CELEBRITY DIVORCES: CHANNING TATUM

[Photo of Channing Tatum from wikipedia]

According to various news reports, including People Magazine, Channing Tatum and his wife, Jenna Dewan, are still spending family time together with their four year old daughter.

The couple had previously announced an amicable split back on April 2, 2018.

Here's hoping that the two parents continue on this admirable path of spending quality time together for the sake of their child!

CELEBRITY DIVORCES: ACTOR JIM BELUSHI

[Photo from wikipedia]

According to TMZ.com and other news reports, Jennifer Sloan, the wife of actor Jim Belushi, has filed for divorce after a marriage which lasted nearly 20 years. The couple reportedly has two teenage children.

Belushi is best known for his stint on Saturday Night Live and his role in the sitcom, "According to Jim," which aired from 2001 to 2009.  Of course, Jim is also remembered as the younger brother

of the late comic, John Belushi.

Here's hoping that Mr. Belushi and Ms. Sloan will find peace and happiness following their divorce.

PARENTING CLASSES IN AUGUSTA DIVORCES

[Photo from wikipedia]

As Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, we are often asked by divorcing parties
about the available options when taking the parenting seminar which our Augusta
Judicial Circuit judges require in divorce cases. The Augusta, GA bar association
website has a complete listing of the approved places where you can complete this
requirement.

One important point to remember is that, generally, you may NOT simply take an online

parenting class to meet this requirement in Augusta!

The other important point is that you should discuss this and all other divorce-related
questions with your own Augusta divorce attorney!

DIVORCE V. SEPARATE MAINTENANCE

[Photo from wikipedia]

Sometimes, our divorce attorneys at the Goolsby Law Firm receive inquiries from people who

seek information about separate maintenance actions, as opposed to getting a divorce. The State of Georgia does allow its citizens to consider both options.  And there are many pros and cons which

a person should sit down and discuss with his or her divorce or family law attorney.

For example, since you would lose your spouse's work insurance plan if you get a divorce, in some

situations, you might choose instead to seek the separate maintenance alternative, so that you insurance is not cut off, especially if you have a serious illness.

On the other hand, having to pay for both a separate maintenance action AND, subsequently, a divorce would be too costly for many people.

Again, the important point is that if you plan to kick "Sluggo" to the curb, you should first sit down with your own divorce lawyer to discuss the pros and cons of each alternative!

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CELEBRITY DIVORCES: TAREK AND CHRISTINA EL MOUSSA

[By Source (WP:NFCC#4), Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51191556]

According to Fox News, HGTV's Flip or Flop star, Tarek El Moussa, indicates that fame made his recent divorce from co-star Christina El Moussa a lot more complicated. The couple, who have two children, divorced last year, but they have continued working together on their popular HGTV series, which deals with house renovations or "flipping."

No doubt, El Moussa is correct in his assessment. All divorces can be tough, but just imagine how difficult it must be to go through a divorce while in the public spotlight.  According to El Moussa, they had to deal with things like "fake news" and reporting on all the difficulties they each confronted.

Here's hoping that both Tarek and Christina will find peace and happiness!  Their t.v. show is one of many good reasons to watch HGTV, in my opinion!

CHILD CUSTODY IN GEORGIA DIVORCES

[Photo from wikipedia]

Child custody is often one of the toughest issues in a Georgia divorce. We, at the Goolsby Law Firm, in Augusta, Georgia, often handle child custody as part of our divorce cases.  We also sometimes assist clients in seeking a modification, or change, of custody.

Generally, the standard which a Georgia judge will utilize is the "best interests" test. In other words, the judge will determine what is in the best interests of the children based upon all the facts. Sometimes, judges will appoint a guardian ad litem to investigate and report back to the court.

In addition, if your child has reached the age of 14 years old, that child may select which parent to primarily live with, subject to the judge's review.

We recommend that you sit down with your Augusta divorce attorney to discuss these and other issues in your divorce case.

NEW ILLINOIS LAW REGARDING PET "CUSTODY"

                         [Photo courtesy of Wikipedia]

Would you believe that, starting January 1st, the State of Illinois joined other states which allow

divorcing parties to be granted "custody" of their pets?!  Presumably, just like with child custody,

each party to a divorce will, in those states, try to convince the judge that he or she would make 

the better custodial "parent!"

We at the Goolsby Law Firm have not yet experienced such an issue in our Augusta, Georgia divorces!

Would you try to win sole possession of your pet?!

Divorce Costs

Most people who are contemplating a divorce would like to have an idea about both the legal fees and court costs of going through the divorce process. We have discussed before, in this blog about getting a divorce in Augusta, Georgia, the differences between legal fees in a contested versus an uncontested divorce.

Today, we will focus in this post on some of the court costs associated with the Georgia divorce. When you file for a divorce, uncontested or contested, you should expect to be responsible for a clerk of court filing fee of approximately $210.00, plus a sheriff's service fee of about $50.00. But that's only the beginning!

In addition, (on top of your divorce lawyer's legal fees), you should expect to pay for court reporter

fees and, in some cases involving child custody, fees for a guardian ad litem.  Also, you can expect that, in many divorces, you may have the additional costs of mediation.

These are just some of the court-related costs which you could be expected to pay when you file a divorce case in the State of Georgia!

Celebrity Divorces: Anna Faris and Chris Pratt

Did you hear the sad news from Hollywood? According to various news reports, actors Anna Faris and Chris Pratt have legally separated. As we have reported before in this blog dealing with divorces in Augusta, Georgia, celebrities have additional stresses on their marriages. The couple has been
married for about eight years and they have one child.  Here's hoping that Ms. Faris, the popular star of such hit movies as Scary Movie and The House Bunny, along with Mr. Pratt, star of the Guardians of the Galaxies hits, will both find happiness.

What is the Price or Cost of a Divorce in Georgia?

As Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, we attempt to provide some good, practical tips and information for you to discuss with your own divorce lawyer. We also sometimes blog about celebrity divorces and try to keep things entertaining, or interesting!

Today, let's focus on some more practical tips. One of the most common questions which we receive, as divorce attorneys, is: How much will it cost to get a divorce?

The answer is that it depends upon whether or not the divorce will be simple and uncontested.  In other words, if your worthless spouse, "Sluggo," will fully cooperate and agree to all your terms, and if he will promptly sign all the divorce documents without any issues or problems, then we may, in many simple, uncontested divorce cases, be able to handle your divorce for as low as $500.00 in legal fees, plus costs, (which includes a court filing fee of $205.00).

Of course, if Sluggo proves to be difficult, or spiteful, and if he refuses to fully cooperate and sign all the documents, then the divorce becomes contested, which means that the price will likely run into several thousand dollars, at a minimum.

Again, we recommend that you retain your own divorce attorney and discuss all the facts and your questions, along with all your rights and options.  Here's hoping you have a great week and that Sluggo will be cooperative, if you elect to get a divorce!

Dating and Divorce: When Can You Date?

As Augusta, Georgia divorce attorneys, we often receive inquiries, both to our Augusta law firm and to this divorce blog, in which folks are asking us questions about when or whether they can begin dating, while their divorce case is pending.  We consistently, authoritatively, and unquestionably always tell them: NO, you cannot, should not, and must not date while your divorce is pending!  In other words, as Georgia divorce lawyers, we generally recommend that you should wait until the ink on your divorce decree is dry BEFORE you start dating, or even playing the field.

While every divorce case is different, and while you should also discuss this matter with your own divorce lawyer, as Georgia divorce lawyers, we would also point out that, in many divorce cases, there could be serious negative consequences if you begin dating, or start going to dating sites, while your divorce is still pending.  Technically, you are still married, (until the final divorce decree is signed), so, technically, "fooling around" would be adultery.  And as we have discussed before, please recall that proof of adultery, in the State of Georgia, carries with it a number of deleterious consequences, including potential impact on divorce issues involving alimony and property divisions, and, in some cases, even child custody.

Again, we recommend that you consult with your own divorce attorney about whether it is okay to date!

So, that is why, if you ever contact the Goolsby Law Firm, in Augusta, Georgia, and ask us questions concerning when it is okay to date, you can expect us to tell you that you should wait until after your divorce is final!

Divorce and the Importance of Communication With Your Divorce Lawyer

Good communication is important in every relationship, don't you agree?  That goes for attorney-client relationships, too.  As Augusta, Georgia divorce attorneys, we strongly recommend that you open and maintain a good line of communication with your own divorce lawyer.

Good communication includes consulting with your divorce attorney before you take any action which might have a bearing on your divorce case.  For example, please talk with your divorce lawyer before you choose to deny child visitation to your spouse, or before you elect to terminate his cell phone services.

But being a good communicator also applies to the divorce attorney, too!  In other words, as divorce attorneys, we always try to remember that we should carefully consult with you, the client, before we negotiate a settlement with the other divorce lawyer, or before we represent you in court.  In order to get it right, we must talk with you and discuss your position beforehand.

In short, it is essential that divorce attorneys and clients should sit down and/or talk with each other about every important aspect of their divorce cases!  Again, good communication is the key to any relationship, don't you agree?

Celebrity Separations and Divorce: Christie Brinkley and Peter Cook

[Photo of Christie Brinkley from wikipedia]

Have you read or heard about the reported ongoing media "battle" between model-actress Christie Brinkley and her ex-husband, Peter Cook?  According to various news reports, Ms. Brinkley appeared today on N.B.C.'s Today Show with Matt Lauer and expressed her desire for peace with her ex.  Brinkley and Cook had divorced four years ago, but, since then, the two sides have reportedly traded charges over issues involving child support and alleged "bullying" emails, among other allegations.  But we are not here to take sides.  That is not the point of this post about divorce. 

Here is our point:  As Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, we have sometimes seen some divorces which seem to take on a life of their own.  Such divorces never seem to end.  And it often takes one of the parties to decide to take the high road and end it. Here's hoping that Brinkley and Cook will find peace, end the acrimony, stop the legal fees, and go on with their separate lives -- for their own sakes, and for the sake of their two children.

Divorce "Joke of the Day"

[Depiction of scales of justice from wikipedia]

As Augusta, GA divorce attorneys, we certainly realize that divorce and child custody battles are no laughing matter!  But we try very hard to keep this divorce blog from getting too serious or boring, so let's start the week off with another divorce "joke of the day!"  Here's an "oldie-goldie:"

Did you know that statistics indicate that one half of all new marriages end in divorce?  Well, at least that's not as bad as the remaining half of all marriages...which end in death!

Have a great week!

More Practical Divorce Tips: Keeping a Journal or Timeline

As Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, we receive telephone calls and email inquiries every day from people having questions about divorce, child custody, adultery, and contempt actions.  Just as we do in this blog about divorce in Georgia, we generally try to provide such callers and "emailers" with practical tips and information for them to discuss with their own divorce attorneys.

Here is one practical, helpful tip for you which we haven't discussed in this blog in a while:

 

I. KEEP A JOURNAL OR TIMELINE:  In other words, we cannot stress enough the point that, if you are going through a divorce, or child custody battle, you should keep, (in a secure location), a journal, or record or timeline, of all your contacts or communications, about your case, especially conversations with your worthless spouse, "Sluggo."  This journal or timeline will not only help your divorce attorney prepare for court, but also it will help you refresh your own memory about all the daily contacts you have had leading up to court.  Frankly, most of us simply cannot remember all our daily conversations about our children, or about other issues in a divorce case.  Therefore, we generally recommend that you write it down!

Of course, we also recommend that you discuss this matter and all other issues in your divorce with your own divorce lawyer!

Celebrity Divorces and Separations: Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere

[Photo of Cindy Crawford from wikipedia]

Successful model and business woman Cindy Crawford was a featured guest this morning on the CBS News morning program.  I had forgotten that, between 1991 and 1995, Ms. Crawford was married to actor Richard Gere.  Following her divorce from Gere, she later re-married and now has a happy marriage and two beautiful children.

Everyone knows about her successful modeling and business career.  But I suspect you didn't know about all the incredible charitable work she does for medical research and the Ronald McDonald House, among other exemplary efforts.

While her first marriage may not have been successful, Cindy Crawford is a wonderful example of celebrities who go on, following a divorce, to find happiness and successful careers!

Southern Humorist Lewis Grizzard's Take on Divorce

The late, great Southern humorist, Lewis Grizzard, a "great American," was well known for his astute observations about yankees who come South and wear out their welcome here!  As Lewis would put it, if ya'll yankees don't like our grits, or the way we talk, then "Delta is ready when you are!"

Lewis was also an astute observer about the human condition, including many witty observations, (in many of his 25 best-selling books), about the subject of divorce.  You see, Lewis probably felt like he was an expert on the subject, because, as the above book title about alimony suggests, he had been there and done that!

Lewis also once said that he believed in women's liberation.  After all, as he concluded, over the years, he had "liberated" two women! 

Are Simple, No-Fault Divorces Good or Bad?

I just read another blogger's post in which that blogger, (who will not be identified here), expressed an opinion that no-fault divorces are a bad thing.  In other words, that blogger believes that it should be more difficult for people to get a divorce.  I assume that blogger probably also believes that divorce is morally wrong.  What do you think?

As for me, obviously, since I am an Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyer, I support  Georgia's law which makes it relatively easy to get a divorce in this state without having to prove a fault ground, such as adultery, addiction, or cruel treatment.  In Georgia, a person must simply allege that the marriage is "irretrievably broken."  In short, he or she will then be entitled to get a divorce without having to allege or prove any fault grounds. 

It is not that I necessarily view divorce as a "good thing." No one really believes that.  However, I would hate to see our state make it more difficult for a woman to get out of a violent, abusive marriage.  In other words, in my opinion, no one should be forced to stay in an abusive relationship just because they cannot prove adultery, or another fault ground.  

In addition, I believe that Georgia courts should not be unduly expensive for folks who cannot afford contested divorces, which can cost thousands of dollars, (in contrast to much cheaper simple, uncontested divorces).  For instance, as divorce attorneys at the Goolsby Law Firm, LLC, in Augusta, GA, we often handle simple, uncontested divorces, with children, for as low as $500, plus costs.  Even then, we often see folks who struggle to afford it.  Justice should not only be for the wealthy!  Laws allowing relatively easy, cheap no-fault divorces are therefore necessary, in my opinion.

What is your opinion? 

Is Nagging Really the Number One Cause of Divorce?

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal this week, nagging is one of the primary causes of divorce.  Also, the article suggests that nagging is more common than adultery and that women are more responsible for nagging than men!  Check out the article for yourself at http://www.online.wsj.com/. 

Look, even though I am a man, I cannot defend "my kind" by simply agreeing with this article's conclusions!  First of all, as Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, we find that there are many other more prominent causes of divorce, including money issues, control issues, and lack of communication.  Also, we believe that men are just as prone as women to nag or complain about their spouses!

What do you think!?

Celebrity Marriage and Divorce: Jerry Seinfeld

[Photo of "Monk's Cafe" from wikipedia]

Last evening, I enjoyed a live concert performed here in Augusta, Georgia by one of my favorite comedians:  Jerry Seinfeld.  I believe the Seinfeld sitcom remains one of the best in television history!  During the question and answer session, following his hilarious stand-up act, Jerry pointed out that he has been happily married for twelve years.  Of course, that didn't prevent him from making a few funny jokes and observations about marriage and divorce! 

To paraphrase Jerry, he observed that marriage is about two people trying to get along without saying, "I hate you!"

As Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, we often hear from folks who, for many different reasons, couldn't accomplish that goal.  But maybe Jerry was right about marriage and divorce!  What do you think?

I noticed from Jerry Seinfeld's website that he is touring the entire country with his act.  If he comes to your area, you should really go and check it out!