Divorce During The Holiday Season | TKG

Divorce is already hard, but divorce during the holiday season can be even harder. When the weather gets cooler, something happens in our brains that makes us feel a little needier than normal. Maybe it’s the holidays approaching or maybe it’s simply the cooler weather, but we as human beings want to connect. When a spouse moves out or when you finally end things with someone, many people feel relieved initially. However, after the initial excitement and newfound freedom, you may experience some of the feelings of loss. Memories may start to come back of the good old days, and now you are feeling sentimental.

Experiencing a divorce is like fighting through a flurry of emotions. The cycle can keep repeating where you feel happy, sad and then angry. Whether you’re at the beginning of the divorce process or right in the middle, it’s helpful to seek the ears of those who have had a similar experience. For those of you that aren’t ready yet, take this advice from Vikki Ziegler. Vikki Ziegler is the host of BravoTV’s Untying the Knot and the CEO of Divorce dating.

“The best advice I got during my divorce was that it hurts now but it will get better. Not everyone is meant to be together. You will find love again, so don’t give up. Stop worrying. Things will unfold and soon it will be over; you cannot get back the time you wasted worrying about things out of your control. Divorce can be a rebirth, so start reinventing yourself to be the best you for your next relationship. Get prepared. Do your research and interview several lawyers through referrals and try to find one you feel comfortable with. Get a therapist or a life coach, take up yoga, and make sure your accountant is available to help you. Then let your lawyer work for you and protect you. Turn off from the divorce process at night and on the weekends and focus on things that make you happy and that you’re grateful for instead.”

It is already hard enough dealing with divorce aside from all of the financial and legal issues that come with it. Let Tammy Karas-Griggs be your rock during your difficult time.

Alcohol Related Accidents on Halloween

Driving and driving do NOT mix and yet every year on Halloween there are more DUI and alcohol related accidents. According to the CDC, over 1.1 million drivers were arrested in 2014 for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, which amounts to one percent of 121 million self-reported alcohol-impaired driving incidents. With the large risk posed by impaired driving, authorities have taken significant steps in cracking down on offenders. While laws and penalties tend to vary state to state, driving while under the influence of alcohol is illegal throughout the country, so the bottom line remains to never drink and drive.

In terms of criminal offense, the violation of impaired driving is referred to as driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), operating while impaired (OWI), or operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) for different vehicles. Usually, it is considered unlawful to drive with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) .08% or higher. In addition, some states do charge for lower levels and individual states, counties, municipalities or towns may enforce “Zero-Tolerance” policies where any detectable level of alcohol is considered an offense, especially for underage drivers. With probable cause, police officers enforce a series of field sobriety tests such as the classic Walk & Turn Test or a breathalyzer. Following any sign of significant intoxication, a person may be beholden to criminal penalties as well as an Ignition Interlock Device, the cost of which may be placed upon the offender.

In Louisiana, the laws regarding DUIs or DWIs follow a similar pattern. If a driver 21 or older tests a BAC level .08% or higher, he or she would be subjected to a DUI charge. For drivers under 21, a BAC level needs only to be .02% or higher while driving to induce a charge. Because Louisiana enforces an implied consent law, refusal to take a chemical test could lead a driver to a fine and an automatic license suspension for six months with increased offenses earning a two-day jail sentence. Sentences for first offense DUIs follow with 90 days of license suspension, $1000 fine and payment for legal proceedings, and up to six months of prison. Second offense DUI convictions require similar consequences with one year of life revocation. However, third offense DUI convictions involve two years of license suspension, $2000 fine, and up to five years of prison time, beginning a felony criminal record. By the time one reaches a fifth offense DUI conviction, a driver could face up to 30 years in prison, a $5000 fine, two years of license suspension, and mandatory substance abuse treatment, home incarceration, and community service.

Like most penalties, DUI convictions range on terms of severity. With a greater number of offenses, it’s unlikely to receive a lenient sentence, but first offenses or plea bargains are possible for DUI charges. While a plea bargain generally depends on the prosecutor, the charges over drunk driving can be reduced to a “wet reckless” or a variation of a reckless driving charge. However, this lowering of charges also hinges on the severity of the charge regardless of the driver’s past offenses. Nevertheless, there is no statutory provision on these types of plea bargains in Louisiana, so the decision must originate from the lawyer.

Although these are strict guidelines surrounding impaired driving, it is important to recognize that BAC levels vary depending on weight, sex, number of drinks, and other personal characteristics. Also, different jurisdictions can apply a law in different ways with regards to DUI charges, so certain sentences and convictions can vary depending on the location. Still, one universal piece of advice that applies in any part of the country is to simply drive sober. If you do happen to find yourself facing a DUI or similar charge immediately contact Tammy Karas Griggs, a qualified attorney with over a decade of experience, who will fight for your rights.

Disclaimer: This article should not be misconstrued as legal advice. NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE. This article exists purely for informational purposes and as a rough point of reference on the laws of the State of Louisiana in regards to DWIs, OWIs, OVIs and DUIs. All sources are open to the public and listed below.

https://dui.drivinglaws.org/la.php#

https://www.dmv.org/la-louisiana/automotive-law/dui.php

Custody Agreements During Halloween

Custody agreements during Halloween can be SCARY. Halloween can be a tricky time for parents that are going through a divorce. Whether you are deep in the divorce process, or whether those days are long behind you, your children should have the best Halloween!

Here are some tips for a successful Halloween.

Plan Ahead

It’s important to communicate with your child’s other parent about the upcoming holiday. When looking at your custody agreement ahead of time make sure you are prepared where Halloween falls.

Consider Sharing The Night

If you and your ex live in different neighborhoods, make arrangements to have your children split the evening and trick or treat in both neighborhoods!

Consider Reuniting

Depending on your situation, you may be able to celebrate Halloween all together. Think about the message that this will send to your children. Showing your children that you and your ex can set aside your problems for them to have a stress free and fun time.

Celebrate Two Days

Sometimes kids that have divorced parents get lucky and get to celebrate holidays twice! One parent can have a spooky movie, candy, and treat night at home and the other can do the trick or treating.

Costume Picking

Most schools have dress codes that are enforced on Halloween and some have even banned dressing up all together on Halloween. Many schools have nixed the traditional costume march because of the nature of some of the costumes: some are too violent or too provocative. As a co-parent, both parents need to unite and be a good example for their children. Make sure the rules are not too diverse between the two parents.

Splitting time can be difficult when it comes to any holiday. Tammy Karas-Griggs has years of experience helping parents with their custody plans. If you want to ensure that your Halloween is the best it can be for your kids and not so scary, contact Tammy Karas-Griggs today.