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Happy Constitution Day 2017

" On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created."  http://www.constitutionday.com/#. " We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." www.archives.gov See prior blog posts for more information and fun facts:  Happy Constitution Day 2015 Happy Constitution Day 2012

July 2, 1776 Congress officially votes for Independence

Independence Day 2017

" We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Declaration of Independence. “Drafted by Thomas Jefferson between June 11 and June 28, 1776, the Declaration of Independence is at once the nation's most cherished symbol of liberty and Jefferson's most enduring monument.” archives.gov . In the Declarationof Independence Thomas Jefferson lists various reasons why Independence is necessary, just a few are listed below: "The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.” archives.gov. "He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us." archives.gov. "For taking away our Chart

Independence Day Court Hours 2017

Most County Governments in Georgia are closed on Tuesday, July 4th in honor of our nation's Independence. Below is a list of local county hours.    "The Newton County Judicial Center will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2017.  The Walton County Government Building will be closed on Monday, July 3, 2017, and Tuesday, July 4, 2017, in observance of Independence Day." alcovycircuit.com. Barrow , Gwinnett , and Rockdale County Governments will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2017. barrowga.org ; gwinnettcounty.com ; rockdalecountyga.gov . Gwinnett County Courts are, "Closed on legal holidays." gwinnettcourts.com. The Law Office of Christine M Bechtold, LLC also will be closed Monday, July 3, 2017 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017 to celebrate this wonderful holiday of independence. Send a confidential email directly to attorney Bechtold for legal information Christine@Bechtold-Law.com .

Do I Need to Attend a Parenting Class?

If you have a shared minor child and plan to be divorced in the State of Georgia you will likely be required to attend a parenting class or seminar. Requirements, schedules, and fees vary by county. “The superior court judges, under whose authority the program shall function, may require any or all parties to attend an educational seminar of no more than four hours in any domestic relations action before the court.” Georgia Superior Court Rule 24.8(B). “ The goal of this program is to assist the parents in understanding the impact of divorce on children, reduce potential conflicts, and offer practical solutions to future problems. ” alcovycircuit.com “The seminar focuses on the developmental needs of children, with emphasis on fostering the child's emotional health during periods of stress.” gwinnettcourts.com Information on local county parenting classes are listed below: Alcovy (Newton and Walton Counties): Fee : $25.00, cash or money order Attendance : Di

What are the Fees for Divorce?

Divorce fees vary by state, county, and law firm. In all divorce cases in Georgia, you will have a filing fee paid directly to the Clerk of Court. Filing fees in Georgia vary by county, below is a list of local Superior Court filing fees: Walton County: $210.00 alcovycircuit.com. Newton County: $210.00 alcovycircuit.com. Gwinnett County: $213.00 gwinnettcourts.com. Rockdale County: $209.00 rockdaleclerk.com. If you have a shared minor child with your spouse, you may also be required to attend a parenting class/ seminar for an additional Court fee. Programs and fees vary by county. See my post on parenting classes here: bechtold-law.blogspot.com . Finally, you will have attorney fees for your divorce. Divorce situations vary greatly from family to family which in turn impacts your attorney fees. “Be sure to get your fee arrangement in writing from your attorney before you enter into any attorney-client relationship.” bechtold-law.blogspot.com.

Are There Different Types of Legal Fee Agreements?

Yes. “There are a variety of different methods through which a lawyer might charge for legal services, and usually the type of case dictates the type of fee agreement.” research.lawyers.com . Lawyer fees are generally either flat, retainer, or contingency. Flat Fees : Seen when litigation is not involved, provides a set price, often used with document production or review cases. “Some lawyers feel that a flat fee arrangement lets everyone relax and makes for a better attorney-client relationship. You won’t feel reluctant to call or email with a question, and the lawyer can take the time necessary to listen to your concerns and explain things to you without feeling like the meter is running.” nolo.com . Retainer Fees : Used in litigation cases, acts as a deposit, billed against by attorney at an hourly rate, total fees can vary. “The money is placed in an account separate from his operating account, and he bills his time against it as the case progresses.” thebalance.com. C

Free Consultation

Email Christine@Bechtold-Law.com to schedule your free consultation in the new year. # NewYearsResolution # FamilyLaw https://twitter.com/BechtoldLaw/status/815906858124845056

Happy New Year 2017

May you have a brighter tomorrow with new opportunities. Happy 2017! Contact The Law Office of Christine M Bechtold at Christine@Bechtold-Law.com today to schedule your free initial consultation in the new year.