Crystal Wright | April 4, 2023 | Family Law

In a de novo hearing, the court responds to an appeal from a lower court ruling, and it judges the issues before it without granting any deference to the judgment of the lower court. De novo hearings are common for family law issues such as: Divorce; Property distribution; Alimony; Domestic violence; Child custody;  Child support;… read more

Crystal Wright | April 2, 2023 | Divorce

Many divorces in Lawrenceville are settled through negotiations. First, the parties reach a mutual agreement on the terms and conditions of the divorce. Then, an attorney drafts a marital settlement agreement for the parties to sign and present to the court.  If a couple cannot agree on one or more divorce terms, the divorce moves… read more

Crystal Wright | March 7, 2023 | Divorce

At the time of getting married, no one thinks that their partnership will ever end. Still, it sometimes happens nonetheless. On average, the divorce rate is 2.5 per 1,000 in the U.S. and 2.9 per 1,000 in Georgia.  Acceptance is one of the most critical but challenging steps in ending your marriage. It may seem… read more

Crystal Wright | March 3, 2023 | Child Custody

Whether you are fighting for child custody or already have custody of your child, getting married can affect child custody in Georgia. While marrying does not automatically trigger a custody battle, your child’s other parent could petition the court for custody based on factors related to your marriage. If you are in a custody battle,… read more

Crystal Wright | March 2, 2023 | Divorce

Divorce can be a difficult and emotionally taxing time for anyone. Still, many men struggle to express their emotions and find the support they need to cope with the grief that comes with the end of a marriage.  Knowing these seven stages of grief can help divorcing men understand and navigate the emotional journey that… read more

Crystal Wright | March 1, 2023 | Divorce

Divorces are increasing for older adults. Adults between the ages of 55 to 64 years have the highest divorce rate in the nation, according to the United States Census.  The term “gray divorce” is being used to describe divorces when spouses are over 50 years old. Some sources use the spelling “grey” when discussing gray… read more

Crystal Wright | February 10, 2023 | Child support

In Georgia, parents are generally obligated to support their children financially, even if they do not have custody. The state uses standard Child Support Guidelines to determine how much a parent must pay to the custodial parent.  Child support payments continue until the order is vacated or modified. The support payments can also end if… read more

Crystal Wright | January 30, 2023 | Child Custody

The primary concern in a Georgia child custody case is the best interest of the child. The judge considers all factors that impact the child’s best interest. In the end, the final decision is what the judge believes will benefit the child. Joint custody is often preferred because it allows parents to be active in… read more

Crystal Wright | January 16, 2023 | Georgia Law

Before getting married in Georgia, you must apply for a marriage license. The marriage license does not state you are married. It merely permits you to get married in Georgia.  A person applies for a marriage license from the probate court in the county where they reside. If neither party resides in Georgia, they apply… read more

Crystal Wright | December 26, 2022 | Divorce

A divorce can be a complex and emotional process. One of the challenges that can arise during a divorce is when one spouse refuses to move out of the shared home.  A spouse refusing to move out during a divorce can be incredibly stressful if the couple has children. The situation can create a tense… read more