If you’re a single mommy with kids, you might not be able to take care of them on your own. The father needs to step in. Here’s how to get child support.

No matter how you slice it, raising your child apart from the other parent can bring about complications. One of the biggest complications that you need to keep in mind is the fact that kids cost a good bit of money. 

When you need to hold the other parent accountable, it’s important to find out how to get child support. Read on to learn how to make this happen. 

1. Establish Paternity First and Foremost

Without question, establishing paternity is the first and most important part of the process. 

Knowing or having an idea of who the father is is one thing, but you need to establish paternity without a shadow of a doubt so that you have legal grounds. You can seek a court-ordered paternity test so that you can verify that the person you are trying to get child support from is actually the father. 

The courts will issue a cheek swab or blood test so that you are able to prove who the father is. 

2. Learn the Laws of Your State

Each state has its own protocols that come with the territory of handling a child support case. You’ll need to learn the ins and outs of things like timetables, the types of forms you need, what burdens of proof you must satisfy, and how the child support amounts are calculated. 

In general, these amounts boil down to a percentage of the income that the other partner brings in, and the amount will be legally ordered. From there, you’ll need to figure out how to enforce the order, since a person can have money taken out by direct debit, or could pay money directly to the other person. 

Each state handles these matters differently, so the more you learn about how it is handled in your state, the easier it would be to get the most out of your filing. 

3. Hire the Assistance of a Child Support Lawyer

Without question, it is important that you look into the help of an attorney that can assist you. 

When you have the assistance of a child support lawyer, you will be better able to move forward with your case. They will assist you in keeping every detail of your case together and will make sure that you are using the strategy that matters the most. Be sure that you find the help of a lawyer that is a protector, but who also does what is best for the family situation and for your kids, rather than just making matters combative. They will be just what you need to move the case forward, to handle every filing, and to make sure that you aren’t missing out on any details. Take the time to look into the help of the best child support attorney that you can find, and ask around for referrals in order to be certain that you have found the right fit.

4. File for Child Support with Your Local Courts

It’s important to fill out your paperwork and make sure that you file your application with the courts. 

Your attorney will assist you so that you are filing the correct forms with the right court, and that you are hitting the appropriate deadlines. Once you have a solid paternity test in hand, you will be able to file a claim for child support with your local family court. 

Be sure that you cover all of the fees that come with the process and that you serve the other parent with the court summons. This way, you will get a court date where you are both required to show up and will be able to prepare for the hearing accordingly. 
You should also take this time to begin having open and honest communications with each other about how you want to parent your child. This is a lifelong commitment, and child support is just a small part of a long journey. 

Come up with some strategies from parenting your child in different households, and make sure that you also have visitation schedules that work for both of you. The amount of child support that you ask for may also depend on how much time and custody you each have. 

Having a peaceful family arrangement is great for your well-being and mental health. 

5. Prepare for a Hearing

Work with your lawyer to make sure that you are prepared for the hearing when it comes along. 

This way, you will be able to profess your case and your right to the money that you are seeking. Your lawyer will work with you to make sure you are prepared and that you have your ducks in a row. 

Be sure that you get plenty of sleep the night before and show up rested, well dressed and professional. 

6. Ensure That the Order Is Followed

Finally, be sure that you do your due diligence and follow up to be sure the order is followed. 

This is something that needs to be monitored on a regular basis. You should work with your lawyer to follow up on child support issues when needed, to be sure that you are always getting the money that you are entitled to, and that you are adjusting amounts whenever necessary. 

Learn How to Get Child Support

If you put these tips to use, you can learn how to get child support on your terms. 
This is a matter of law, so you need to take it seriously, document everything and get the help that you need. 
Check out our lifestyle tips, must-have baby items, and giveaways to make your family and household as amazing as they can be!

Are you lucky enough to have a spare bedroom at home? Don’t waste this incredible space! If your spare room is just used as a dumping ground then why not give it a good declutter and turn it into a fantastic usable area. Here are some ideas for what you could do with it. 

An office

Are you a blogger, freelancer or run a home business? Do you ever work from home, even if it’s just a couple of days a week? If so, turning your spare room into an office is a smart move.  Invest in a good desk and a comfortable office chair. Keep it simple and free of distractions, but decorate with a few homely touches- perhaps a couple of plants and an inspirational framed quote to get you into work mode. 

A craft room

If you have a desk hobbies such as writing, gaming or crafting, again all you’d need is a desk and some storage in a small box room. If it’s a larger space you’re working with, you could go all out with a games room. A pool table, a dart board, a home bar and even a table set up for things like chess, board games and card games. 

A media room

A home cinema or media room can be a great use of a spare bedroom  particularly at this time a year when it’s freezing outside, what’s better than an evening in a movie? You could invest in a projector, paint the walls dark and save yourself money on cinema tickets

A guest room

Having a room that allows you to host guests is a good way to use a spare bedroom. Maybe it’s for occasional use when loved ones come to visit, or perhaps along with home health care you will be looking after an unwell or elderly family member for a longer period. Either way, a comfy bed, some simple homely touches and blackout curtains are all essentials to a good guest room. Don’t forget to leave the wifi password!

A playroom for the children

A playroom helps keep kids toys from taking over the house and gives them a bit of extra space to play in. You could kit it out with a desk for their homework, crafts and other sit down activities. A toy box so everything can easily be put away, and some comfy seating. Decorate it in a fun way to make the most of it, brightly coloured walls, unusual furniture- don’t take it too seriously!

A dressing room

As women, most of us dream of having a beautiful dressing room with rails of clothes and space for shoes, bags, scarves, jewellery and more. You’ll feel like a princess every day, and while it seems incredibly luxurious it’s something that could easily be done in lots of homes.

As a parent, it is incredibly important for us to keep our children safe at all times. Short of wrapping your child in bubble wrap before sending them out of the house, there’s always doubt when it comes to letting them out without your supervision. 

There are however a lot of things you can do to keep your kids safe and sound when they play outside, giving you peace of mind whenever they leave the house, and avoiding having to use McGilberry & Shirer LLP for any injuries. 

1. Apply sunscreen 

If the day is sunny, it is important for you to apply sunscreen to your child before they head for a day outside with their friends. Even in the winter, the sun’s rays can be damaging to a child’s sensitive skin so it is always good to be safe and apply a good layer of sunscreen to them before they go out. 

2. Make sure they have sunglasses

The sun is a powerful and beautiful star, and it is all too tempting for a child to stare directly at the sun to see its yellow colour. However as we know, the strength light coming from our native star is too powerful for the eyes, and prolonged staring can lead to eyesight issues. Make sure that when you send your child outside that they have sunglasses on to keep their eyes safe.

3. Hydrate!

Water is something that is incredibly important when it comes to health. Children should ideally drink around 3-4 cups of water a day, more if they are older, and this is something that will keep their body healthy and their mind clear. When sending your child for a playdate in the sun, make sure to pack a bottle of water with them that they can drink on their journey. 

4. Protect against allergies
Hay fever is one of the most common allergies in the world, and chances are your child will suffer with it at some point or another. Make sure before your child heads out to play that you give them an antihistamine to protect them against congestion. As well as this, it is important to note any other allergies your child may have such as a peanut allergy, and make sure that they have an epi-pen with them, and that anyone who is with them knows that they cannot eat peanuts. 

5. Prepare them for the weather 

There is always the risk of changing weather conditions throughout the day, and this becomes especially apparent as we head into autumn and winter. When sending your outside, make sure that they are set for any weather. This means pants and a t shirt, a hoodie, a coat, and an umbrella just in case it rains. This allows them to take layers off if they are warm and layer up when they get cold. 

6. Repel bugs 

One of the biggest pests outside the house is bugs. Bugs such as mosquitoes and horse flies are incredibly irritating but they can also bite and cause a skin reaction to your child. Horse flies in particular are dangerous and can cause severe swelling. This is why covering your child with strong smelling sunscreen and spraying them with repellent is a must.

The very first Toy Story came out when I was 12 years old and I still remember going to the movie theater to watch it. We all fell in love with Woody and Buzz and as I had children they too loved watching Toy Story and the others to follow.

I have a son now who is head over heels in love with Woody and Buzz and was so excited for Toy Story 4 to come out. We were all super excited to see what adventures the gang would be up to and it did not disappoint!

We all instantly fell for Forky and he crazy antics as Woody goes to find him and then Gabby Gabby stealing his pull box. It is a fun movie with twists. Some adult humor for us parents and a great Toy Story movie all around.

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Everyone who has watched “The Office” probably remembers the Party Planning Committee and their efforts to throw memorable parties, which often turned into disastrous events. In most cases the reason was less related to money than to their ideas. While money can go a long way in creating a memorable event, it’s still ideas that make everyone remember a party for a long time. So, if your kid is eagerly looking forward to their next birthday party, take a look at the following tips that should help you create a unique and memorable event.

Consider the number of guests

Unfortunately, we can’t tell you what number is good when it comes to the number of guests. It depends on the venue where you’re organising the party and the age of your kid. If you want your party to be successful, you have to remember that if you have too many guests, many kids will find it overwhelming to handle so many new friends. As a result, they become irritable and can easily ruin the whole experience. For example, toddlers best work and socialize in pairs, which is why it’s good to have an even number of guests at your party.

Hidden prizes

There is a little trick that should help you make everyone happy and put them into a party mood as soon as they walk through the door. Make a dough for cupcakes, but before you pour them into the forms, place a small present or prize at the bottom of the form. Welcome the guests with a tray full of cupcakes, but make sure they know there is a prize inside, because you don’t want them to swallow it. If you play your cards right, the guests will be amazed at both your creativity and baking skills.

Fun party bags

It’s usually small things that party-goers remember. You don’t have to break the bank for an amazing party bag filled with chocolate, sweets, balloons or bubble-blowers. Alternatively, you can opt for a more educational content and include pocketbooks. This trick is often used by organisers of successful corporate kids events, who need to entertain kids at a large-scale event. Remember that every kid likes getting presents, even when it’s not their birthday and make sure everyone takes home something. That will make them remember the party for a really long time.

Temporary tattoos

Most kids love tattoos, although their parents may be completely against them. Still, you can treat your young guests with a tattoo that will only last a day or even less. Place a bowl of temporary tattoos next to the tray of cupcakes at the entrance and allow each kid to pick one or two. It’s great to have a mirror somewhere near, so that they can immediately check out their tattooed arm or shoulder. Since you’ll probably have both boys and girls at the party, make sure they have a wide enough selection off tattoos available: from skulls and knights to hearts, kitties and unicorns.

Have something adult-friendly

If you really want your party to be great for everyone, you have to think about entertaining the adults, too. Remember that some parents simply dread kids’ birthday parties because they have to work hard around their schedules and spend at least a couple of hours at the party. A mimosa bar is a good start if you want to make adults happy. Or, if there is an important game on TV, make sure they have a room where they can watch it, far from the kids.

Karaoke

This is an activity equally enjoyed by kids and adults. It’s really fun to have kids and their parents singing along to the most popular tunes, but make sure they are simple enough. You can even organise a contest and determine the winner by the number of votes. Another idea is to have kids perform with their parents. That would help them bond even more and surely lead to unforgettable memories.

Great parties don’t need to be too elaborate. On the contrary, it’s often a small trick or surprise that will turn a boring party into an unforgettable bash. However, to make it happen, you need to know what your guests like and include it in the party. Since most kids love parties and can have great time just by being with their friends, you really don’t need much more than a simple, yet unique idea or feature to make a memorable event.

Most of us spend a lot of time is our bedrooms, and that can make them feel dull and monotonous. That’s why it’s a good idea to change it up every now and then, style it up and make it a place you enjoy spending time in. If you feel like you are in need of change, you can simply start changing your life by changing your bedroom. Hopefully, some of these tips will help you get inspired to freshen up your room and bring it up to style.

Add natural elements for a rustic look

Imagine transporting a mountain tavern into your room and creating a cozy winter getaway out of it. This can actually be done if you invite more rustic elements into your bedroom. Keep in mind that rustic doesn’t mean uncomfortable or completely unprocessed. You’ll do your bedroom a favor by introducing natural elements of any kind, even if they are processed or industrial. The best way to nail a rustic look is to include elements of distressed wood and combine it with a palette of neutral colors and shades. Textured fabrics, furs and stone décor also add to a very rich rustic look.

Make a strong statement with eclectic details

In many cases, a room can become boring just because you’re used to the same old style and are in need of a bit of experimenting. Try incorporating some bold, eclectic accent décor elements into your room and see how they will fit. It’s important not to back out at the first moment because every change can be unsettling at first. Try adding pieces that are both functional and make a strong statement, too. For example, you can add more space to your wardrobe by making room for a clothes rack in the corner of the room. This way your own clothes can become decorative elements of the room – how awesome is that?

Enhance your bed to sleep like a king

The most common focal point of the bedroom is almost in all cases the bed. Feng Shui teaches us that the bed should be placed parallel to the walls, and most of us are aware of the fact that placing the bed diagonally won’t do us much good. Besides the position of the bed, you should mind its quality, as well. Sleeping on an uncomfortable bed for years has probably left you with a lot of restless nights and grumpy mornings. You can end this agony by checking out the vast choice of luxury king mattresses and finding the one that helps you sleep like royalty. Remember that princesses are not the only ones who need their beauty sleep.

Say yes to industrial design

When it comes to industrial design, the key element stands behind functionality. You can make your home both stylish in a modern way and truly efficient by leaning on the ways industrial designers deal with interior. In industrial styled homes, you can see a lot of open elements and exposed constructions, such as plumbing and concrete walls. Although this design might seem undone, it’s actually quite more convenient and easier to clean than most other designs. Since the base colors include gray and black, while the main materials are concrete and brick, you can imagine how rarely you’d need to repaint. Just be careful not to go too dark, so break up the gray areas with some colorful focals, such as a bright red armchair, or a large abstract piece of art based in mustard yellow. 

Zen up your space for a boho chic style

If you’re looking for a way to make your room more calm and peaceful, then going Zen is what you need to do. Zen style was instructed to interior design when designers started to be aware of the many benefits this Asian-influenced look can bring. Zen is based on the rules of Feng Shui, and thus it is centered on the flow of positive energy throughout the home. In order to make your bedroom Zen-friendly, you should opt for more open spaces and light, natural colors, as well as a lot of sunlight and fresh air. Houseplants can be great company in creating such a look, as well as decluttering all the hidden stashes of piled junk and unnecessary things.

You can’t possibly go with all styles at once, so make sure to carefully think through and decide what you want your bedroom to look like. Nothing in our home reflects our personality like our bedroom, so make sure to create a finish your design with a personal touch.    

When it comes to style, it’s something that money simply can’t buy. Just because you go out and buy the most expensive pieces of clothing doesn’t make you a fashion icon. What does make you a fashion icon is knowing what your personal style is, drawing inspiration from different sources and using all that to create something truly inspiring and unique. While some are born with a keen eye for details, others learn it through practice. If you fall into the latter category, take a look at these five tricks for dressing like a fashion goddess.

Take some time to figure out your personal style

If you take a look at any major style icon, you’ll notice how they have something unique about their style, something that really sets them aside from all the other people – something that gives them that je ne sais quoi appeal, and yet something you can’t quite put your finger on. However, behind the nonchalant look often lie years of practice and self-discovering that lead to the formation of their unique, easily distinguishable style. Therefore, give yourself some time to figure out what your personal style is. Consider your goals, aspirations, and the general vibe you’d like your style to emulate. Also, think about the overall aesthetic you’re drawn to – whether it’s minimalist, eclectic, or vintage, it can be a great starting point for building your personal style.

Use fashion blogs and magazines to draw inspiration

Everyone draws inspiration from somewhere – even the biggest stars, celebrities, and style icons check out what someone else is wearing and then adjusts that to their personal style. Whether it’s the fashion shows, websites, magazines, or fashion blogs, they can all give you a fresh perspective on your style, and provide you with all the different ideas on how to wear certain garments. They can also show you how to rock certain trends, and you can decide whether you want to incorporate those trends or not. However, don’t limit your inspiration sources – museums, movies, and theaters can also inspire you style-wise, so be sure to look for inspiration in multiple places.

Know which pieces and colors look good on you

Part of being a fashion icon is knowing what looks good on you. When the colors complement your natural features and your clothes fit you like a glove, you immediately look polished and put-together, regardless of how much the outfit cost. Think about what your best features are and look for pieces that enhance them. Also, make sure that the garments you choose to invest in are versatile and can be worn on many occasions. For example, white tees, blue jeans, and simple black dresses are always good to have because you can combine them with virtually anything. As for the shoes, comfortable slides footwear is a must-have, especially in neutral tones such as sand and black so you can wear them with multiple outfits when it’s warm, while simple white sneakers will help you create a number of stylish, effortless combinations for cooler seasons.

Be ready to experiment from time to time

No style icon would ever become that way if they didn’t experiment with fashion choices and take time to develop their own style. Taking fashion risks is crucial for building a style that is a reflection of you, your tastes and your preferences, so be ready to get out of your comfort zone and experiment a little every now and then. Even after you’ve found your style, it’s always good to keep your options open – whether it’s trying on a new hairstyle, or wearing a hue that happens to be on-trend. Just make sure that the trend you’re wearing feels like you so you don’t have to worry about how you look.

Whatever you wear – wear it with confidence

Finally, the last trick to looking like a fashion icon is to wear everything with confidence. Because fashion is all about wearing things that showcase your individuality, you need to make sure that whatever you’re wearing feels right to you. We’ve all seen our favorite celebrities wearing outfits that would definitely raise a few eyebrows, but because they owned them, we managed to look past the questionable style choices and many of us actually came to like the outfit because of the way they wore it. Confidence is key to any amazing outfit combination, so be sure to please yourself and wear pieces that enhance your personality – that’s the only way to truly look and feel like a fashion icon.

Like a famous fashion photographer, Bill Cunningham, once said: Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life. Use that armor to feel great in your skin, and whatever you wear, make sure your personality shines through.

Going to the gym is definitely something that we want to do more of. It is almost every year on our New Year’s Resolutions lists and we try, oh we try so hard, to make it happen. However, it is not only going to the gym that matters, the way you are doing the exercises also matters a lot. And in order to that properly, you need to have the right gear. Simply, sometimes the routine is not enough, and these essentials will guarantee faster results and more comfort while working out. This brings us to the next point – what is the equipment that you need to have in order to work out in the best possible way? Take a look at six key workout essentials for women, and if you are missing something, go get it now.

Comfy clothes

The first thing you need to make sure you have is comfortable clothes for working out. Wearing poor workout clothes will only result in a bad workout, so make sure that you buy high-quality workout clothes only. But what makes your workout clothes comfortable and good? The fact that they are well-fitted. Such clothes are always best for your workout, as you will be able to see your muscles and how they move, and thus alter something in your workout routine that you thought was good but in fact is not. Also, if you opt for moisture-wicking clothes, the level of comfort will be even greater.

Shoes matter

Moreover, it is also the shoes that you should pay special attention to. Not all shoes are made for the purpose of working out, and the sooner you realized this, the better. Some shoes are more comfortable than others, and you need to opt for those that are your size and that have a very comfortable sole for running. Unless you choose the right shoes, you might end up with different types of injuries which is something you want to avoid. And speaking of shoes, since you will be buying a new pair that is created for the purpose of working out, you might also want to opt for pretty women’s socks that will go well with your shoes and the rest of your outfit. Bear in mind that you want high-quality socks as you don’t want your feet to get smelly.

A good sports bra

Since we are speaking of comfortable clothing so as not to cause any injuries, it is important that every woman knows everything about the benefits of a good sports bra. If you have larger breasts, then you want your sports bra to be very tight so that it prevents your breasts from jumping up and down and thus create injuries and pain. It can also help you avoid any nasty stares and drooling faces at the gym (and we definitely all want to prevent that) and can reduce long-term sagging.

High-quality water bottle

It just won’t do to hit the gym without having a water bottle next to you. Of course, you can always buy a water bottle at the nearest shop, but having your own water bottle will help the environment a lot, and this is why you should always have one by your side. More importantly, having it next to you at all times will remind you to drink water during the day which is very important for your fitness performance.

Protein powders

If you want a good workout and you want to pump your muscles just a little bit, it is important to have the right protein powder by your side and drink it after your training. Of course, there are other workout supplements that you can go with, but always make sure that you’re using ones that are of high quality. A good protein powder can also be a great aid for women to supplement their healthy diet. The best protein for women is the 100% Whey Protein, though.

Music

Finally, how would we be able to work out without a good workout playlist? In order to make this happen, make sure to stock your phone with great tunes what you will love working out to (upbeat tempo songs please), and get yourself a pair of good headphones (the best option would be to buy noise-canceling ones). Never underestimate the power of good music for a workout. You will see and experience that the workouts while listening to the songs you love differ a lot from the workouts where you listen to what is on the menu at the gym.

Who says that the key workout essentials are clothes only? That’s right, there is plenty more to think about, not only the clothes that you are taking with you to the gym. So make a list of all the things you want to include, make sure that all of it is high-quality and there you go!

Having a growing and active family can be incredibly addictive. As you’ll know if you’ve got kids of differing ages, it’s terrific having a teen to help out with your toddlers. And, what could be better than knowing that you’ve got years of raising successful kids ahead of you? Yes; some of us get the family fever alright. The trouble is that, no matter how long you think you’ve got with your youngsters, the years have a habit of flying by.

Before you know, the teens who helped raise your toddlers are  adults, and your toddlers aren’t far from teens themselves. In these times, it’s natural to wonder whether more kids could bring the heart back into the family home.

For some families, this kind of growth definitely works. To make sure that’s the case for you, though, it’s first vital to ask yourself the following questions.

#1 – Is your partner on the same page?

Large and generational families are fantastic, but having more kids is never going to work if your partner’s not on board. It takes two to raise a family, after all, and you’ll soon experience trouble if your loved one was planning a few decades of peace after all the hard work. The main thing to do here is to talk. Accept, too, that your partner’s reaction might be ‘no.’ If they don’t want a bigger family, then your plans may have to change. If they want the same thing as you, though, then it’s good news indeed.

#2 – Will your age affect things?

You’ve been busy raising a family, and some of your kids may already be into adulthood. That’s a lot of years since you had your first child, and age can have an impact. In fact, fertility issues are most common in women 35+. There’s no saying you will experience issues, but it’s vital to acknowledge the possibilities. For one, look into any potential lifestyle changes you might need to make. Then, do a little research into assisted conception using resources like this IVF educational video. These steps make sure you go into things with your eyes open and could help your efforts to expand your family down the line.

#3 – Do you have the resources?

You also need to consider the practical aspects of an expanding family. Do you have the space for another baby, for example? Kids often stay home into their twenties now, so it’s no good assuming someone will move out! What’s more, the general cost of having a baby is high, so you need to consider whether your family finances can comfortably fit while still maintaining the lifestyles your other kids are used to. 

No one’s denying that having more kids can put the heart back in your family home, but asking questions like these is vital before you make a decision. That way, you’ll be able to know for sure whether this is the best move, or whether you should embrace your emptying nest.