When a noncustodial parent misses paying court-mandated support, the consequences reach far beyond the balance sheet. Yes, life circumstances can sometimes lead to difficulties in meeting payments. But it should not be an excuse not to fulfill an obligation,...
Understanding your charges: Misdemeanors vs. felonies
When you break the law, the courts assess relevant factors before receiving appropriate punishments for the crime you committed. In Georgia, the crime categories – either a misdemeanor or a felony – vary depending on the severity of penalties. In comparison, a...
Can my actions compromise my child custody battle?
While you and your ex fight over child custody, it generally helps to demonstrate to the court that you can raise your children responsibly and be an excellent example for them. Behaviors that prove or imply otherwise may compromise your odds, and, as a result, you...
Georgia’s parole process: Eligibility and considerations
Freedom comes at a cost, which for prisoners means an unwavering commitment to breaking the cycle of crime in exchange for retaining parole. Parole is a conditional freedom afforded to qualified offenders in which they serve their remaining sentence with the rest of...
What if you get arrested for DUI with a prior record?
Getting arrested on a drunk-driving charge is never fun. But it can be an especially big problem if you already have a DUI conviction (or two) on your record. Then the potential penalties you would face if convicted start shooting up, and your priors do not have to...
Can you file for a Georgia divorce based on impotence grounds?
A married couple’s intimate connection can take many forms – physical, intellectual, emotional or spiritual. All these require that you and your spouse entrust each other with your most vulnerable selves. But if your spouse suffers from a medical condition that...
Understanding searches and seizures
Many people get intimidated when facing law enforcement officers, and sometimes the intimidation causes some individuals to comply with the officers’ requests, even those that are unreasonable. This is true for many searches and seizures. However, this can impair a...
Can we skip property division if we have no assets?
Though not always the case, spouses who have only been married for a couple of years naturally acquire fewer marital assets than those together for longer. And for spouses who find themselves separating before they can even acquire assets together, it may come as a...
A father’s legitimation path in Georgia
Under Georgia law, sometimes a genetic test proving you are the child’s biological parent isn’t enough to give you rights as a father. What this means is that if you wish to build a relationship with your child, if you aren’t married to the mother, then legitimation...
Five common mistakes the police make during investigations
Being accused of criminal wrongdoing can turn your world upside down. The threat of conviction can leave you reeling as you struggle to cope with the possibility of being hit with prison time and difficulty securing and holding employment and housing even after you’ve...