Merissa V. Grayson, Esq.

Child Custody hearings...I'm 3/3 so far! I don't know if it was the non-working vacation or what, but I'm tryna keep this same winning energy all 2022! Let's Goooooooooo! . .... . . . . . . . . . . #divorce #legaladvice #lawyerlife #lawyerup #divorcedmoms #divorced #divorcecourt #babydaddydrama #coparent #blendedfamily #familylaw #singledads #babymamadrama #blendedfamilies #coparenting #coparents #fathersrightsmovement #blendedfamilyexpert #deadbeatdads #elitelawyers #fathersmatter #divorcelawyer #freeconsultation #custody #familycourt #familylawyer See more

Join Family Court Academy today and have access to: A private, online community, centered in all things divided/blended family living, including, navigating the... Family Court System. -tips -tools -resources -community -conversations -and more! #familycourt #blendedfamilylove #blendedfamilyexpert #blendedfamilies #blendedfamily #blackandmarried #blackfamilies #blackfamily #stepmomlife #Stepmoms #stepmom #bonusmom # #blendedfamilyexpert #babymamadramafree #babydaddyprobz #babydad #babymamas #babymamadrama #singlemom #divorced #divorceparty #divorce #divorcee #itsover #familycourtacademy

Today I'm doin a thing over at @familycourtacademy. Hope to see you there

Here's the secret to bouncing back... You'll never get to the destination you're trying to reach, if you constantly travel down the road you're trying to leave. STOP constantly looking back...you're not going that way. ... Sometimes it's that simple. A friendly reminder to myself...Double-tap if this was for you too. & SAVE this post just in case so you can come back to it later if needed. . . . . . . . . . . . . #motivator #motivates #inspire #entrepreneurlife #entrepreneurship #mompreneur #bosslady #bossmom #bossmove #bossmovement #bossmoves #mompreneurs #mompreneurlife #quoteofthenight #quoteoftheweek #quoteofday #checkyourself #merissavgrayson

It’s been a minute, but I’m baaaccckkk(I think) lol I took a hiatus while making some pretty major adjustments in life and business that I can’t wait to share. For those of you who know me & have been rockin w/ me for while...Aaaaayyyee...I missed ya'll. How y'all feelin? Y’all alright?... For those of you new to me, Welcome! My name is Merissa, ( @Merissavgrayson ). Professionally, I'm an Entrepreneurial businesswoman - I'm a #Lawyer & Go-to Problem Solver. I'm not your typical, buttoned-up Lawyer though...Unless I'm in court, a business meeting, or somewhere else where a code switch is necessary (#iykyk), you won’t catch me in a suit using legalese. Now...don’t get me wrong...I clean up nice and like to dress up from time to time, but on the everyday tip, I am very chill ...I’m unapologetically black, regularly use slang and colloquialisms and you’re bound to catch me rocking my Locs, a T-shirt, and sweats whilst sharing a lot of wisdom, lessons, tips, and information that I hope will bless you or somebody you know. If you landed here because of my work as a Child Custody & Family Law Attorney, be sure to follow @familycourtacademy where we talk child custody, blended family life, co-parenting, & family court, all day, everyday. I’m also the founder of The Collective - a super dope Legal & Crisis Management firm lead by black women - We are a firm for the culture. Follow @thecollectivelegal for tips on all things black family, business, rights, and more! This page, Lawyer. Wife. Mom. BOSS.], is my personal page. Here you’ll find a mix of all things... Life, Family, Business, a lil’ Law (cuz that’s what I do) and a lot of fun + shenanigans (cuz enjoying life is a priority). Thanks for being here! Please take a moment to welcome me back and introduce/re-introduce yourself. & if you have any questions about any of the above ... comment below!

Let me save you some time, stress, and money sharing what I've learned as an Attorney and Businesswoman because lately, I've been getting A LOT of inquiries from Entertainers, Artists, Entrepreneurs, and Creatives who have found themselves in some crazy binds that got me like : If you're presented with any contract (which you should be for any deal you're trying to make), it's important to have it reviewed by an Attorney. You should never sign an agreement in a RUSH...goo...d deals take time and diligence. Let them know that you will have your attorney review it and will get back to them. If they try to convince you that their Attorney drafted it perfectly, that you don't need to have an independent Attorney review it, or otherwise trip about the mention of an Attorney you want to ensure YOUR interests, that's a RED FLAG. You layman review of the contract is not the same as an Attorney reviewing it without any bias or emotion attached. Our job is to review the contract and anticipate any potential issues that could come up in the business relationship. We almost always notice something that's in there (or shouldn't be in there) that you didn't even think about. No matter what they say, ALL contracts are negotiable. Though you may not need to change any of the terms, if it's a "take it or leave it" deal, again...RED FLAG. There are a lot of snakes out there waiting to take advantage of the fact that you're not going to consider the above. I know you really want this to happen. I know it's a "great opportunity", I know you're excited, but at the end of the day, you always gotta think long-term...end game. Never be so excited to get IN, that you make a deal you can't get OUT of. If so, you'll end up calling a Lawyer to FIX your problems, which you know, is much, much, much, more complex and expensive than proactively handling your business from the jump. Govern yourself accordingly! Your Cousin in Law, @MERISSAVGRAYSON

Join Child Custody & Family Law Attorney, Merissa V. Grayson for a re-run of one of her most-requested conversations about things you need to know BEFORE you go to Family Court.

#Deardads ...I just want to see you win. Don't kill chance before you even get started. Shift your mindset, shift your chances.

#Business- One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as an Entrepreneur, is that though it's easy to simply do what we've always done, it's sometimes necessary to make changes....I believe that ""if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it."" But I also understand that change is good when necessary. As my business/brand grows, I must adjust accordingly, so those of you who've been around here for a while may have noticed things are a little different in my feed. Where I used to focu...s solely on posting about #familylaw and blended family living, I now post about all things related to Life, Law, Family, and Business, because reality is...for me, they're all intertwined (hence the little person peeping through behind me in this photo ). People are always asking me "How I do it." It depends on the day. But one things for sure...I've realized over the years that I have so much more to offer than just legal tips and because I wanna see everybody win, I've been more open to share. If you have a question you'd like answered or a topic you want to see, feel free to message me or comment below! Cheers to constant change and thanks for still being here. See more

#Deardads ...I just want to see you win. Don't kill chance before you even get started. Shift your mindset, shift your chances.

Oftentimes people have to represent themselves in their divorce, child custody, child support, or other family law hearing. It’s important to understand that even if you don’t have a lawyer, the expectation from the court will still be that you know your stuff and that you are prepared for your hearing. Getting it wrong can have severe consequences that may be detrimental. This video talks about some of the mistakes that are commonly made by pro se/ pro per litigants and how to avoid them. https://bit.ly/347Lej6

#Business- One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as an Entrepreneur, is that though it's easy to simply do what we've always done, it's sometimes necessary to make changes....I believe that ""if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it."" But I also understand that change is good when necessary. As my business/brand grows, I must adjust accordingly, so those of you who've been around here for a while may have noticed things are a little different in my feed. Where I used to focu...s solely on posting about #familylaw and blended family living, I now post about all things related to Life, Law, Family, and Business, because reality is...for me, they're all intertwined (hence the little person peeping through behind me in this photo ). People are always asking me "How I do it." It depends on the day. But one things for sure...I've realized over the years that I have so much more to offer than just legal tips and because I wanna see everybody win, I've been more open to share. If you have a question you'd like answered or a topic you want to see, feel free to message me or comment below! Cheers to constant change and thanks for still being here. See more

Me: Walks into courtroom. Clerk: Please sign in Me: Writes all required case info on form including my name (in the attorney spot), client's name, case #, etc. Clerk: I see you have an Attorney on record. Awkward silence Clerk: Is your attorney here? ... Me: Yes, I am here. I am the Attorney of Record Clerk: Omg!!! I'm so sorry, I didn't read the form. Me: Clearly, not exactly sure why you asked me to fill out a form you weren't going to bother reading, but Okay Sidebar: In case you need some context...I'm always suited up, briefcase in hand when I appear in court. Sometimes I'm the most formally dressed Attorney in the room, as many of my counterparts have the privilege of wearing dresses, a blouse and pants, or even leggings (yes...you read that right) & are still not "mistaken" to be anything other than the Attorneys they are. #suchisthestoryofmyblackattorneylife

How many times have you heard: you’ll never win in Family Court without a lawyer, you’ll never get custody if you’re a dad, there's no coming back from being an absent parent? the system is against families working together?... . In some cases...all that may be true. BUT we believe that with the right knowledge, guidance, strategies, and confidence, you can reach (or get closer to) your divorced/ divided/blended family goals, no matter how impossible you may think it is. Here are 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Family Court: https://bit.ly/37kCXdA

When it comes to family law. Always remember that It’s a process: Once the court gets involved in your family law matters, it’s a process things do not happen overnight. While temporary orders may be issued shortly after your case begins, getting permanent orders is a process. How long the process takes depends on you and the other parent, whether you’re willing to make compromises to reach an amicable agreement, or whether you end up in a lengthy court battle. . Need more insight about family court? I just re-launched My FREE course, Child Custody 101, which walks you through all the basics you need to know about Family Court. Click the link in my bio to get instant access! https://bit.ly/3lRzR4P

I gotta super dope friend who happens to also be a Boss at helping people navigate blended family life., which we know can be disastrous if ya ain't careful. If you're in a blended family or are co-parenting, I encourage you to join me in the Facebook group and ig page, Blended and Black @blendedandblack. It's a support group for parents and stepparents in divided/blended families. There are more than 7,000+ members. We share stories, seek/give advice, share resources, laug...h, cry, and truly support one another. Trust me...it's nice to know you're not in this blended family thing alone. The founder, Naja Hall, is an amazing certified family educator...and as a bonus, yours truly is the legal contributor to the group. Comment below or message me if you want me to add you. Or just search for the group ""Blended and Black"" I look forward to seeing you there! See more

In #Business I will not negotiate my character.Listen...there are plenty of Lawyers you can hire to help you with your shenanigans...I ain't the one. I didn't get into this business to make the next person's life miserable, add fuel the drama in the your life, help you drive your kids into psychological despair, etc. I'm in this thing to positively impact divided/blended families...period! It's bad enough that so many of our families are broken...accepting money to make matters worse is not what I do. So, if your goal is to get back at the other parent, keep your kids from them, or hide your money so you can pay less/receive more child support...keep it pushing, as I'll politely decline representation.

Are you at risk of losing custody of your kids? One of the many things parents don't understand about the family court system is that The court is supposed to remain focused on "the child's best interest"(whatever that means) and with some exceptions believes that children deserve to have a relationship with BOTH parents. If one parent decides, without good reason, or without going through the proper legal process, that they don't want the other child to have a relationship w...ith the other parent, and intentionally alienates the child from the parent (i.e. brainwashing, or physically withholding the child, etc.), the court CAN take custody from the alienating parent in order to preserve the child's relationship with the other parent. Be wise in the way you handle your issues with the other parent, as a misstep can cause you to lose custody! See more

One of the most important factors in consistently achieving my goals has been the support of my parents, family, and friends. Though many people on the outside claimed my goals were outlandish...those around me support me no matter what, even if I fail. Don’t be that parent who discourages your child from being who they dream of being or doing what they dream of doing. Don’t be that parent who tells your kids that their goals are too big, that they should be more realistic or insist they have a backup plan.

Am I right to guess we’ve all spent more time indoors this year than we ever imagined we would? It’s allowed (forced?) me to do a bit of self-reflection and I’ve realized that I miss being able to just get up and go to Starbucks for a few hours to work, people watch, and get a change of scenery. But it’s helped me become a better businessperson because I've realized the importance of taking breaks, which before I was so "tunnel visioned" that I'd hardly do. What has being holed up for months revealed for you?

There is no such thing as competition, if you just do YOU. I know, I know...I say this alllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll the time...cuz it's true! Too many people out here trying to compete with everyone else. I get it...it's easy to get caught up in lookin at what everyone else is doing and feel like you need to catch up. But STOP...you're right where you're supposed to be...unless you're not, then you don't have time to pay attention to everyone else anyway! Give yourself some grace and then get yourself to work. You can be amazing regardless.

Did I hear someone say it was #nationalsonday ? Bet. Shoutout to my 2 heartbeats @grrayyson_ & @lifewithtyson Words cannot express the joy the bring to my life daily.

About Yesterday It was definitely a special day! It was #nationaldaughter day. I happened to be blessed with the most amazing daughter, @ahri_grayson , on the planet. Love this girl beyond words. It was @lifewithtyson ‘s Birthday! Can yall believe he is officially 10 years old?! Quarantine has brought out some amazing progress in Tyson. #thesilverlining . The week leading up to his birthday, he has randomly said a new word each day w/the right context. For a kid on the #au...tismspectrum, this is huge! When we sang Happy Birthday to him, he actually joined in! Talk about a mom in tears...lol And finally...It was my 9 year Lawyerversary. Many of you know my journey...my struggle and how much my kids were literally a part of the same (I frequently toted Ahri to my law school class when we didn’t have a sitter, I was pregnant with Tyson when I took the bar exam). I’ve come a long way since the day I opened my Law Firm doors Needless to say...with everything going on in the world, I’m just extremely grateful. Grateful for life, health, family, and each year that I’m able to enjoy the above. #mindfulparenting #parentinglife #mindfullife #mindfulmamas #momtips #dailymom #momproblems #mombreak #realmom #parenting101 #positiveparenting #girlsofinstagram #momssofinstagram #mommyblog #autismmom #autismlife #autismfamily #specialneedskids #autismparents #specialneedsmoms #specialneedsawareness #specialneedsmom #specialneedssiblings #specialneedsfamilies #specialneedschildren #specialneedsparent

You aren't being divisive, or starting trouble, or bringing politics into the conversation. Justice isn't political. Standing up for justice isn't divisive. It is always right.. Those who believe otherwise- who choose to uphold systemic oppression through their displays of apathy or silent complicity, are the actual problem- not you. Remember that. #wisdomoftheday #wisdomwords #wisdom #lifewisdom #motivator #motivates #inspire #blackexcellencepersonified #blacklivesmatter #blacklivesmatter #protests2020 #georgefloyd #ahmaudrbery #breonnataylor #doyouwantarevolution #wetired #blackwomen #blm #resist #blackhistory #blackpride #blackness #collectivesaid #useyourprivilege #workingtogether