While both weddings and divorces are undeniably distinct events, they share a common thread — the potential for significant expenses. The choices made by soon-to-be exes can greatly influence the financial impact of these life-changing moments. In this blog post, we will explore common ways couples unintentionally escalate the costs of their divorce. Read on to discover valuable insights.
1. Don’t Treat Your Attorney as a Therapist
“Divorces are often emotionally challenging, leaving many individuals seeking a sympathetic ear,” says Attorney Matt Towson of Towson Law Firm. While enlisting the help of an attorney is important, it’s crucial not to rely on them for emotional support. Keep in mind that their time is billable, and using them as a confidante can result in a hefty bill. For questions related to the divorce process, consult the attorney’s support staff, reserving complex and technical queries for the attorney.
2. Avoid Resorting to Litigation for Every Dispute
Disagreements are inevitable in the course of a divorce. However, the methods used to resolve these conflicts can either minimize costs or inflate them, with court fees potentially reaching thousands of dollars. Recognize that not every dispute requires litigation; alternatives, such as mediation and arbitration, can be effective and less costly. Prioritize working with a resolution-focused attorney rather than one who is quick to pursue litigation and explore alternative conflict resolution methods to keep expenses in check.
3. Avoid Financial Disarray during your Divorce
During any divorce, obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the couple’s financial landscape is crucial. To achieve this, you’ll need to assemble a list of assets, which may encompass individually and jointly owned items, such as investments, retirement accounts, bank accounts, and real estate holdings. It is also important to gather documentation related to debts and liabilities. This includes credit card statements, mortgage or rent agreements, loan documents, and any outstanding balances or obligations. Being thorough in documenting both assets and liabilities will help ensure a fair and accurate division of property and debts during the divorce proceedings.
Poor organization when gathering and presenting these documents to your attorney can result in significant delays, potentially leading to increased legal fees and disputes over asset distribution.
4. Avoid Poor Communication With Your Ex-partner
Before seeking professional assistance for your divorce, it’s essential to sit down with your soon-to-be ex-partner and attempt to resolve issues amicably. Depending on your relationship dynamics, you might find a resolution without needing outside intervention.
Nevertheless, it’s wise to have your attorney review your documents and provide feedback on the divorce terms. During discussions with your partner, concentrate on topics such as property division, health insurance, alimony and child support, and tax implications.
Conclusion
Divorce doesn’t have to be a costly endeavor. The decisions you make during this emotional period can significantly influence the overall expense of your divorce proceedings.
With this in mind, prioritize resolving issues with your partner before seeking assistance, whether through a mediator or an attorney. More often than not, you can save thousands of dollars by investing time in negotiating with your partner.
By heeding the advice provided in this concise guide, you’ll increase your chances of minimizing court and legal fees. Remember, with the right approach, divorce doesn’t have to break the bank.
This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
Taking regular walks has been proven to offer impressive benefits for different aspects of your physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. And it may be the perfect way to get exercise: walking is free, low-impact, and can be done anywhere — and just a half-hour walk a day can impart health benefits.
Now there’s good news for city-dwellers: recent research highlights the benefits of “urban walking” in green spaces such as parks. In a new study, researchers from the Science Museum of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech found that walking in a quiet setting in an urban environment — one that offers shade and greenery — can significantly reduce stress and boost mood.
The researchers point out additional benefits for cognitive health and feelings of depression and anxiety, as walking in these environments can lead to interactions with others, building ties between neighbors. The study’s co-author, Jeremy S. Hoffman, PhD, says “In our study, we basically showed that walking in a shady, quiet neighborhood was like going to a therapist, trainer, and outdoor thermal oasis all at the same time.”
The plan for Tysons includes adding green space and parks of various types as well as trails and other outdoor gathering places. One of these parks is currently under construction by The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better that’s opening in early 2024.
Located near Tysons Galleria, The Mather is adding nearly three acres of public/private green space that will feature walking paths, an urban lawn area, and many other outdoor amenities such as tennis, badminton, a dog park, and more. While the community will have a fitness center complete with indoor pool and exercise studio, future residents are looking forward to utilizing the park for entertainment, relaxation, and, of course, walking.
“I love to walk — I love being outside, especially in the morning,” says Faye Brady of McLean, who is planning a move to The Mather with her husband. “Right now we live in a lovely subdivision called Evans Farm, and my neighbor Linda and I walk almost every morning. We like to explore the area, and we’ve met many lovely people over the years.” The two women walk through McLean, changing up their route and logging about four miles. Faye also walks every Monday with another neighbor, winding through McLean Central Park to total around five miles.
As it turns out, she and the two neighbors are all moving to The Mather. “We’re really good friends,” she explains. “There are five couples in our subdivision who are moving there. I’m not sure who decided first, but when I found out that both my walking friends were going to move there, we signed up too!”
It seems that the green spaces at and around The Mather will be put to good use.
The Mather in Tysons, VA, for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. It opens in 2024.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
BoxStar Movers: The Top-Rated Moving Company in the DMV Area
BoxStar Movers is a full-service moving company that provides local, long-distance, residential, and commercial moving services in the DMV area.
They are one of the number one-rated moving companies in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Southern Maryland, and they offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of their customers.
BoxStar Movers offers a variety of packing services, including full packing, partial packing, and self-packing. They also offer various storage services, including short-term and long-term storage.
BoxStar Movers is committed to providing a stress-free moving experience for their customers. They are insured and bonded and have a team of experienced movers trained to handle your belongings carefully.
Here are some of the services offered by BoxStar Movers:
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Office Moving
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Full packing, Partial packing, Self-packing
- Storage
- Labor only helps (loading and unloading)
- Packing supplies
- Piano and Gun Safe moving
- Junk Removal Services
Here are some of the benefits of using BoxStar Movers:
- They are the number one-rated moving company in the DMV area.
- They offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of their customers.
- They are insured and bonded, so you can be sure that your belongings are safe.
- They have a team of experienced movers trained to handle your belongings carefully.
- They are committed to providing a stress-free moving experience.
Here are some customer reviews of BoxStar Movers:
- “BoxStar Movers was amazing! They were on time, professional, and careful with my belongings. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who is looking for a moving company.” — John Smith
- “I was so stressed about my move, but BoxStar Movers made it so easy. They were so organized and efficient, and they took care of everything. I couldn’t have asked for a better moving experience.” — Jane Doe
- “I was moving across the country and worried about my belongings getting damaged. But BoxStar Movers took great care of everything. They even wrapped my grandma’s china cabinet in bubble wrap!” — Susan Jones
- “If you are looking for a moving company in the DMV area, then I highly recommend BoxStar Movers. They are the top-rated moving company in the area, and they offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of their customers.” — Madelene Clark.
Here are some additional details about BoxStar Movers:
- They are based in Northern Virginia and serve Washington, D.C. and Southern Maryland.
- They have been in business for over five years.
- They have a team of over 30 experienced movers.
- They are insured and bonded.
- They offer free quotes and free visual estimates.
If you want to learn more about BoxStar Movers, you can visit their website or call them at 202-843-9181. They would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you plan your move.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
The Washingtonian does a Cheap Eats edition every year that I love. With prices high on everything, who doesn’t love to find a good deal?
Enjoy some of these tips for deals and cheap eats around Vienna!
Monday
- Inca Social: Kids aat free
- Lebanese Taverna: Bottomless Mezza menu (small plates) $38 per person
Tuesday
- Matchbox: Free kids cheese pizza with adult entree (which is not a pizza)
- The Icon Movie Theater at the Boro: Tickets are $6.25 instead of regular cost
- Tysons AMC Movie Theater: Tickets for AMC Stub members are $7 (excluding specials — Dolby/IMAX screenings include a surcharge). Concessions also offers a $5 small combo — soda and popcorn.
Wednesday
- Mama Tigre: Kids entrees half off
Weekends
- Founding Farmers: Unlimited brunch free for kids 6 and under
- Liberty BBQ (soon to be renamed): Free brunch for kids 3 and under, $10 for 12 and under
Everyday
- Fogo De Chao: The Churrasco experience (all you can eat) is free for kids 6 and under, for kids 7-12 it’s half priced
- Silver Diner: Join the kids club and get a free kids meal every 5 visits (and free food on their birthday)
- Cocoa Vienna: Dollar deal days all summer (enjoy treats for $1)
- Bruster’s Ice Cream: Free chocolate or vanilla ice cream for kids under a certain height (think 2 or younger)
I think pre-covid there were a lot more of these “kids eat free” options but many that I’ve called to verify are no longer available. So if you see something published, call the restaurant first to make sure it’s still offered.
If I missed anything or a business wants to reach out to be added, please email me at [email protected].
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
Get ready for a delightful summer fruit-picking experience near Fairfax County!
Whether you’re a family or a single looking for a fun-filled adventure, these top farms offer a fantastic day out. From juicy berries to crisp apples, here are the must-visit fruit-picking destinations for 2023 (that are near Fairfax County).
- Hollin Farms: Family fun and fruity delights! Enjoy berry-picking at Hollin Farms in Delaplane. With strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries galore, it’s a perfect family outing. Don’t miss the scenic hayrides and charming picnic areas!
- Crooked Run Orchard: Singles and Ffriends, apple-picking paradise awaits! Crooked Run Orchard in Purcellville is a singles’ and friends’ haven. Discover over 30 apple varieties, capture Instagrammable moments, and relish the countryside ambiance. Treat yourself to apple goodies and enjoy a picnic with friends.
- Wegmeyer Farms: Berry bliss for all! Wegmeyer Farms in Hamilton is a strawberry lover’s dream. Handpick your favorites amidst picturesque views. It’s a great spot for families and singles seeking a berry-filled adventure.
- Larriland Farm: Family-friendly fruit-picking extravaganza! Take a short drive to Larriland Farm in Woodbine, Maryland, for a family-friendly outing. Explore strawberries, cherries, blueberries, and raspberries. Don’t forget to check out the farm market and petting zoo!
- Hartland Orchard: Apple-picking fun for everyone! For apple enthusiasts, families, and singles, Hartland Orchard in Markham is a must-visit. Experience a wide variety of apples, enjoy hayrides, conquer the corn maze, and let the kids play at the playground.
Make your summer sweeter with a visit to these top fruit-picking farms near Fairfax County.
Whether you’re looking for family fun or a friend for an adventure, these farms offer a delightful day out with delicious rewards. Grab your baskets and embark on a fruity escapade filled with laughter and cherished memories!
Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | [email protected] | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
During Covid, when we needed a change of scenery of our four walls, we explored some day trips to see water — which is my happy place. If you need a change of scenery and are looking for (cheap) ways to get yourself some beach time, here are some suggestions for a day trip:
Colonial Beach, Virginia: 90 minutes away from Tyson’s, easy parking, on the Potomac River so very few waves, shallow water, fishing pier. Beware of jellyfish as the water temps get warmer.
Aquia Landing Park, Stafford, Virginia: About an hour from Tyson’s, this 32-acre park is free and is a popular fishing spot and beach for swimming.
Sandy Point, Annapolis, Maryland: An hour drive from Tyson’s, Sandy Point is a popular beach for a day just before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge with lots of space for distancing, sand and water. There is a $4-5 per person fee to use the beach. No pets.
Mason Neck State Park, Lorton, Virginia: This small hidden gem is located under an hour from Tyson’s and offers fishing, canoe and kayak rentals (first come, first served), swimming and walking trails.
Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, Virginia: 32 square miles with 500 miles of shoreline, SML offers everything from fishing, boat rentals, swimming, etc. A huge community has built here so there’s also shopping, dining, entertainment, etc.
Lake Anna State Park, Spotsylvania, Virginia: About 2 hours away, sand and water for swimming and playing, camping grounds for overnight stays, no tents allowed on the beach, lots of walking trails. There are no boat or equipment rentals provided. There are cabins, lodges, and yurts available for rent.
Calvert Cliffs, Lusby, Maryland: Located about 90 minutes from Tyson’s, Calvert Cliffs is a Maryland state park featuring fishing, swimming and walking trails. $7 per car day use for Virginia state plates — CASH ONLY.
If you have another favorite beach spots, please share in the comments!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Your summer schedule awaits!
- Monday and Wednesday nights get Zen with Beloved Yoga for free classes on the Plaza from 6-7 p.m.
- Tuesday nights hop into a trampoline fitness class. Trampolines are provided, first come, first served from 6-7 p.m.
- Gear up for the weekend with live music every Thursday and Friday night from 7-8:30 p.m.
- Looking for a family event? Catch the Wild Summer Movies and Events every Saturday night from 6:30-9 p.m.
And of course, to wrap up summer, save the date for our 2nd annual Silent Dance Party, September 8 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Three hours free parking in the ParkX garage with validation. Validation is only good at ParkX and not in the County Metro parking garage.
Check out the full Summerbration schedule!
* Presented by Reston Community Center in cooperation with MSE Productions, Inc. Hosted by Reston Station. 1900 Reston Metro Plaza | Reston, VA 20190
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
If summer has you thinking about beach reads, barbecuing, and browsing farmers’ markets, go for it! You’ll be supporting your health. “Many leisure activities provide opportunities to socialize, learn, be active, and carry out your life’s purpose — each of which has been proven to support health and well-being,” explains Cate O’Brien, PhD, the VP and Director for Mather Institute.
Mather Institute has compiled findings from a variety of sources to provide some guidelines on this. The Institute is the research area of Mather, the parent organization to The Mather, a Life Plan Community coming to Tysons.
Here are eight ways to spend your free time that can provide health benefits:
1. Make Music. Learning to play an instrument challenges your brain and may improve brain function — and playing an instrument is associated with better cognitive and brain health and psychological and physical well-being.
2. Be Social. Positive, supportive relationships play an important role in well-being. Social support can improve mood, reduce stress, and improve immune function. Spend time with family, friends, or neighbors. Take advantage of opportunities to meet new people and cultivate supportive relationships. Consider joining a group, taking a class, or volunteering to double up on positive effects.
3. Embrace Your Spiritual Side. Spirituality and religiosity are both linked to good health for a variety of reasons. Persons who are spiritual or religious often have a strong sense of purpose, which is associated with a reduced risk of many diseases. Meditation and prayer can help regulate emotions and in turn, contribute to positive physical functions such as healthy blood pressure.
4. Volunteer for a Good Cause — it’s not only good for others; it’s good for your health. Volunteering can promote a strong sense of purpose, which is linked to improved coping with stress, positive health behaviors, and even a longer life. Find a cause that is meaningful to you and dedicate some time to it — it doesn’t have to be a lot for you to reap the health benefits.
5. Get Physical. You already know that physical activity is good for you. Physically active people tend to enjoy a reduced risk of disease and functional limitations, along with a boost to their mental health and brain health. Find an activity you like and move for 30 minutes or more most days. Need extra motivation? Partnering with a friend can help you stay on track.
6. Join a Group that participates in an activity you enjoy. Group activities seem to provide social benefits over and above those from participating in other social activities. Activities such as singing with a choir or riding with a cycling club can provide a boost to psychological well-being, as well as mental, physical, and cognitive health.
7. Learn Something New. Learning, whether informal, self-directed, or formal, can improve well-being. Learning a new, mentally challenging skill may help to keep your brain healthy. Consider studying a language, taking dance lessons, learning to quilt, taking up photography, or learning to play an instrument.
8. Let Purpose and Passion Be Your Guide. Immerse yourself in activities you feel passionate about. First, a strong sense that your activities and goals are purposeful, important, and meaningful — whether it is raising your grandchildren, volunteering to improve the environment, or continuing your education — can improve health and longevity. In addition, simply enjoying an activity keeps you feeling good, helps you stay engaged, and can provide opportunities for growth and social connection.
Choose any of these enticing options for spending your free time, and know that research has proven it is time well spent.
The Mather in Tysons, VA, for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. It opens in 2024.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Children’s National, ranked as the fifth best children’s hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, and is the only hospital in the area nationally ranked in all ten pediatric specialties.
With six convenient locations in Northern Virginia, including Fairfax, Arlington, Gainesville, Reston, Leesburg and Fredericksburg, innovative children’s care is now right nearby.
What sets Children’s National apart is that for over 150 years, the entire staff has been dedicated exclusively to treating kids. All of the doctors at Children’s National are specially trained in pediatric medicine, and our specialists have received advanced training in their particular discipline. So their “bedside manner” is kid-centric, ensuring a warm and welcoming environment for every patient. Each location is designed specifically for children, to keep them comfortable and better provide for their unique needs. From hospital beds to diagnostic and surgical equipment, everything at Children’s National is specifically designed for pediatric care.
Two significant specialties the multidisciplinary teams at Children’s National Northern Virginia excel in are cardiology and neurosurgical care.
Pediatric Cardiology
Currently, Children’s National treats an extensive range of cardiac conditions, from arrhythmias to the rarest heart issues. Of course, the multidisciplinary teams also work together to address the concurrent conditions that can often accompany serious heart issues.
Innovative ways to detect heart defects in utero and implanting child-sized pacemakers are just the beginning, as continuous research is a hallmark at Children’s National. Advancing the science of pediatric care is an ongoing endeavor, and many of Children’s National’s specialists have perfected revolutionary new methods to treat what were once considered “untreatable” conditions.
Neurosurgical Care
Children’s National is also recognized for its outstanding neurosurgical care. The team doesn’t rely on outdated methods of treating brain diseases that have been around for decades. Instead, our innovative approach to treating them has led to breakthroughs such as non-surgical approaches to diagnosing certain conditions, as well as non-surgical methods of treating them.
One of Children’s National’s most noteworthy advances is using a new technique known as LIFU treatment, to help defeat brain cancer by delivering medications that target only the cancerous cells. It’s an approach that spares the surrounding healthy tissue, and what’s even more impressive is that this treatment doesn’t involve traditional brain surgery. Coupled with Children’s National’s imaging advances, it’s been called the “future of treating brain cancer.”
Epilepsy is another condition the neurosurgical team at Children’s National has successfully been able to treat — and in some cases, cure. So rather than just controlling seizures, Children’s National has actually been able to stop them altogether.
Neurosurgical conditions have long been one of medicine’s most difficult issues to treat, but the Children’s National team has perfected approaches that are less invasive, with outstanding success rates and dramatically shorter recovery times. So kids can get home faster to their families and friends, back to school, back to sports and the things that matter most to them.
If your child requires advanced pediatric specialty care, and you are in the Northern Virginia area, Children’s National is here for you. All to help your kids grow up stronger.
Learn more and make an appointment online.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
Did Viva Vienna leave you wanting more adrenaline in the form of rides? Games? More junk food? Well today’s post is dedicated to nearby amusement parks close to Northern Virginia.
Six Flags America — Bowie, Maryland
Like many other Six Flags, this one has a water park, entertainment, and experiences in addition to roller coasters and other rides. A mix of big and little rides, tickets are on sale for $38/day and this is under an hour away from Vienna.
Kings Dominion — Doswell, Virginia
A large amusement park with a waterpark (Soak City), Planet Snoopy for the younger crowd, rides, food, and entertainment. Tickets start around $45 and this is just under 1.5 hours away from Vienna.
Busch Gardens — Williamsburg, Virginia
A huge variety of activities, rides, entertainment, and food. They also have a ton of pet exhibits if you have someone who loves furry friends. This is a 2.5 hour drive from Vienna.
Dutch Wonderland — Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Dutch has a ton of shows, rides, and experiences (the Dragon’s Tale is my favorite!) for the younger crowd. Bonus it’s across the street from Tanger Shopping Outlets. This one is about 2.5 hours away from Vienna, but great for the littles.
HersheyPark — Hershey, Pennsylvania
Chocolate lovers, this one is for you. You can do the amusement park but you can also make your own candy bar at Hershey Chocolate World and meet your favorite candy characters. This is great all day fun for the whole family. The ride will take just under 2.5 hours.
Honorable mention:
This is not an amusement park, but if you have a kid who loves Dinosaur’s — did you know there’s a Dinosaur Land in Virginia? Life-size replicas of your favorite prehistoric creatures can be found in White Post, Virginia, which is about an hour from Vienna.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
