CELEBRITY DIVORCES: ZAC BROWN AND SHELLEY BROWN

[Photo of Zac Brown Band from wikipedia]

    Did you hear the news that country music singer Zac Brown and his wife Shelley, have reportedly told People Magazine that they are splitting up?  Zac, of course, is part of the Zac Brown Band, which has produced such hits as "Chicken Fried" and "Free."

    According to news reports, the couple, (parents of five  children), has issued a joint statement announcing the amicable divorce.

    Here's hoping that both parties will continue to get along, as they continue to parent together their five children.  As Augusta Georgia divorce lawyers, we understand how difficult divorces can be, especially where children and child custody are involved.

    

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!

ONLINE DIVORCE KITS: POTENTIAL PITFALLS AND PROBLEMS

Everyone going through a divorce wants to get a divorce at the least possible cost. In short, most people want a cheap, uncontested divorce. And some people resort to the lure of cheap online divorce kits in their effort to achieve a "do it yourself" divorce!  

As Augusta, Georgia divorce attorneys, we can attest that retaining your own divorce lawyer is usually the best course to follow, especially if you have children or significant financial issues to consider. For example, if divorcing parties fail to hire a divorce attorney, judges will usually require you to take off time from work to attend a court hearing. In addition, the "do it yourself" kits sometimes fail to give you important information, such as details about required parenting seminars.

But you can have your cake and eat it, too, if you call the Goolsby Law Firm, LLC, in Augusta, GA!

We handle simple, uncontested divorces at affordable rates and even offer payment plans to help you

get a divorce! We are also there to help you in the event your divorce goes contested.

Please call us at the Goolsby Law Firm, LLC, (706) 863-5281, for a free initial consultation.

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 Breakups and Divorces: Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher

[Photo of Demi Moore from wikipedia]

As Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, we are often asked: how long does it take to get a divorce?  Well, the answer is: it depends! In other words, there are a lot of factors which can affect how long it takes for a divorce to become final.

For example, have you followed any of the news reports about the separation of actors Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher? According to various news reports, the celebrity couple separated over a year ago and yet, reportedly, their divorce has never been finalized.

Even in a typical Georgia divorce, there are a number of factors, such as whether it is a contested or uncontested divorce, or whether or not the couple is fighting over child custody, which can determine how long the court proceedings can take.

A simple, uncontested divorce can be completed in as little as a couple of months. However, some tough, contested divorces can take a year or longer to complete!

We recommend that you discuss this question, along with all your rights and options, with your own divorce attorney. Hopefully, your divorce won't take as long to complete as some celebrity breakups!

Augusta, GA Divorce Lawyers: Free Consultations

As Augusta, Georgia divorce attorneys -- a father and two sons practicing law together -- we generally offer free initial consultations.  In other words, every day, as Augusta divorce lawyers, we talk with people and try to answer all their questions about divorce, including, among other things, issues about child custody, child visitation, alimony, and equitable property and debt division.

While we still have to make a living, we are proud that we can and do offer this service -- and our time -- at no cost.

"Cheap" Divorce Attorneys in Augusta GA

Do you bloggers "out there" ever check to see what key words bring folks to your blogs? I have noticed that we, at the Goolsby Law Firm, LLC, (see our law firm's website here), sometimes receive visits to our sites from people looking for "cheap divorce lawyers in Augusta, Georgia." Should this make our divorce lawyer law firm happy or sad?!

I guess it depends upon which definition of the word "cheap" you go with!  For instance, according to the free online dictionary, one definition of "cheap" would refer to a divorce attorney who is "relatively low in cost," or "inexpensive."  I like that definition! And I believe it applies to us, because we attempt to make our services as Georgia divorce lawyers affordable, low in cost, or relatively inexpensive.

But according to another definition of "cheap," it would refer to a divorce lawyer who is "of poor quality," or "stingy." Naturally, we do not accept that definition of the divorce attorneys at our Augusta, Georgia law firm! We always try to give good, personal service, in divorce or child custody cases, at a low cost. We also offer free initial consultations.

In any event, no matter how you came to visit our divorce blog, or our Augusta, GA divorce law firm, we welcome you and hope to provide you with some good, general information and tips for you to discuss with your own divorce lawyer.  And this is better than cheap. It is free!

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 Hotels: A New Reality?

[Sample Hotel photo from hotelsinnorthcyprus.com]

Are you a fan of reality shows?  Well, if Dutch entrepreneur Jim Halfens has his way, you may soon be able to watch a new reality show called the "Divorce Hotel!"  Halfens' proposed reality show about divorce is based upon his actual "divorce hotels," which are presently located throughout The Netherlands.

The premise is fairly simple:  Couples check in (separately) to the lavish "divorce hotel" on a friday and then leave divorced by the end of the weekend.  The guests can meet with mediators, lawyers, and other professionals, who attempt to make divorce more pleasant in a luxurious hotel setting.

According to news reports, Halfens supposedly invited Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher to be his guests, but the couple reportedly did not respond.

As an Augusta, Georgia divorce attorney, (see here), I must admit that I find Halfens' idea of a "divorce hotel" to be somewhat intriguing.  But because divorces can often be complicated matters, particularly when child custody and complex property division issues are present, I personally doubt whether this idea will work for most people.  

Also, there is the matter of cost.  According to news reports, the "divorce hotel" experience can run from $3500 to $10,000.00.  That is simply beyond the means of most people.

But again, even if I, as a divorce lawyer, never send any clients to a divorce hotel, (and Halfens plans to open "divorce hotels" in the United States soon), I can still possibly sit back, like you, and watch his proposed new "divorce hotel" reality show on t.v. in the fall!

The Continuing Deion Sanders Divorce Saga

[Photo of Deion Sanders from wikipedia]

The divorce between former football star Deion Sanders and his spouse, Pilar, continues to play out in the media spotlight. According to various news reports, this past week, Deion Sanders was awarded temporary custody of the parties' three children.  Of course, no one can predict what the court will do at a final hearing.

As Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, we sometimes see one party being awarded temporary custody, at a temporary hearing, (which is called a thirty day conference here), only to see custody change by the time of the final hearing.

In some cases involving child custody, as divorce attorneys, we ask the judge to appoint a guardian ad litem to investigate which party should be awarded child custody, along with helping the judge to address child visitation issues.  The guardian ad litem essentially operates as the "eyes and ears" of the court and reports back to the court with their recommendations.

Here's hoping that Deion and Pilar Sanders are able to work out their remaining issues outside the media spotlight.

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!

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?

How Long Does It Take For A Georgia Divorce To Become Final?

As Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers, we are often asked, "How long will it take for my divorce to become final?"  The answer is.....it depends!

Actually, the length of a divorce proceeding may depend, in part, on whether it is an uncontested divorce or contested divorce.

 

1. SIMPLE, UNCONTESTED DIVORCES:

A simple, uncontested divorce in Georgia will generally take only a couple of months, after filing, in order to become final.  In other words, under Georgia law, generally, the divorce documents must remain in the clerk's office for a month before the file can be sent by the clerk to the judge's office, where it might take up to another month, or so, before a final divorce decree is signed.  Of course, if there are any problems, such as one of the parties is late in getting the mandated children of divorce seminar completed, then the divorce could take longer before it is approved by the court.

2. CONTESTED DIVORCES:

Contested divorces are a different ballgame! It is much more difficult, as a Georgia divorce attorney, to predict how long a contested divorce might take.  More simply put, we generally will not even attempt to guess!  In part, the length of time it takes will depend upon the reasonableness of both parties.  In other words, if both parties can cooperate and quickly negotiate a fair settlement, then a contested divorce can be resolved relatively quickly.  However, if the parties are fighting each other, tooth and nail, on complex issues ranging from child custody, to property division, to alimony, to adultery, to who gets the family cat, then it might take a number of months, or even a year, or more, of hearings and mediation, before the final decree is signed!  In short, every divorce is different, so it is impossible to guess precisely how long the entire process will take.

Of course, these are all matters which you should discuss with your own divorce lawyer!

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.

Divorce, Judicial Discretion, and Square Rocks

On my desk, at The Goolsby Law Firm, LLC, located in Augusta, Georgia, sits this square rock!  (I guess that, technically, the rock would be considered a cube)!  What does a square rock have to do with a divorce-related blog?  Consider the following point.

Although family law judges generally follow guidelines which normally apply to most divorce or child custody cases, it is important to recognize that they also generally retain some discretion to deviate from the norm.  And there is a good reason for this judicial discretion.  Simply put, not all people and not all divorce cases are alike.  Just as most rocks are round, occasionally, you run across one that is square!  For instance, Georgia's child support guidelines might dictate that a parent should pay a certain prescribed amount of child support.  However, a judge is granted discretion to deviate from the prescribed amount if, for example, the parent is temporarily unemployed, or otherwise has lower income.

Frankly, as a divorce attorney, I am glad that judges retain some discretion to depart from the norm.  After all, not all of us rocks are round!  Don't you agree?

Divorce, Child Custody and Parent Selection

After several "entertaining" posts, maybe it is time for me to put on my Augusta, Georgia divorce attorney hat and give you some more "meat and potatoes," or practical tips, for you to discuss with your own divorce lawyer!  Today, let's talk a little bit about parent selection in a Georgia child custody case.

Did you know that, in Georgia, generally, a child who has reached 14 years old may sign a parent selection form and essentially choose with whom he or she wants to live?  Of course, the judge might still potentially ignore the kid's custody selection.  Moreover, the judge will still ultimately decide what is in the child's best interests.  But it is important that you know that, at least in the State of Georgia, parent selection is still possible. 

So, if you are going through a divorce from your worthless spouse, "Sluggo," and your son, "Sluggo, Jr." tells you he wants to stay with you, then you now know to make a beeline down to your divorce attorney and ask him or her about parent selection!  What are the rules about parent selection in your state? 

Joint Custody or Shared Custody: By Either Name Does It Really Work?

According to Divorce Lawyer Source and other sources, only about twenty percent of all divorces involving child custody result in a shared (or joint) custody arrangement.  Put another way, as you would suspect, in most divorce cases, one parent, (usually, the mother), gets sole physical custody and the other parent, (usually, the father), gets reasonable child visitation.

As Augusta, Georgia divorce attorneys, we, (at The Goolsby Law Firm, LLC), have seen both arrangements work.  In other words, while our experience with child custody has probably followed the norm, we have seen that shared (joint) child custody can work in some situations.  Each case is different.  But while shared (joint) custody may work for some families, it is simply not very practicable in others.  One practical issue involves challenges faced by school-aged children who are expected to go from one parent's house to another, from week to week.  Can't you see the problems such a child might face?  In other words, there are many practical issues which you must discuss with your divorce lawyer before agreeing to a shared (joint) child custody arrangement.

What other practicle problems are presented by a shared (joint) child custody arrangement?  Do you believe shared (joint) child custody can work? 

Divorce, Custody, Visitation, and Not-So-Happy Holidays!

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? For most people, the holidays are a happy time. It is a time when families re-unite for fun, food, fellowship, and thanksgiving.

But for parents who have gone through a divorce, the holidays can be a sad time, because they are required to share their children with their ex-spouses. In fact, in many Georgia divorce cases, parents will generally alternate getting to see their kids, from holiday to holiday and from year to year. As a result, in such cases, if it isn't "your year," you may not even get to see your own children at all! How sad!

Hopefully, if you have gone through a divorce, this is "your year" and you will get to spend Thanksgiving with your children! But, if not, please be thankful that at least you won't have to spend another Thanksgiving with your worthless ex, "Sluggo!" Doesn't this fact alone make it a happy Thanksgiving?!