and operates eight water parks, six theme parks, two animal parks, and five family entertainment centers across 10 different states. Palace Entertainment parks offer a wide range of family friendly rides, shows, miniature golf courses, and arcade games. For more information, please visit storylandnh.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Join in healing together #MarchOfDimes

October 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment

This is not a review or a sponsored in any way, shape, or form post. I am sharing this as it may be of interest and I myself walk and fundraise for the cause. Pay no attention to the auto script, it’s impossible to remove and just there so I don’t forget to add it to something I’m supposed to, LOL.

 

walk for babies

 

Please note, this email contains content about infant loss and may be difficult to read for anyone who has experienced or been personally affected by the loss of a child.

Today is an important day for me and for too many mothers, Samantha.

Today is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. It can be difficult for mothers and families experiencing loss to find a place to share their story and remember their little ones. There are few spaces where they can share their memories and grief in a community of others who understand what they’re going through.

That’s why I’m sharing my memory of my son Scott on the Wall of Remembrance.

In 2012, my husband and I became one of the thousands of families each year that is devastated by the loss of a child. After a healthy, “perfect” pregnancy, I stopped feeling my baby move at 37 weeks and my labor was induced. Scott was silent when he was born and did not respond to any treatment. After two weeks we made the devastating decision to remove him from life support.

In working through my grief and my own loss, I found an amazing community of other families through March of Dimes. Hearing their stories made me realize we don’t need to grieve in silence. We don’t need to face each day alone.

I’m adding my story to the March of Dimes Wall of Remembrance to pay tribute to Scott and to join the voices of those affected.

Read the stories and join in the fight to end infant loss.

March of Dimes is working to address pregnancy and infant loss in the U.S., which has significantly higher rates of loss than other developed nations. With your support, we can help prevent future families from dealing with unspeakable grief and save the lives of babies.

Donations help advance research, provide educational resources and support advocacy for policies to prioritize the health of all moms and babies. 

(Personal note from me here at Have Sippy Will Travel, I’m walking and would love to have you walk as well or help donate to the cause.)

Together we’ll heal and provide a brighter future for us all,

Nicole Miller (March of Dimes)

Filed Under: charity/notforprofit, family, health Tagged With: , ,

Keel Your Ride Clean with Diono

June 7, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Disclosure: The below was provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” and “Terms of Use” tabs for more information.

Everyone knows that when you have kids, it is almost impossible to keep your vehicle tidy, especially if you are constantly on the go. These great products from Diono are must haves to make sure that you are nice and organized for all those summer road trips!

About Pop Up Trash Bin: 

This Trash Bin is so simple, but incedibly effective. The Pop-Up Trash Bin is a versatile, mutliuse smart and clever 3-ni-1. The essential additional storae you never knew you needed, for those days on the go. Thoughtfully constructed to be compact and flat-collapsing, the drawstring top keeps belongings or trash secure from falling out on the journey.

About Travel Pal:

The Diono Travel Pal is the friendly in-car storage solution. For traveling toys, bring-a-long books, snacks or cool drinks, the Travel Pal has plenty of space to make the journey fly by. There are multi-pockets for all your needs, and with super hand insulated drink pockets for keeping drinks cool for longer.

About Stuff ‘n Scuff:

This is a perfect seatback organizer. You can now keep the back of your seats clean and scuff-free with Stuff n’ Scuff. It’s practical waterproof fabric that protects backs of seats from dirty feet scuffs and spills. The large cargo pocket with elasticated top also provides additional storage while on the go.

About Stow ‘N Go:

This is an amazing seatback organizer that will keep your essentials organized and easy to find. The Stow ‘n Go is the ultimate in car organization accessory for take-along toys, bring-along books, drinks or snacks. It protects your seats from day to day scuffs, and keeps your car clean and tidy. This is very easy to fit and can attach around the headrest of any car. There are seven large pockets and two drink holders.

My Thoughts:

I was incredibly impressed with each of these awesome items. I am a farmwife and with harvest just around the corner, not to mention our summer vacation after that, I know that we will be spending a great deal of time in my car. I think that I am all set and ready to keep my kids and vehicle organized while the rest of our life gets a little chaotic. I would recommend these items to anyone. If you are interested in purchasing any of these great items, head on over to Diono and get them for your vehicle!

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Fun, free family event in NJ

May 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Families are welcome and encouraged to join Universal Kids for a fun, free family event in NJ offering an interactive art & crafting experience for families tied to various summer premieres. 
 
The morning will feature activities tied to the new tween home decor show, Get Out of My Room, kids crafting competition series, The Big Fun Crafty Show, a dream room diorama with Oh! Canary and more.
Filed Under: family, kids, lifestyle items Tagged With: ,