Marietta and Metro Atlanta Divorce and Family Law Blog

Engagement rings in Georgia divorces are usually viewed as gifts and not marital property. in Georgia, gifts, such as enagegement rings are retained by the recipient who received the ring.

How to Deal with a Biased Judge. For starters, let's assume all judges are biased.  Like everyone else, judges have a lifetime of experiences, beliefs, feelings and leanings. They can't help it.  They aren't blank canvases. For the most part, judges try to be fair and impartial but they are hum...

In a divorce, you have to work hard to make sure all of your social media communications will help you, not hurt you in court. To avoid angering judges, always be courteous, mature, polite and diplomatic in your communications with your spouse.

Don't know how to choose a divorce lawyer?  You're not alone. Many people facing divorce don't know where to begin when choosing a lawyer.  They are overwhelmed with the prospect of a divorce and feel pressured to hire someone in a hurry. Oftentimes, they select a lawyer without realizing that...

if you want an affordable divorce attorney in Georgia, do what you can to reduce unnecessary fees and expenses in your case. You not only need to hire the right lawyer from the start but you need to be efficient and mindful of how you can keep a lid on fees.

Time is money when it comes to a divorce or custody case. The longer your case drags on, the more you will pay in attorney's fees. Stay on top of lawyer to make sure your case continues to move through the court system.

Hearings and trials in divorce, custody, modification and other family law cases are filed with uncertainty. Outcomes are uncertain even when you have a great case. Rarely do you get everything you ask for in a trial. Don't expect perfect justice. We have an imperfect justice system.

Uncontested divorce lawyers are a dime a dozen in Georgia. They are everywhere. $299, $399, $499 divorces are advertised everywhere. How can that be a bad thing?? To protect yourself and your children, don't look for the cheapest lawyer; look for the best. Hire the best Georgia divorce attorney you can afford and you will be glad you did.

If you are hoping to be able to tell the Judge your life story, you are in for a surprise. Judges often will not allow more than four hours for a Temporary Hearing in a divorce or custody case.  That's four hours total, from beginning to end, not four hours per party.   The case that is presente...

If you want to give yourself the best shot at trial, focus on the things in your control that you can do to make your case stronger without spending a dime.  Here are six easy ways to improve your case. You can build a strong foundation in your case even if you don't have to have a lot of money by following these tips.

Dating during divorce is a no-no. Don't do it. Nothing good will come of it and it will only cause multiple issues. Just say no to dating while still married.

Drug use is rampant in the United States and Georgia is no exception.  Many people end up getting divorced over one partner's drug use. Normally, drug users marry other drug users.  If If you are involved in a custody dispute and are continuing to use recreational drugs, you run the risk of losing custody based on your drug use and should immediately stop doing drugs and get help for any addictions. If your spouse is doing drugs and you are not, understand that it is only one factor in many that will have a bearing on the outcome of your custody case.

Lawyers know to look out for the usual tricks that people play in Georgia divorces. For example, your spouse to try to convince you that he or she has your best interests at heart when negotiating a settlement agreement or that the two of you can use just one attorney. Beware of these and other tricks.

Who Needs to Complete a Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit? If you are a party to a family law case, such as divorce, custody, child support, alimony or modification case, you will need to complete a Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit (sometimes referred to as a “DRFA”). What is a Domes...

We live in a casual society. Many people wear shorts or jeans to church, work from home and rarely put on a jacket and tie. Does that mean you can dress down for court? Only if you are seeking to offend the Judge, which in general is not a good idea. Remember that courtrooms are still hallowed grounds. Understand that how you present yourself in person, from your dress to what you say and do, will be scrutinized and dissected by the Judge. Don't overstate your case or exaggerate to make yourself look better. The more genuine, sincere and humble you are and the more respect your show, the better off you will be in court.

Not sure if you even need a lawyer? Many people believe that they do not need to hire a lawyer if they are getting an uncontested divorce. That's simply not true. You need to protect yourself and be fully informed of your rights whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.

Lawyers, clients and judges can, and sometimes do, intentionally delay cases. The Lawyer, the Client or the Judge? If you have a diligent lawyer but the case seems to be taking longer than necessary, investigate the facts before drawing any conclusions. Is the lawyer delaying the case or are you or the other party causing the delay? If the judge is the source of delay, you'll need to be patient and understand that the delay is beyond your lawyer's control and you will eventually get your day in court.

Parental alienation is a dangerous form of manipulation and can permanently destroy parental bonds and leave lasting scars. If you love your children, you will not alienate them from your ex. Be kind to your children by letting them be children. Give your children the freedom to enjoy their childhood free of the chaos of your divorce and they will be healthier and happier children.

Don't fool yourself into thinking you are perfect and your spouse is wrong about everything. Being honest, forthright and self-critical will do you more good than pretending you are perfect.

Want to know how to get a Judge mad? Put your kids in the middle and you'll find out fast.  Here are ten pointers for staying out of trouble and avoid putting children in the middle.

Mediations are an ideal way to settle divorce, custody and other family law cases. Mediations are required in Georgia before a final hearing or trial.  Some judges even require mediation before a temporary hearing can be scheduled. If you have a lawyer, your lawyer will help select the best med...

Lawyers aren't cheap.  But you don't need to spend a fortune for good representation. You can minimize your legal fees if you do the following: 1.  Set Clear and Realistic Goals. If you've travel 3 weeks out of each month and have never been the primary caregiver of the children, your chances...

A lot of work goes into preparing a case for a hearing or trial. Your testimony can make or break your case. Follow these tips to make sure you come across as believable, trustworthy and convincing.

If you think are thinking of getting a new divorce lawyer to replace your current lawyer, you may be in for a tough road ahead. Find out when change is a good idea and when it isn't.

Don't risk a criminal charge in an effort to out maneuver your spouse. Play fair and above board. Focus on getting through your divorce quickly without violating any laws or your souse's privacy and you will sleep better at night.