Communication with your Divorce Lawyer

[Photo of the Goolsby Law Firm Lawyers]

     Today, I want to talk with you a little bit about the importance of communication with your divorce attorney.  In short, you should tell your lawyer everything that is important about your divorce case, even if you are afraid it might be unfavorable. Trust your divorce lawyer! It is better for your lawyer to learn about a potential problem in his or her conference room than later at a divorce hearing!

     In addition, it is also important to consider how and when to communicate with your divorce attorney.  In other words, time is money, so, you usually don't want to call your divorce attorney about unimportant things which will just waste your money and your lawyer's time. Of course, if something is important, please call your lawyer.  Otherwise, you might also want to consider sending your divorce lawyer an email which summarizes whatever information you want to share, especially when an immediate response may be unnecessary.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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! 

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!?

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?

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?

How Much Do Georgia Divorces Cost, Or Is the Cheapest Divorce Lawyer the Best?

[Photo from usstudents.org]

Look, we all like bargains, don't we?  But when you are looking for a divorce lawyer to handle your divorce, is it always best to go with the cheapest divorce attorney you can find?

Naturally, since we are Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, you wouldn't expect us to recommend that you always simply go with the cheapest lawyer out there, would you?  But, as a matter of fact, the Goolsby Law Firm, LLC, offers some of the most affordable rates, particularly for uncontested divorces, in our entire community.  We recommend you consider the following additional tips when you are selecting the best divorce lawyer for your divorce:

1. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS:  Before you retain a divorce lawyer, we strongly recommend that you talk with trusted family members and friends about good, affordable divorce attorneys in your community.  For instance, while one divorce attorney might be cheap, if your best friend has had a bad experience with that attorney, then you might want to consider that important information and pick someone else!

2.  MEET WITH THE DIVORCE ATTORNEY BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO RETAIN THEM:  We also generally recommend that you meet with a prospective attorney -- whether they come highly recommended, or whether you found them in the telephone book, or online -- before you make a decision about retaining them.  In other words, make an appointment, sit down with them, and ask questions about them and about your divorce case.  While some law firms charge a fee for such a meeting, we, at the Goolsby Law Firm, LLC, generally offer free initial consultations.

In short, we recommend that you shouldn't simply look for the cheapest lawyer out there to handle your divorce and all your important legal issues, ranging from child custody, to property division, to alimony.  Instead, you should investigate!  Please talk with family and friends, and meet with the prospective divorce attorney, before you make this important decision.  While cost may be a factor, it should not be the only factor.

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?

Celebrity Separations and Divorces: The Kim Kardashian Saga Continues!

[Photo of Kim Kardashian from wikipedia]

During the past week, the news reports have kept on churning out about Kim Kardashian's decision to file for divorce, after only 72 days of marriage, from pro basketball player Kris Humphries.  For instance, there have been reports that the Kardashians have made millions off the recent t.v. marriage.  Some also claim the marriage was a sham in the first place. (The Kardashians have adamantly denied these reports and, frankly, we submit that no one in the media really knows what they are talking about). 

Also, Kim reportedly flew to Minnesota, (where Kris is reportedly from), during this past week, to seek marriage counseling with Kris, and aided by the pastor who presided over their ill-fated marriage.

In addition, the Kardashians bore the brunt of a very unflattering spoof performed by various cast members on Saturday Night Live.

Finally, today, I have read reports about an alleged "backlash" by a cynical public against the Kardashians over what has been reported by some as a sham marriage.  Again, in my opinion, while the cynics might be right about some things, no one really knows the truth here.  Is it all just a public relations disaster?  In my opinion, no one knows other than Kim and Kris, and those are really the only two people who can work to resolve this matter, one way or the other.

What do you think?

 

Celebrity Divorces and Separations: Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries

[Photo of Kim Kardashian from wikipedia]

Wow!  I am sure you have heard the various news reports, by now, indicating that model and reality star Kim Kardashian has filed for divorce from her pro basketball husband, Kris Humphries, after only 72 days of marriage.  According to reports, the divorce filing by Ms. Kardashian cites "irreconcilable differences."

Again, Ms. Kardashain has filed for divorce after only 72 days!  What is your opinion?  Isn't it possible, in some marriages, that some spouses realize, early on, that a mistake has occurred, and that it is best to end a marriage sooner, rather than later?  Are there other possible reasons?  Are there better solutions?  What do you think? 

Divorce Lawyers, Television, and Law Call

[Photo of t.v. set from vectordiary.com]

I had an interesting experience last evening.  I was invited to be the guest speaker to field questions on the local "Law Call" television show.  I'll bet you have a similar t.v. program where you live.  Folks call in and ask a lawyer about their law-related questions.

One of the interesting features about this t.v. experience was that I learned you have time for only a few questions.  And when technical problems with the telephone lines occur, I learned you must be flexible and keep going on!

One question I answered dealt with the difference between an uncontested and contested divorce.  Of course, each of you who follows this divorce blog already knows the difference!

I enjoyed this t.v. experience and appreciate my Augusta lawyer friend, Vic Hawk, for asking me to appear on the program!