Co-parenting under normal circumstances presents many challenges for families of divorced or separated parents. Add a worldwide pandemic to a tenuous, oftentimes contentious, family dynamic and the results can be devastating for everyone involved. During COVID-19, many families are discovering that previous co-parenting arrangements may not withstand the demands associated with sheltering in place and remote/distance learning. This can amplify an already stressful situation. Read our blog as we discuss ways to help families cope with the challenges associated with co-parenting through a pandemic. Ensure safety when changing households Many parents wonder if it’s safe to have their children travel back and forth between two households, especially if the other parent is at a higher risk for exposure through work or contact with others like a stepparent or significant other. Some have even gone to court over such matters. Parents should make every effort to talk amongst themselves to discuss how to address safety concerns before getting the courts involved. Maintain open lines of communication Oftentimes separated or divorced parents are estranged from one another, making communication and planning quite challenging. However, parents should try to set aside their differences and focus on the heath and well-being of their children. Maintaining open and honest lines of communication is critical. If you find communicating…
Read MoreAccording to a report published by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of the Commissioner, 80,636 traffic crashes occurred in the state of Minnesota in 2019. These car accidents, involving 148,774 vehicles, resulted in 364 deaths; 27,260 people suffered injuries. Unfortunately, traffic crashes—ranging from minor spinouts and fender benders to multiple-vehicle events with numerous injuries and fatalities—occur daily. We’ve put together 5 top questions for when a car accident occurs. 1. What information do I need after a car accident occurs? With any motor vehicle incident, you’ll first want to ensure the safety of all involved, provide reasonable assistance to any injured parties, and seek medical treatment for yourself if necessary. After that point, it’s important to collect contact and insurance information from anyone else involved. This includes the driver’s full name and address, the name and address of vehicle owner (if different), driver’s license information, and insurance documentation. Collect names and contact information of any passengers or others involved in the crash. If there are any witnesses, gather their names and phone numbers as well. Once the police arrive, write down names and badge numbers. You should also document the following information for all vehicles: make, model, and year; license plate number with expiration date; and the vehicle identification number (VIN)….
Read MoreNo matter the cause or the repercussions, suffering a personal injury can lead to a large amount of stress. In addition to the injuries themselves, you may be dealing with related physical challenges, emotional stressors, or financial difficulties from extensive medical bills and lost wages from time missed from work. We’ve outlined some of the many things to consider when you’ve suffered a personal injury. Types of Personal Injury Cases At Barna, Guzy & Steffen, we’ve worked with a variety of clients who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Types of personal injury cases include motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, dog bites or other animal attacks, , and product defect or liability to name a few. Another type of personal injury may be caused by premises liability, meaning that an accident occurred due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, including commercial, retail, or other public locations. Information and Details About Your Injury When you’ve suffered a personal injury, of course you’ll first want to ensure your safety and the safety of others and seek necessary medical treatment. However, it’s important to obtain as much information as possible about the situation. Details imperative to a personal injury case include basics such as time, location, and the contact…
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