CELEBRITY DIVORCES: JENNIFER ANISTON

[Photo from wikipedia]

Have you heard the sad news? America's sweetheart, Jennifer Aniston, has reportedly announced her split from husband Justin Theroux.  The couple, which has been married for less than three years, jointly announced their split yesterday.

Ms. Aniston is well known for her incredible charitable work, including her support of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

I love how the couple, in making their joint announcement, pointed out that it was THEIR decision to make the announcement and that the public should ignore other media reports!

Here's hoping that America's sweetheart and her soon-to-be-ex will each find happiness again after their divorce.

Uncontested Divorce in Georgia: What does it really mean?

Obviously, most people going through a divorce would prefer that the divorce be uncontested and cheap.

But what does an uncontested divorce really mean?

As an Augusta, Georgia divorce attorney, I can tell you that it means more than the simple fact that both parties are wanting to divorce! In other words, for it to truly be an uncontested divorce, it generally requires, among other things, that both parties have agreed to ALL the terms of the divorce and that both parties will cooperate and sign all the documents. In addition, it also means that the terms agreed upon are such that the divorce judge will readily approve the divorce. If even one divorce term is not agreed upon, or if the documents are in a format that the judge will not approve them, then you can still get a divorce, but it may have to be a contested one in which the parties may have to go before a judge.

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!

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/

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.

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!?

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!

Common Search Terms Leading to Divorce Lawyer in Augusta, Georgia

As you may know, we are the Goolsby Law Firm, LLC, a father and son law firm which handles divorces, criminal cases, and other types of legal matters in Augusta, Georgia.  I also blog about Georgia divorce law, (in this blog), and about criminal law in my other blog, (http://www.whitecollarcrimeingeorgia.blogspot.com/). 

If you also blog, you probably sometimes wonder, like me, about how people find your blogs/posts.  As for this blog, while it is not scientific, I have noticed a pattern of common google (and yahoo) search terms which have generally led people to this site.  They often include:

1. Divorce Lawyers (or Divorce Attorneys) in Augusta Georgia:  I guess that should come as no surprise to anyone.  (See blog title above!)

2. Celebrity Separations and Divorces:  These key terms are probably no surprise, either, because I frequently post about various celebrity divorces.  Perhaps the most common search in this category which leads to this blog involves people who are curious about actress Michelle Pfeiffer.  (Of course, in this blog, I have cited her marriage to producer David E. Kelley as an example of a Hollywood success story).

3. Adultery:  Since this is a blog by a Georgia divorce lawyer, it should also come as no surprise that many people come here by searching for information about adultery, or infidelity.  But it might surprise you to learn that we get a lot of hits from people wanting to know if you can go to jail, or to Hell, for committing adultery!

What common key words lead folks to your blog? 

Divorce, Child Custody Battles, and the Seal Beach, California Shooting Incident

At the time of this posting, while the reported details are still sketchy, it appears, based upon various news reports, that the tragic shooting and killing of eight people by a lone gunman at a Seal Beach, California beauty salon, Salon Meritage, may have been related to a child custody battle.  In short, based upon initial reports, it appears that a 42 year-old man, Scott DeKraai, who was arrested by police less than a mile away from the salon, had reportedly been engaged in a bitter child custody battle with a salon employee over their son.

Look, no one know if the initial news reports are true.  And naturally, no one should contest the fact that Mr. DeKraai is entitled to his fair day in court.  But it is also true, as this tragic incident may illustrate, and as every divorce lawyer knows, child custody battles can sometimes get ugly -- really ugly.  And sometimes, sadly, child custody disputes lead to violence.

Are there any solutions?  Perhaps we can consider that topic on another day.  But today, our thoughts and prayers go out to each of the victims of this tragedy and to each of their families.

How to Determine the Duration of Alimony and New Trends



THE DURATION OF ALIMONY AND THE NEW TREND:

As Augusta, Georgia divorce attorneys, we are often asked by folks about how Georgia judges (or juries) determine the amount of alimony in a divorce case and how long such alimony must be paid.  Today, let's focus only on the latter question -- about the length or duration of alimony.  Simply put, generally, in Georgia, while there are guidelines, a judge has complete discretion to determine how long he or she believes alimony should be paid.  Put another way, while a judge will consider the length of the marriage, and the parties' needs and ability to pay, (among other factors), in determining the amount of alimony, the judge generally also has  a lot of discretion in determining the length of time or duration in which it must be paid. 

But judges have common sense.  For example, in theory, it is possible that a party in a short-term marriage of two or three years could get permanent alimony.  But that is not likely to happen.  However, the point is that, in Georgia, generally, judges retain complete discretion to decide the duration of alimony. But that's in Georgia.  What about other states?  Are there any new trends or new approaches in states' alimony statutes?

FLORIDA'S NEW ALIMONY STATUTE:

In Florida, in 2010, their state legislature reportedly enacted a new alimony statute which essentially divides marriages into three categories, based upon duration.  Short-term marriages are defined as marriages less than 7 years; moderate, 7-17 years; and long-term marriages are defined as longer than 17 years.  These three categories, in turn, help determine the duration of alimony payments.

MASSACHUSETTS' NEW ALIMONY STATUTE:

Also, in Massachusetts, just last week, their state legislature passed a new law which similarly limits the duration of alimony payments based upon the length, or duration, of the marriage.  For instance, now, in Massachusetts, for long-term marriages, (i.e. defined as being more than 20 years), alimony will end at retirement age.  And now -- get this -- under their new law, if you have been married for 5 years, or less, the duration of alimony will now reportedly be automatically capped at 50% of the number of months you were married. 

In other words, there appears to be a trend toward "fixing" alimony statutes by limiting a judges' discretion as to the duration of alimony.  Of course, you should consult with a divorce lawyer in your own state about your own state's laws about divorce and alimony!

What is your opinion of this trend and these statutory changes in some states which limit the duration of alimony based upon the duration of the marriage?  Should their be statutory limitations, or should judges retain the discretion to decide how long alimony should be paid?

SLUGGO'S "TREND:"

Of course, if you were married to a worthless spouse, like "Sluggo," you would be happy if he would get off his lazy "trend" and make even one alimony payment!  

Celebrity Divorces and Separations: James Marsden and Lisa Linde

[Photo of James Marsden from wikipedia]

Well, it appears that another Hollywood marriage has bitten the dust.  According to various news reports, Lisa Linde, the spouse of actor James Marsden since 2000, filed for divorce last week from the popular actor and star of Straw  Dogs and the X-Men films.  The couple have two children.  Ms. Linde is the daughter of famous country music singer Dennis Linde.

According to a representative for the couple, while the marriage may be broken, the couple will remain "good friends."  That statement sounds good, doesn't it?  But is it really true? 

Hopefully, they will, in fact, remain "good friends."  Don't you agree that it is possible for a divorcing couple, at a minimum, to at least mildly tolerate each other, for the sake of their children?

Reasons Why People Divorce: The Mysterious Case of the "Lovey-Dovey Divorce"

[Photo from freephotos.co.uk]

As Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, we never know what to expect when divorcing couples walk in the door to sign their uncontested divorce documents.  What will be their reactions, or emotional state?  In some divorces, the parties are understandably upset.  In other divorce cases, one party, or the other, may be angry.  And sometimes, they simply remain silent, or stoic.  But then, there is that one case, as a divorce attorney, which I will never forget.  It was the case which I call the "lovey-dovey divorce."

It was a bright, sunny day--just a couple of years ago.  The two parties had arrived at our law offices separately.  Looking out my office window, I could see them, husband and wife, as they paused and warmly embraced, before they entered.  Then, they walked into our offices, hand-in-hand, together.

While going over the divorce documents, it appeared that they could not keep their hands off each other.  He laughed at her witty quips.  They also freely smiled at each other.  In short, they looked more like excited, new lovers than a couple going through a divorce!  But in spite of all their smiles and touches, and their furtive, flirting glances, they each dutifully signed the divorce documents and left!

After they left, I couldn't resist my own furtive glance out the window.  There, I witnessed another warm embrace.  Finally, they each got into their own automobiles and drove away, separately.

Why were they so happy and so warm to each other?  Why were they getting a divorce?  What do you think?  We will never know!  But this was the case of the "lovey-dovey divorce!"  

Reverend Pat Robertson, Divorce, and Alzheimer's Disease: Is It Okay to Divorce a Sick or Dying Spouse?

[Photo from wikipedia]

Whether you love him or hate him, you must admit that the Reverend Pat Robertson has an uncanny affinity for making controversial statements which attract attention.  What do you think of Robertson's latest statement about divorcing a spouse with Alzheimer's disease? 

According to various reports, this past week, Rev. Robertson essentially told viewers of "The 700 Club" television program that it is okay to divorce your spouse, if he or she has Alzheimer's disease, because the condition is a "kind of death."  In fairness, he added that you should first make sure that your sick spouse is taken care of.  But what do you think of his controversial views about divorce from a dying spouse? 

Celebrity Separations and Divorces: Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston

[Photo from wikipedia]

Why do some celebrities have to open their mouths and bash their exes?  If you believe actor Brad Pitt, he opened his mouth this week, during an interview for this Sunday's Parade magazine, but he didn't intend to bash his ex, actress Jennifer Aniston. 

Of course, Pitt and Aniston were married from 2000 until 2005, when he met his new (and current) girl friend, Angelina Jolie, on the movie set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith.  (It is also important to point out that Pitt and Jolie have denied they committed adultery before Pitt and Aniston were divorced).

But you read the interview and decide for yourself about Pitt's comments and whether or not they were directed, in any way, at Aniston.  According to various news reports, during the interview, among other things, Pitt described his life, while he was married to Aniston, as dull and "pathetic."

Since the interview, Pitt has tried to make amends, by complimenting Aniston, and by emphasizing that he was only talking about his own life and career, and not about his marriage or about Aniston.

Who knows?  Maybe, Pitt's explanation is correct.  Maybe he wasn't bashing Aniston.  But maybe this incident also illustrates that celebrities, just like regular folks, should simply not open their mouths and say anything which could ever be construed as negative about their exes!  And this rule is especially true if the party was once married to, and then divorced, "America's Sweetheart!"

Don't you agree?

Celebrity Separations and Divorces: Eva Longoria and Tony Parker

[Photo from wikipedia]

Sometimes, celebrities must try to answer some really dumb questions from the media!  If you were asked, like actress Eva Longoria, following a recent divorce, whether you would ever marry again, what would be your answer?

According to various news reports, Ms. Longoria gave a pretty good response to this question, in my opinion.  She basically said that she has not given it a lot of thought and that no woman, after recently getting a divorce, could really give a truthful answer!

Don't you agree that this is a fair response?  After all, Ms. Longoria's divorce from basketball star Tony Parker was just finalized earlier this year.  And while we all can probably safely predict that the Desperate Housewives star will not be desperate to re-marry any time soon, it is equally true that no one, including her, (or you, if you have recently gone through a dvorce), knows what the future may hold.

So, that is why, in my opinion, as an Augusta, Georgia divorce attorney, Ms. Longoria gave a truthful response to a dumb question!

Divorce, Child Support, and Advice to Deadbeat Dads

[Photo from childfun.net]

As you can imagine, because we are Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers who offer free initial consultations, every day, we receive numerous telephone and email inquiries about Georgia divorces.  In response, we earnestly attempt to give good, sound information about Georgia divorce law.  Also, we always encourage each caller or writer to discuss their divorce questions with their own divorce attorney.  Finally, we also always try to be polite to callers and writers to the Goolsby Law Firm, LLC!

Sometimes, we get questions about divorce which stump us.  In other words, divorce attorneys are not legal encyclopedias.  We simply do not always have the answers without doing legal research.

And sometimes, we get questions for which there are no good responses, or, at least, there isn't a response which the caller or writer wants to hear.  One example of this type of question involves inquiries from so-called "deadbeat dads."  I really don't like to use this term, because, as I have explained before, it unfairly casts a shadow over all dads and ignores the fact that most fathers DO, in fact, support their children.

But a fairly common question we receive from some so-called "deadbeat dads" is:  "How can I surrender my parental rights?"  The answer we generally give is: "You can't!"  In other words, generally, no Georgia judge would (nor should) allow a father to avoid paying child support and simply walk away from their parental responsibilities.  If your spouse won't allow you child visitation, then, generally, your best remedy is to take 'em back to court, in a contempt action, rather than to try to avoid paying child support!

Sometimes, I also want to add that I believe the caller or writer should stop procreating and should consider getting a vasectomy!  But I generally keep such advice to myself!  Like I said, we always try to be polite to callers and writers to the Goolsby Law Firm, LLC!