Blawg of Attorney Christine M Bechtold

The Norcross Police Department is, "warning residents about door-to-door salesmen selling alarm systems who reportedly are misrepresenting endorsements for their products." Fox 5 3/12/11 . Did you know there is a Federal law that governs sales that take place in your home? Federal law 16 C.F.R. 429 lists your rights regarding most door-to-door sales, including specific contract requirements for sales at your home. GA Consumer Rights. It is important to be aware of your rights! What to do when a salesperson knocks on your door: Remember that you do not need to answer the door. It is your home and you can simply not answer the door. If you do answer the door, be safe. Do not immediately allow a stranger to enter your home. Try to talk to the salesperson on your porch or front step instead of allowing them into your home. If you do allow the person into your home, first be sure to ask for and check their credentials, including: name tag, uniform, business c...

In most cases, yes! "Prenuptial agreements are on the rise . . . and even Britain's Prince William may be considering one." ABA 3/1/11. Although you may not have royal wealth to protect, this type of planning is right for everyone entering into marriage. A prenuptial agreement, or prenup, can help a marrying couple clarify what will happen to their personal and financial items in the event of divorce. These documents have been recognized in Georgia since 1982 , and have specific requirements an attorney can help you with. Each party to a prenup needs their own attorney to ensure their assets are protected. If you are interested in this marriage planning tool, contact our office today. http://bechtold-law.com/Prenup.html

Mediation was all over the news this week in Georgia. It was reported that, "The first mediation session in the sexual misconduct lawsuits against Bishop Eddie Long and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church has ended." AJC 3/4/11. But what is medation? Mediation is an alternate way to resolve disputes without litigation. All types of people seek mediation for a wide variety of issues, in fact, some courts order mediation before a case will be heard. During a mediation, both parties agree to sit across the table from each other and work out their problem with a trained neutral mediator. Many people find that mediation is very satisfying, results in faster resolution, and is less costly then litigation. Additionally, mediation can be confidential, which means that the details of your mediation are not in the public record like most court cases. However, unlike litigation, a resolution is not guaranteed. Mediation resolution depends on both party's willingness to reach a...

During a visit to a Loganville nail salon, a woman was involved in an acetone fire and received second-degree burns. The Loganville Police Department and Fire Marshal's office were both contacted and are investigating the accident. Loganville Tribune 2/27/11. Although we can never be prepared for every event, it is important to have a plan for when you do find yourself in an accident. See our website for a list of things to do when involved in an accident. http://bechtold-law.com/PersonalInjury.html

Beginning March 1, 2011, the Gwinnett County Records Court is offering traffic citation amnesty for citations that have been outstanding for up to 28 years. ACJ 2/28/11. This amnesty will waive the $25 bench warrant fee and recall the bench warrant when the fines are paid. The Court will also supply the forms to reinstate suspeneded or expired driver's licenses unders some circumstances. This means you can settle your outstanding traffic citation case without additional penalties. This amnesty will not eliminate your required court appearance, so be sure to contact the Court or an attorney before moving forward. Gwinnett Courts. Don't wait on this offer, amnesty ends at the end of March 2011. http://bechtold-law.com/Traffic.html

Not quite. As of January 1, 2011, Gwinnett County Police and other nearby City Police lost their ability to use their radar and laser speed detection devices to catch speeders.  AJC 1/4/11.   The problem is the result of a legal battle over whose tax money will cover public safety issues. While the debate is in court, law enforcement officers are back to using the pacing method to determine a vehicle’s speed. However, “Only two Gwinnett County cities can continue to use radar and laser guns at this point." 11alive 1/5/11.   The City of Loganville Police Department is one of those cities. They can still use radar and laser speed detection devices on Loganville streets because their permit does not expire until the end of 2011. If you find yourself being pulled over by the Police for speeding, be sure to find out how your speed was determined and call our office to discuss your options. www.bechtold-law.com/Traffic.html

In Georgia, when a couple with children divorces or separates, their child's custody is determined by a judge. Even if both parents agree to custody issues for their child, a Court still needs to approve the custody arrangement. The judge shall look at the best interest of the child to make this decision. But what does that mean? The best interest of the child is a standard that does not focus on the parents, but rather looks forward and attempts to determine the child's best interests now and in the future. In Georgia, the best interest of the child is a statutory list of factors judges may look at when determining custody issues. This list of potential factors includes: the love, affection, bonding, and emotional ties existing between each parent and the child; capacity of the parent; parent's knowledge of the child; parent's ability to provide daily needs for child; parent's home environment (nurture and safety); stability; mental health of parent; physical heal...