If you are in the midst of a family law case involving child custody or you are about to find yourself involved in a child custody case, you have probably heard about “mediation” and how it may be recommended or even required for your case. This type of dispute resolution keeps you and the other party out of the courtroom and gives you both the opportunity to come to an agreement about child custody without litigation. Mediation is completely confidential and centered only around you, the other parent, and the decisions that are in the best interest of your child. This process gives you the sp ..read more

For most people, divorce is an emotionally complex process, and the complexity tends to increase when there are children involved. If you and your spouse are deciding on custody arrangements and are curious about the possible arrangements that can be finalized, let us share about the types of custody in Georgia and the most common types of arrangements that are possible. What Types of Child Custody Are There in Georgia? Georgia recognizes two types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Legal Custody Legal custody grants parents the right to make big, important decisions that directly ..read more

If you are in a highly contested divorce case, and the judge has appointed a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of your child throughout the proceeding, you may wonder what that means for your child and what that requires from you as the parent. Before diving in, let us first take a look at what a guardian ad litem is. Simply put, your child’s guardian ad litem represents your child’s best interests throughout the divorce case and will neutrally and impartially advocate for whatever she feels is in the child’s best interest. Guardians ad litem are often family law attorneys with ..read more

A guardian ad litem, or “guardian for the lawsuit” when translated, is a court-appointed advocate and representative for the child or children involved in a custody dispute that has reached litigation. Not to be mistaken for someone with legal guardianship of the child, the guardian ad litem only provides advocacy and representation for children as it relates to the lawsuit—the divorce or child custody case. Not every divorce case is assigned a guardian ad litem, only those that are so highly contested that the Judge feels one is necessary. Divorce cases, even contested ones, rarely make it to ..read more

When a child is born to parents in Georgia who are married, the courts automatically presume the man in the relationship is not only the child’s biological father, but also his legal father thus establishing his legal parental rights to the child. Unfortunately, the state does not provide the same assumptions to fathers who are unmarried. Unmarried fathers must pursue legitimation to gain legal rights to their child. Paternity vs. Legitimation: What Is the Difference? The act of establishing paternity and the act of seeking legitimation are often confused with one another, but there are clear ..read more

No matter where you live, selecting a lawyer for your child support case should involve careful consideration and analysis. Parents or guardians in the Atlanta area, specifically, have a multitude of legal experts to choose from, each with their own unique qualities, methods, approaches, and legal backgrounds. You and your family deserve exceptional representation during your divorce or other child support case. That is why it is vital to weed out the attorneys who are not the right match and find the best firm and lawyer for you. When narrowing down your selection and deciding who to choose ..read more

Every adoption, whether public or private, requires the biological parent or parents to relinquish their rights to the child so that the court may legally establish the adoptive family’s parental rights. Simply put, it is a process of transferring parental rights from one person or pair to another. In some cases, the transference of parental rights is a smooth, issue-free process, making the adoption uncontested. However, when the adoption is contested, it leads to a complicated, drawn-out adoption process. This month, we are diving deep into the differences between uncontested and contested a ..read more

Adoption, even a kinship adoption, is not a cookie-cutter process, though it can appear simple. While one family may experience a seemingly easy process with few hiccups or obstacles along the way, another family may encounter roadblock after roadblock, which can extend the adoption process and cause significant amounts of stress. To help avoid complications or significant issues during your kinship adoption, it is crucial to know the facts and partner with a reliable adoption lawyer who can guide you through the process, offer beneficial consultation, and file for finalization when the time c ..read more

More often than not, spouses with children will each seek out a divorce attorney who specializes in child custody when looking to end their marriage. However, unmarried parents or those seeking an amicable, uncontested divorce may wonder if hiring a family law attorney is really necessary. No matter your relationship status with the other parent, having a solid legal team on your side is crucial when establishing child custody. This article examines three significant benefits a family law attorney can bring to your child custody case. A Family Law Attorney Provides Trusted Guidance Family cour ..read more

If you are dealing with a family law matter, such as divorce, you may feel overwhelmed by the thought of court appearances and all the legal aspects of your case. But did you know there is a path you can take that requires fewer courtroom visits? Family mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) where you and the parties involved in your case employ a third-party mediator, certified and trained in areas of family law, to help you reach a settlement agreement. What Is a Mediator? A mediator is an unbiased third party who helps the disputing parties reach an agreement that satis ..read more