Mediation is the single best opportunity to resolve the case—everyone is present for one singular purpose: to settle. But achieving that goal does not begin the morning of mediation, it begins in the days, weeks or months leading to that point. As Ben Franklin once stated, “by failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.” Thus, naturally, the key to … Read More
R-E-S-P-E-C-T Find Out What It Means to… All Parents
In August of 2017, I reviewed Step Mom magazine, a source of advice and strategies for how to be a good step-mother. The article discussed the obstacles faced by step-parents and offered words of encouragement for overcoming those hurdles. But, it is not just step-parents that have difficulties in a post-divorce family. Recently, I read the summary of an … Read More
To Relocate or Not to Relocate during (Or After) a Divorce: That’s the Question
When I hear a client say “I want to move out of the state (or country) with the children”, my first reaction is to get out a pen and start taking notes. My mind starts moving a million miles per minute, and questions start shooting out of my mouth – where, when, why, how?! Relocation cases are some of the … Read More
Creating a Parenting Plan
In any family law case where the court will decide custody, parents must file a Parenting Plan. This plan specifically sets out how parents will share time with their children after divorce or separation. Parenting plans are important because they eliminate any need for the parents to argue over where the children should be and who will be able to … Read More
Top Five Reasons We Love Mediation
Each of the partners at Richardson Bloom & Lines LLC enjoys taking a break from our busy litigation practices to help people resolve their cases in mediation. Melody, Dan, and Kyla have helped countless couples and their counsel reach agreements by acting as the mediator. Here are the top five reasons we love to mediate: By acting as neutrals, we … Read More
Sibling Decisions: Will Georgia Courts Split Children Who Want to Live with Different Parents?
Divorce is tough on the whole family, but children can take it especially hard. For example, studies indicate that children will remember exactly where they were when their parents told them they were getting divorced. Studies also suggest that recalling that memory is painful for children. If that conversation is painful, imagine the turmoil your child would go through if … Read More
When Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With in Georgia?
The court will consider a wide variety of factors when determining where a child should live in a divorce proceeding or a child custody dispute in Georgia. All of those factors focus on what will be in the best interests of the child. If joint physical custody is not possible, the court will carefully consider which parent can offer the … Read More
The Unique Challenges of a Gray Divorce
Google “gray divorce” and you will find hundreds of articles on the subject. According to research, while divorce rates are trending downward in general, the number of couples getting divorced in their 50s and 60s is increasing. Why does this merit so much attention? The simple answer is that if one is 40 and getting a divorce, there are 25 … Read More
Children and Divorce: What the Research Tells Us
By: Daniel A. Bloom and Rachel K. Miller Imagine this scenario: you are thinking about divorce, but do not want anyone to know yet. Your mind is flooded with questions. What do you do? Most people will do the same thing with their divorce concerns that they do with their medical concerns – Google It! While Google is a wonderful … Read More
Types of Child Custody in Georgia
Child custody is an emotionally charged issue. Most parents want to be a large part of their child’s life post-divorce, and feel that retaining custody of the child is an integral piece. Many parents assume that there is only one type of child custody, but, in Georgia, there are two distinct types of custody: legal and physical custody. Both types … Read More