Can one divorce lawyer represent both my spouse and me? I think it would save us time and money

Divorcing spouses should never, ever be represented by the same divorce lawyer under any circumstances. There are a number of options available for couples that have decided to end their marriages, and it is indeed possible to save time and money, but having one lawyer for both parties is not one of them. The one thing I tell everyone loudly and clearly is that having one divorce attorney represent both you and your spouse is a recipe for disaster...read more

What can I do if my divorce lawyer wants to quit my case? The court date is approaching, and I don't know where else to turn

First of all, your divorce attorney cannot quit until you agree or the court allows him or her to do so, according to divorce law. If you think your lawyer is getting ready to "fire" you, confront him or her for a candid discussion. Try to determine why he or she wishes to terminate your working relationship. If you are being difficult or not following your attorney's advice, be careful not to take that behavior to your next lawyery. If your attorney is quitting for reasons of illness or retirement, he or she is obligated to refer you on to another lawyer...read more

I've heard of people having 'divorce ceremonies'. What's that all about?

In a ceremony of this kind, friends and family gather for their honored friend, in the spirit of acceptance and love, to welcome a new day with renewed commitments for growth and fulfillment.

Divorce affects the lives of so many families. It is a major life transition that society more often than not fails to recognize and individuals wrongly are made to feel guilt, shame, or failure about it. Those who have been through or are going through divorce need to know that they are brave individuals, and they should be respected for being able to come through this devastating experience with the support of their community and belief in themselves. Personalized ceremonies that mark these milestones in people's lives are vital for the health and well being of people as individuals and our society...read more

What is a legal separation or separate maintenance?

In Georgia, you are legally separated if you are no longer engaging in marital relations and you consider yourself to be in an actual state of separation. You can be separated even if you are living in the same household as your spouse. To file a case for divorce, you must be in such a state of separation. The court will not grant you a "legal separation". Rather, you must swear that you are in an actual state of separation and then the court can grant a divorce or an Order for "Separate Maintenance"...read more

What are my (or the other person's) child support obligations in Georgia?

In Georgia, both parents can be required to provide assistance to their children until a child reaches the age of 18 years if not in high school, graduates from high school if eighteen (18) years or older, reaches the age of 20 years and is still in high school, dies, marries, is emancipated or joins the military, whichever event occurs first...read more

When does child support end?

Unless your marital settlement agreement states otherwise, child support generally ends when the child reaches age 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs last -- but in no event past the child’s 19th birthday...read more

Should I hire a private detective if I think my spouse is cheating on me? I’d like to have evidence in case we divorce.

The answer is no; unless you like wasting your time and money. In Illinois, as in most states, “fault” is no longer a factor that you need to prove in a divorce. That means, for the most part, no matter how many affairs your spouse had, his or her “bad behavior” will have little or no effect on how your marital assets will be distributed, the amount and duration of support, or who gets custody of the children...read more

Is there any legal reason why fathers should not be awarded custody of their children just as often as mothers? How can I (a father) increase my chances of being awarded the primary custody of my children?

The Texas Family Code specifically provides that sex cannot be considered when evaluating the qualifications of a person to be appointed a conservator of a child. The Texas Supreme Court, in considering this issue, in the context of a child born outside of marriage, has stated, "A father who steps forward, willing and able to shoulder the responsibilities of raising a child, should not be required to meet a higher burden of proof solely because he is a male." There is simply no reason under the law for a mother to have a greater chance of being awarded primary custody of a child simply because she is female...read more