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A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) may be appointed under O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3 to represent the child’s best interests. GALs investigate the case, interview parties, and provide recommendations to the court. At Chisolm Trimble & Associates, we advise clients on when requesting a GAL can strengthen their case. GAL involvement can provide valuable insight and credibility in complex custody disputes. Our attorneys work closely with GALs to ensure all relevant facts are presented.  If you need assistance, please contact Chisolm Trimble & Associates immediately at 770-741-1570.

Preparing for trial requires a strong understanding of O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3 and strategic case development. Clients must gather documents, maintain records, and follow legal guidance. Organization is key. At Chisolm Trimble & Associates, we use proven systems and MyCase to prepare every case for trial. In Bodne v. Bodne, the court reinforced the importance of presenting evidence focused on the child’s best interests. Trial preparation includes witness preparation, evidence organization, and strategic positioning.  If you need assistance, please contact Chisolm Trimble & Associates immediately at 770-741-1570.

Many people put off writing a will because it feels uncomfortable to think about death. But failing to create a will can leave your loved ones in a difficult and costly situation. Here is why having one matters. What Happens If You Die Without a Will? If you die without a will in Georgia (called dying 'intestate'), the state determines how your assets are distributed according to Georgia's intestacy laws. This may not reflect your wishes. Your assets may go to relatives you would not have chosen, and people who were important to you — like a long-term partner or close friend — may receive nothing. A Will Lets You Choose With a valid will, you decide who inherits your property, who will care for your minor children, and who will be responsible for carrying out your final wishes (your executor). You can also specify funeral and burial preferences. Wills Are Not Just for the Wealthy Regardless of how much you own, a will is a valuable document. Even modest estates benefit from clear instructions. And if you have children, a will is essential — it is the only way to formally designate a guardian for your minor children. Keep Your Will Updated Your life changes — and so should your will. Major life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in assets are all reasons to review and update your estate planning documents.

Many people assume a will is all they need for estate planning. While a will is essential, a trust can offer additional benefits in certain situations. Here is how the two compare. How a Will Works A will is a legal document that takes effect after you die. It directs how your assets should be distributed, names guardians for minor children, and designates an executor. However, a will must go through probate — a court-supervised process that can be time-consuming and public. How a Trust Works A trust is a legal arrangement in which you (the grantor) transfer assets to a trustee to manage for the benefit of your beneficiaries. A revocable living trust can be changed during your lifetime and avoids probate entirely, allowing assets to pass directly to beneficiaries. Key Differences A will becomes public record through probate; a trust remains private. A trust can provide ongoing management of assets for beneficiaries (like minor children or individuals with special needs), while a will simply transfers ownership. Trusts can also protect assets from creditors in some circumstances. Which Do You Need? Many people benefit from having both. A 'pour-over' will can direct any assets not already in your trust to be transferred there upon death. Our estate planning attorneys can help you determine the right strategy for your family and financial situation.

A Power of Attorney is one of the most important — and most overlooked — legal documents an adult can have. Here is what it is and why you should not wait to create one. What Is a Power of Attorney? A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes another person (called the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on your behalf in financial, legal, or medical matters. The person granting the authority is called the principal. Types of Powers of Attorney A general POA covers broad financial and legal decisions. A limited POA covers specific transactions. A durable POA remains in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated — making it especially important for long-term planning. A healthcare POA (or healthcare proxy) authorizes someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Why You Need One Now If you become incapacitated without a POA in place, your loved ones may have to go to court to obtain guardianship or conservatorship over you — a process that is expensive, time-consuming, and public. A properly drafted POA prevents that. Choosing Your Agent Wisely Your agent will have significant power over your affairs, so choose someone you trust completely — someone who is responsible, organized, and willing to act in your best interest even under difficult circumstances.

Adoption is a life-changing legal process that permanently establishes a parent-child relationship. But what happens to the biological parents' rights? Here is how it works in Georgia. Termination of Parental Rights Is Required Before an adoption can be finalized, the biological parents' rights must be legally terminated. This can happen voluntarily — through a consent to adoption — or involuntarily, if a court finds that termination is in the child's best interest. Voluntary Termination A biological parent can consent to the adoption of their child. In Georgia, this consent cannot be given until after the child is born, and there are strict rules about when and how consent can be revoked. Involuntary Termination If a parent abandons a child, is found unfit due to abuse or neglect, or has failed to support the child financially, a court may terminate their parental rights without their consent. This is a serious legal step that requires clear and convincing evidence. Stepparent Adoption One of the most common types of adoption in Georgia is stepparent adoption. If your spouse has been a consistent parental figure for your child and the other biological parent is absent or willing to consent, stepparent adoption can formalize that relationship legally.

Some couples need time apart without fully ending their marriage. Georgia recognizes legal separation as an option, but it works differently than in many other states. Does Georgia Have Legal Separation? Georgia does not have a formal legal separation status the way some states do. However, couples can enter into a separation agreement — a legally binding contract that addresses issues like property division, support, and child custody while the parties remain legally married. Why Choose Separation Over Divorce? Couples may choose separation for religious reasons, to maintain health insurance benefits, to allow time for reconciliation, or to reach the 10-year marriage threshold for Social Security benefits. It can also be a way to work through issues before committing to divorce. How Does a Separation Agreement Work? A separation agreement is negotiated and signed by both parties. It is a private contract, not a court order — though its terms can be incorporated into a divorce decree if the couple later decides to divorce. Get Legal Help Before You Sign Even if your separation feels amicable, having an attorney review any agreement before you sign is essential. What you agree to now can have lasting financial and legal consequences.

Fathers often feel disadvantaged in custody and family law proceedings. But Georgia law recognizes the importance of fathers in their children's lives. Here is what you need to know to protect your rights. Establish Legal Paternity or Legitimation First If you are an unmarried father, your first step is establishing a legal relationship with your child. Signing the birth certificate creates a financial obligation (child support) but does not grant custody rights. You must file for legitimation to gain the right to seek custody or visitation. Custody Is Not Automatically Given to Mothers Georgia law does not favor mothers over fathers. Courts evaluate custody based on the best interest of the child, considering both parents equally. An involved, caring father has just as much right to seek custody as the mother. Document Your Involvement If you are seeking custody or visitation, documentation is your best friend. Keep records of your time with your child, your financial contributions, school and medical appointments you have attended, and any communication with the other parent. Act Quickly If You Are Being Denied Access If the other parent is denying you access to your child without a court order, do not wait. Consult with an attorney immediately. Taking action early demonstrates your commitment and protects your parental relationship.

Young parents often believe estate planning is something to think about 'later.' But if you have children, later may be too late. Here is why young families need estate plans now. Who Will Care for Your Children?  If both parents die without a will designating a guardian, a court will decide who raises your children — and their decision may not match your wishes. Naming a guardian in your will is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. Protecting Your Assets for Your Children Minor children cannot legally inherit property directly. Without a trust or other planning, assets left to a child may be managed by a court-appointed conservator until the child turns 18 — at which point they receive everything at once, with no guidance on how to manage it. Life Insurance and Beneficiary Designations Estate planning is not just about documents. Reviewing your life insurance beneficiaries, retirement account designations, and bank accounts is equally important. These assets pass outside of your will, so it is crucial that they are coordinated with your overall plan. Start Simple, Then Build You do not need a complex estate plan to get started. A basic will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare directive can provide significant protection. As your family and assets grow, your plan can grow with you.