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Georgia Family Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: so I was not properly served as per the proper order of service demands by law.The acting judge didn't acknowledge that

and has been extremely biased in this whole process, as well as after the initial hearing, which that hearing and any proceedings should have been dismissed as the law on the principle certificate of service was purged by dftcs and the acting court actors. We never received by hand delivery, nor... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 9, 2024

It sounds like you have serious concerns about how your legal case has been handled so far. Based on the issues you described, here are a few thoughts on potential next steps:

1. File a motion to dismiss: If you believe the court lacks jurisdiction over your case due to improper service of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Georgia on
Q: Hi my child is in dfcs care and is about to be back in my care. Can a man that thinks she is get a paternity test done

Through dfcs without my knowledge?

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Mar 13, 2024

A potential father can take a mother to court on an action to legitimize and the court can order a paternity test. If he is determined to be the biological father the court may award him some form of custody & visitation.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Gov & Administrative Law, Government Contracts and Probate for Georgia on
Q: I’m a beneficiary of my father’s will, and I have been misled by his granddaughter who is the excuitor of his will what

I have no copy of the will but I was urgently forced to sign a document that she had, I never received any copy of it from her so I recently got one from the court and I am now trying to find out what I can do about it. I now understand that she has had me pretty much waive my rights to ask about... View More

Robert W. Hughes Jr.
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Robert W. Hughes Jr.
answered on Mar 9, 2024

You should go by the probate court where the will is filed and get a full copy of the probate file. It will include a copy of the will. Once you review it, if you believe something is wrong, contact a lawyer specializing in probate law to get advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: I live in Midway Ga, back in 2010 my ex-husband died in Puerto Rico & Forensics Agency won't write out death certificate

I've traveled 4 times to PR in 14 yrs with no success. They give me excuses: study remains, waiting Forensics from US, it's still an open case, Supervisor is not in. My daughter's collected 0, no resources cause Cience Forensics & Pathology in San Juan won't emit one. Do I have a case??

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 10, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it seems that you have been struggling to obtain a death certificate for your ex-husband from the Forensics Agency in Puerto Rico since 2010. The lack of a death certificate can indeed cause various legal and financial difficulties, such as claiming benefits... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Can I get full custody of my 3 year old daughter if the mother is taking, selling and manufacturing drugs?

She also has untreated mental health issues because of drug use bipolar disorder and ptsd.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

If you are concerned about your daughter's safety and well-being due to the mother's involvement in drug-related activities and untreated mental health issues, you might have grounds to seek full custody. Courts generally prioritize the child's best interests when making custody... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Georgia on
Q: My mom passed away in 2015. There was only a house left. I became the administrator because I live in the house.

There was no will. I have three siblings and my stepdad. My brother passed away right after my mom. He had no heirs. My stepdad and my other two siblings don't want anything to do with the property because they have their own homes. How do I close out the Probate so that I can get the... View More

Robert W. Hughes Jr.
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Robert W. Hughes Jr.
answered on Mar 7, 2024

You have a mess on your hands. You will need your the step-dad and 2 siblings to sign a disclaimer stating they do not want anything from the estate. If your brother who died has children, they are entitled to your brother's share.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Georgia on
Q: I’m having problems with visitation situation and husband. Circumstances have changed majorly since order
Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Mar 21, 2024

If there has been a material change in circumstances you can ask the court to modify custody. If it has been more than two years since the last order, you can ask the court to modify visitation. I would speak directly with an attorney about what you consider to be the grounds for a modification... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Georgia on
Q: Son has a no contact order issued by Judge against his wife she has all his belongings including his truck . An his on h

Hospital csn he give me power of. Attorney an I cam get his belongings am truck

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 6, 2024

If your son is currently unable to retrieve his belongings due to a no-contact order, granting you a power of attorney (POA) can be a legal means for you to act on his behalf. A power of attorney would allow you to manage certain affairs for him, such as collecting his belongings, including his... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: I already have a child support order in place. How would I go about filing an uncontested divorce?

I have an existing child support case, and we agree on everything, and do not have any assets to split

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Mar 13, 2024

I'm not sure what your existing child support case has to do with your divorce unless you are wanting credit for the current order with regard to a new order that may come out of your divorce. If a divorce is truly uncontested then you would have all the proper paperwork signed and it would... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Georgia on
Q: seeking family law attorney. Is it common to receive a surprise notice to appear in court for child support ?

the notice to appear in court was sent within less than a 7 day week notice.

We have been trying to locate my grandson, since the mother cut off communication.

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Mar 21, 2024

The court can schedule a hearing and serve upon you a notice to appear. As long as it is properly served, the time within which they schedule the hearing is irrelevant. You can always ask for a continuance to hire an attorney if you have not had time to prepare your case. And it's very... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: How to divorce someone who doesn't live in the United States, and never has, but was married IN the United States?

I was in a long distance relationship with my spouse, who would visit the U.S. to see me often. However, he lives in Canada. He has never lived in the U.S., only visited. On his last visit, we got married. But, never have lived together.

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Mar 21, 2024

You can have an uncontested divorce and both of you can sign all of the necessary paperwork. Or if your spouse refuses to sign all the required documents, you will have to file for divorce and have him served, where ever he may be located.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: how do i go about filing an answer of a petion against me if no one informed me to respond in writing not even my caa
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

If you haven't been informed about filing an answer to a petition against you, it's important to take action promptly. Begin by reviewing any documentation or notices you may have received related to the petition. If you haven't received any information about responding in writing,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Communications Law for Georgia on
Q: The school says they have a vm left by my teen from her friend's phone to another teen, can I legally listen to it?

The call was said to happen on the weekend. Name calling and "go kill yourself" was alledgedly said.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 26, 2024

In general, accessing or listening to someone else's voicemail without their consent may not be legal and could potentially violate privacy laws. However, laws regarding consent and privacy can vary depending on your location and the specific circumstances of the situation. It's important... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Georgia on
Q: My sons father got temp custody about 4/5mths ago. I am wanting to file the petition to reverse his temp custody.

Can I file on my own or do I need a lawyer? He has a lawyer.

Kedra M. Gotel
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answered on Feb 27, 2024

I would encourage you to seek legal counsel to discuss your options. A temporary order can be appealed but the order will be reversed under limited circumstances. If it is your desire to have the order reversed only because you no longer like the terms, your reasoning will not withstand legal... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Georgia on
Q: I was supposed to get my daughter for designated visitation, but her mother won't tell me where she is. What can I do?
Kedra M. Gotel
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answered on Feb 27, 2024

You should file an Application for Citation of Contempt. You must prove that your ex's violation of the court order was intentional. If you are successful in proving her actions were intentional, you are entitled to an award of attorney's fees and expenses of litigation. Depending on the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Georgia on
Q: I lost my parental rights due to a Drug addiction. I had no help from DFCS & became homeless. Can I see my kids again ?

I thought the DFCS’s job was to help the parent reunite with the children first and foremost. Well in my case that’s not what happened. I was homeless, drug addiction, an abuse victim, and I had no one. I barely had any visitations. When I had a place to go DFCS would come in and threatened the... View More

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Mar 21, 2024

It sounds like it was not in the best interest of your children to have contact with you during that time. Now if you have been sober, have a stable residence, stable employment, and would like to see your children, provided your parental rights were not terminated, you may petition the Court for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Elder Law, Probate and Wrongful Death for Georgia on
Q: my grandfather died and now his caretaker is squating in his house refusing to show anyone his will.

He died due to the care taker canseling more than a dozen of his doctors appointments, changing his doctor, farming him for pills, and now shes selling and giving away his assets (furniture, farm equipment, vehicles, and all his guns are gone). my mother and i have lived next door on his property... View More

Kedra M. Gotel
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answered on Feb 27, 2024

You need to file a petition in probate court in the county your grandfather lived prior to his death. The court will notify any other heirs or interested parties (including the caretaker) of the legal matter. You should request to be appointed the personal representative unless someone else can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Georgia on
Q: In georgia papers state can't deny parent phone access, is this all phones have to be answered at all times?

Get 2 weekends a month with kids and other parent calls more than once a day. It was more before I put some time restrictions on it. Have to return all calls even if busy with activitites?

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Feb 19, 2024

If you have a court order that allows you to speak to a child by telephone, then you should have access.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights, Domestic Violence and Identity Theft for Georgia on
Q: Does anyone in the macon area provide probono help or will work anything out to help me with a wrongful dfacs case&DV
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Feb 15, 2024

The Public Defender will get involved if there is a criminal issue, and if DFCS is involved you need representation ASAP.

There are several churches and charities that offer some financial assistance and referrals, especially if there has been abuse involved.

Do not wait to get...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Georgia on
Q: My sister passed away in December 2023. She has a 16-year-old. His father is listed on the birth certificate, they were

never married. He never filed for legitimation. My parents are named as guardians in the will. The will has not gone through probate yet. If the father were to file for legitimation, would he serve the estate? Or can he directly petition the court? Should he file for emergency guardianship before... View More

Kedra M. Gotel
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answered on Mar 7, 2024

It is possible for the child's father to file a petition to establish his legal rights after the death of the child's mother. The more concerning part would be why the father waited 16 years to file the action. The Will reflects your sister's intent. This will be a hurdle that may... View More

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