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Georgia Domestic Violence Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Should I modify the final custody and support order before relocating to Maryland?

I have just received the official final order dated April 17, 2025, concerning custody and child support, and I want to relocate to Maryland for my pending marriage. The petitioner has a history of cocaine abuse, domestic violence, and has not had a relationship with our child since she was 2... View More

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Apr 21, 2025

If you received an Order dated April 17, 2025, I highly doubt a judge would entertain any modification at this time. Because if you were to file for a modification, the case is going back to the very same judge. And since it has been only days since they signed the Final Order, I can't see... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: How could domestic violence history impact joint custody decisions in Georgia?

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

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
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

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: How could domestic violence history impact joint custody decisions in Georgia?

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

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Apr 21, 2025

No one can tell you how the simple assault may or may not effect a custody proceeding. A simple assault that was not witnessed by the minor children, did not involve the minor children, etc. may not be something the court decides should impact that parents custody and/or visitation. But only the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Child Support and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Can we attend family events together despite a mutual restraining order in Georgia?

I have a mutual restraining order with my ex in Georgia, established due to contempt for nonpayment of child support. We are both invited to attend our granddaughter's first birthday party and our son's wedding. The restraining order states that neither party can harass or molest the... View More

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Apr 16, 2025

I think you are confusing a protective order with a mutual restraining order. A mutual restraining order does not say anything about how many yards you can be away from someone. It doesn't prohibit parties from being near each other. I think it would be best to review the language of the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: How can I stop my ex's harassment in Georgia?

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

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Domestic Violence, Civil Rights and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: As a 15-year-old, can I leave my house to contact the police?

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

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Domestic Violence and Civil Litigation for Georgia on
Q: Being stalked and harassed by neighbors and falsely accused of a crime. How to ensure safety?

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

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
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...
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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: How to obtain a firearm permit in GA with past misdemeanor?

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

Glenn T. Stern
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answered on Apr 5, 2025

Anyone convicted of a domestic violence charge is banned from owning or possessing a firearm as per the Federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (aka"the Lautenberg Amendment.")

As long as you have that conviction, you're not going to be able to have one. There may be a long-shot...
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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: How to obtain a firearm permit in GA with past misdemeanor?

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

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
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....
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3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Should I file a petition or motion for custody interference in Georgia?

I filed an affidavit of custody election in Chatham County, GA, signed on January 20, 2025, and filed on March 21, 2025. My child's father is now threatening my son by saying he will take away his truck, phone, vacations, etc., if my son follows through with the affidavit. I also have text... View More

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Apr 16, 2025

I think you should speak to an attorney. It would benefit you to sit down and discuss what goals you are trying to achieve and then an attorney can determine the best way to achieve those goals. Because what you should or shouldn't file depends on what relief you are actually seeking through... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Am I considered common law married after living together since 1996 in Georgia? He filed taxes with me and is abusive.

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

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: What can I do if a family member with temporary custody won't let me see my kids in Georgia?

I've given temporary custody of my children to a family member due to my arrest, through a court order and my voluntary agreement. However, now they refuse to allow me any contact with my children due to their own malicious intent. They have threatened me with a TPO, though a previous TPO was... View More

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Mar 3, 2025

If the person who has your children has temporary guardianship then you can file to terminate that guardianship. If they have custody you can file for a modification of custody. But you can always take that person back to court to get custody of your children back. Or if you just want visitation... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Can I get emancipated at 15 due to abuse and support from my baby's grandma?

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

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and DUI / DWI for Georgia on
Q: Legal rights to protect child after DUI by custodial parent's partner?

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

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and DUI / DWI for Georgia on
Q: Legal rights to protect child after DUI by custodial parent's partner?

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

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Mar 3, 2025

If you do not have a court order that addresses your child being driven by the father's spouse, then the only thing you can do to prevent that from happening is go back to court to have the court address that issue. The court can order that the spouse not be able to drive your minor child,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Can the Department of Community Supervision be sued?

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

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Can I as the victim help get an aggravate assault charge dropped?
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: My friends pending charges are for 2 counts of Agg StalkingFVA, misdm stlking fva, terroristic threats,& harassing call

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?

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Is there anything I can do to help him ? Like write a letter or something to the judge

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

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
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

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: How can I as the victim modify the bond so my spouse can come home?
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Jan 12, 2025

If the defendant has a lawyer, try to facilitate with them as it sounds like a simple bond modification is what you need and they will be able to file for it.

If you want to go ahead by yourself, you can petition the court independent of the case for a bond modification, but that is very...
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