Practice Areas
Adoption
Our favorite area of family law is adoption. Adoption law is a precise practice, and it is vital that you choose a lawyer who knows and understands the legal requirements. We are experienced practitioners, able to guide you through the process to a successful adoption.
Mediation
Another favorite area is mediation. I am a trained mediator in civil and domestic matters. Mediation is a process in which the parties can be engaged in crafting their own solution. The mediator facilitates settlement negotiations and assists the parties in finding a successful outcome that they can live with, and in doing so, avoid the added costs (financial and emotional) of a court hearing. This is especially important for families who must continue to cooperate to raise minor children.
Divorce
Divorce is difficult. We will help you navigate through what can be an emotional experience. We will advocate on your behalf to accomplish your goals and the best possible outcome for you.
Is your divorce contested or uncontested?
- An uncontested case is one in which the parties agree to divorce, and have an agreement on the terms, such as how to divide marital assets and debts, and custody of minor children.
- A contested case is one in which there is no agreement, and the particulars of the divorce must be worked out, either through mediation and settlement or in a hearing where a judge will decide.
We handle both, and even anything in between. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
Guardian ad Litem
Sometimes your divorce, child custody, or child welfare case will require a Guardian ad Litem to help sift through the issues that affect your child’s best interests. A Guardian ad Litem investigates the case and makes recommendations to parties and the judge about child custody and services needed by families. I am a former juvenile court judge, and have the experience and expertise for guardian ad litem assignments in all types of family law cases.
Child Custody and Support
Child custody and child support are issues related to divorce and legitimation. Georgia law also allows for parents to seek modifications of these issues separate from a divorce or legitimation action when there has been a material change in circumstances affecting the best interest of the child. Grandparents and other relatives (included in a special class by Georgia law) are permitted to seek custody of a child in cases where the parents are unable to care for the child. We provide compassionate and experienced representation in all these matters. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Legitimation
Legitimation is a process by which an unwed father can make his relationship with his child legal. Did you know that signing a birth certificate of your child does not legitimate your relationship to your child or give you any rights as a father? Georgia law says that an unwed father has no legal rights to his child until he legitimates through a legal action. To successfully legitimate a child, a father must prove that he is a fit parent, that he has not “given up” his right to parent his child (by neglect or absence), and that legitimation is in the child’s best interest. We can help you obtain legal rights to your child, as well as custody and parenting time.
Child Welfare
Child Welfare cases include dependency and termination of parental rights cases brought in Juvenile Court. Have you had a child removed from your home by the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) due to allegations of abuse or neglect? Are you a concerned
relative of a child who may need to be kept safe from abuse or neglect? Are you a foster parent concerned about the direction of DFCS? I am a former juvenile court judge and well versed in the legal aspects of these cases. I represent parents, children, and others in dependency and termination of parental rights cases in local juvenile courts in the metro Atlanta area and northeastern Georgia counties, including Walton, Gwinnett, Newton, Morgan, Oconee, and Clarke. It is vitally important that you retain legal representation at the earliest possible stage in these proceedings in order to preserve your rights.
Juvenile Delinquency
Is your teen or pre-teen engaging in behavior against the law? Having been a juvenile court judge, I am well-equipped to advise and assist your child in legal proceedings and obtain services for your family.
Wills
The importance of having a will and living will cannot be overemphasized, especially if you have minor children. Let us guide you in this important task, to give you peace of mind regarding your family.
NEIGHBORHOOD ESTATE PLANNING PARTIES! Would your home owners' association like to host an estate planning party for your members? Let's plan a time that I can come and give a short presentation on wills and "living wills" (called Advance Directives for Health Care in Georgia), and assist you and your neighbors in this important task. Contact us to today to schedule a party!