Divorce and "Free Consultations:" What It Means and What It Doesn't Mean!

As you know, we are father and son Augusta, Georgia divorce attorneys. One thing about our family law firm which makes us "special," or at least different, is that we generally provide a "free initial consultation." In other words, we will accept your telephone calls and try to answer your questions about your Georgia divorce for free! Many law firms charge a fee, sometimes as much as $250, before they will allow you to set foot in their front door or answer any questions about your divorce! But we prefer to try to help people by answering a few questions at no cost.

Naturally, we hope to be retained to handle some of these divorce cases. But we still try to help people even though we realize that many of these callers will never retain us to be their divorce attorneys.

But naturally, we sometimes wish that some folks would realize, before they call, that a "free initial consultation" does not apply to every situation! Consider the following examples:

1. DO NOT CALL US IF YOU ARE ALREADY REPRESENTED BY A DIVORCE LAWYER: Look, if you already have a divorce attorney, please call them, not us! I sympathize with you, but it's not my fault that you cannot get your own divorce lawyer on the telephone! Besides, I could have an ethical issue if I even wanted, (and I don't!), to give legal advice to a represented person!

2. DO NOT CALL US IF YOUR DIVORCE IS OUT OF STATE: Please understand that we are licensed to practice law and handle divorces only in the State of Georgia. If you live elsewhere, you should seek the help of a divorce attorney in your own state! (But to be honest, if you do call, since I'm a "softie," I will likely still try to help you find an out-of-state divorce lawyer--for free!)

3. DO NOT CALL US IF YOU ARE A DO-IT-YOURSELFER: Even though our family law firm handles many simple, uncontested divorces almost as cheaply as some of the do-it-yourself divorce kits available online, we are amazed that some people will obtain the kits, get stumped, and then call us and expect us to help them complete their divorce kits -- "for free!" What is even more amazing is that, sometimes in the past, we have actually tried to help them! But we shouldn't be expected to do so, don't you agree!?

Oh, we also don't handle bankruptcy or tax matters, just as we also don't know how to fix your plumbing or carburetor!

In conclusion, if you had an Augusta, Georgia divorce law firm, would you offer a "free consultation?" Do you see the pros and cons? Do you also agree that, just because it's free, it's not for everyone!?

Celebrity Divorces: George Lopez

Did you hear? Apparently, another Hollywood marriage may be biting the dust! According to a Hollywood publicist, the 17 year marriage of comedian George Lopez and his spouse is ending. The publicist also reports that the dissolution will be "amicable," whatever that means in this "not-so-amicable" context! Here's wishing both, (i.e. Lopez and spouse, not Lopez and the publicist), happy, amicable days ahead!

Step Parent Adoption: Surrender of Parental Rights

At the Goolsby Law Firm, LLC, as father and son Augusta, Georgia divorce attorneys, we generally offer free initial consultations. As a result, each day, we get callers from all over Georgia who are looking for information about divorce, child custody, adoption, and countless other family law issues. (Of course, you should always consult with your own divorce lawyer about your own particular situation!)

One common issue which we receive calls about involves whether a parent can voluntarily surrender their parental rights. That's right! Can you believe it!? Some folks "out there" actually want to know if they can give up, or avoid, all parental responsibility for their children! Generally, in most cases, we simply tell such callers that you simply cannot "turn over" your kids and avoid responsibility for paying child support!

Of course, each situation is different. In other words, in some situations, a surrender of parental rights is possible and can lead to a positive result. For example, it is possible for a parent to surrender his parental rights if his spouse has re-married and the new step father is willing to adopt the kids and support them. In this situation, the kids will hopefully be taken care of by a new father who will love and support them. The results in this situation can be fantastic!

However, what is your opinion of the deadbeat parents "out there" who, even if they are gainfully employed, simply want to find a way to avoid paying child support? In your opinion, should a parent be easily allowed to surrender his or her parental rights?

Celebrity Divorces: Anne Francis: "Honey West"

This past week, (on September 16th), marked the eightieth birthday of a fine actress, Ms. Anne Francis. Ms. Francis went through two divorces early in her career, thus justifying my inclusion of her in this divorce (and celebrity divorce) blog written by an Augusta, Georgia divorce attorney.

Some of you may possibly remember her as one of the stars of the 1956 cult classic movie, "Forbidden Planet." I remember her, as a small boy, from the 1960's t.v. private investigator series, "Honey West." According to Wikipedia and other sources, "Honey West" was the first television series featuring a female private investigator.

Ms. Francis has also been a "first" in another category. Her adoption of one of her children in 1970 was reportedly one of the first adoptions granted to a single person in California.

Here's wishing Ms. Francis a belated "happy birthday" and many more!

Divorce and Mediation: How Much Does It Cost?

In the last post, I extolled the virtues of mediation as a potential solution in many tough divorce cases. But in looking back at the post, I realized that I failed to give you any practical information concerning the costs of mediation. So, here goes!

In my experience as a divorce attorney in Augusta, Georgia, I have used mediators whose fees have ranged between $100.00 per hour to $250.00 per hour. (The latter rate was what a retired judge charged). Other mediators have charged $125.00 per hour. And you must also keep in mind that mediation may, in some cases, take several hours!

In short, while some mediators may be "worth their weight in gold," as I claimed in the last post, when you, as a divorce client, have to pay their bill, it may seem like they cost that much, too!

Please be sure to discuss all aspects of mediation, along with all other costs of your divorce, with your own divorce lawyer.

Divorce and Mediation: A Good Mediator is Worth Their Weight in Gold!

I wholeheartedly believe that, in some intractable, "knockdown-dragout" contested divorces, mediation is the best way to go to get a good result! I also believe that a skilled mediator is worth his or her weight in gold.

A mediator is someone who is trained to help parties in a lawsuit to reach a negotiated settlement. The mediator is supposed to be a neutral, impartial facilitator who can help promote communication and compromise. Put more simply, a good mediator can help get a divorce settled quickly and save both parties a lot of time, tears, and treasure!

In my opinion, some of the best mediators in divorce cases are divorce lawyers or judges. They have the experience to be able to tell the parties about the potential consequences at trial, if they
refuse to settle.

Have you ever gone though a mediation? What do yo think about it? Do you agree that a good mediator is worth his or her weight in gold!?

Divorce "Joke of the Day!"

After a number of serious posts, today, maybe it is time for a divorce "joke of the day!"

Here is an "oldie goldie" that is still a "goodie:"

The divorce court judge told the husband, "After careful deliberation, I have decided to give your spouse $5,000 each month in alimony."

The husband replied, "That's great! Each month, I'll try to give her a few bucks, too!"

From each of us at The Goolsby Law Firm, LLC, (father and son divorce lawyers), to each of you: Happy Labor Day Weekend!