Posts by Scott Shaw
A Word from Scott Shaw: FAQ – Should I File for Divorce or Legally Separate?
One of the most frequently asked questions we hear is “should I file for divorce or legal separation?” In the State of Georgia, both actions can trigger similar outcomes in terms of awarding child custody, child support, alimony, distribution of assets, marital home, cars, debts and other property, and allowing the spouses to move forward as…
Read MoreA Word from Scott Shaw: Military Retirement Benefits and Divorce – Are You Really Getting 50%?
In legal terms, military retirement benefits are generally considered marital property. You may come across the mention of 10 years when researching what happens in a divorce. Whether you’ve been married 10 years or less, all the timeframe signifies is that the military will not automatically withhold a spouse’s share of a military retirement until…
Read MoreA Word from Scott Shaw: Can Step-Parents or Non-Relatives Get Custody of Children in Their Lives?
Back in 2016, I wrote a blog post where the answer to the question of whether a person could get custody or have visitation rights with step-children or unrelated children they cared for was no. It didn’t matter if they were the children of a girlfriend, boyfriend, or neighbor, it was not permitted under Georgia law. Either…
Read MoreA Word from Scott Shaw: Do I Have Any Legal Rights to a Child in Georgia?
It may sound strange but there may be circumstances where no adult has a legal right to a child even if their name appears on the birth certificate. A recent case came into the office involving a child whose mother died in a car crash. The mother and a female friend raised the child together…
Read MorePets are Family: Shared Custody of Pets
There is no doubt about it: pets are family. It’s estimated that households in the U.S. will spend $99.0 billion on their pets, including treats and food, vet care, and other services. But what happens in the event of a divorce or breakup when precious family pets, such as cats or dogs, are loved and…
Read MoreWhat Are Your Responsibilities if You Don’t Have Custody of Your Kids?
It’s very common in divorce or custody agreements to designate a single custodial parent. But even if you’re the non-custodial parent, that doesn’t mean you no longer have responsibilities to be there for your child. There are challenges you will face, but establishing a co-parenting relationship with your former partner will benefit everyone. You’ll discover…
Read MoreWhy Consistency in Co-Parenting is Key
Co-parenting is the shared responsibility for raising your children even after you and your partner have split up. This experience is very beneficial for children who don’t see their parents as adversaries. They learn essential life skills, like cooperation, that will carry them through their development well into adulthood. For the parents, one of the…
Read MoreA Word from Scott Shaw: Can My Child Choose Not to Visit Their Other Parent?
We hear it all the time. A child says “I don’t want to visit; do I have to go?” They may be pouty, upset, or straight-forward about it. How do you, as the primary parent, respond? You may have personal feelings about your child choosing to visit with their other parent, but you still want to know…
Read MoreA Word from Scott Shaw: International Child Custody Cases
When is custody decided in Georgia, another state, or in another country? International child custody cases are things that most attorneys find daunting. They aren’t something that just any attorney can handle. At Shaw Law, we do handle international child custody cases. The first issue that needs to be addressed in international child custody cases…
Read MoreA Child’s Guide: How to Help Your Kids Understand Co-Parenting
After a divorce, children will need to learn a new normal. It’s up to the parents to help them understand how things have changed and, specifically, how things won’t change. There are a few things you can do to encourage your kids to embrace their new situation with positivity. In this post, you’ll find advice…
Read More