Does an Acknowledgement of Paternity Mean a Child is Legitimated?
No, the acknowledgement of paternity form does not mean a child is legitimated under Georgia law. Unwed parents often mistakenly believe that the father gains custodial rights to the child by signing the acknowledgement of paternity and having the father’s name included on the birth certificate. By itself, an acknowledgement of paternity does not entitle […]
Premarital Cohabitation Can be Considered When Determining Alimony
In Georgia, the determination of the amount of alimony or spousal support awarded to a party is within the sole discretion of the fact finder. Unlike child support, there is no mathematical formula to calculate the amount of alimony a party may be entitled to. What that means is when calculating alimony, a fact finder […]
LawCall: Steps to Legitimize a Child in Georgia
What steps does someone need to take to legitimize or legitimate their child in Georgia? Generally, it would be a father filing to have a child legitimized or legitimated. The father, if he was not married to or did not subsequently marry the mother of his child, then he would file an action for legitimation. In […]
LawCall: The Difference Between Child Custody and Adoption
What is the difference between child custody and adoption? Custody does not sever either parent’s parental rights to the child. If a father filed to seek custody, primary or physical custody, of the child, the mother or other parent would still have custody rights to the child such as visitation, etc. Adoption actually severs the […]
Types of Child Custody: Legal and Physical
“Me and my ex share custody. We live close. So, it’s been easy. But, I’m looking at a job in Atlanta. He says moving would violate our arrangement and I can’t take the job. Is that true?” To answer that question, I really need a little more information. But, in general it would depend on […]
Child Support for Children Over 18 – When Does Child Support End in GA?
Can you be required to pay child support even though your child has turned 18 years old? Yes. In Georgia, child support can continue even after a child has reached 18 years old and is considered to be an adult. It is customary to include language in the parties divorce decree that states child support shall continue […]
Can Visitation be Modified Without Finding a Material Change in Circumstances Has Occurred
The Georgia Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court’s order finding the mother in contempt and modifying the father’s visitation rights. In 2009, the trial court established paternity, awarded the parties joint legal custody, and granted the father visitation rights of their minor child. In September 2015, the parties entered into a consent order which […]
Income Tax Exemptions After a Divorce – Which Parent Can Claim the Children as Dependents?
Everyone will probably agree that filing income taxes can be complicated. Divorce muddies the income tax water even more, especially when there are children involved. Divorced or divorcing parents often ask the following two questions about income taxes: Which parent can claim the children as dependents? Can the parents agree who may claim the children as […]
Christmas and Divorce – Tips for Divorced Parents
Christmas is supposed to be that special time of the year. That’s especially true when young children are involved. Even as adults we still remember the awe and excitement of Christmas we had as a young child – from Santa Claus, to milk and cookies, to opening up gifts on Christmas morning. Those special moments […]
Hiring an Attorney for a Traffic Ticket: Is it Worth It?
Short answer: probably YES. Some Violations You May be Able to Handle on Your Own Some Georgia traffic tickets and violations are not reported to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). This means that even if you plead guilty and pay the court fines, no points will accrue to your driving record and your insurance […]
