Volume II, Issue 3

Krusch and Sellers News:

From the Desk of Attorney Nicholas L. Cushing:

The trees are changing, the weather’s cooler (at least some days) and holiday season is here once again. No matter which holidays you celebrate it’s important that you, and your children, are able to make the most of the time you have with family and friends. Here are some tips for helping the holiday visitation go smoothly:

1. Check your Custody Order or Separation Agreement. Unless you and the other parent have agreed otherwise, you will both be expected to follow the schedule set out in the document. Failure to comply with the Order could result in proceedings for contempt of court.
2. Plan ahead. If you’re planning to travel or have family coming to town, you may want additional time with your children. While the other parent may not agree to change the schedule, discussing the issue now, rather than the week before, may help you get what you want.
3. Be considerate. If you’re reading this newsletter it’s probably because you have some conflict with the other parent. We’re here to advocate for you and help you get the best results possible. However, it’s important to focus on what’s best for your children, not just what is most convenient for you. Being considerate of the other parent’s time with your children during the holidays may take some of the conflict out of the rest of your case. For example, don’t promise your kids a trip to the mall for Christmas shopping when it’s not your time to have them. And if you celebrate Christmas Eve and your spouse celebrates Christmas Day, perhaps you can allow the children to celebrate both by exchanging them late Christmas Eve or early Christmas morning.
4. Encourage your children to have sufficient contact with the other parent. While you should always encourage the kids to have a good relationship with both parents, communication is especially important during the holidays. If the kids are with you on Thanksgiving there’s always time for them to call the other parent for at least a few minutes.

My point is: no matter how contested your custody case, make sure that during this holiday season you’re doing what’s best for the kids. What’s usually best for the kids is to make sure they know that both parents love them very much, and that even though mom and dad aren’t together during the holidays the kids will always be able to celebrate with both parents.

We are Thankful for:

As Thanksgiving approaches, we take time to consider things in life that we may take for granted the rest of the year. 

Here are some things we are thankful for…

Alan Krusch:  I am grateful for the family that surrounds me, the good friends that I have in my life, sunset dinners on the beach with my wife, the smart and professional people that I work with and my good health and well-being

Leigh Sellers: I am grateful for the health and happiness of my family, fall weather, Apple computers, Anderson Cooper and George Clooney.

Nicholas Cushing:  I am grateful for my friends and family, my good health and the new location of Firebird’s at Southpark.

Claire Krusch:  I am grateful for the joy that each one of my family members brings to my heart (this includes my 13 year old dog), my health and the abundance of goodness and blessing in my life.

Thom Hall:  I am grateful for my wonderful family, the times when my home is full of friends and family laughing and enjoying each other’s company, a job that I enjoy, and a great season so far for the Panthers.

Jenny Pattana: I am grateful for the unconditional love from my family, friends who make me laugh, a good cup of coffee and live music.

With the holidays fast approaching, you may be looking for a unique way to spend the holidays with your friends and family.  If so, consider spending time at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina this holiday season.   Christmas at Biltmore runs November 7, 2008 through January 4, 2009. 

 Biltmore Estate is truly magnificent during this time of the year.  The home is decorated with miles of garland, more poinsettias than you can count and dozens of Christmas trees.  You will not believe your eyes when you see the 35-foot tall Christmas tree situated in the Banquet Hall!  Another highlight is the gingerbread replica of the home located in the kitchen.  I have often wondered what it takes to make a gingerbread house of that magnitude.  Well this year there will be a daily presentation by the Biltmore pastry chefs in the stable area to explain how this was done.

There are two ways to enjoy Christmas at Biltmore.  You can visit during the day or tour the home at night by candlelight.  My favorite is the candlelight tour.  The home is aglow in candles and fires in the huge fireplaces.  Highlights of the candlelight tours include carolers, live music, choirs singing European carols, and ballet dancers twirling in the Winter Garden.  The front lawn of Biltmore House has been transformed into a majestic forest sparkling with thousands of lights. An enormous evergreen tree makes a glorious centerpiece decked in holiday lights and surrounded by an array of evergreens in every size.

Top your evening off with dinner at one of Biltmore’s restaurants.  When you call to make your reservations for the candlelight tour, mention that you would like to dine on the estate and they will arrange everything, conveniently scheduling your evening so you have plenty of time to dine and tour the estate.  If you don’t feel like driving home afterwards, you can spend the night at the luxurious Inn at Biltmore Estate. 

There is so much more to do at Biltmore, I can’t include everything.  So to learn more, visit them online at www.biltmore.com or call 1-800-411-3812.  I know you will enjoy the experience.