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.

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!

• 
  

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?!

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!

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?

Why Simple, Uncontested Divorces Aren't Always So Simple!

As Augusta, Georgia divorce attorneys, we, at the Goolsby Law Firm, often receive telephone calls and emails from people who simply want to get a simple, uncontested divorce.  We understand.  These folks generally want to avoid a costly, contested divorce and just get as far away as possible from their worthless spouse, "Sluggo!"  But here are a couple of practical reasons why a simple, uncontested divorce may not always be so simple:

1. WHEN SLUGGO WON'T COOPERATE:  If your worthless spouse, Sluggo, refuses to cooperate and sign all the uncontested divorce documents, then you are wasting your time and money on this approach.  In other words, in some divorce cases, you and your divorce lawyer may decide it is best for you to take the control out of Sluggo's hands and get him served with contested divorce documents.  Otherwise, Sluggo may delay and delay, (on signing uncontested divorce documents), until the cows come home.

2.  WHEN YOU ARE FORFEITING IMPORTANT RIGHTS:  In some divorce cases, we also see some folks who are so desperate to get a "quick" divorce that they are willing to walk away from equity in the marital home, along with forfeiting other important property or rights.  We generally recommend that people who are facing a divorce should carefully consider, (with their divorce attorneys), whether or not they should make such sacrifices simply to avoid a court battle, or a more costly, contested divorce.

Look, as divorce lawyers, we recognize that each divorce case is different and that it is up to you, the client, to decide whether to go contested or uncontested in your divorce.  But we recommend that you discuss the facts of your divorce case with your own divorce attorney.  We also just wanted to point out that, at least in some divorce cases, there are valid reasons why you and your divorce lawyer may decide that a simple, uncontested divorce may not be best, or be so simple!

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!

Divorce and Venue: Where Do You File For A Divorce?

[Photo of courthouse from wikipedia]

As Augusta, GA divorce lawyers, we often receive calls from folks wanting to know where they must go in order to file for a divorce in Georgia.  In other words, do you know the general rule concerning venue, or the proper county or place where you should file, in this state?

The simple answer is that, generally, a party seeking a divorce must file in the county in which the defendant lives, (unless the defendant lived in your county and left it within six months before you file).  Another exception to this general rule is that your worthless spouse, "Sluggo," may sign a document prepared by your divorce attorney, in which he waives, or gives up, the right to be sued for divorce in the county to which he has moved.  In such case, your divorce attorney may file for divorce in your county, instead of his.

As to venue, like all other questions about your divorce, it is important that you discuss such matters with your own divorce lawyer!  And be rest assured that your divorce attorney will know how to get Sluggo served with divorce papers!

http://www.goolsbylawfirm.com/

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? 

Celebrity Divorces and Separations: Katy Perry and Russell Brand

[Photo from wikpedia]

Did you hear the latest Hollywood news?  According to various news reports, a California judge has signed documents which will grant a divorce filed late last year by British comedian Russell Brand from a talented American singer, Katy Perry. 

Technically, it appears that, under California divorce law, the divorce may not be final for another six months.  But, according to news reports, at least the divorce terms have been approved.  Coincidentally, Katy's new hit single is entitled, "The One That Got Away."

While, over the years, there have been many celebrity marriage success stories, this appears to be another example of how Hollywood careers can really put stress on celebrity marriages.  Here's hoping that they both have moved on and that they will find happiness and continued success in their respective careers.

Cayce Vice: Another Tragic Case of Domestic Violence

As divorce lawyers in Augusta, Georgia, we sometimes see, firsthand, in our divorce cases, the tragic results of family violence.  As a former career prosecutor, I prosecuted many cases involving domestic abuse.  Here, in Augusta, this past week, our community experienced a tragic loss of a 21 year old woman who was found dead in her apartment.  Police reportedly believe this young woman, Cayce Vice, is yet another tragic victim of domestic violence.  A prayer vigil was held by family and friends to remember her life.

We should likewise remember all the victims of family violence around the country.  According to Futures Without Violence, three women are murdered, on average, each day in this country by their husbands or boy friends.  Also, according to the Department of Justice, about 3.4 million people, mostly women, are the victims of stalking each year.

But that's enough about statistics.  Let us remember that these numbers are actually real people with families and friends -- like Cayce Vice -- who deserved to live and be left alone, but who are victims of these horrible crimes. 

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!

Movies About Divorce: One Fine Day

[Photo of movie poster from wikipedia]

Since it's a Friday, (and it is Friday the Thirteenth, at that!), let's keep things light by talking about another one of my favorite movies dealing with divorce!  The movie is One Fine Day, a really good 1996 comedy film about a budding romance between two single, working parents, played by two fine actors, George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer.  Ms. Pfeiffer was also the executive producer of the movie.

Have you seen this movie?  What are some of your favorite movies dealing with divorce?

Divorce and Your Health

[Photo of Eva Longoria from wikipedia]

As Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, we often see many ways in which a divorce can impact peoples' lives.  One way involves your health.  Many women (and men) reportedly suffer from stress-related illnesses both during and following their divorces.

For example, according to various reports, Desperate Housewives actress Eva Longoria has recently admitted that, following her divorce from basketball star Tony Parker, she experienced a significant weight-loss problem.  But she added that she has overcome this problem through a new diet and exercise program.

You can overcome your problems following a divorce, too!