Meredith Ditchen-Oakley

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Common myths Most people assume that if someone is married and they pass on without a will, everything will automatically go to their spouse. In Georgia, that is not the case. If someone dies without a will (called "intestate"), the law determines who will be the beneficiaries and it may not always be who they would have chosen. Make sure to put a will or trust into place to avoid unforeseen complications in your family! Often times, not having an estate plan creates more conflict and trauma in families then some of the nastiest divorces. Don't take that risk, plan today to keep peace tomorrow.

Take the time to do an estate planning "checkup". 1. Do you have a will or living trust in place? If not, it's time to get one. 2. Do you have an Advance Directive for healthcare and a Durable Power of Attorney that is less than five years old? If not, time to get them or update them. 3. Would your loved ones know what needed to be done for you if something happened? Make a list of your accounts, assets, insurance, debts and other information that someone would need if they h...ad to step in and manage things for you. Spending a few hours now can save months of headaches later. Many people absolutely dread the idea of doing these things but we can help make the process much easier than you might think! Many clients of mine have remarked at how much simpler it was to do than they anticipated. Don't procrastinate any longer, just commit to it and get it done.

Sometimes I have to take a step back from the stress of what we do as family law professionals remember that ultimately we are here to guide and to help. That's why I am so passionate about mediation, it allows people to try to maintain a sense of ownership in their lives in a time when things feel out of control. Helping people try and find a little bit of peace and integrity in the life disaster they are experiencing can be very rewarding. It is still hard to manage all that stress, but it's something. And amid all the chaos, I try to remember and remind that if you choose integrity in every decision you make, you can't go wrong.

You cannot change your past. However, you control your future and all that matters are the choices you make going forward.

If divorce is imminent, try mediation before heading into litigation. Even if you just narrow some of the issues, you can save a lot of time and money. You may be able to work out your entire divorce and then just have an uncontested divorce to file, so it's worth a shot! Mediation is a neutral process where both parties sit down and try to work out solutions with a neutral third party (the mediator). Usually prior to filing it is done with just the couple and the mediator, ...trying to find some solutions to their uncoupling. It is a respectful form of alternative dispute resolution that can saves thousands of dollars and months, even years, of the animosity and hostility that a court case can promote. If you or someone you love knows that divorce is going to happen, encourage them to consider mediating first to see how much ground they can cover and turn some of the problems into solutions. It is a voluntary process so if it does not result in any agreements, that's ok. But it sure is worth a shot! There is so much to gain that they might as well give it a try.....

Take some time this week and commit to doing something for yourself. Take a walk, get a haircut, go to the gym, get a pedicure, curl up with some hot tea and a good book, whatever it is that makes you feel refreshed and recharged. You are worth it!

Life has so many difficult transitions. Do not go it alone, there is support out there. Just reach out!!!!!