Dallas & Gracey Law Firm Blog

Military divorces have many of the same legal issues as any other divorce—property division, child custody, child support, and alimony—but military life often introduces additional challenges that civilian families simply don't face. At Dallas & Gracey Law Firm, we regularly work with military families throughout the Augusta area, including service members stationed at Fort Eisenhower, as well as spouses living in Augusta, Evans, Grovetown, Thomson, and surrounding communitie

One of the biggest questions we hear from new clients isn't "How do I file for divorce?" It's "What happens when I actually have to go to court?" For many people, the thought of walking into a courtroom is intimidating. They've never been involved in a lawsuit before, they've never spoken to a judge, and they're worried they'll be expected to argue their own case. The good news is that your first divorce hearing in Georgia is usually not your final divorce trial. In many cont

Before You Start Screenshotting Everything… One of the biggest misconceptions people have during a divorce or custody case is that every text message, Facebook post, or screenshot is automatically valuable evidence. It isn't. At Dallas & Gracey Law Firm, we've had clients walk into our office with hundreds of screenshots they spent weeks collecting, only to discover that very little of it actually helps their case. On the other hand, we've also seen a single text message, one

If you've heard that Georgia changed the way child support is calculated in 2026, you're not alone. Many parents are wondering whether they'll pay more, receive less, or whether it's finally worth asking the court to modify an existing child support order. The short answer is: it depends on your family's situation. Some parents may see little change, while others could experience a significant difference based on income, parenting time, and certain expenses. Here's what you n

If you’ve just been arrested for DUI in Georgia, you’re probably looking at the citation in your hand and thinking, “I’ve got a court date. I’ll find a lawyer before then.” That is one of the biggest mistakes people make. The truth is that your court date isn’t the first deadline you need to worry about. In many Georgia DUI cases, important legal deadlines begin the day you’re arrested, not the day you appear in court. At Dallas & Gracey Law Firm, we’ve had countless people c

"I've never been through this before. I don't know what to expect." If you've recently hired a divorce attorney—or you're considering filing for divorce—you're not alone. We hear that exact statement almost every week. For most people, divorce is unfamiliar territory. Movies and television make it seem like someone hires a lawyer on Monday and is standing in front of a judge by Friday. In reality, there is a lot of important work that happens behind the scenes before your cas

Understanding the Different Types of Property Deeds in Georgia and Choosing the Right One If you've ever searched online for information about transferring real estate, you've probably come across terms like Quitclaim Deed, Warranty Deed, Life Estate, or Transfer-on-Death Deed. Unfortunately, many websites simply define these documents without explaining when each one should actually be used. The truth is, choosing the wrong deed can create expensive legal problems that may n

Many family law clients are surprised by how often their attorney requests financial records, witness information, and other documents. The reality is that divorce, custody, and support cases are built on information. Here's why providing documents promptly can help your attorney prepare and avoid unnecessary delays.

One of the most common mistakes we see is not hiring the wrong attorney. It is hiring an attorney and then trying to personally manage every aspect of the case. Most people do not do this because they are difficult. They do it because they are scared. Divorce is scary. Custody disputes are scary. Criminal charges are scary. Lawsuits are scary. When people are afraid, they often feel the need to control every decision. Unfortunately, that desire for control sometimes makes cas

There is one phrase we hear almost every day: "I didn't know that was the law." The person saying it is usually being completely honest. They aren't trying to break the law. They aren't trying to avoid responsibility. They simply assumed the law worked one way and later discovered it worked another. Unfortunately, the legal system generally does not provide an exception simply because someone did not know a law existed. In fact, some of the most difficult conversations we hav

"I raised that child." "I kept that child every weekend." "I've been in that child's life since birth." "I thought grandparents had rights." At Dallas & Gracey, we hear some version of these statements almost every week. The problem is that many grandparents are shocked to learn that Georgia law does not work the way they think it does. In fact, some of the most heartbreaking cases we hear are also some of the most difficult cases to win. The Phone Call We Get Over and Over

The following example is fictional and created for educational purposes only. Every divorce case is different, and Georgia judges have broad discretion depending on the facts involved. One of the biggest questions people have when considering divorce is: “What does a normal divorce actually look like?” Most people do not know what to expect until they are already in the middle of the process. Online information often makes divorce sound either incredibly simple or like a comp

More and more clients are walking into consultations saying: “ChatGPT told me…” Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now. Clients are using it to ask legal questions, draft messages, review court documents, and even predict outcomes in divorce and custody cases. We see it almost every week. To be clear, we are not anti-technology at all. At Dallas & Gracey, we fully believe AI and modern technology are going to become a major part of the future of the legal industry. I

Moving out during divorce can seem like the “right” step, but Georgia law doesn’t force you out unless the court orders it. In fact, absent a protective order, neither spouse must leave the marital home. Georgia courts typically let both parties live in their home until a divorce settlement or custody hearing decides who stays. Leaving voluntarily can backfire: if you move out without a court order, a judge may maintain the status quo at a temporary hearing. Georgia even has

When stopped or questioned by Georgia police, some things can hurt your case even if you’re innocent. Remember: you have rights, especially Miranda rights against self-incrimination. It’s crucial to know what to do and what not to do. Never Volunteer Extra Information: You must give basic ID (Georgia law requires revealing your name if an officer has reasonable suspicion during a lawful stop). But after that, politely decline to discuss details. Don’t say anything like “I di

If you've reached out to Dallas & Gracey in the past, you may have been able to schedule a free initial consultation. Starting in April 2026, we've moved to a $150 paid consultation fee for new clients — and we want to take a minute to explain why. It's Not About the Money Honestly, $150 doesn't make or break anyone's legal budget. This change isn't about revenue — it's about respect for your time and ours. Free consultations sound great in theory, but in practice they attrac

We get it—lawyers are expensive. But a lot of what runs up the bill has nothing to do with the law itself. It’s the little stuff. The phone calls. The follow-up emails. The “I know you just sent that, but can you explain it again?” At Dallas & Gracey, we want to win your case and keep you from accidentally funding our coffee addiction. Here’s how to work with your lawyer without breaking the bank. 1. Read the Email (or Text) Before You Call We love being responsive. That’s w

Unmarried fathers often wonder what rights they actually have in Georgia. Without legal paternity, a father may have little authority to make decisions or request visitation. Georgia law requires specific legal steps to establish paternity and legitimation before an unwed father can exercise full parental rights.Understanding this process is the first step toward protecting your relationship with your child. Why Establish Paternity and file a Petition for legitimation?? Estab

Divorce often marks the beginning of a new chapter. For many people—especially women—changing back to a maiden name or choosing a new name symbolizes a fresh start. While it’s a common part of moving on, you must follow the proper legal steps in Georgia to make your name change official. This guide explains exactly how to handle the process in Columbia County (covering Martinez and Evans, Georgia ) and offers practical tips to ensure your transition goes smoothly. 1. Decide

If you’ve been charged with a minor crime in Columbia, McDuffie, Lincoln, Warren, or Taliaferro County , you may qualify for a second...