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April, 2022 - Issue #209
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No, that's not Parental Alienation by Denise Lite
"My ex is claiming parental alienation," is a common utterance I hear during initial client meetings in the context of high-conflict divorces. The phrase is usually followed by a heavy sigh and accompanied by a worried, furrowed brow.
Before I go farther, I must be clear: Parental alienation is real and it's wrong. In the most basic sense, parental alienation occurs when one parent purposely turns their child against the other parent, usually through unjustified negativity and lies. It can be emotional abuse and it's never Ok.
Now, that being said - unfounded accusations of parental alienation are sometimes made to intimidate the other party or as a misguided means of getting a "leg up" during custody battles.
But there's another time that parental alienation claims are made when the accusing parent truly believes - incorrectly - that their child is being "turned against them."
So, as a reminder: Your child not wanting to spend time with you because you yell at them, neglect them or say mean things to them is not a sign of parental alienation - it's an indicator that you need to work on your parenting skills immediately.
If you verbally or physically abused your partner and your child witnessed the abuse, your kid not saying "I love you" during visitation is likely not because of parental alienation - but it's quite likely because they do not trust you, forgive you... or love you.
Children are people - and there does not need to be a vast parental alienation conspiracy for any person to not enjoy or feel safe in the company of a parent who is an emotional or physical abuser.
High-conflict custody battles rarely bring out the best in people. If you're being accused of parental alienation, or you believe that your children are suffering from parental alienation, reach out to a certified family law specialist.
Denise Lite, Esq. 877-317-8080
Gerald L. Marcus, Esq. Named
America's Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys
Attorney Gerald L. Marcus of the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus has once again been included in this year's list of America's Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys in the state of California.
Gerry's inclusion for the fifth year in a row proves his dedication to his clients and his field - only individuals with the highest levels of client satisfaction and peer recognition are awarded this honor each year.
His team and community are extremely proud of the work he does for the people of the Greater Los Angeles community and the recognition he has earned.
The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus 296-2992
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Estate Plans Work Best when they are Flexible
One reason people put off estate planning is the worry about a rigid and imperfect plan. But a well-prepared estate plan should be flexible to meet your changing needs.
When an estate plan is signed, it will remain the same until you change it. Meanwhile, your life will continue on. Over the course of years or decades, your life and relationships will change. A flexible estate plan can be updated to match changes in your life.
There are even some tools and language that can be introduced into an estate plan when it is created based on future events that may or may not occur. For example, a trust can take into account potential grandchildren, even if they have not been born. They can also provide instructions in case one of your beneficiaries becomes disabled.
In some circumstances, highly-trusted individuals could be given power to amend or change your plan when you are unable to do it yourself.
Life is unpredictable. That is why we do estate planning in the first place. But having a flexible plan that takes into account that unpredictability is the best way to deal with it.
Law Attorney Michael Yeager 471-2177
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Get Paid to be an Angel for Seniors in Santa Clarita
Have you considered a part time job assisting seniors in your community? Visiting Angels is hiring people to assist seniors with activities such as meal preparation, errands and light housekeeping. You can earn money while making a difference! The pay rate is $17 an hour and most shifts are four hours. Visiting Angels offers a flexible schedule with full benefits available, including health insurance and 401K with matching funds.
Call to learn more.
Visiting Angels 263-2273
 courtesy of Leon Worden |
A Legacy of Love
Cheri Fleming Auto Center Drive
It was April 1997 - 25 years ago - when Don and Cheri Fleming opened the doors of Valencia Acura. At the time, it ranked last nationally in sales and customer satisfaction.
As the story is told, it poured rain for the first 30 days - without a customer in sight. At one point, Don turned to his charming wife and wondered aloud what they had gotten themselves into.
Without a moment's hesitation and beaming with her signature smile, Cheri told her husband it would all be fine. And so it was.
Today, Valencia Acura is one of the highest-ranking customer satisfaction dealerships in the country. Sales in their primary market area and customer loyalty ranks among the highest in the nation.
But Cheri's story goes well beyond being a trailblazer in the auto industry and dealer/principal of an award-winning Acura dealership.
For more than two decades, Cheri Fleming was the heart of our community. Her positive, forward-thinking optimism was evident in all she endeavored. Cheri's work in community organizations and charitable causes was unparalleled and far-reaching. She gave back because she cared deeply, had a natural propensity for creating a culture of caring and knew her efforts made a positive change in the lives of others. Unexpectedly, Cheri passed away on November 16, 2020, after suffering a brain aneurysm.
Cheri passionately believed it a personal duty to give back to the community. At the time of her passing, she served as a director for the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association, Soroptimist International of the Americas and the American Cancer Society Unit Council. Cheri was also chair-elect for the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and board chair for the Child and Family Center Foundation.
In December, the Santa Clarita Auto Dealers Association respectfully requested to the Santa Clarita City Council that Auto Center Drive be renamed "Cheri Fleming Auto Center Drive." It was unanimously approved and on February 15, 2022, at the official unveiling and dedication ceremony, it became a beautiful tribute to the legacy and memory of a remarkable community leader who accomplished so much in her lifetime and for so many in our community. Learn more by logging on.
cherifleming.com
American Cancer Society Hosts
2022 Relay For Life's "Hope Around the World"
The Santa Clarita chapter of the American Cancer Society is excited to announce its annual leading fundraiser of the year: Relay For Life. The community event will once again take place at Central Park on Saturday, May 14 from 9am to 9pm. The theme this year is, "Hope Around the World."
Relay For Life is the primary funding source for ACS research, treatment and programs. It is a crucial means of securing equitable cancer treatment for all. Relay For Life is not only the American Cancer Society's largest fundraiser but also the world's largest volunteer-based fundraising event. That's why after two challenging years of uncertainty and financial setbacks due to the pandemic, it is momentous that Relay For Life is back as strong as ever in the Santa Clarita Valley.
The family-friendly event is free and open to all, featuring live entertainment, games, food and raffle baskets. The opening ceremony honors survivors and caregivers. In the evening, the inspiring Luminaria Ceremony, illuminated by luminaria bags, remembers those who lost their battle to cancer and honors those continuing the fight.
For more information, a calendar of events, and volunteer opportunities for upcoming fundraisers, log on.
scvrelay.org
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