Divorce Proceedings in Georgia

by Palmer, Pandora E.; Hayes, Jane Kellett, Ph.d.

• ISBN13: 9780314283962
• ISBN10: 031428396X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-05-01
• Publisher: Aspatore Books

Summary

Divorce Proceedings in Georgia is a must-read, practical guide to avoiding the pitfalls of divorce in the state of Georgia. Written for anyone contemplating divorce, in the midst of divorce, or even for those who know someone getting a divorce, this book walks the reader through each step in the process while also offering helpful advice on managing what can be one of the most stressful times in one's life. Divorce can be a truly complicated area of law, and it is not something that should be entered into with false expectations or with a sense of resentment and anger-logic and common sense should always prevail. Written by an experienced family law attorney and a psychotherapist, this publication provides all of the essential information needed to approach a divorce in the most efficient and painless way possible. From advice on how to select an attorney to enforcement of the final judgment and decree, these authors cover each stage of a divorce proceeding in thorough detail. Complete with sample forms and relevant statutes, Divorce Proceedings in Georgia will inform readers of their legal rights and give them the information they need to avoid costly litigation. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Pandora E. Palmer, Esq. graduated from the University of Georgia in 1988 with a BA degree in criminal justice. She then attended Georgia State University College of Law where she received a JD degree, graduating in 1994. She was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1994 and the Hawaii Bar in 2001. She is currently a manager with Smith, Welch, Webb, White, LLC and has been involved primarily in the practice of family law, criminal law, and juvenile law since 1994. Ms. Palmer is extremely dedicated to her clients and the improvement of the practice of family law. With divorce rates ever rising, Ms. Palmer's practice focuses on helping clients understand and manage what can often be one of the most difficult times of their lives. Jane Kellett Hayes, PhD is a psychotherapist in private practice in the Atlanta area and has worked with children and families for over thirty years in both educational and counseling settings. She has a special interest in helping children, adolescents, and adults adjust to the emotionally traumatic experience of divorce in order to minimize the negative effects on all involved. Her work with children is focused on resolving their distress and improving their coping skills. She also assists parents in an effort to decrease their hostilities and conflicts to which the children are exposed, and work towards healthy co-parenting relationships. In addition to her counseling practice, Dr. Hayes is also a registered domestic relations mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution.

Table of Contents

Introduction: When Divorce Seems Inevitable	p. 7
Selecting a Divorce Attorney	p. 11
Preparing for Your First Meeting with a Divorce Attorney	p. 15
Utilizing the Discovery Phase to Your Advantage	p. 27
Use of Experts in the Trial Process	p. 39
Issues Specific to Minor Children: Custody, Visitation, and Child Support	p. 45
When to Use a Guardian ad Litem and/or Mental Health Professional	p. 77
Family Violence Issues	p. 85
The Mediation Process	p. 97
Using the Temporary Hearing to Your Advantage	p. 117
The Final Trial: Bench Trial vs. Jury Trial	p. 123
Post-Divorce Issues: Tying Up Loose Ends	p. 127
Frequently Asked Questions	p. 133
Appendices	p. 139
About the Authors	p. 219
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