How Much Do Georgia Divorces Cost, Or Is the Cheapest Divorce Lawyer the Best?

[Photo from usstudents.org]

Look, we all like bargains, don't we?  But when you are looking for a divorce lawyer to handle your divorce, is it always best to go with the cheapest divorce attorney you can find?

Naturally, since we are Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, you wouldn't expect us to recommend that you always simply go with the cheapest lawyer out there, would you?  But, as a matter of fact, the Goolsby Law Firm, LLC, offers some of the most affordable rates, particularly for uncontested divorces, in our entire community.  We recommend you consider the following additional tips when you are selecting the best divorce lawyer for your divorce:

1. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS:  Before you retain a divorce lawyer, we strongly recommend that you talk with trusted family members and friends about good, affordable divorce attorneys in your community.  For instance, while one divorce attorney might be cheap, if your best friend has had a bad experience with that attorney, then you might want to consider that important information and pick someone else!

2.  MEET WITH THE DIVORCE ATTORNEY BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO RETAIN THEM:  We also generally recommend that you meet with a prospective attorney -- whether they come highly recommended, or whether you found them in the telephone book, or online -- before you make a decision about retaining them.  In other words, make an appointment, sit down with them, and ask questions about them and about your divorce case.  While some law firms charge a fee for such a meeting, we, at the Goolsby Law Firm, LLC, generally offer free initial consultations.

In short, we recommend that you shouldn't simply look for the cheapest lawyer out there to handle your divorce and all your important legal issues, ranging from child custody, to property division, to alimony.  Instead, you should investigate!  Please talk with family and friends, and meet with the prospective divorce attorney, before you make this important decision.  While cost may be a factor, it should not be the only factor.

Divorce and Depositions: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!

[Photo from videomissouri.com]

As Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, we sometimes find it necessary to take the deposition of the opposing party in a divorce case.  But have you thought about the reasons why divorce attorneys might choose to take a deposition in a divorce case?  Of course, we are referring to contested divorces in this discussion.  If you and your worthless spouse, "Sluggo," are getting a simple, uncontested divorce, then you won't likely be discussing the idea of taking his deposition with your divorce attorney. Consider the following reasons, (among many others), as to why divorce lawyers sometimes take depositions:

1.  TO OBTAIN DEFINITIVE ANSWERS FROM "SLUGGO" ABOUT FINANCIAL MATTERS:

Sometimes, it becomes necessary to try to pin down a spouse about how and where they have spent money, or who they spent it on.  In other words, by deposing the other party, you can hopefully obtain some definitive answers, under oath, about where the money is located.  Interrogatories and other discovery tools can also be useful, but, sometimes, it helps to be able to "lock in" "Sluggo" face to face!

2.  TO OBTAIN DEFINITIVE PROOF ABOUT "SLUGGO'S" ADULTERY AND/OR OTHER FAULT GROUNDS:

In some divorce cases, it also becomes necessary to try to obtain clear evidence that the other party has committed adultery.  Even if "Sluggo" doesn't come clean about his infidelity, or his lyin' and cheating, he may still slip up and provide some leads, or make some admissions, which can be useful at a final hearing, or jury trial.

These are just a couple of reasons why divorce attorneys might take depositions. Depositions are not really helpful in every case.  Also, they can get expensive, so cost is one important factor to consider.  Of course, it is important that you discuss all the facts and issues in your own divorce case with your own divorce lawyer before you decide to "make Sluggo's day" by deposing him! 

Divorce and Mediation: Formal Mediation and Informal Mediation

[Scales of Justice Image from wikipedia]

As Augusta, Georgia divorce attorneys, we often assist our divorce clients by resolving various issues in their divorce cases through mediation.  Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution in which a neutral party, the mediator, facilitates an open dialogue between the parties, (and their divorce lawyers), with a goal of resolving disputed issues without a trial.

Our Augusta, Georgia judges generally require mediation to be tried before they will allow the parties to proceed to a final hearing.

Of course, there are many trained mediators who are skilled at getting warring litigants to the table to discuss possible solutions to their cases.  As divorce attorneys, we often marvel at how some mediators are gifted in getting some difficult cases settled!

While this formal mediation works in some cases, this is not the only method of settlement.  Informal mediation, without a mediator, is still available.  In short, as divorce lawyers, we sometimes attempt informal mediation to resolve issues, such as alimony, and debt, or property, division.  In other words, we simply arrange a face-to-face meeting, (in some divorce cases), with the other divorce attorney and their client, (and us with our client), and simply sit down, across a conference room table, (without a go-between, or mediator), and attempt to negotiate a settlement on our own. 

Informal and formal mediation do not work in every divorce case.  If not, you may still have to go to a final hearing, or trial, and let the judge make the call.  We recommend that you discuss each of these mediation ideas or methods with your own divorce lawyer.

What is your opinion of mediation as a way to resolve divorce disputes?

Divorce "Joke of the Day"

[Illustration and George Burns Quote from pollsb.com]

As Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, we generally blog about good, practical divorce tips and information for you to discuss with your own divorce attorney.  Occasionally, we also enjoy discussing various issues raised by celebrity breakups and divorces.  Finally, sometimes, in our ongoing effort to try to keep this blog interesting, we even offer...............a divorce "joke of the day!"  So, here goes:

Question:  How do you feel when you learn the judge has cited and held your worthless ex, "Sluggo," in contempt for failure to pay child support?

Answer: "Ex-cited!"

Okay, okay, I understand you probably prefer we go back to a post about divorce tips next time!  Have a great day!

Celebrity Separations and Divorces: The Kim Kardashian Saga Continues!

[Photo of Kim Kardashian from wikipedia]

During the past week, the news reports have kept on churning out about Kim Kardashian's decision to file for divorce, after only 72 days of marriage, from pro basketball player Kris Humphries.  For instance, there have been reports that the Kardashians have made millions off the recent t.v. marriage.  Some also claim the marriage was a sham in the first place. (The Kardashians have adamantly denied these reports and, frankly, we submit that no one in the media really knows what they are talking about). 

Also, Kim reportedly flew to Minnesota, (where Kris is reportedly from), during this past week, to seek marriage counseling with Kris, and aided by the pastor who presided over their ill-fated marriage.

In addition, the Kardashians bore the brunt of a very unflattering spoof performed by various cast members on Saturday Night Live.

Finally, today, I have read reports about an alleged "backlash" by a cynical public against the Kardashians over what has been reported by some as a sham marriage.  Again, in my opinion, while the cynics might be right about some things, no one really knows the truth here.  Is it all just a public relations disaster?  In my opinion, no one knows other than Kim and Kris, and those are really the only two people who can work to resolve this matter, one way or the other.

What do you think?

 

Celebrity Divorces and Separations: Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries

[Photo of Kim Kardashian from wikipedia]

Wow!  I am sure you have heard the various news reports, by now, indicating that model and reality star Kim Kardashian has filed for divorce from her pro basketball husband, Kris Humphries, after only 72 days of marriage.  According to reports, the divorce filing by Ms. Kardashian cites "irreconcilable differences."

Again, Ms. Kardashain has filed for divorce after only 72 days!  What is your opinion?  Isn't it possible, in some marriages, that some spouses realize, early on, that a mistake has occurred, and that it is best to end a marriage sooner, rather than later?  Are there other possible reasons?  Are there better solutions?  What do you think?