Dallas & Gracey Law Firm Blog

Is everything automatically divided 50/50 in a Georgia divorce? Not necessarily. Before property can be divided, the court may first need to determine what is marital property and what remains separate. Learn how Georgia divorce law treats homes, inheritances, retirement accounts, businesses, premarital assets, mixed funds, and appreciation.

When your ex refuses to follow a divorce, custody, support, or temporary court order, it can be frustrating—but not every violation automatically means contempt. Learn what Georgia courts look for, why the wording of the order and willfulness matter, what evidence you should save, and what options may be available to enforce an existing family-law order.

A standing order in a Georgia divorce is not just another piece of paperwork. It can restrict what you do with money, property, insurance, utilities, children, pets, and even communications with your spouse while the case is pending.

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

"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

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.

"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

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 Wh

When people call our office about divorce, the first thing we often hear is: “I want an uncontested divorce.” Why? Because they’ve heard it’s cheaper, faster, and easier. But here’s the truth: an uncontested divorce isn’t about what you want—it’s about what you already have. Specifically, it means you and your spouse have already agreed on every single major issue. If you don’t, then it’s not truly uncontested, no matter how much you’d like it to be. Think of it this way: Unc

Child custody disputes are some of the most stressful situations families face. When emotions run high, Georgia courts sometimes appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to ensure that the child’s best interests remain at the center of the case. A GAL is a neutral professional who investigates, gathers facts, and provides recommendations to the judge.This guide explains what a GAL does in Georgia, when courts appoint one, how parents should interact with the GAL, and what to do if y

When a loved one needs help making decisions, guardianship may be one option. Learn about alternatives, the court process, and the roles of guardians and conservators.

Changes in income or a child’s needs may justify reviewing a support order. Learn about Georgia’s modification process, documents to gather, and common mistakes.

Experienced military divorce attorneys in Evans, GA. Dallas & Gracey help service members and spouses navigate pensions, custody, and benefits. Call today for a consultation.