Adultery Around the World: The Case of Sakineh Ashtiani

[Photo of Sakineh Ashtiani from guardian.co.uk]

As Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, we sometimes receive questions about the consequences of adultery in Georgia divorce cases.  And the consequences of cheating, if proven, can be serious in a divorce.  But  everything is relative.  Have you been following the tragic case of Iranian prisoner Sakineh Ashtiani?  This poor Iranian woman was convicted of adultery in Iran back in 2006 and, incredibly, the Iranian government has been trying to put her to death ever since!

Initially, she was sentenced by Iranian authorities to death by stoning.  Perhaps international pressure and focus on the case has prevented that unjust, inhumane outcome.  But now, this week, the Iranian Judiciary has announced that it is considering death by hanging as an alternative punishment.  This is outrageous!

Hopefully, the international spotlight will remain focused on this tragic case and will cause the Iranian Judiciary to back away from this proposed punishment for alleged adultery, too.

So, as you can see, while you should be concerned about and you should discuss the consequences of adultery with your own divorce attorney, at least, here, and in most other parts of the civilized world, no one faces the death penalty for it.  And that's the way it ought to be.  Don't you agree?

Merry Christmas From The Goolsby Law Firm!

From our family of lawyers, at the Goolsby Law Firm, LLC, in Augusta, Georgia, USA, we simply want to wish each of you and your families around the world:  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Celebrity Divorces and Separations: Debra Messing and Daniel Zelman

[Photo of Debra Messing from wikpedia]

According to various news reports, actress Debra Messing, star of the popular t.v. sitcom Will & Grace, separated earlier this year from her husband of ten years, Daniel Zelman.  The couple has one son.

This appears to be yet another example of a Hollywood couple which has quietly separated this year without immediately attracting media attention.

As you probably know, Ms. Messing has had a number of major acting roles and has also won an Emmy for her fine work.  I especially enjoyed her portrayal of Lisa Kramer in the Ben Stiller comedy, Along Came Polly.  You will recall that Messing's character cheated with the French scuba instructor, (played by actor Hank Azaria), while on a honeymoon with her (movie) husband, Reuben Feffer, (played by Stiller).

Hopefully, Ms. Messing (and her soon-to-be ex), will each continue to find happiness and success in their respective careers.

Celebrity Break Ups and Separations

[Photo of Sam Shepard from wikipedia]

Have you heard the news?  According to various reports, actor-playwright Sam Shepard and his long-time companion, award-winning actress, Jessica Lange, had split up approximately two years ago.  The talented couple had reportedly been together as a couple for nearly three decades before the break up.  Shepard will always be one of my favorite actors for his portrayal of Chuck Yaeger in The Right Stuff. 

One thing about this news report which most surprised me is that it took Hollywood's inquiring minds two years to learn about and report it!  You should check out all the amazing work done by these two fine actors, including Ms. Lange's incredible charitable efforts. 

Here's hoping that they both have moved on and found happiness.

Divorce and Georgia's Child Support Guidelines

As Augusta, Georgia divorce attorneys, we frequently receive telephone calls at the Goolsby Law Firm, LLC, about the topic of child support.  (Our divorce lawyers--father and son--offer free initial consultations in Georgia divorce cases).  Many of the callers have good questions about how much child support they can expect to receive, following their divorce, and how the child support is calculated.  Here are a few tips about child support in Georgia:

1.  First of all, it is important to understand that Georgia no longer simply bases child support on the income of the non-custodial parent.  Instead, a few years ago, Georgia elected to go to and utilize the current child support guidelines, which take both parents' incomes into account.  If one of the parents is unemployed, sometimes, the judge will impute minimum wage to that parent in making the calculation.

2.  Second, while it is possible for anyone to figure out for themselves how to work through the child support guidelines, in many divorce cases, the guidelines can be complicated, or difficult, to follow.  As a result, we recommend that you retain your own divorce lawyer to help you with child support issues, along with all other issues in your divorce.

There--that's my practical divorce tips of the day!  Maybe, next, we can find some more interesting news about celebrity divorces, or perhaps a divorce joke!  Have a great week!

Celebrity Divorces and Separations: Lindsey Vonn and Thomas Vonn

[Photo of Olympic Skier Lindsey Vonn from wikipedia]

As Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, we help people get through both difficult and relatively easy divorces, including both contested and uncontested divorces.  Divorces can be a major distraction in clients' daily lives. 

But sometimes, going through a divorce will not be as big a distraction, for some people, as some people might think.  For example, various news reports indicate that America's fantastic Olympic gold medalist, Lindsey Vonn, skied one of her best downhill races ever this past weekend at a World Cup event in Alberta, Canada.

Just a week or so earlier, Ms. Vonn had reportedly filed for divorce from her ski coach and husband, Thomas Vonn, after a four-year marriage.  And yet, she then managed to win one of her finest races on the slopes!  While her divorce may, (or may not), still be difficult, the point is that she still somehow managed to cope and not to allow it to be a distraction on the slopes. 

Again, I guess her example illustrates the fact that each divorce is different and that divorce affects people in different ways.  Do you believe women cope better than men during a divorce?  What do you think?

Divorce and How You Can Prove Adultery



Did you hear Dr. Phil's observation about how you can tell when somebody is cheating, running around, or committing adultery?

According to Dr. Phil, you know they are up to no good "when they drop the linen and they're grinnin'!"

Dr. Phil's observation pretty well sums it up about infidelity!  Don't you agree!?