What role do you take to end family violence? Do you model non-violent relationships? Do you speak up? I do both, but I also give my time assisting victims of family violence obtain protective orders against their abusers. Is there more you can do?

From the AJC:

By Edward Lindsey and Chuck Spahos
, Monday, July 18, 2011

Just a reminder that the new Georgia car seat law goes into effect tomorrow. All children under the age of 8 are required to be in a booster seat. Some children may be exempt if they are over 4'9 or have a written statement from a doctor based on a medical condition. If there are shoulder belts in the car, then weight does not matter, just the height and age requirement. If there are no shoulder available belts to secure a booster or child seat, then children must use a lap belt.

First convictions carry a $50 fine and 1 point. All subsequent convictions are $100 and 2 points.

Thanks to Jeffrey Marsocci for this blog entry.

As the Estate Geek, I sometimes have to explain simple or complex issues which are often misconstrued by even attorneys. This month we are talking about "Guardianship Nomination forms.”

Blogging has fallen behind, but there will be new material added to the website in the upcoming weeks. If there's a particular area of the law you would like addressed, please just let me know via the contact form.

MYTH: It’s easiest to pay my child support or alimony payments in cash.

Pictures of JNJLAW's new office.

Myth: In Georgia, I don’t have to appear in court for my divorce to be finalized.

Myth: I’m recently unemployed, so I have more time on my hands and would like to see my kids more, but my ex-wife will only allow me the visitation ordered by the court when we divorced about 14 months ago. Is it true that I can ask the court for a new visitation schedule whenever and as many times as I want?

Myth: My child just turned 13 and wants to live with me instead of her Mom, regardless of what her Mom wants. Can she just move in with me?

Fact: No. In Georgia, once a child turns 14, a judge will let a child choose where to live. The assumption is that the child can make the decision that is best for them. However, you still have to petition to the court to modify visitation and primary physical custody. During that proceeding, the judge can go against what the child wants if it is determined that the child’s desires are not in the child’s best interest.

Myth: My girlfriend and I have a two-year-old baby. We’re not married, but I signed the birth certificate so I have full legal rights to my child.

Fact: In Georgia, an unmarried father has no rights to his child at all unless and until he either marries the mother or files a petition in court to legitimate the child. Until one of these two events happen, the mother has all parental control over the child and the father has no rights. This means the father has no right to custody or visitation, even though he may still be required to pay child support.