TPO Orders | Domestic Violence

Georgia provides protection for battered spouses through a Temporary Protective Order or TPO. If a woman claims that she has been abused or harrassed, she can go to the courthouse in your count, file a petition, appear immediately before a judge, and obtain an order putting the man out of the house for a few days up to a few weeks. The sheriff will usually serve the order the same day and you are barely given enough time to pack a toothbrush.The court will then set a hearing, which by law, has to be within 30 days. At that hearing, both parties can appear and testify as to what really happened The judge can dismiss the protective order or continue it for up to a year. It is very important that you be represented in a TPO case. At times, the TPO law is abused. At times, people will assert claims of domestic violence to get a “leg up” in a pending divorce or custody battle. If you have been served with a TPO, do not delay. Contact Edwards & Associates today.

When She Wants to Leave and Take the Kids

If your partner threatens to leave and take the children, let her know that she can go, but the children are staying. She does not have the right to remove the children from the family home. If she takes the children anyway, you can bring them back. If she leaves and takes the children, you have the right to know where they are. You can ask the court to order her to return the children.Until and unless a court orders otherwise, you have joint legal and physical custody of your children with your spouse under the common law. Anything less than this takes rights away from you.

Many fathers opt for less than joint custody, and in some cases, joint custody may not be in the best interests of the children. But you have the right, if you wish to exercise it, to insist on joint custody from the outset. In cases where the mother is an unfit parent, you can ask the court to award you sole custody.If the mother denies access to the children, you can ask the court to order it. You are entitled to half of the time with your children if you want it. There is nothing in the law that says you are an incompetent parent because you are a father. There is nothing that says the mother can be a better parent than you. The court will tend to keep the status quo, or existing situation, by leaving the children where they are. This is to avoid any more disruption in their lives than the divorce of their parents is already causing. That is why it is important that you set the precedent of equal time from the beginning of your case.

Written by: James J. Goss, a prominent attorney in Maryland

If your wife is threatening to leave and take the children, Contact Edwards & Associates today.

Representing Celebrity Clients

The Celebrity Dissolution [abridged version]
Aissa Wayne, Esq., T. Elizabeth Fields, Esq., and Kathryne Clark. Esq. co-authored the below.

The lives of celebrities are both fascinating and challenging. When involved in a family law proceeding, celebrities face unique and serious issues, which tend to make the already difficult family law proceedings even more complex and perilous for celebrity clients. Hence, when representing a celebrity client, many issues exist for the average family law practitioner that might not otherwise arise. Below, are just but a few of the challenges that a conscientious practitioner must keep in mind when guiding and advising a celebrity through a high profile case in a family law proceeding.

When representing a celebrity client, a lawyer must be comfortable breaking away from usual attorney-client protocols. For example, celebrities may insist on a particular partner of the firm personally handling all aspects of a case including simple court appearances such as requests for continuances. Moreover, a celebrity may make enormous demands on the resources and personnel of the firm. This kind of personal catering to the celebrity’s preferences is important to assist the client through a very difficult time.

Another unique aspect of representing a celebrity involves utilizing effectively the plethora of professionals which assist the celebrity in daily life such as agents and managers. Oftentimes they can be of paramount assistance to the lawyer since they know many of the relevant facts, handle the celebrities schedule and pay the celebrities bills, such as attorney fees. Further, since the celebrity’s image is essentially the agent’s and manager’s livelihood, they will frequently want to be involved in the decision making. The lawyer must engender confidence in the celebrity’s support personnel to allow them to entrust him/her with their concerns. It is important for the lawyer to be sensitive to their concerns and to cultivate their loyalty and assistance to ensure cohesiveness, a united front and for the greater common good of the celebrity’s wellbeing. Nonetheless, while having these people as allies will make a lawyer’s job much easier, the lawyer must always insure that the case is not run by the agent and/or manager.

Additionally, the lawyer should also keep in mind that communications with the celebrity’s employees and agents and some of the experts hired by the lawyer are subject to the attorney-client privilege.

In addition to managing the support personnel, the lawyer will have to keep an ever vigilant eye on how the case is affecting the celebrity’s image in the public and how the stream of information is being funneled to the media. Public relations consultants and firms may be invaluable to a lawyer to assist in handling this aspect of the case. They can assist the lawyer in devising a plan for not only the intentional dissemination of information to the media, but also in the event of a public relations crisis. Being prepared for such a crisis is well worth the time and energy in advance.

In addition to the celebrity’s public persona, a separate public relations consultant can assist the lawyer in developing the lawyer’s public persona. The public will look to the lawyer for guidance and insight as to how the celebrity will handle the case. Hence, to some extent, the lawyer is launched into show business him/herself. In this capacity, the lawyer may want to be perceived as a competent "force to be reckoned with" without appearing too overbearing. If the lawyer is not perceived as credible and competent, the lawyer may jeopardize the celebrity’s position since the celebrity is also being tried in the Court of Public Opinion. The public relations consultants can host mock media interviews with the lawyer and conduct market research into how to best handle before the public troubling aspects of the case. Unlike the lawyer, they should have years of experience handling public relations and can become an invaluable resource for the lawyer throughout the high profile case.

However, the lawyer must balance the plans of a public relations team with the rules limiting the information that the lawyer may convey to the media during a high profile case.
Even unfounded and dismissed accusations levied against a celebrity in family court may damage a celebrity’s public image long after the family law case concludes. Therefore, one of the most effective methods of averting a public relations crisis is keeping unfavorable information private.

Generally, the Court will seldom close family law proceedings to the public or seal a family law file. However, in high profile cases where celebrities are involved, a Court may be elect to do such especially if presented with a Stipulated Confidentiality Order. The parties may enter into any number of stipulations providing for the privacy of documents such as the redaction of documents and the submission of private documents to the Court to be withdrawn after the conclusion of the hearing.

Even if a Court will not close the proceedings or seal the file, Courts oftentimes will seal particular documents such as damaging declarations to protect celebrities’ reputation.
If the Court will not grant the privacy sought by high profile clients, there are other options available to preserve confidentially and privacy such as a "private" or "confidential" trial through a private judge. See CRC Rule 244(g). Private Judges may afford high profile clients privacy and confidentiality while saving money and time. When a private judge is appointed, the "hearings" often occur in a private office without public notice, thereby effectively preventing the media from overseeing the details of the proceedings. This gives the parties much more control over what, if any, information is disseminated to the public.

Moreover, if the parties agree, they can participate in confidential dispute resolution through mediation which may be an effective tool for conflict management. If they reach an agreement, they can enter into a confidential marital settlement agreement that is referenced but not attached to the Judgment. In such an event, the confidentiality will be preserved and the agreement will only be exposed if enforcement procedures become necessary. Alternatively, the final resolution may also be kept from the public’s eye through having two judgments. One judgment providing for the status termination, support and reserving on all other issues. The second judgment will contain the remainder of the issues and will only be filed if either party breaches the terms of the second judgment.

To gain a litigation advantage, the opposing side may fight an effort to close the proceedings to the public. However, the opposing side may be more willing to agree to a private judge or mediation if the celebrity agrees to pay for the associated expenses. Such efforts and concessions are well worth the privacy gained, especially when custody is at issue.

In addition to assuring privacy of the court proceeding, a lawyer must take decisive actions to assure that his file is kept safe in his office, such as keeping it under lock-and-key. The attorney should also have his employees sign a confidentiality agreement and employ a shredder to destroy extra copies of file documents. The lawyer should also assure that his computer database is secure from hackers and others who might gain access to the electronic data.

Other issues to consider involve the unusual property issues inherent in dividing a celebrity’s community estate. Even though the celebrity’s business manager may want to control the property issues, it may be advisable to hire a forensic accountant and appraisers as soon as possible to work with the business manager. These experts will be able to delve through the complexities of property division, including the valuation of artistic works, residuals and works in progress, and can testify about the value of the community estate, prepare a marital balance sheet, and complete sometimes complicated tracings.

Furthermore, as with any client, once appropriate, a celebrity client will have to be advised to evaluate his/her estate plan in light of the changes inherent in a family law proceeding.These and many other considerations must be carefully weighed by an attorney navigating the potentially tumultuous waters of representing a celebrity client. The attorney must give the matter due consideration and must carefully reflect upon the unique demands, issues and pitfalls of representing high profile cases.

Co-authored by Aissa Wayne, Esq., T. Elizabeth Fields, Esq., and Kathryne Clark, Esq., Beverly Hills, California

Survival Manual for Men in Divorce

Survival Manual for Men in Divorce

Survival Manual for Men in Divorce (2004 Edition)
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Survival Manual for Men in Divorce (2004 Edition) PDF E-book by Carol Ann Wilson & Edwin Schilling III

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The Survival Manual for Men in Divorce: 185 Questions and Answers About Your Rights
Topics covered in this book include:
Common Property

Child CustodyAlimony & Debt

Child SupportRetirement Benefits

"Divorce shouldn't be a war zone. Unfortunately, sometimes it is. Survival Manual For Men In Divorce is the first step in neutralizing that zone. A must have for BOTH men and women contemplating divorce."--Judith Briles, Speaker and author of The Confidence Factor and Dollars and Sense of Divorce.

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What is a Guardian ad Litem?

"Guardian Ad Litem Defined"From Cathy Meyer,Your Guide to Divorce Support.

The Guardian Ad Litem, for the purpose of pending litigation puts themselves in the shoes of a legally incompetent person such as a minor child. The Guardian Ad Litem invistigates all issues associated with the case they are assigned to and files a report with the court.

Guardian Ad Litems are usually lawyers or mental health professionals, depending on the court and the circumstances. They investigate the matter, use their own judgement in determining what is in the best interest of the child, and report their findings and recommendations to the court. In contested custody and visitation cases, courts frequently appoint a Guardian Ad Litem for the children.

If you have a case in the court that requires a Guardian Ad Litem, treat him/her professionally. Return phone calls and try to be as cooperative as possible.

It isn't easy having an outsider poking their nose into your business but, at times it is necessary. It is imperative that you get past any negative feelings or resentments you have about the situation because the impression you make on the Guardian Ad Litem could have a lot to do with the outcome of your case.To not put your best foot forward will only hurt your children.

Video - Does A Mother Make A Better Parent?

Kramer v. Kramer clip

Is Collaborative Practice Right for Me?

In addition to being an experienced domestic litigation attorney, Ms. Edwards is a certified collaborative law attorney. The Collaborative Law process creates a cooperative environment where constructive communication can take place, and provides an arena in which the parties can work together to resolve their issues. This process is ideal for those clients who wish to resolve their dispute peacefully, cost-effectively, and without court hearing and trials. When children are involved, the children have their own advocate that can express their concerns throughout what can be a difficult transition in their lives. In addition, in case that would require an expert opinion, the parties can jointly hire one neutral expert, which expedites the case and reduces the overall expense.Furthermore, in the collaborative law process, you and the other party take an active and vital role in shaping the agreement that will govern your lives for years to come. This process of cooperation diminishes the parental conflict that litigation can generate and helps you protect your children from the fallout that can occur with a heated courtroom battle.

Finally, and perhaps, most importantly, the parties’ issues remain within the collaborative law setting. This discretion and confidentiality helps to reduce the stress level during an already difficult period and allow you to focus on resolving the problems at hand. As part of the Collaborative Law Institute of Georgia, Ms. Edwards is part of a select group of attorneys that are committed to an inter-disciplinary network of attorneys, mental health professionals, financial consultants and other professionals committed to representing individuals and families in a non-adversarial process.

The Mission Statement of the Collaborative Process is as follows:We are committed to a client centered process that focuses on the legal, emotional and financial elements of divorce and allows couples to negotiate in an environment free from the threat of litigation.For more information on the collaborative process, contact Ms. Edwards, or refer to www.collaborativepracticega.com.

Contact our attorneys at Edwards & Associates to determine what the best method is for your particular case.

What you should know as a father:

You have the absolute right to all parenting time ordered by the court.
You are entitled to the visitation ordered by the Court and Georgia law provides a method by which to enforce these rights. If you have been denied visitation, you should contact our attorneys immediately. You must be proactive in protecting your rights. The longer you allow your rights to be violated, the more often she will continue violating your rights. You must exercise your rights and be adamant about protecting the relationship with your children.

You are entitled to pay child support in accordance with the new 2007 child support guidelines.
In many cases, the amount of child support is calculated with inaccurate / outdated information, or relying on the old child support formula, which was devastating to non-custodial parents. The old child support law often led the noncustodial parent to pay more child support than was necessary or required. Georgia law provides a procedure to modify child support. When you apply for child support modification, Georgia law allows you to review the income and assets information of the other parent so that we can determine whether or you are paying the proper amount of support. Not every person is eligible for a modification; speak with one of our attorneys as Edwards & Associates to determine if you are eligible for an adjustment.

You can be awarded custody and you can modify custody and visitation.
Traditionally in Georgia, the mother almost always was awarded custody, absent some serious character deficiency. The father often did not have a prayer of winning custody, even if the children would be better off with him. However, recently the Courts leveling the playing field and will consider the father as the custodial parent, given the right set of facts. Edwards & Associates has obtained custody for hundreds of fathers in various counties throughout Georgia.

New Custody Law Affects Many Georgia Fathers

New Custody Law went into effect January 1st, 2008. The law affect the rights of custodial and non-custodial parents all across Georgia. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Attorneys fee awards now allowed. This should prevent parents who use custody cases as a weapon against a less financially able parent.

2. Parenting plans – Georgia Law now requires that a detailed parenting plan be utilized to ensure there are no questions about parenting time.

3. The focus of the law is not on old terms, such as custody and visitation. The more friendly term, parenting time is used to indicate both parents' invlovement in their children's lives, rather than relegating one parent to an occasional guest.