Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Georgia Domestic Violence Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Domestic Violence and Divorce for Georgia on
Q: 1. My husband and I are separating. Is there a legal form to file that will protect me against any debt he accrues?

He is verbally and physically abusive and has been threatening to kill me. We recently lost our home to foreclosure. In an attempt to save our home a property that we owned through a 501 c 3 of which we are both officers was sold. The attempt was unsuccessful. We verbally agreed to split the... View More

Ellaretha Coleman
PREMIUM
Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Jul 24, 2023

You need to consult with a tax attorney or cpa regarding the tax liability from the sale. Unfortunately, there is no legal separation in the state of Georgia. You are legally married until you are not. If you are concerned that he will incur debts in your name during the separation, you need to... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Domestic Violence and Divorce for Georgia on
Q: 1. My husband and I are separating. Is there a legal form to file that will protect me against any debt he accrues?

He is verbally and physically abusive and has been threatening to kill me. We recently lost our home to foreclosure. In an attempt to save our home a property that we owned through a 501 c 3 of which we are both officers was sold. The attempt was unsuccessful. We verbally agreed to split the... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Jul 25, 2023

You really need to hire local counsel. That being said, if you must file for divorce without counsel, file for temporary orders and seek a mutual restraining order (or whatever GA's equivalent is) preventing either of you from liquidating assets or incurring debt in each other's name... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Domestic Violence and Divorce for Georgia on
Q: 1. My husband and I are separating. Is there a legal form to file that will protect me against any debt he accrues?

He is verbally and physically abusive and has been threatening to kill me. We recently lost our home to foreclosure. In an attempt to save our home a property that we owned through a 501 c 3 of which we are both officers was sold. The attempt was unsuccessful. We verbally agreed to split the... View More

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Jul 26, 2023

Any debts either of you incur prior to a final hearing in a divorce the Court will determine how they are to be paid, if you all don't come to an agreement. Therefore, you will not automatically be liable for his debts and expenses. But there is nothing you can file to keep him from entering... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Can I get a warrant dropped for harassing communications if I've spent weeks with the person that filed it

An ex-girlfriend is a lawyer and she had filed a police report for harassing communications against me which resulted in a warrant for my arrest period since the warrant was issued I've spent a few weeks with the ex-girlfriend. Is there a grounds to get the warrant dropped?

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 10, 2023

The decision to drop a warrant for harassing communications would typically be up to the prosecuting attorney or the judge handling the case. Spending time with the person who filed the complaint may be a factor that could potentially influence their decision, but it does not guarantee that the... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Can I get a warrant dropped for harassing communications if I've spent weeks with the person that filed it

An ex-girlfriend is a lawyer and she had filed a police report for harassing communications against me which resulted in a warrant for my arrest period since the warrant was issued I've spent a few weeks with the ex-girlfriend. Is there a grounds to get the warrant dropped?

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Jul 11, 2023

Sadly the above answer is spot on, as the State determines all charging decisions. The complainant CAN deeply influence the process, and can downright spoil the states intentions if they want, but the actual charging decision is theirs.

An affidavit may help but be careful. The State is...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: In a child custody case , i have witness statements. Do I have to subpoena to the witnesses to use them in a Hearing ?

I want to use them the witnesses in a hearing. The dad overindulged in alcohol and is aggressive to child and mother .

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Jul 11, 2023

I would suggest hiring an attorney to represent you at trial. Trial procedure can be difficult for non-attorneys as you cannot use affidavits at a final hearing. Your witness will have to be available to testify and you will need to prepare your questions for your witness. You will also need to... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Should I keep let my child’s father see him although we have pending custody case?

He’s father lied in the case and had me served for joint custody but he drinks heavy and talks to us both aggressively. Is their information you can give me to help me fight for protection for me and my son . For full custody of my preemie baby

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on May 22, 2023

The first thing you should do is hire an attorney. And I'm not sure what you mean by fight for protection. If there is domestic violence and an ongoing threat, you should seek a protective order, which is a separate case altogether. If you were served with paperwork for a pending case, and... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Should I keep let my child’s father see him although we have pending custody case?

He’s father lied in the case and had me served for joint custody but he drinks heavy and talks to us both aggressively. Is their information you can give me to help me fight for protection for me and my son . For full custody of my preemie baby

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on May 19, 2023

Please remember this is site for general information and should not be used as a substitute for retaining a lawyer who regularly practices in the Court wherein your case is pending. That being said, if there is a pending case are there not also temporary orders (called "lis pendens" in... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence, Family Law and Child Support for Georgia on
Q: Can I have a petition for legitimation, custody and child support dismissed ...

On the grounds of a family violence protective order is in place for 1 year for not only myself but both minor children ages 10 &12??

I know i have to respond to this petition and im trying to do so correctly as i dont have legal counsel, cant afford counsel... however he does! If thats... View More

Tessie D. Edwards
PREMIUM
Tessie D. Edwards pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 15, 2023

Unfortunately, you will not be able to get the petition dismissed based solely on the protective order being in place. The father has the right to legitimate the children and obtain legal rights and visitation (after the protective order expires) with the children unless you can show the court it... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence, Family Law and Child Support for Georgia on
Q: Can I have a petition for legitimation, custody and child support dismissed ...

On the grounds of a family violence protective order is in place for 1 year for not only myself but both minor children ages 10 &12??

I know i have to respond to this petition and im trying to do so correctly as i dont have legal counsel, cant afford counsel... however he does! If thats... View More

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on May 15, 2023

A judge is unlikely to dismiss a legitimation action by ruling on a motion to dismiss. Although you say you can't afford counsel, if the father has hired counsel, I would suggest you use credit, or anything you can to get the funds together to hire an attorney. If you do not consent to the... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: When protective order is over can I contact n see kids automatically or what

Protective order is over May 12. Do I have to go back to court to see kids or can I contact them and their mother right away??? I don't have another $6000 to pay lawyer for agreement so it can be thrown out by Judge again.

Regina Irene Edwards
PREMIUM
Regina Irene Edwards
answered on May 8, 2023

The answer to this depends on if you have a parenting plan in a different case. If there is a court ordered parenting plan, the parenting time should resume. Normally, parenting time continues even though there is a TPO in place, especially if the violence alleged was not toward the children. You... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Health Care Law for Georgia on
Q: Boyfriend was charged with aggravated assault (Im the victim) Is there any way the charges can be dropped?

Got into a disagreement with my boyfriend which led to a heated argument. I was struck in the head. I called the police and he was charged with aggravated assault - family violence. I'm looking to drop the charges. I understand this is at the DA's discretion. I looked into affidavit for... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on May 5, 2023

This is my core practice area, and he needs a strong lawyer at a minimum. You may benefit from independent counsel as well, since the State can be very aggressive leaning on alleged victims during the case.

ANYTHING you say to the State can get twisted and turned around, so be VERY...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Can you be charged with contempt for violating an ex-parte protective order that has been replaced with a TPO?

At the TPO hearing the ex-parte protective order is supposed to have expired.

3 months later, the plaintiff decides they want to claim contempt for violating the ex-parte protective order, not the TPO. is this legal?

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on May 5, 2023

Procedurally that is not going to get very far. Any contempt issue should have been raised in the TPO hearing where the Ex Parte expired, and it would appear the TPO was not granted. So there is a mootness issue on top of everything else.

It would be a bit of a mess, and if the Court...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Can you be charged with contempt for violating an ex-parte protective order that has been replaced with a TPO?

At the TPO hearing the ex-parte protective order is supposed to have expired.

3 months later, the plaintiff decides they want to claim contempt for violating the ex-parte protective order, not the TPO. is this legal?

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on May 5, 2023

I think the more appropriate question to ask is whether it is going to be effective. Additionally, the defendant (respondent) to the now TPO might want to contemplate whether the alleged conduct violates the TPO. It is possible under these facts that such a defendant may file a motion to dismiss... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Is a spouses VA benefits off limits during a divorce?

Divorcing after 23 years due to repeated infidelity, domestic abuse. Spouse wants me to leave our rented home with an uncontested divorce. 3 grown kids, 2 still at home. Husband wants me to leave marriage with a few decorations, my cloths, and take on a car note in his name (car I have driven and... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Apr 6, 2023

They are NOT off limits, and anytime you have a defined benefit issue during a divorce you need to be sure you are addressing it properly as once it becomes a mess, cleaning it up is an endless task.

Invest in a lawyer to walk you through this process, as the costs will escalate if you make...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Should i get the Temporary custody order before my spouse did? Is child support needed during this time to gain more adv

I have took my 3 months old baby and seek shelter at my parents house due to high conflict divorce and my husband tend to throw things around the house. He has history of breaking my car and phone since he claimed that the car is also part of his name in it.

Alex M. Brown
Alex M. Brown
answered on Mar 26, 2023

It sounds like you may need to seek a Temporary Family Violence Restraining Order (TPO). This would allow you to obtain a restraining order from your husband, temporary custody of your child and be awarded temporary support, which would include child support. The other option would be to go ahead... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: I called the police about a domestic violence case and they issued a warrant for the spouses arrest but I no longer want
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Mar 22, 2023

BE VERY CAREFUL!!! Changing a statement and attempting to challenge or obstruct an investigation gets really challenging, and can expose you to consequences. You need to hire a LOCAL lawyer who knows the players, as your request is as much art as anything else.

The issue is that in many...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: How long does a person sit in the county jail without bond on a misdemeanor battery - family violence charge?
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Mar 2, 2023

In Georgia, you have a constitutional right to a bond on ALL misdemeanors. Full Stop.

No more than 72 hours should pass before a bond is set on ALL misdemeanors in GA, unless there is a hold for other reasons. This is a big deal. The bond can be HUGE, but the court MUST set one.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: I have a misdemeanor battery snd child endangerment. Do I not have rights in owning a gun?
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Feb 28, 2023

A misdemeanor conviction for Domestic Violence impacts your 2nd amendment rights and likely prohibits you from possessing any firearm.

You need to get a clear copy of your record and look into either changing the status of the charge retroactively or seek a pardon if there is a DV...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: My friend is not a family member, but was reported for family violence. How many years is the statute of limitations?

The friend was not even her husband, but she was reported for family violence, and she had never lived in the same house with her. Will I still be prosecuted? How many years is the statute of limitations?

Candace Alynn Hill Duvernay
PREMIUM
Candace Alynn Hill Duvernay
answered on Feb 8, 2023

The statute of limitations depends on which type of family violence charge you are facing. There are several criminal offenses that qualify as family violence cases. Some charges like simple battery and criminal trespass are misdemeanors while others, such as aggravated assault or criminal damage... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.