Category Archives: Family Law
Can I Adopt My Step-Child? Is Step-Parent Adoption Right for My Family?
Adoption of a stepchild by a step-parent can be a wonderful way to provide stability and a loving family environment for a child. The process can be relatively straightforward if all parties agree to the adoption, and a step-parent adoption in certain situations can provide tremendous benefits for the family as a whole. However,… Read More »
Preparing Affidavits for Use at a Temporary Custody Hearing in Georgia
When one or both spouses decide to separate and file for divorce, their main concern is often the changes in lifestyle for their children. Where and with whom they will live, when they will see the other parent, and provisions for child support are issues that need to be dealt with sooner rather than… Read More »
5 Things to Know about Getting a Temporary Protective Order in Georgia
As people have been stuck at home during the coronavirus quarantine, instances of domestic abuse have been on the rise. For those suffering from domestic abuse, Georgia courts offer an expedited process to obtain immediate legal protection from your abuser: a family violence temporary protective order (“TPO”). While the process to obtain a TPO… Read More »
Served with a Temporary Protective Order? Here’s what to do.
Georgia courts have the authority to issue temporary protective orders (“TPOs”) upon the filing of a sworn petition by an alleged family violence victim. After a petition is filed, a judge will examine the petition and, if the allegations sufficiently state a claim for family violence, the judge will issue an “ex parte” TPO—meaning,… Read More »
What can I do if coronavirus interferes with my wedding plans? Will I lose my deposits with my venue and other contractors?
Coronavirus, or COVID-1, is causing a significant upheaval in our society, forcing people to cancel plans, including weddings, rehearsal dinners and other important events that have been planned for months (or even a year or more) and stay at home under orders from local and state governments. One side effect of these “shelter in… Read More »
Arbitration In Divorce and Family Law Matters
Arbitration is one of several alternative dispute resolution processes that can be used to resolve a divorce or other family law matter in Georgia. It is often used when parties have reached an impasse in their divorce or family law matter and wish to resolve the issues without going to court. Arbitration is similar… Read More »
ADULT GUARDIANSHIPS & CONSERVATORSHIPS
There are certain circumstances where an adult may need assistance managing his or her own affairs. If this is the case, one option is to seek an adult guardianship or conservatorship. There are three main circumstances where an adult may need a guardian to assist in managing his or her own affairs. One circumstance… Read More »
Is Alimony Possible In My Georgia Divorce?
Historically, when two people got divorced, it was common or even customary for one spouse (usually the wife) to receive alimony from the other. However, there are numerous societal evolutions that have started to make that far less normal than it once was. If you are about to file for divorce, it is important… Read More »
How Is Property Divided In A Georgia Divorce?
When you and your spouse are divorcing, property division can be highly contentious, with each spouse wanting certain assets and arguing over the values of certain real and personal property. However, there is a specific procedure that is followed to ensure marital assets (and debts) are apportioned in the fairest way possible. If you… Read More »
The Equitable Caregivers’ Act
On July 1, 2019, a law went into effect in Georgia that grants the status of “equitable caregiver” to groups of non-biologically related adults who might previously have had no parental rights even if they play a fundamental role in a child’s life. This is being touted as a huge win for grandparents and… Read More »
