Family Law

This is a question we are confronted with on a regular basis. This issue arises in cases involving the Division of Family and Children’s Services (DFACS), involvement with school counselors, involvement with psychiatrists or psychologists or can arise from unexpected trips to the hospital or physician’s office. If you suspect that your child is being physically or emotionally abused, you…

This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended, nor should be construed to provide legal advice. My ex-husband and I were recently involved in a contempt action in which the Court modified both legal custody and visitation. Can a Court modify legal custody in a contempt action? The Trial Court cannot modify legal custody in a…

This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended, nor should be construed to provide legal advice. Prenuptial Agreements are becoming more common in divorce practice, especially with the number of blended families and second marriages increasing with today’s modern social standards. Prenuptial Agreements are generally enforceable in Georgia, unless it can be shown that: (1) The…

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3, (5)-(6), in all custody cases in which the child has reached the age of 14 years, the child shall have the right to select the parent with whom he or she desires to live. The child’s selection for purposes of custody shall be presumptive unless the parent so selected is determined not to be in…

Being a lawyer practicing in the area of family law, we deal quite a bit with the appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem. This term may be foreign to anyone facing a difficult custody battle, but it is important to know the role a guardian plays in our Court system. Guardians are appointed by the Court upon the request of…

Bob, I am recently divorced, and the final verdict and decree says that I need to pay child support until my children complete their secondary education. What does “secondary education” mean? While the Georgia statutes on child support do not explicitly define what “secondary education” means, the courts have interpreted it as a high school education. Generally: •- Primary Education…

Two years ago, I was divorced and this past year my ex-wife lost her job, her house and is now living with grandparents and friends. I don’t think this is the best thing for my child. Is it possible to alter the custody agreement? It is possible to alter a custody or...