Author Archives: S. Mark Mitchell
Proving a Contested Paternity Case in Georgia
In Georgia, as elsewhere in the country, the paternity of a child can affect multiple legal rights and benefits, among them child support payments and health insurance coverage. It can also be important to determining the child’s medical needs based on the father’s genetic and health history. Paternity further establishes a child’s right to inherit […]
Who Is Liable for Damages Caused by a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcyclists face myriad dangers on the road that expose them to the possibility of accidents and resulting severe injuries or death. These hazards run the gamut from road defects, — like potholes, ruts, cracks and upheavals, — to high winds and poor weather conditions. But the greatest threats to motorcyclists are the larger vehicles that […]
Can Grandparents Obtain Visitation Rights in Georgia?
In a divorce or other court case where child custody is at issue, an unfortunate result can be an upset in a child’s family life. This may include interruption of a beneficial relationship, such as one with a grandparent. Georgia law recognizes the right of grandparents to seek visitation with their grandchildren, but the exercise […]
Common Georgia Business Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Running a business in Georgia involves regularly dealing with multiple people and entities. Disagreements can often arise among business owners, with employees and with outside parties such as contractors, vendors, suppliers and customers. Resolving disputes effectively means not letting them interrupt operations, intrude on profitability or negatively affect the business’s reputation. Successful pursuit of legal […]
Big Box Stores Are Stacked With Potential Hazards
In Georgia, all retail establishments have a legal responsibility to use reasonable care to protect shoppers and other visitors from being hurt while inside their stores. A retailer that fails to meet this duty can be subject to paying damages if an individual is injured as a result. In the warehouse-type outlets known as big […]
How Long Does Spousal Support Last in Georgia?
Spousal support, or alimony as it is sometimes called, is monetary assistance paid by one spouse to another after the marriage is over. Such support is typically provided where the income-earning potential of one spouse is significantly less than needed to preserve the standard of living they were used to in the marriage. This could […]
What To Know About Adopting a Relative in Georgia?
When parents are not able to care for a child due to any number of circumstances, Georgia law permits a relative to adopt the child and assume full rights and responsibilities for their care. A child may be adopted by any living adult who is related to them by blood or by marriage. This may […]
When and How Are Children’s Wishes Considered in Custody Cases?
In Georgia as in other states, judges deciding child custody matters must order parenting arrangements that are in the best interests of the children involved. This determination is based on numerous factors. Among them, Georgia law recognizes the importance of considering a child’s own preferences in appropriate cases. Depending on the child’s age and other […]
How Are a Couple’s Debts Split During a Divorce?
Going through a divorce can be emotionally taxing, especially when there are contested issues concerning finances. In Georgia, as in many other states, the division of the couple’s assets is controlled by the rule of equitable distribution. This means dividing property fairly but not always equally. Debts are divided according to the same principle, but […]