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Questions Answered by Patrick L. Meriwether
3 Answers | Asked in Divorce for Georgia on
Q: Good evening I was just served with documents 30 minutes ago on 6/5/19 stating my husband wants a divorce

How is it possible to answer by 10/22/18? I was just served 6/5/19

Patrick L. Meriwether
Patrick L. Meriwether
answered on Jun 6, 2019

If the divorce is filed here in Georgia, you normally have 30 days from the date of service to file an answer. To get a better understanding of what is going on, you should at least have a consultation with a divorce lawyer near you. If the divorce was filed in another state, you should contact a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Support for Georgia on
Q: After judge signs final divorce and sets child support payment through the court how long does it normally take

My daughter says she has not received any child support from the children's father and it’s been a year. He worked in Georgia for a while and transferred with a company to Alabama. She doesn’t work and I am doing all I can to support them and myself.

Patrick L. Meriwether
Patrick L. Meriwether
answered on May 17, 2019

Typically, the father is supposed to start making payments to the mother on a monthly basis immediately following the Court order. She has two choices at this point. Hire an attorney for file for contempt, or go to child support services. With child support services, Georgia will transfer it to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Georgia on
Q: What can I expect going into court?

I have raised my four children for two years on my own with no support. One year ago he started getting them every other weekend. (He walked out and moved in with a girlfriend he cheated with two years ago.) They visit with him where he lives with her.

Now he is asking for joint custody (we... View More

Patrick L. Meriwether
Patrick L. Meriwether
answered on May 13, 2019

Based on the limited facts you just shared, it does not sound like he has a strong case on any of his requests. The statute that guides the Court in deciding parenting time and custody is OCGA 19-9-3. Here is a link - https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-19/chapter-9/article-1/19-9-3... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Are there any family law attorneys that will accept payments to hire instead of a huge retainer?
Patrick L. Meriwether
Patrick L. Meriwether
answered on May 13, 2019

In some situations, you may be able to handle a case on your own with the assistance of legal counsel through divorce coaching or 'ala-carte' legal services. To understand what this might look like, you can listen to this podcast episode -... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Georgia on
Q: How can I fight for my children without a lawyer?

I have talked to a lawyer, they told me that I could represent myself in court, but they didnt go into full detail on how to do it. And so I went to the court house to file a petition with the judge, and when I went up there they told me they couldnt really tell me anything because of it being... View More

Patrick L. Meriwether
Patrick L. Meriwether
answered on Mar 28, 2019

Representing yourself in Court is possible. The Court cannot give you legal advice, however. What you should consider is having a lawyer coach. You just meet with him or her on an as-needed basis. To get an idea of what this might look like, listen to our podcast, Episode 109 - How to Get... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Georgia on
Q: How can i petition the judge to get my children back? i cannot afford a lawyer and I have all the proof I would need.

I let my son go off with his father and his family for the weekend, and when monday rolled around they were already up there at their lawyers office claiming I had abandoned him there for 2 weeks.

Patrick L. Meriwether
Patrick L. Meriwether
answered on Mar 28, 2019

If the father never legitimated, he has no legal rights. A lawyer cannot change that. Only a Judge can issue an Order Legitimizing your son. You should be able to pick up your son. If DFCS is involved, let them know your side of the story. Unless there is something else going on, I am not sure... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Georgia on
Q: If my ex is having his new wife do everything for him and badmouths me to my son, what can I do? Back to court?

We have a custody agreement. I am primary custodian

Patrick L. Meriwether
Patrick L. Meriwether
answered on Mar 22, 2019

If you already have primary custody, I am not sure there is anything to gain by going back to court concerning the new wife. If he is disparaging you to your son and your agreement has an anti-disparagement clause (anti-'badmouthing' clause), you could bring a Contempt of Court action.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce for Georgia on
Q: Can a threat to come to your residence be considered harassment?

I am in the middle of a divorce. My soon to be ex’s sister has called me & left a voicemail threatening to come to my residence and implied that she’d take physical action against me via voicemail & text. My ex has continually had people contact me for her since i have blocked her... View More

Patrick L. Meriwether
Patrick L. Meriwether
answered on Mar 20, 2019

Here are a few things to do. If you are represented, have your lawyer reach out to your ex's lawyer about this and ask for it to stop or you will seek other remedies. If your ex is using her sister and others to harass you, it could be considered a violation of the non-harassment provision... View More

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