A Georgia child over age 14 has the right to select the parent with whom he or she desires to live (O.C.G.A. Section 19-9-3(a)(5)), although the judge can overrule the child’s selection if the judge finds the child’s choice not Read More 
CHILD OVER AGE 14 RIGHT NOT TO VISIT NONCUSTODIAL PARENT
A Georgia child over age 14 has the right to select the parent with whom he or she desires to live (O.C.G.A. Section 19-9-3(a)(5)), although the judge can overrule the child’s selection if the judge finds the child’s choice not Read More JOINT CUSTODY DEFINITION AND WHO DECIDES CUSTODY
We answer lots of questions about “joint custody” versus “sole custody” and what the terms actually mean. Georgia law provides a joint custody definition to guide us. O.C.G.A. § 19-9-6 includes the following definitions regarding joint custody: “Joint custody” Read More PARENTING PLAN REQUIRED FOR ALL GEORGIA CUSTODY CASES
The parenting plan required for all Georgia custody cases is mandated by law. If the parties cannot reach agreement on the terms of a permanent parenting plan, each party prepares a proposed parenting plan and submits it to the judge. Read More REVOCABLE TRUSTS AND TAXES
Georgia and South Carolina estate planning clients frequently ask whether creating a revocable trust saves income tax or estate tax. The answer is that generally, revocable trusts do not avoid income or estate taxes. Here are some of the rules Read More COPING WITH DIVORCE: The Search for a Silver Lining
“Every cloud has a silver lining…” In Georgia I grew up hearing this proverb, which suggests that every bad situation has some good to be found in it. Looking for the silver lining in divorce can be a challenge. Whether you Read More USING A TRUST TO PLAN FOR YOUR INCAPACITY
Trusts are often used as an estate planning tool in Georgia, South Carolina, and other states. Here are some strategies to consider in using a trust to plan for your incapacity. Create a trust and transfer assets now Create a trust and transfer Read More Eat Your ESTATE PLANNING Vegetables
Brussel sprouts, okra, green beans, roasted with olive oil, Italian herbs, crushed red pepper – does this sound delicious? Maybe, maybe not. But it’s definitely good for you. I ate my Georgia farmers market vegetables tonight as an investment in future good health. Estate planning is Read More Importance of Estate Planning
One of the benefits of being an Atlanta estate planner is the network of financial and legal professionals working in the estate planning field. Thanks to financial planner Peter Miralles for sending me his Atlanta Wealth Consultants LLC September 2013 newsletter. There is Read More
GRANDPARENT VISITATION RIGHTS UPDATE
Grandparent visitation rights were the subject of another Georgia Court of Appeals decision in July 2013. In the case of Van Leuvan v. Carlisle, the mother of the minor child appealed the trial court’s decision to award grandparent visitation rights to the Read More
STEPPARENT ADOPTION IN GEORGIA
A stepparent adoption in Georgia was the subject of another Georgia appellate court decision on July 15, 2013. In Ray v. Hann, a stepfather’s petition to adopt his stepchild was granted by the Superior Court, terminating the biological father’s parental rights at the same time. The Read More 