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My husband would like to adopt my son, as he has been in my son's life since he was 8 months old and he is now 6 years old. We are seeking an uncontested adoption, and due to financial constraints, we want to file the paperwork ourselves. However, our county in Savannah, GA, does not have... View More 
answered on Jun 10, 2025
With those facts I downright beg you to get a lawyer involved, have you tried your church or some social groups for support?
DFCS may also have some guidance and may even have forms or a lawyer who can assist, its just that they are overworked and under-supported by the Gov so they are... View More
My wife and I were involved in an altercation that led to both of us being jailed. My case was dismissed, but my wife's case is ongoing, and she's facing charges of family violence and terroristic threat. She has legal representation, but I'm worried because a request for diversion... View More
answered on May 30, 2025
Super tough answer, as each court has very different processes, and some of those processes are under a constant state of redesign. I have cases in Cobb, Fulton and Gwinnett where the "diversion" process moves on and off the table multiple times during the evolution of the case, and just... View More
I have 50/50 joint custody of my daughter, and her mother has violated every aspect of the court order. I have repeatedly reported to CPS that my daughter is being abused by her mother's boyfriend and cousins, with evidence including photos and reports, but CPS has closed each case after... View More
answered on May 4, 2025
There are no reasons a child should be physically abused and if DFCS is failing (typical) then your next stop is Law Enforcement. You will also benefit from a lawyer to ensure your child's complaints are being heard. Even if that means asking a judge to assign a Guardian Ad Litem for her.... View More
I live with both parents, but one parent may be considered unfit due to a history of domestic violence. They were recently arrested for simple assault, and a court case is pending. Despite this, we are planning to file for joint custody. How might the recent arrest and history of violence influence... View More
answered on Apr 21, 2025
It is highly relevant but also very common for courts to deal with. The important part is the messaging to the Court, as the Court needs to balance Criminal Justice obligations with the best interests of the parties. Luckily this is in Civil Court, not Criminal, but you are still going to want to... View More
I have been experiencing ongoing harassment from my ex-partner for about a year, and it has intensified again over the past five days. Despite repeatedly asking him to leave me alone and blocking his numbers, he continues to contact me using different phone numbers. I have documented the texts and... View More
answered on Apr 8, 2025
A protective order is the correct first step, and I advise you also consider involving your local law enforcement agency, if only to make them aware, as that behavior is concerning.
A detective should provide available resources as well as guidance when it comes to best practices in... View More
I am a 15-year-old who was adopted by my uncle and aunt. Due to a violent incident where my uncle threw me around, I had to call the police. They relocated me to my grandma's house. My uncle and aunt took my phone, and my grandma won't let me talk to the police or ask questions about my... View More
answered on Apr 7, 2025
You can ALWAYS call the police. ALWAYS.
If you are in danger you can ALWAYS reach out to Police, Fire and other State Agents as there are protections for you due to your age.
A teacher is another safe pathway, as they are trained how to deal with these issue and get the right... View More
I've been stalked and harassed by my neighbors for months, and it's intensified this month. They've accused me of a crime I didn't commit, causing severe emotional distress. I've documented instances with the police and have a witness, my mom. We obtained a temporary... View More
answered on Apr 7, 2025
If the DIY remedies are not working, you need to consult with a LOCAL lawyer one who knows the lay of the land and the important people involved) regarding potential additional civil and criminal actions.
Facilitating with local law enforcement can be very effective, and in lieu of that... View More
I am part of a church where the secretary has been caught stealing over $15,000, according to the church ledger and bank statements. The theft has been ongoing for over 2 years. Although no formal agreement has been made, she has offered to repay part of the money, expecting that we would drop the... View More
answered on Apr 6, 2025
Whatever has happened just becomes part of the case the State will choose either to bring or not bring.
The Police will definitely take a report, and take that report seriously. These are VERY common issues at churches, schools, Greek life, scouts, etc.
The Police just arrest... View More
I am a resident of Georgia and was convicted of misdemeanor criminal trespass with a domestic violence charge over 10 years ago in Chatham County. I am now living in Cobb County. There have been no changes to my conviction status, and I am not facing any other legal issues. I am looking to obtain a... View More
answered on Apr 6, 2025
Glenn is correct and there are limited pathways to re-obtaining your 2nd amendment rights after a DV conviction.
But its a moving target, for sure.
BEST option is to retain a local Cobb person (like me of many others) to try and amend/change/vacate/void the old conviction.... View More
I have a jury trial scheduled for April 7th in Forsyth County, Georgia, regarding 9 counts of theft by taking related to stealing lottery tickets due to my severe gambling addiction. I feel remorseful and want to apologize to my employer. I've applied for indigent defense but was denied due to... View More
answered on Apr 6, 2025
Forsyth is rather strict with some of their interpretations and do not pull punches with prosecutions.
You need to re-apply for indigent defense and document the process thoroughly
There are also a variety of legal service providers for different income levels, and you would be... View More
I need to find out if I am considered common law married. We have lived together since 1996, starting when I was 18, and I am now 48. We have a 20-year-old daughter. We've referred to each other as husband and wife and he has filed taxes including me. He is abusive, which complicates my... View More
answered on Mar 23, 2025
Thats a bit complicated and depends on timing, since Georgia did away with Common Law Marriage in 1997 and you may be considered married depending on how it all shakes out.
This is worth you speaking in detail with a tax lawyer to get to the bottom of it, as financial control is a major... View More
I had a baby at 15 and experienced extreme verbal abuse from my parents during the pregnancy, which led to severe depression. There was also one instance where the abuse became physical. I am considering emancipation and currently have support from my baby's father's mom. I'm seeking... View More
answered on Feb 21, 2025
The best thing to do is have a few consults with some family lawyers to learn about the emancipation process in detail. It would appear you have the basic facts/justification, now it is about presenting that to the correct forum.
You may even find a charitable group to assist you, as many... View More
I have joint custody with my daughter's father in Georgia, but I am the custodial parent. My daughter was not in the car when his girlfriend, who drove his police car while intoxicated, was arrested for DUI and open container violation with her daughter in the car. My daughter has told me that... View More
answered on Feb 19, 2025
You have every right to be concerned and I advise you take action as this relates to health and safety. You need to reach out to your family lawyer and craft a plan to address and ensure the child is not being cared for in a negligent manner, as the DUI shows is happening.
It is routine... View More
answered on Feb 7, 2025
You need to reach out to the GCIC department over at the GBI and get them to correct the inaccuracies. https://gbi.georgia.gov/georgia-crime-information-center
Erroneous information will cause major headaches for the rest of your life as Authorities basically "trust" the GCIC... View More
Family member is having severe pains, unable to use the bathroom properly and he has reached out for help but no help.
answered on Feb 7, 2025
The BEST thing you can do is advocate with the prison as well as the GA DOC and your local elected representatives until you get a response. BE SURE to record as much as possible and communicate in WRITING. The Prison has duties and they sadly only fulfull them when there is a record showing how... View More
The accused has been charged since the initial bail hearing but does not have a court date. Can his lawyer file a motion for a second hearing?
answered on Feb 7, 2025
Depending on the charge, the First Appearance Judge may not have had the ability to grant a bond, or they could have just declined.
Regardless, the lawyer should be able to file for the proper hearing in front of then proper judge immediately, and then it is all about getting the person on... View More
My husband who is on adult felony probation attacked me for the first time ever in March 2022. He nearly beat me to death. He was on probation then and was arrested with new charges of Aggravated Assault and False Imprisonment. Because I truly thought that he had a mental health break which led to... View More
answered on Feb 7, 2025
It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to expose a State actor to civil liability in this scenario.
State Actors have substantial immunities attached to their work and as this case involves an under sentence violent felon with know criminal tendencies choosing to continue to... View More
answered on Jan 22, 2025
You have LOADS of impact on the case, although the final call to prosecute or not is solely the State's.
At the same time, your participation (if you are central to the case) may be necessary for the State to move forward and you have the freedom to cooperate or not. If you refuse to... View More
He has a very small minor criminal background. No felonies. Do you think he could get an offer of probation for all his pending charges? Also he's been in jail for 90 days with no bond. When will he get a bond?
answered on Jan 22, 2025
Well, there are a few things to unpack there.
Procedurally after 90 days of pretrial incarceration he should be indicted or bond needs to be set, as much as the courts ignore the law regularly. His lawyer should be pitching a fit.
THAT BEING SAID, these kinds of DV charges are... View More
My bf was arrested after cops told us "eight people seen him pull my hair and was willing to write statements" however is was pitch Black and honestly did not pull my hair or touch me in any way he is charged with simple battery at the moment but does say charges pending and they said... View More
answered on Jan 19, 2025
Commonly putative victims want to clarify the reported details of their incident, and unfortunately that comes with a load of consequences. The State can and WILL use any clarification as alleged evidence of abuse and control, and try to substitute their judgement for the witness's.... View More
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