A child support battle between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie continues to make headlines. The two movie stars have been involved in a dispute since filing for divorce in 2016. Reportedly, Jolie accused Pitt of neglecting to pay child support. However, Pitt alleges that he loaned Jolie $8 million to purchase a home after their split.
]]> Jolie claims that the loan was not child support and should not be counted toward Pitt's child support payments. According to reports, Pitt has paid over $1.3 million in child support over the past two years. Apparently, Pitt believes that Jolie's claims are off base. Sources close to Pitt say that Jolie just made $20 million for her role in a new film and is not experiencing financial problems.Celebrities are often held to a higher standard, but like everyone else, they too must abide by established laws and guidelines. Unfortunately, disputes and disagreements only have negative effects on children. Child support laws can be complicated and confusing. Those in Georgia who have questions regarding child support should consult a legal representative. An experienced family law attorney could provide guidance and answer any questions that parents may have regarding these laws.
]]>Student Loan Hero reports that 13 percent of borrowers going through divorce proceedings fault their student loan debt. Reports show that more than 44 million Americans are repaying loans that total $1.5 trillion nationally. In the past decade, there has been a steady increase in the number of student loans and amounts borrowed have increased. Graduates who were surveyed from the Class of 2017 have, on average, nearly $40,000 in debt when they leave college.
]]> The burden of repaying student loans resulted in 46 percent of married respondents delaying significant events and purchases like starting a family and buying a home. Many are uncomfortable taking on a mortgage while still buried under student loan debt. The study also reported that 25 percent of respondents failed to inform their partners about student loans, while others lied about money overall.The breakup of a marriage at any time is difficult, and it can be intensified by outstanding debt. While unpleasant for all parties involved, those in Georgia with concerns about student loan debt and who are considering divorce may benefit from the advice and guidance of a family law attorney. A lawyer can help determine which approach will be in the best interest of his or her client.
]]>Matt Lauer, the disgraced co-host of the Today Show, was axed in November 2017 amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct from female colleagues. He was officially replaced by Hoda Kotb in January 2018. He is fuming over the pending settlement and believes he may receive a better deal if he were to battle it out in court. Sources say he knows a lengthy court battle would draw even more negative attention and unwanted headlines to himself.
]]> Lauer expressed regret for the pain and sorrow he caused and admitted there is enough truth in the complaints lodged against him. As his divorce nears settlement, Lauer is ready to sign over a horse farm along with the family's current home. His ex-wife, Annette Roque, is set to receive a single payment of $25 million, which equates to one year of Lauer's former salary. She will not receive any child support for their three children or spousal support.A divorce of this magnitude can be complicated and complex, and asset protection is critical. In Georgia, an attorney can take the necessary steps to identify, appraise and inventory all assets. A well-seasoned lawyer will take specific steps to negotiate a fair settlement for his or her client.
]]>In general, there are three phases of divorce. The first is filing the paperwork, the second is discovery and the third is the disposition. The discovery phase usually involves extensive research into both your and your spouse's financial backgrounds. This stage will have a heavy bearing on how the disposition stage goes in terms of dividing marital property. However, before you even begin the first phase, it is vital that you take the time to implement the following divorce planning tips.
]]> Do some soul searchingBefore you settle on ending your marriage, take some time really examine your options and determine if divorce is right for you. Keep in mind that divorce is a major life-changing decision that could be a very expensive and stressful process. Be sure it is the right choice before you move forward.
Do your research
Divorce laws vary from state to state, so be sure you are aware of Georgia's divorce laws before you end up in a divorce court in Atlanta. Even though your divorce attorney will be knowledgeable about the laws, it would not hurt for you to know the various filing deadlines, how to legally separate and other divorce laws relevant to your situation.
Set goals
Before you start divorce proceedings, you need to set both personal and financial goals. This will help to keep things in perspective as you navigate through the divorce settlement process.
Consider the children
Custody is often one of the most contentious issues in a divorce. Make the best interests of your children your primary focus when you are considering custody options. Examine various custody arrangements and pick one that fits their needs.
Get organized
Take the time to organize your financial records such as bank statements, mortgage statements, investment portfolios and any other statements that pertain to your finances. If you already have this information organized, it will make it easier for your attorney to help you determine a fair property settlement. In addition, make a realistic budget for your post-divorce income and expenses so that you can clearly see what you will need in terms of the settlement.
If you are thinking about divorce, it is important that you make a plan. The above tips can help you as you start the divorce process.
]]>Recent increases have caused state governments to reconsider removing children from households while parents are being treated for substance abuse. Some states have programs in place that allow children to be cared for by relatives or by having the child stay with a parent during treatment. It is hoped that keeping children together with their parents will reduce the trauma to the child and encourage parents to complete treatment.
]]> Studies show that children will thrive when they are with family, and many states are on board with reducing the amount of trauma to children. They theorize that parents may be more willing to seek treatment and complete recovery programs if their family is intact. Many states want to reduce the stigma attached by educating the public on opioid addiction and recovery.The opioid epidemic is an ongoing battle across the country and touches everyone, especially children. Families in Georgia who are concerned about a family member or a child who may be in harm's way can contact an attorney experienced in child custody issues. A lawyer can assess the situation and determine what approach is in the best interest of the child.
]]>Researchers surveyed to see which states gave dads the most time with their children. Before the survey, it was hard to compare custody schedules because they were often complex and detailed. Analysts studied the judicial standards and surveyed legal professionals across the country to find out what schedules were used most often.
]]> Experts hope that once states compare their numbers to neighboring states, they will consider changing their custody laws. They agreed it was easy to see state-by-state differences once percentages were in place for each state. However, the only cases identified were those where both parents asked for custody, and neither had extenuating circumstances. Since the study was completed, 25 legislatures are now considering new laws that make shared parenting the default after divorce.The law should continue to focus on the health and well-being of the child, not just fairness to parents. Many courts believe both parents can provide valuable qualities in the development of their children. Georgia residents with questions about child custody or shared custody should consult with an attorney who will help protect thier rights while focusing on what is in the best interest of the child.
]]>Many grandparents have no legal rights with their grandchildren, most having come to them in the middle of the night, dropped off by a parent. While they offer stability to these kids whose lives have bordered on chaotic, they cannot decide about medical care, school or vacations. It is estimated that for each child in foster care, there are 20 outside of foster care living with grandparents.
]]> For unknown reasons, most grandparents are not licensed, foster-care providers. There is a stigma attached to having their homes monitored by caseworkers because of the strict housing standards. They may also worry about licensing requirements and failing criminal background checks. It leaves the majority on their own, managing finances and support the best they can.The opioid epidemic is running rampant in Georgia and across the country. Children are often caught in the middle, and when parents can no longer care for their child, the responsibility often falls on the grandparents. The financial hardship and the day-to-day physical requirements can be overwhelming, and many are unaware of resources that could be available to them. A child custody attorney with experience working with clients who are raising their grandchildren can answer questions and provide guidance that will protect the best interests of the child.
]]>Treatment for women can be costlier, and they are slow to ask for help because of family pressures. Single mothers fear losing their children because of their addiction. A recent survey showed that four in 10 women lost custody of their children while on drugs. Many have family members caring for their kids, and some children who were born with drugs in their system have been taken away and adopted.
]]> In the ongoing battle with addiction, small towns across the country are facing discouraging odds. Women are the fastest growing population in correctional facilities across America, but the biggest jump in numbers can be seen in smaller counties across the country. The arrest for drug possession has tripled for women since 1980.No one chooses to become addicted to drugs, but across the country, the opioid epidemic is spiraling out of control. A mother's absence in her children's lives can take its toll as families struggle to understand how this could have happened. Residents of Georgia with concerns about children and their well-being may consider a consultation with an experienced child custody attorney. A lawyer who is well informed can address concerns and answer questions to determine what is in the best interest of the child.
Source: mrt.com, "Portrait of despair: Opioids land more women behind bars", Sharon Cohen, May 22, 2018
]]>There are many reasons why unmarried fathers struggle to establish paternity. Perhaps the mother of your child is already married to someone else, so the hospital assumed the husband was the father. Maybe you split with the mother early on, and she has since denied you access to her and the child after its birth. Whatever the reason for your difficulty, you can take steps to establish yourself as the father of the child.
]]> Working with the mother is the simplest way to establish paternityIf your child is as of yet unborn but you aren't in contact with the mother, now may be an ideal time to reach out. Even if you don't want to re-establish a romantic relationship, you can still help support the mother of your child emotionally and financially during pregnancy. That is a great way to prove yourself to her as a responsible soon-to-be father.
Ideally, she will see your efforts and understand that your child deserves to have the love and support of both parents. That could lead to her agreeing to sign a Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment Form at the hospital after birth. In that scenario, your name will likely wind up on the birth certificate. Even if your child is already born and you didn't sign a form, it isn't too late. If the mother agrees to acknowledge you as the father, you can both travel to the State Office of Vital Records in the county of birth for your child.
You may need to ask the courts for help
In some situations, such as a contentious break-up or a married mother, cooperation may simply not be possible. If the mother of the child refuses to acknowledge your paternity, you can ask the courts to step in on your behalf. The courts have an interest in determining paternity, because that removes a potential financial burden for the state.
The courts can compel the mother to appear in court and can order genetic testing to establish you as the father of the child. If the genetic test is a match, the result will likely be a shared allocation of parental rights and responsibilities. That will include child support, as well as the right to shared custody or visitation with your child. Establishing paternity is an important step for unmarried fathers who want to be a part of their children's lives.
]]>The man was required to pay $100 per month to his former wife when they divorced in 1989 for the support of his four children. In 1996, the U.S. Office of Inspector General stated that he sold his internet business for 2 million dollars. His child support was modified to reflect that unreported income. The amount of child support owed to his former wife was $559,000 as of 2014 when the case was unsealed.
]]> A fugitive for almost 20 years, he has been labeled the "Most Wanted Deadbeat" by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. The OIG becomes involved when non-custodial parents leave the state or country to avoid paying support. He was arrested earlier this year and deported from Cochrane, Alberta, Canada. Authorities believe he entered Canada under his real name then assumed another identity.When child support is ordered by the court, it may be used for food, clothing and shelter, and it usually continues until the child reaches the age of 18. Until that time, the non-custodial parent is responsible for contributing to the support of his or her children. In Georgia, parents who have questions about child support or about collecting arrearages can contact a family law attorney to evaluate their case.
Source: mlive.com, "'Most Wanted Deadbeat' pleads guilty to $559,000 child support bill", Emily Monacelli, May 7, 2018
]]>School officials recommend providing legal documents that map out child custody to their school at the beginning of each academic year. Announcements at open houses and newsletters are ways to remind parents the importance of filing legal documents with their child's school. A noncustodial parent cannot be denied access without specific court order. It is the parent's responsibility to file court documents with the school system since the court is not required to release the information.
]]> Many schools are implementing specific protocols for picking up students, such as Student Information Systems. A valid ID is cross-checked against the information in the SIS files before a child is released to a particular individual. The program allows schools to track visitors and student attendance each day. Requiring all visitors to wear identification badges is another effective way to safeguard staff and students from unknown subjects on school grounds.Thorough visitor management procedures and a well-versed staff who understands child custody documents are ways to protect a child's safety at school. Continued open communication about what should be done in an emergency is also important. In Georgia, parents who have concerns about noncustodial parents and their children's school may benefit from contacting an attorney to outline each parent's legal rights.
Source: campussafetymagazine.com, "How Schools Should Protect Students from Child Custody Disputes", Amy Rock, April 23, 2018
]]>A recent report revealed that more than half of married women are hands-off when it comes to the family financing. They leave the management of the money to their husbands. About 61 percent also allow their husbands free range to make investment decisions. When couples with this financial arrangement divorce, the women often find they know very little about how to budget, how to invest or how to protect themselves financially.
]]> A survey of divorced and widowed women over age 50 revealed that they almost unanimously regretted not taking a more active role in their family finances. Allowing one person to handle the money leads to secrets that may be shocking during a divorce. For example, while some women learned of retirement accounts or savings of which they were unaware, others learned that their spouses had accumulated secret debt, had made excessive purchases or had hidden assets.Married couples are encouraged to have transparency about their finances. In fact, 80 percent of women who were financially unaware in their first marriages took an active role in the decision making in their subsequent relationships. For those facing a late-life divorce, the assistance of a Georgia attorney is recommended to protect their rights and interests during asset division.
Source: bloomberg.com, "Rise of 'Gray' Divorce Forces Financial Reckoning After 50", Suzanne Woolley, April 13, 2018
]]>Thousands of parents with drug addiction problems are being scrutinized about whether they are fit to care for their children. It is up to the courts, assisted by child welfare workers, to determine whether children should be removed from the home or placed with a foster family. The increase in the number of children taken from parents and placed in state custody in recent years is staggering.
]]> Even if parents who are battling addiction are not prosecuted in court, the government must decide whether to remove the children and sever parental rights or offer more supportive services, hoping parents will clean up their act. One report states it is more difficult for parents with substance abuse problems to comply with court orders and follow through with safety plans for their children. Because addiction often affects multiple family members, more children are being placed in foster programs being cared for by strangers.The drug epidemic is running rampant, and the idea that it is a victimless crime or not a crime at all is belied by the overwhelming number of child custody cases. In Georgia, family members who have concerns about the welfare of a child because of a parent's drug abuse may benefit from consulting with an attorney. A lawyer who is well-informed about such cases can help determine what actions to take during these troubling times.
Source: bloomberg.com, "Opioid Abuse Isn't 'Victimless.' What About the Kids?", Naomi Schaefer Riley, March 30, 2018
]]>It's common for parents to share custody in today's world. Mothers and fathers have equal legal standing in all cases, which means you have as much of a right to custody as the mother of your children.
]]> What can you do to obtain custody of your children?The first thing you should remember is that, barring any unusual circumstances, both you and your spouse are entitled to care for your children. While you may want full custody, you'll need a very good reason to limit the other parent's contact. For example, if you want to have sole custody because the other parent is abusive, you'll want to obtain as much information to prove that as possible. Making baseless allegations is a good way for the judge to look poorly on your behavior.
You must also make sure to show how much you participate in your children's lives. Judges want to see parents who are active in their children's affairs. That means helping raise your children, playing with them and being generally invested in their well-being.
Should you go to court to work out your child custody concerns?
Usually, it's a better idea to go through mediation or to negotiate directly with your spouse. If you go to court and allow a judge to decide on custody terms, you may not like the arrangements that are made. It's much better for you, your children and the other parent if you can come up with a custody and visitation schedule that works for your specific situation. There are many kinds of custody arrangements, from having custody only on weekends to sharing custody every other week.
If you and your spouse can't come to an agreement but are willing to work together, consider heading to mediation. A mediator will help you come to a mutual agreement about the best custody plan for your situation. The mediator's help is not binding in any way, so many couples find it helpful to work through their problems with a mediator before creating a plan for their children.
Remember, as a father, you have a right to see your children in most circumstances. Don't be afraid to ask for the type of custody arrangement you want. You may be able to obtain it.
]]>About 2.7 million grandparents across the country are assuming the role of caregiver because their children are battling opioid addiction. They are trading in their retirement plans for PTA meetings, carpools and diaper changes. The abrupt change in lifestyle and taking on the responsibility of caring for young children is a rude awakening for some grandparents. Financial and emotional challenges can be devastating and overwhelming for them as well, especially those with disabilities.
]]> Many grandparents in Georgia pull money from retirement savings or are staying in the workforce longer to pay for the cost of raising their grandchildren. This is compounded by other unexpected expenses such as court costs and attorney and legal fees. They also are burdened with the added stress and worry they have about their own kids who are still fighting addiction or who may have already succumbed to the disease.The opioid addiction problem appears to be never ending. It is fortunate that many of these children who are affected will remain a part of their families since the grandparents have stepped up to the plate to assume the parenting role. Those who could suddenly be assuming custody of a child due a parent's drug addiction could greatly benefit from securing experienced legal counsel. An attorney can answer any child custody related questions and concerns while ensuring there is always an emphasis on the child's future best interests during these challenging times.
Source: observer-reporter.com, "Grandparents caring for grandchildren as parents battle addiction", Karen Mansfield, March 17, 2018
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