The festival will be located in Winter Park’s Central Park between Park Avenue and New York Avenue.  It will run Friday through Sunday from 9:00 am-6:00 pm, except on Sunday when the festival will close at 5:00 pm. 

For more information on the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, click here.

For more information on Richard Auger’s Photography, visit his website here.

Winslet married Mendes in a small ceremony in May 2003.  It was her second marriage after divorcing British director Jim Threapleton in 2001.  Winslet had one daughter from her previous marriage, and a six year old son from her marriage with Mendes.  The Men’s Divorce Law Firm was pleased to hear that the couple is “fully committed to the future joint parenting of their children.”  The firm appreciates that the couple sees the importance of keeping both parents involved in their children’s lives.

To read Jam Showbiz’s coverage of the split, click here.

A local father, William Fain, explained how every study shows children are better off with two fit parents.  He then responded to critics who asked how it is better for the child to be shuffling back and forth between homes by saying that the court should have intervened when his family moved frequently because one of his parents was in the military.  “I went to seven schools in twelve years, and the state never said that’s bad for your child,” Fain shared.

No other state in the country has passed legislation like this, so it is uncertain how the vote will turn out next week in Tennessee.  The Men’s Divorce Law Firm is pleased to see others taking action against the inequality fathers face in the courtroom.  Whether or not the bill passes, we hope it will open more people’s eyes to the Men’s Divorce Law Firm’s mission of promoting fathers, families, and fairness.

Click here to read News Channel 5’s coverage of the bill.

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One of the first things parents should do to help their kids through a divorce is to be mindful of their own visual cues.  Eye rolling, frowning, and dirty looks will not go unnoticed by children.  Therefore, parents need to keep a positive attitude around their ex, so that children can ease into the separation.  Parents should also try to keep their wedding ring on a little longer because it is a symbol of unity the child will be familiar with.  Dunstan suggests “When you’re ready, replace it with one you pick out with your child or move it to another finger.”

Children are also likely to pick up on changes in parents’ tone of voice.  “If you think a conversation with your ex will end badly, try and have conversations when your kids are not around or go in your car on your cell phone,” Dunstan advises.  She explains that kids will feel hopeless and guilty if they hear you yelling at the other parent because they love whoever is on the receiving end, too.

Another way to help children feel loved during a divorce is to keep special events family-based.  If your child has a concert or a game, they won’t enjoy it if one parent is excluded.  Make sure both you and your ex are aware of upcoming family activities, and remind yourself that you are there to support your child.

Dunstan’s last piece of advice is to stay positive and patient.  “Always act in a way you can be proud of,” she says, and remember that children will “copy your behavior in their own relationships. “  While your children are still young now, they will eventually move out when they are older.  Parents will want their children to continue their relationship with them beyond leaving the house, so providing a secure and loving environment now can have a long term positive effect on the future for both you and your kids.

Click here to read the full article, “Helping Your Child Feel Secure and Loved Through Divorce.”

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1)      Visit the beach.  Nothing will put a smile on kids’ faces like warm sunshine and constructing sand castles with their dad.

2)      Take a trip to a National Park.  Kids are always going to the movies or the mall.  Remind them of the natural beauty America has to offer by taking them to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, or the Great Smokey Mountains.

3)      Go to a baseball game.  Take your kids out to a ballgame to enjoy the excitement of this classic American pastime.  Staff members at the Men’s Divorce Law Firm are watching the Atlanta Braves vs. Toronto Blue Jays tomorrow at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.  Check out ESPN’s website for a full spring training schedule for upcoming games.

4)      Take an RV road trip.  RV dealers will rent out vehicles at very reasonable prices.  Map out a route across the country with your family to make the planning just as fun as the trip itself.

5)      Create a backyard paradise.  Many fun activities can happen right in your backyard.  Consider turning on the sprinkler and setting up a slip n’ slide for your kids, or create a day for backyard sports.

6)      Become a master at the grill.  Spring break is a great time to try out recipes and techniques for the grill.  Let your kids help out with the safe tasks so they feel they contributed to meals, and make sure to invite the neighbors for a fun backyard social event.

7)      Start an outdoor project.  If you have enough time, consider putting up the tree house or play set your kids have always wanted.  Work on the project together to help teach your kids about the value of hard work.

8)      Volunteer in the community.  Take advantage of the time during spring break to volunteer together and give back to the community.  Let your kids help select the project and make sure to ask them what they learned from the experience at the end of the day.

9)      Visit a wacky tourist attraction.  Take your kids to some of the local tourist attractions you usually would overlook in your town.  Visit RoadSideAmerica to help pick a location, and don’t forget to bring your camera!

10)   Take a food trip.  Take a road trip that will visit some of the restaurants with the best menu offerings around town.  This way your kids will be happy and full!

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm wishes everyone a great spring break!  We encourage parents to take this time to connect with their kids and do something fun together.

To read All Pro Dad’s original article, click here.

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The money raised from the event went to Special Olympics Florida and the YMCA Scholarship Fund.  Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition in 19 Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy.  The YMCA Youth Scholarship Campaign supports kids and families in our community who need a  helping hand.

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm was happy to participate in the 5K because we enjoy getting involved in local events and giving back to the community.  If you would like to learn more about Special Olympics Florida, click here, or visit the YMCA website for more information on their Youth Scholarship Campaign.

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To buy the book from Amazon, click here.

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The Men’s Divorce Law Firm appreciates that other states are calling for equal treatment for parents in regards to child custody.  We hope that this will help parents communicate more effectively after a divorce and consider each other’s visitation rights more carefully. 

To follow the bill’s progress, visit the Illinois General Assembly Bill Status online.

www.MensDivorceLaw.com

Most feel the couple is made for each other, and Carter and Burton seem to agree.  However, they do enjoy their individualism, too.  The couple currently owns two houses in Hampstead, one for each of them, that are connected by a communal room described as a grand hallway.  Carter and Burton decorated each of their houses to suit their interests.  Carter’s has a girly, vintage theme, while Burton’s house is distinctly Gothic with skeletons and weird things laying about and neon lights in the floor.

They each have their own kitchen, but Carter admitted that Burton’s is rarely used.  “He always visits, which is really touching,” she said.  Carter continued to explain that having two houses is a really great idea.  “You never have to compromise or feel invaded,” she shared.

Alison Boshoff stated in her recent article from Mail Online that it’s only when you consider how different they are that you realize why the arrangement works quite so well.  Carter often rambles on in Burton’s presence, while he prefers to be quiet.  Having separate dwellings gives them the freedom to be themselves, while also keeping the door open to stay connected to each other.

For more about Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter, click here to read the article “Mr. and Mrs. Mad Hatter” from Mail Online.

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Unfortunately for the husband, the panelists, including Alec Baldwin, Kelly Ripa, and Jerry Seinfeld, agreed that the dog was a bit too creepy, and that if the husband really wants to save it, he should keep it in the attic.  The referee, host Tom Papa, ruled with the panelists when he video-conferenced in the couple.  Lucky for the husband, even though he was outnumbered regarding his dog, he and his wife were given tickets for a resort vacation to thank them for participating in the show.

Overall, this show is a great way for couples all over the nation to finally be satisfied with finding out who is right in their disagreements with each other.   “The Marriage Ref” airs on Thursday nights from 10-11 p.m.  The celebrity panel changes week to week, so stay tuned to see more guests stars, such as Tina Fey, Madonna, and Eva Longoria. 

To read more about the show and preview a short clip, check out Ken Tucker’s review over at Entertainment Weekly Online.

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