Blog entries

Dirty Divorce Tricks To Watch Out For

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:14:24 +0100

Not all divorces go smoothly and end amicably. In many cases there are harsh feelings and some even involve foul play or dirty tricks to purposely hurt the other. Below are some tricks to watch for during the divorce process.

Taking money out of joint accounts secretly
Making large purchases on credit cards before the divorce is final
Moving out of the family residence and refusing to help pay household bills and expenses before the divorce is final
GoinRead More...

Beware of Online Divorces

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:31:29 +0100

Many might decide that instead of going through all the trouble of finding a lawyer and going to court for the divorce process they will just jump online and be a hop, skip and jump away from being divorced. What many don’t know is that online divorces aren’t all they may be cracked up to be. Below are some things to look out for when considering an online divorce.

Fees: While you may think an online divorce will be cheaper, it is important to underRead More...

How to Avoid Falling Into Disneyland Parent Syndrome

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:34:27 +0100

After two parents get divorced it is not uncommon for one of the parents to feel guilty and think they have to buy their child’s love and affection. In many cases it is the non-custodial parent who often feels this burden so that their child will look forward to their time together. Below are some tips to help from falling into what is commonly known as “Disneyland Parent Syndrome.”

Communicate – It is important for the non-custodial parRead More...

Making a Positive Impression in Divorce Court

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:37:19 +0100

While you may not think so, the judge in your divorce case is carefully watching your every move in court. It is important to be knowledgeable about the divorce process as well as how to behave while in the courtroom to insure you make the best impression on the judge as possible.

1. Dress professional: Making a good first impression in the courtroom is an important part of the process. Walking into the courtroom in professional dress with minimal jewelry and makRead More...

Parental Alienation

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 23:00:35 +0100

Parental Alienation occurs when one parent deliberately tries to ruin the relationship between the other parent and the child. Parental Alienation happens over time after one parent continually exposes the child to certain behavior. Below is a list of some of the indicators that parental alienation is taking place.

1. One parent speaks badly of the other parent in front of the child. These statements can either be direct or indirect statements to the child.
2. Read More...

How To Build A Strong Relationship With Your Family Law Attorney

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:09:02 +0100

Not only is it important to find the right divorce attorney for you and your case, but also it is important that you set realistic expectations for your attorney and for yourself during the divorce process. In order to build the best relationship between your attorney and yourself there are a few things to take into consideration.

Provide ALL necessary information for the case: Once you have hired your divorce attorney they will begin to request certain informRead More...

5 Tips for Mediation During Divorce

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:39:24 +0100

Many individuals decide to do mediation rather than settling their divorce through court. One must understand the point of mediation is to resolve the divorce quickly and cordially instead of battling things out in court. In order to make your mediation as successful as possible we have put together 5 tips for you to follow during the process.

Do not give ultimatums: By giving ultimatums to your ex spouse during mediation can ruin any progress that has been madRead More...

Common Questions Kids Ask During Divorce and Simple Answers

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:31:11 +0100

More than likely once the children find out mommy and daddy are getting a divorce they are going to start asking some questions. While answering these questions is not going to be easy we have put together some of the most commonly asked questions and some examples of responses you can give your children when these conversations come up.

Why are you and mommy getting a divorce? “Mommy and I disagree on some things that you won’t understand until youRead More...

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Divorce

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:44:10 +0100

Divorce is never easy for anyone to go through, but being prepared can help take some of the stress away. Here are a few things that you can do to help prepare for the divorce process.

Alternative options to court: Whenever possible you should try to settle your divorce through alternative methods such as mediation or collaborative divorce instead of battling it out in court. Going to court is more expensive and your fate is in the hands of the judge and theRead More...

The Importance of a Parenting Plan

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:07:11 +0100

A parenting plan is extremely beneficial in the long run for any divorcing couple with children. Even for ex spouses that continue to work together and maintain a respectful relationship after the divorce a parent plan can be of value. Below are a few key items you should make sure are included in your parenting plan.

How much time the children will spend with each parent
How communication will occur between the parents (phone, email, etc.)
Communication betRead More...

3 Tips to Prepare for a Child Custody Battle

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:56:59 +0100

Child custody battles can often turn heated during an emotionally charged divorce. Your ex spouse may try to make you look bad to the judge in order to lessen your chances of receiving custody. Below are three tips to help protect yourself and prepare for anything that gets thrown at you during a child custody battle.

Your role: During your custody hearing the judge may ask you question pertaining to your role in your child’s life. It is important that you be Read More...

Top 6 Tips for Effective Divorce Negotiations

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:58:01 +0100

Many couples decide to settle their divorce through mediation or a collaborative process rather than through a court trial. For those couples we have put together the top six things to keep in mind during negotiations in order to reach the desired outcome for both parties.

Do your homework: In order to come to an agreement and to live with your settlement you need to be prepared before you meet. If you aren’t clear about the other parties assets orRead More...

5 Things Not To Ask Your Kids During A Divorce

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:57:05 +0100

While emotions run high during a divorce, it can become even more difficult when kids are involved. While it may not seem like a big deal for you to hide your true feelings about your ex from your kids, it can drastically affect the outcome of child custody during your divorce. Below are 5 things you should never do while going through a divorce.

Don’t ask your kids to give your ex a message – You should not involve your kids in the communication proRead More...

I Need A Court Order ASAP!

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:00:13 +0100

Not all divorces end on a happy note with both parents remaining friends and working together to raise a child. Some divorces can become a battle with one parent trying to outdo the other or trying to make the other look bad. During these types of heated divorces a temporary court order may be necessary.

A temporary court order will help regulate actions taken by either party during the divorce process until a final decision can be maRead More...

All Your Georgia Divorce Options

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:07:34 +0100

Every divorce is different and requires special attention in different areas. There are a number of divorce options in Georgia to consider when going forward with the divorce process. Below is a break down of each option.

Contested Divorce or Litigated Divorce – If the two parties do not agree to the grounds or the terms of the divorce there is usually more of a battle as to any or all of the issues that arise during the proceedings.
Uncontested Divorce &Read More...

How to Get an Alimony Modification in Georgia

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:11:52 +0100

While alimony is not a requirement in Georgia it can be awarded when the situation is right. Alimony, just like child support, can also be modified when necessary after it has been granted. Below are some reasons why your alimony payment may be modified.

Change of Financial Status:

Alimony payment/support may be modified in Georgia is if there is a change in income or financial status of either spouseRead More...

Georgia Child Support & Child Custody 101

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:37:47 +0100

Knowing all the ins and outs of Georgia child support and custody laws is difficult to remember during an emotional time like divorce. To help, we have put together a short list of important child custody and child support facts to keep in mind during and after divorce.

Child Custody

The judge has final decision over how child custody is awarded. (If a child is over the age of 14 he/she may select which parent they would like theRead More...

Commonly Asked Questions: Georgia Divorce Law

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:06:56 +0100

We understand the divorce process can be overwhelming and confusing, so we have compiled a list of some of the most commonly asked questions to help.

How much will a divorce cost me?

The clerk charges $213 minimum for the filing fees alone. For your attorney, not every divorce is the same and it will largely depend upon the complexity of the case and your specific situation.

While they are not common in Georgia, annulments can be granted under specific circumstances. An annulment is used to end a marriage that, in the states eyes, is invalid, compared to a divorce that ends what is considered to be legally a “real” marriage. The terms under which one can obtain an annulment are listed below.

The two spouses are related
At least one person in the marriage did not have the mental ability to enter into the marriage. Read More...

Things to Consider When Hiring a Divorce Attorney

Mary Stearns-Montgomery — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:17:07 +0100

It is extremely important that you hire an attorney trained in divorce and family law when going through the divorce process, especially if you are fighting for child custody. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when searching for your divorce attorney.

Trained attorneys – While many attorneys who hold themselves out as practicing family law may be equipped to handle a number of family law matters, it is best to find an attorney that is trained and experieRead More...