Even when a divorce is amicable, feelings of resentment and bitterness can still linger among ex-spouses. This can create major obstacles for divorced couples, especially those with children. Although your marriage is over, it is imperative for both parents to learn how to get along if they share custody of their children. While custody exchanges force ex-spouses to interact and cooperate with each other, they can quickly become uncivil when parents do not get along.

Properly Prepare for the Custody Exchange It is important to make sure your children have everything they will need packed-up and ready to go before your ex shows up to get them. Creating a list of important items your kids need when they are at the other parent’s home can help keep you organized before the custody exchange. Make sure you include things like medications, toys, clothes, schoolwork, and study materials on the list.

You should also double-check that your children have everything packed up before your ex arrives. Doing this minimizes the amount of contact you must have with your ex and takes some time off the swap, which can ease tension.

Exchange Custody in Public Settings

Swapping children in public spaces generally forces both parents to remain civil through the exchange because they do not want to make a scene. There are a variety of settings where custody exchanges can occur, such as:

· At School: One parent can drop the kids off at school in the morning, and the other can pick them up in the afternoon. Depending on the age of your children, supervision might be required if you are exchanging custody at school.

· At Daycare or the Babysitter’s: Like using a school, dropping the kids off at daycare and having your ex pick them up can spare you from unpleasant encounters.

· A Neutral Public Place: Use a location both parties will be reluctant to argue. A restaurant, mall, coffee shop, and police station are all fine locations for exchanging custody.

Bring A Third Party to the Custody Exchange

Just as parents are less likely to get out of hand in public, they are also generally on their best behavior if someone else is present during the custody exchange. You should choose a mutual acquaintance that both parents trust to fill this role. Additionally, if things become volatile, you will have a witness who can provide an accurate account of the events that occurred.

At Dreyer Law, we proudly assist clients with their complicated child custody matters. Please give us a call today to schedule a case consultation with our family law attorney.

With summer break in full swing, you may find yourself in summer vacation mode. Perhaps you are navigating your first summer vacation with a parenting plan. Or maybe you are used to it by now, but still dread the logistical nightmare of coordinating schedules. Either way, the increased restrictions on what you can do with your kids and when you can do it may prove stressful for you and your children. We have compiled a few suggestions for minimizing the confusion or frustration that may accompany planning with an ex-partner.

1. Be as specific as possible

Since summer is often full of spontaneous adventures, try to think creatively about possible situations that may arise. You and your co-parent may get along with perfect ease and neither of you mind making last minute plans, especially those that cater to your child’s enjoyment; however, even in the healthiest of relationships, disagreements often arise. Think of your detailed parenting plan as a fallback if/when you are not able to agree. If you are not on the same page, turn to your plan and stick to what the Court ordered. This way you avoid a win-lose situation, knowing that the plan was established specifically for the purpose of resolving dispute in the moment. If possible, work together to review the plan and put down in writing how your children will be cared for in normal summer situations.

2. Compromise and avoid competing

You may end up having to give up something you want in favor of something you really want, which likely is your child’s happiness and well-being. Rather than considering what would make you happiest this summer, ask your children what they are most excited about. Keeping their responses in mind may help you and your co-parent put their interests first rather than getting caught up in how you can each achieve maximum time with your children. Though summer certainly lends itself to quality time with the kids, the goal should be providing them a stable environment, not trying to beat out your ex-partner for the most time or most fun activities. Further, trying to out-do your co-parent with elaborate trips or experiences is missing the point. In the long-term, your children are more likely

to be positively affected by a healthy home life and stable parenting than one summer of overly competitive excursions. Just like the holidays, this is not the time to one-up your co-parent with extreme gift-giving or spoils.

3. Give your plan room to change

Seeing as kids grow up wildly fast, consider re-visiting your parenting plan frequently. Schedule periodic check-ins or meetings to make sure that the current plan is still serving your children. You might even find that planning months in advance has proven unrealistic and shorter, more manageable time frames are the way to go. This also gives your children room to grow and change. As their interests take new angles over the summer or they are suddenly much more invested in a sport or hobby than ever before, you and your co-parent will have the space to respond if you have both agreed on regular updates to the parenting plan. Travel plans need to be implemented weeks or months in advance, so make sure that the two of you understand and acknowledge plans that cannot be altered. Also, always keep in mind that although you and your co-parent may agree to changes, those changes will not be enforceable by a court unless you file a modification action and have the judge approve your new plan.

4. Prioritize communication

Even if you have plans in writing and engage in frequent, cordial discussion, you and your co-parent should also agree about how you will communicate last minute plans or updates to each other. This should never be through your children. Asking your children to relay messages to the other parent may put them in an uncomfortable position, or a disagreement may arise simply as the result of miscommunication. Similarly, discuss how your children will be allowed to communicate with each of you when in the other’s custody, especially if traveling abroad. Make it clear to your co-parent in advance of travel plans whether your children will have access to phones, email, or texting and if he or she should expect regular communication from the kids. Being in your custody does not mean that your child will be cut off from all communication with your ex-partner. Know that your ex-partner is your children’s parent too and they may always want or need accessible communication with the both of you to feel supported and steady.

5. Enjoy your summer!

After you have made plans with your kids, you may find yourself with more down or alone time than in years past. Take this as an opportunity to reacquaint yourself with things you enjoy. Perhaps you have always wanted to travel to a certain destination but never did in favor of compromise with the whole family. Maybe you are seeking a new hobby, more time with friends, or the chance to visit older family members who have been recently vaccinated. Giving yourself space to refresh and prioritize physical, emotional and mental well-being by visiting a dream destination, catching up with a friend or honing a skill will thoroughly benefit you and your children in the long run.

Give Dreyer Law a call to schedule a consultation to discuss or amend your parenting plan.

Divorce can take a toll on both physical and mental health, so it is important to find ways to deal with stress and other emotions when adjusting to your new life. Whether you are recently divorced and find yourself feeling overwhelmed at times or your divorce is in the early stages of the legal process, the following strategies can help you remain positive and productive. 

Staying Physically Active 

Stay as active as possible by keeping a regular exercise routine. Physical activity can help stabilize your emotions since it aids in relieving tension, anger, and anxiety. Research shows that exercise calms you down because physical activity reduces the body’s levels of stress hormones, adrenaline, and cortisol. Exercise has also been used to treat clinical depression and anxiety disorders. 

Turn To Your Support System 

It is important to surround yourself with a network of people who can help support you during this time. Whether it is family members, close friends, or trusted coworkers, it is good to have face-to-face interactions with the people in your life who genuinely care about your wellbeing. Find people who are willing to listen to your concerns and encourage you to not dwell on the past. 

Prioritize And Simplify 

Coping with your divorce might leave you feeling like you are not functioning at full capacity. It is alright to give yourself a break now and then to recharge. Try not to overcommit yourself with too many extra tasks and remember. It is okay to say no if you are asked to do something you do not really want to do. 

Change Your Expectations 

People tend to feel like they have lost control over everything when they get divorced. However, it is important you do not get caught up in the feelings and actions of your ex. Rather than focus on the outcome of the divorce or controlling your ex’s actions, learn to accept whatever occurs and avoid setting unrealistic expectations. Focus on the things you have control over and let go of the rest. 

Set Aside Time for Fun 

Make time to regularly do activities that bring you pleasure and make you laugh. Try to socialize with your close circle of friends and engage in fun activities that eliminate your stress. You can also start a new hobby or jump back into an old one. Exploring your various interests can be a great way to meet new people and build new relationships. 

If you need legal advice regarding divorce, child custody, or adoption, please contact Dreyer Law to schedule a free consultation. 

We understand that adjusting your parenting style after divorce can be challenging, especially when emotions run high when interacting with the other parent. However, part of becoming a better co-parent is to identify when you have made a mistake and take the necessary steps to make amends. Although co-parenting is filled with various obstacles that can make it difficult for parents to cooperate, there is a lot that can be learned from the following co-parenting mistakes.

Using Your Children To Obtain Information About The Other Parent

When a parent becomes too involved in the other parent’s personal business and private life, they are sometimes tempted to pump the children for information. When this happens, the child is placed in the middle of the drama and ends up experiencing unnecessary stress. Children should never be responsible for balancing their parent’s life, nor should they be the carrier of information. If this has happened in the past, have a heart-to-heart with your children and apologize for anything you said to put them in an unfair situation. Explaining that you made an error and how you will change in the future will assure your children you are committed to learning from your past mistakes.

Arguing In Front Of Your Children

One of the most difficult habits for co-parents to break is arguing with each other while their children are around. Making disparaging comments or disrespecting the other parent in front of your children, no matter how justified or tempting it might be, only creates confusion and guilt in your children. Try approaching the other parent in a different way when you get the sense that an argument might arise.

Sharing Too Much About The Other Parent With Your Children

Inappropriate details about divorce, separation, and child custody, are revealed to children more often than co-parents might realize. Whether it is ranting about having to go back to court to modify alimony and child support or discussing what the other parent won in the divorce, your children do not need to know every detail about how the divorce impacts you personally. Children have enough on their plate and giving them more information than necessary can be overwhelming. If you find yourself venting to your children, consider speaking to a therapist or counselor.

Dreyer Law proudly serves clients in a wide range of family law matters. Please contact us if you would like to schedule a consultation.

Heading into an initial divorce consultation, you might be wondering what types of questions the attorney will ask you. During that first meeting, the consulting lawyer is bound to ask you a few important things about your current situation and your wishes, but exactly what types of questions can you expect? It is important to be prepared for any meeting with a legal advisor, so knowing what to expect can help you gather the appropriate information to make the most of your consultation.

During your first meeting, a divorce lawyer is likely to ask the following questions:

What is Your Current Living Arrangement?

Each couple divorces at their own pace, and many people separate before they decide to file for divorce. So, before you make any big legal decisions, the attorney will wish to know if the two of you live together or separately. Also, it is important to determine whom, if anyone, lives in the family home, if you own one.

How Long Have You Been Separated?

If you and your spouse were separated before your divorce, the lawyer will need to know about it. An informal separation may not impact your divorce much, but a legal separation could have a significant impact on the way in which you handle things moving forward.

Do You Share Children?

Children under the age of 18 require a great deal of care, and if you and your spouse have any children together, you need to figure out a parenting plan. Child custody and child support issues can be some of the most complex, stressful aspects of a divorce, and they can be extremely emotional. For this reason, the divorce lawyer needs to know precisely what your wishes are, as a parent, so that he or she can make a legal plan that suits your needs.

What Caused Your Divorce?

Although Georgia is a no-fault divorce state, the reason for your divorce can still impact your divorce process. The attorney needs to know whether or not you or your spouse wronged one another, especially as it pertains to finances or domestic violence. If your spouse was abusive, he or she may owe you financial compensation in the form of additional alimony, or even in additional assets during the property division stage. Also, if there was a situation where one spouse spent a substantial amount of your funds for their own benefit, you could be entitled to compensation. For example, one spouse may spend money on a drug addiction, a gambling problem, an affair, or some other type of expense that did not benefit both marital partners. If your attorney knows about these issues in advance, he or she will be better prepared to advocate on your behalf.

What Are Your Must-Haves?

When your attorney knows precisely what your priorities are, it will make it significantly easier for him or her to build a solid argument in your favor. If, for example, your main objective is to gain full custody of your children and keep the marital home, your lawyer can strategize to prioritize those goals first.

Whenever you meet with a potential lawyer, whether for a divorce, child custody battle, or another family law issue, it helps to be prepared. You may want to prepare a list of questions to get the most out of your consultation. Give Dreyer Law a call for all of your family law needs.

If you have been served with divorce papers, then you need to take the situation seriously and make smart choices that will ensure your rights and best interests are protected. Whether you were expecting a divorce or not, how you respond to the divorce petition can severely impact the outcome of the case. Although dealing with divorce papers might seem overwhelming at first, following these steps can get one started on the right path. 

Read the Entire Petition 

Once you have received divorce papers from your spouse, do not ignore them! You need to closely review the document to figure out the deadline to respond to the petition. Additionally, divorce papers will inform you of the court where the action was filed, which is useful information if you are estranged from your spouse and the divorce is being filed out of state or in another county. The divorce papers will also list the grounds for divorce and whether the spouse is filing the paperwork on their own or if they have an attorney representing them. Understanding the significance of the information in the divorce papers is essential for building a strong legal strategy for your case. 

Provide Your Response 

After you determine the deadline, you will have to provide a response to each numbered statement in the divorce papers. You can file a counterclaim in which you allege grounds of your own for divorce and propose a different allocation of your assets and debts, or matters like child support, alimony, and child custody. Whether you have an attorney handle your response or draft one yourself, it needs to be done. Failing to respond to divorce papers can result in the court granting your ex-spouse all their requests for the division of property, child custody, child support, and alimony. 

Consult with A Knowledgeable Lawyer 

You should meet with a divorce lawyer within a week of getting the papers. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your situation, discuss your options, and determine the best way to ensure your legal interests are fully protected. An attorney can also simplify the divorce process by helping you manage important deadlines, mediate stressful communications, and advise how to properly communicate with your spouse regarding child custody, visitation rights, and parenting plan decisions. 

Dreyer Law is here to help you with the entire divorce process. Call our office today to set up a free consultation.  

The words “prenuptial agreement” can trigger feelings of apprehension and anxiousness, as prenups are only used as a safety measure in case of divorce, and who wants to preplan divorce safeguards, right? Wrong! The common misconception that prenups are only used as a safety guard for divorce is one of many myths surrounding prenups. Prenuptial agreements serve the purpose of providing an opportunity for couples to get on the same page for planning their future, while also protecting both spouses.  

• Prenuptial agreements are only relevant in the event of a divorce 

The biggest, and most common misconception about prenups is that they are only relative in a divorce. A prenuptial agreement has the potential to achieve several outcomes, the most basic being able to outline financial expectations and ownership as well as assisting in establishing an estate plan. 

• Couples who are thinking about getting a prenuptial agreement must not trust each other 

Getting a prenup is not an indicator of distrust or that the couple is planning for future marital failure, quite the opposite. Prenups allow couples to have straightforward and honest conversation about their expectations if the marriage does not work out. Couples who genuinely trust one another should feel comfortable having these types of conversations; having the communication skills to have these types of conversations is unmistakably planning for success. 

• Prenups are just for celebrities and the wealthy 

The media has sensationalized the idea of prenups by parading the rich and famous partaking in such a thing. However, the idea that prenups are only to protect the wealthy and their high asset estates is incredibly flawed and short sighted, as the biggest asset new couples have to protect is their future earnings potential. A prenup progressively resolves future financial disputes thus benefitting any couple, no matter their income level. 

• Prenuptial Agreements are unaffordable as they are expensive 

Nothing in life is guaranteed, and the reality is that that includes even marriages with the strongest and healthiest of starts. A well-drafted prenuptial agreement has the potential to save you a lot more in the future. If your marriage does end in divorce, then the potential litigation fees will far outweigh the cost of being proactive and having a prenuptial agreement made by an attorney experienced Newnan family law attorney. 

• Prenups are not enforceable 

Prenups are prepared and executed in concurrence with state and federal law, just like every other contract. While there are times when prenups are not enforced in court for specific reasons, such as situations that include one spouse being coerced or threatened while signing, fraudulent misrepresentations or the failure to follow other proper legal procedures, the majority of prenups are enforceable in court. 

Having a well drafted prenuptial agreement can provide the foundation for healthy communication and a strong partnership, as it is much more about paving the way towards open communication rather than distrust and failure. If you are looking to have a prenuptial agreement drafted, know that we at Dreyer Law are here to help you and your peace of mind on your big day. If you would like to know more about prenuptial agreements as it relates to your unique facts and circumstances, call us at 770-253-7256. 

If you are getting ready to file for divorce in Georgia, setting yourself up for financial stability and success should rank high on your list of priorities. A divorce involves some of the most important financial decisions you will go through in your lifetime, and many of these decisions cannot be changed in the future. There will be a laundry list of things you need to do before you can really begin the process. At Dreyer Law, we know that getting your list together can sometimes feel like a full-time job. You juggle dozens of things simultaneously, including making sure you are taking care of yourself, your children, your investments, and your future. At the same time, many people do not want to destroy their partners, but they do want to financially set themselves up for the future. Although it is difficult to table emotions that can sometimes cloud your judgement, divorce is usually best handled like a business transaction, where you divide assets and debt and find parity in the dissolution of the marriage for the benefit of both parties. 

If you want to give yourself the best chance to come out the other side with minimal damage and financial stability, you should start by taking the following steps: 

Be Confident This Is What You Want to Do 

Divorce is traumatic even in the most amicable of situations. You need to be 100% certain that this is what you want, there is no turning back or do-overs. While you can come back from this, it is a mental hardship that will take a long time to get over – and this is just for the two of you. Add in your children, the in-laws, friends, coworkers, and anyone else, and it gets messy. Before you begin dividing assets and financially disentangling from one another, be confident divorce is your best option.  

Get Financially Organized 

Divorce is complicated, so you will need to have information readily available or attainable because you will need to make hundreds of small, but significant, decisions that will impact both you and your family. You need to be extremely organized when it comes to your finances, including assets and debts. For some families, it is productive to work together with your spouse to ensure that you have a complete list of your debts, assets, property, financial statements, tax returns, bank accounts, credit card accounts, insurance policies, mortgage statements, car loans, retirement accounts, and anything else that seems applicable.  

Check Your Credit Score 

Credit will be a key factor in setting yourself up for a stable financial future following your divorce, so you must protect it. Moving forward, your credit score will help you rent a new place, obtain a mortgage, get your own credit cards, and more. If you are going to need to apply for these things, you will need to have a good, healthy credit score of your own. If you know your credit is somewhat low, begin trying to repair it as soon as possible.  This may also give you insight into assets and liabilities about which you may not have been fully informed by your spouse.   

Understand Your Debts 

Especially if you were not the breadwinner or the financially savvy half of your marriage, you need to start understanding the debts that the two of you hold. From credit cards, to mortgages, to car loans, to anything you owe the banks, you absolutely need to understand what you need to pay and how to split up that debt fairly. Debt does not just vanish into thin air during a divorce. 

Pick Your Battles 

To say divorce is not easy would be an understatement. It is a “give and take” battle, and you are going to have to concede some things. So, how do you handle this? It is best to sit down and really think about the things you want to fight for. Maybe it is the business that has been in your family forever or maybe it is that vintage car that is in both of your names. It is best to prioritize the assets you want to fight for, know your finances and what you can afford, and come to grips with the reality that you will have to give some things up. 

Know Your Financial Limits 

Pushing emotions to the side and being financially smart in your divorce can truly make or break your outcome. Part of determining what to fight for means thinking about what you can realistically afford. If you cannot afford certain living expenses, it probably makes sense to fight for more money instead of possessions. Be smart and assess your situation thoroughly to fight for what benefits you most. 

Work with a Lawyer Who Understands Your Situation 

Even if you both want out and your divorce seems like it will be completely amicable, you need to work with an experienced divorce attorney who can handle high asset or complex financial circumstances and will have your best interests at heart and fight for the things you want most. Your ex-spouse could turn on a dime and having a knowledgeable divorce lawyer will ensure your rights and assets remain protected. 

While you are getting ready to file for divorce in Coweta Georgia, you need to be prepared and ensure that you check every box. Luckily, you do not have to fight this battle alone. At Dreyer Law, our experienced legal team can help you build a strong case that works best for you and your family. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.  

Child support cases can be incredibly complex and overwhelming, which is why we have compiled and answered some frequently asked questions. To learn more about child support, read on. 

How much will I pay in child support? 

Child support payments vary on a case-by-case basis, so the amount you pay depends largely on your income. The court will determine a fair child support obligation based on several factors, including the income of each parent, each parent’s employment status, health insurance premiums attributed to the child/children, health care costs, special expenses for the child/children and other child support obligations each parent’s tax obligations. The child custody arrangement will also play a part in determining how child support will be paid. 

What is the average child support payment in Coweta County? 

As stated above, several different factors determine how much a parent must pay in child support. There is no standardized payment in Coweta County, so determining an average is quite unlikely. However, it is helpful to consider the factors the court will examine when deciding on an appropriate payment. 

If I do not pay child support, will I still be allowed visitation? 

Parents often wonder if they are legally permitted to deny their ex visitation rights if he or she refuses to pay child support. In short, no. As the saying goes, two wrongs do not make a right, and just because one parent breaks the rules, that does not mean the other should as well. In fact, denying visitation, regardless of the circumstances, can result in serious repercussions. If your ex does not pay child support, make sure you report this issue to your divorce attorney so that you can determine your next move. If the case is extreme, you can bring the matter before the court, at which point the judge may decide to alter the visitation schedule. 

Do I need to pay child support if I am unemployed? 

Because child support is determined by a parent’s income, the court will at least impute minimum wage to that parent for the purposes of determining child support. However, a parent cannot simply stop making payments just because he or she lost a job. Instead, an unemployed parent should go through the Georgia legal system and ask the court for a modification to the existing child support agreement. The court will see the change in income and adjust accordingly. Typically, this means the court will grant a temporary freeze for child support. 

What if my child support payments are more than I can afford? 

When financial circumstances change, it is extremely important to take action within the Georgia court system in order to adjust your child support payments. If your child support payments are more than you can afford, you do have options to decrease payments. However, you cannot stop making payments without seeking an official modification. 

What can I do if my ex stops paying child support? 

If your ex stops paying child support, you should start by contacting him/her directly to ask about the missing payments. Hopefully, there will be a simple explanation, such as a bank error, or maybe your ex simply forgot. However, if your ex chose not to pay support, or if he or she is unable to afford it, you will need to take action through the court. If your ex cannot afford child support, he or she should petition for a modification, and until they do so, they will be required to continue making the predetermined payments. If they miss payments, they can face serious repercussions in court, including the withholding of tax returns, licenses, being remanded to the custody of the sheriff until payments are made, or other remedies. When missing payments becomes a true problem, you should contact your attorney immediately and discuss the details of your situation, what you have done to solve it, and your legal options going forward. 

Need help with a child support issue? Our experienced attorney can help you find a workable solution for your current family law predicament. We have handled countless cases in Coweta County and beyond, and we know how to handle complex, challenging cases both in and out of the courtroom. 

Are you worried about what you should or should not do during your divorce? The divorce process can be complex, stressful, and intimidating. Determining the right choice at every crossroads can be exceedingly difficult. Between child custody battles, spousal support negotiations, and property division, you will certainly have your hands full once everything is underway. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to improve your circumstances and protect your interests. 

• Do not Hide Assets. 

You may be tempted to hide some of the assets you feel belong to you, but doing so could lead to serious legal penalties. It is always best to negotiate over these properties in court. 

• Do not Neglect Your Finances.

Divorce can be expensive, so make sure you keep an eye on your finances and budget accordingly. Spending frivolously could come back to bite you.   

• Do not Rely on Joint Accounts. 

Now is the time to establish your own, independent accounts. That way you can build your own credit and avoid any complications that might arise if your spouse is spying on your finances. And talk to your attorney about other steps to protect your financial future. 

• Do not Rely on the Advice of Family and Friends. 

While they mean well, your family members and friends are not legal experts, and their advice should not be your go-to source of information. Instead, seek the guidance of legal professionals and rely on your family and friends for emotional support and stability. 

• Do not Take to Social Media. 

It might feel cathartic to release your anger on social media, but anything you say or do online could hurt your case in the long run. Instead, the safest option is to avoid social media altogether until the divorce is finalized.  

• Do not Put Your Children in the Middle. 

Every parent wants the best for their children, but determining what that looks like during a divorce can be tricky. During this stressful time, focus on making your kids feel heard and important, and avoid putting them in the middle of your conflicts.  

• Do not Be Overly Contentious. 

Argumentative couples usually deal with longer, more challenging divorces. Instead of fighting over every little thing, try to focus on the common purpose and choose your battles carefully. It may be frustrating in the moment, but focusing on positive, constructive conversations could help save you time and money. 

• Do not Go Without an Attorney. 

In an age of DIY, it can be tempting to try to go through the divorce process independently. When it comes to legal matters though, it is always best to work with an expert.  

Dreyer Law has extensive experience with a wide variety of divorce cases. We can help create a customized legal approach that works best for you. Call us today to set up a free consultation.