Posts by Scott Shaw
What Can a Prenuptial Agreement NOT Do for Me?
While entering into a prenuptial agreement can be a positive and beneficial step for many couples, it cannot address all of the issues that may be disputed at the time of a divorce. For instance, a prenuptial agreement generally cannot decide issues related to the parties’ children. Child support cannot be predetermined, as the factors…
Read MoreWhat Are My Rights as a Father if Someone is Trying to Adopt My Child?
As a biological father, you have certain rights to information about your child. You must be notified of a child’s birth and any proposed plan to adopt the child. You also are entitled to notice and a court hearing if an individual or couple is seeking to adopt your child. Whether notice occurs by phone…
Read MoreCan I Terminate My Parental Rights?
There are two different situations in which an individual’s parental rights may be terminated. First, a parent can voluntarily terminate his or her parental rights if, for example, another individual or couple wishes to adopt the child. This type of parental rights termination must occur before an adoption can take place under Georgia law. The…
Read MoreWhat is a Deposition?
When individuals become involved in a divorce, or any type of legal proceeding, certain information must be exchanged between the parties upon request. This process, which is commonly referred to as “discovery,” ensures that both sides to a dispute have equal access to all information that is relevant to the dispute so that each can…
Read MoreCommonly Asked Questions About Divorce
While no two divorces are exactly the same, individuals who are facing a divorce may be unaware of a number of common characteristics that most divorces share. What follows is a short list of common questions that our Georgia law firm often receives from our divorce clients: Do I need a certain reason to get…
Read MoreHow Do Protective Orders Work Under Georgia Law?
In the state of Georgia, a temporary protective order (TPO) is a court order that prohibits an individual from abusing, harassing, or stalking another person. There must be a certain relationship between the parties in order to be eligible for a TPO. Examples of these relationships include current spouses, former spouses, parents who share children,…
Read MoreHow Long Do I Have to Pay Child Support in the State of Georgia?
A parent who pays child support has the duty to support his or her child until the child becomes emancipated for child support purposes under Georgia law. There are a number of different ways that a child may be emancipated for child support purposes under Georgia law. First, the most typical form of emancipation occurs…
Read MoreWhen Is It the Best Time to Divorce for My Children?
The reality is that there is not necessarily a “best” time for your children to find out that you are getting divorced. What works “best” for your family is totally different from one family to the next. It depends on factors such as the age and temperament of your child, your specific family dynamics, and…
Read MoreWhat is Contempt and How Does It Apply in My Family Law Case?
Once court orders are in place, whether they stem from a divorce or a paternity case, both parties are required to follow all aspects of the court orders, whether they like it or not. However, it is not uncommon for one party to violate a court order – sometimes for a good reason, but often…
Read MoreWhat is a Status Conference in My Georgia Divorce?
Some courts use status conferences in order to track the progress of divorce cases and keep them moving through the court system. Status conferences are a tool not only for the court’s organizational purposes, but also to help encourage the parties to resolve issues in their divorce without resorting to a formal trial. When parties…
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