The front door closes, and before there is a “hello,” “how was your day,” “happy you’re home” my spouse’s voice rings out with annoyance from the living room: “Why did you park in the driveway?? The kids were going to play with sidewalk chalk. Because of you, now they can’t.” My mouth opens to respond, and then closes, then opens. But I am speechless. It is like I can’t do anything right. It doesn’t matter that I did not know the kids wanted to play with chalk.. From what I can see, they’re little heads bent over the kitchen table doodling, they look engrossed in their drawing.. It doesn’t mat ..read more

Child custody disputes can become particularly challenging when international borders are involved. When a marriage between citizens of different countries ends, the situation becomes even more complicated. This is where the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction steps in, offering a framework to address such issues. This blog post delves into the key aspects of the Hague Convention, its application in various countries, and what parents need to know to navigate these complex legal waters. What is the Hague Convention? The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects o ..read more

Navigating the legal landscape of child support can often feel overwhelming, especially for those already dealing with the emotional and financial stresses of family changes. It’s not just about legal terms and procedures; it’s about real people and real lives. Ensuring that children receive the financial support they need is crucial, and understanding the various ways to establish jurisdiction in Georgia can make a significant difference. This article aims to break down these complex legal concepts into more manageable pieces, so families can feel empowered and informed. Whether you’re a sing ..read more

Two people who already have children from previous relationships might fall in love and decide they want to share their lives. From combining the rules enforced at both households to planning a workable budget for a bigger family, there are many challenges that parents starting blended families have to overcome. The end result can be a healthy and happy family unit. Those who have previously divorced or lost a spouse may want to negotiate a prenuptial agreement before marrying again. Doing so can clarify expectations for the marriage and establish protections for everyone in the household. In ..read more

Did you know that . . . All valid creditors must be paid before the heirs (if the person who passed did not have a Will) or beneficiaries (if the person who passed had a Will) of a deceased person’s estate can receive their share of the estate? Did you know that . . . The surviving spouse and minor children of a deceased person are entitled to financial protection under Georgia law called “Year’s Support”? If awarded, Year’s Support sets aside one year’s worth of living expenses before debts are paid out of the estate.  Sometimes that can even result in the surviving spouse and minor chil ..read more

Lately the news is buzzing with the issue of ex parte communications between a judge and a witness. For legal professionals, we understand the dangers ex parte communications can cause in any case, criminal or civil.  Thus, we stand on guard to prevent or correct such violations. Ex parte communication refers to any communication that happens between one party and a judge, without the presence or knowledge of the other party or parties involved in the case.  It’s like having a conversation with the judge behind the other party or parties’ back(s). Ex parte communication basically mea ..read more

I hear it time and time again: clients asking why we cannot use the video or audio recording of their children in court. It can be so tempting to record your child saying that they don’t like going to dad’s house or telling you that mom yells at them a lot. And we get it. It’s incredibly frustrating to be in a position where your child is old enough to vocalize to you what they want, but not old enough to tell the court. Evidence like this is compelling, and we want to use it too. But we can’t. And why not? For starters, hearsay rules exist to ensure that we can lend credibility to testimony a ..read more

Every May of each year, a new wave of hopeful law students cross their graduation stage. Along with the applause and congratulations from professors, peers, and family members, you also will certainly be asked this question: so when do you have to take the bar? I have already had two friends approach me about the bar exam; one is a hopeful applicant to law school and the other has just graduated from law school with a promising job offer. Often times when lawyers are approached by hopeful future attorneys, their strategy is to give them a “realistic” view of the profession, which often involve ..read more

When dealing with a narcissistic ex, it’s essential to prioritize your own emotional well-being and the well-being of your children. Here are some strategies to help you overcome a narcissistic ex: Minimize contact: High-conflict people love to engage in psychological battles. Minimizing contact can help you avoid emotional exhaustion and protect your children from the toxic dynamics. One good way to do this is by communicating only through a co-parenting app, such as Our Family Wizard. These apps are recognized and used by courts to keep track of communications between you and your narcissist ..read more

You are going through a divorce, or maybe you have filed for custody or are fighting to keep custody; the other side says they are fearful for the safety of your child if you have them because, “Your Honor, we have some concerns, we need a drug test”. When you are happily married or even just getting along with your co-parent, drug use may or may not be a concern. Once the Court is asked to determine child custody any drug use becomes an issue almost certainly to be raised by the other side and to be dealt with by the Court. OCGA 19-9-3 (a)(3)(Q) provides that the Judge must take into consider ..read more