Blawg of Attorney Christine M Bechtold

Going through the VA disability process is overwhelming and complicated. Once you apply for your VA disability benefits and are denied, it is difficult to know what to do next. “ If you disagree with a VA decision dated on or after February 19, 2019, you can choose from 3 decision review options (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal) to continue your case.” https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/ . All 3 decision review options have their own benefits. The Supplemental Claim option allows you to submit new evidence, the Higher-Level Review option provides you with another review of your already submitted evidence, and the Board Appeal option provides a hearing with a Veterans Law Judge. Some options will provide a quicker decision while others may take longer, but may be more beneficial for your specific case. It is important to talk to someone who is familiar with the VA appeals process to help guide you through the maze. The VA has an accreditation program for qu...

  Divorce fees vary by state, county, and law firm. In all divorce cases in Georgia, you will have a filing fee paid directly the Clerk of Court when your divorce is filed. Filing fees in Georgia vary by county, below is a list of local Superior Court filing fees for divorce (as of December, 2021): Barrow County: $207.00 Gwinnett County: $209.00 gwinnettcourts.com. Newton County: $209.00 alcovycircuit.com. Rockdale County: $209.00 rockdaleclerk.com. Walton County: $210.00 alcovycircuit.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. Divorces vary greatly from family to family which in turn impacts attorney fees. “Be sure to get your fee arrangement in writing from you...

I f 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 and domestic relations action before the court. The program may be administered by the court or by contract with a private agency. The seminar shall be conducted by qualified personnel whose professional and educational experiences include a knowledge of children and families. " 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...

Sharing custody of your child with your ex is challenging, holidays can make that challenge even more difficult. Here are some tricks to have a happy co-parenting Halloween:  1. Confirm your visitation schedule as soon as possible. Even if you think you know the visitation plan for Halloween, it is always a good idea to confirm at least one week in advance.    2. If you have a Parenting Plan through the Court, follow that schedule, however, you can adjust Halloween visitation if both parties agree.   3. Halloween falls on a Sunday this year, which can impact regular visitation schedules. Confirm visitation drop-off and pick-up times to ensure both parties have a chance to enjoy the holiday with your child.     4. Think outside the box. There will be Halloween activities around town all weekend. Be open to visitation on days other than just October 31 st . For example, on Saturday, October 30, 2021 “Trick or Treat on Main Street in Loganville will take plac...

  If you share a minor child with your ex it is important that you have a schedule for your child this upcoming Thanksgiving break. The State of Georgia requires that separated parents have, “a parenting time schedule, with an outline making clear who the child will spend time with for each day of the year.” https://georgia.gov . The State does not require that parents follow a specific holiday schedule; this allows parents to be creative and follow a schedule that works for them. Most schools in Georgia have off for Thanksgiving the entire week from Monday, November 25, 2019 through Friday, November 29, 2019, including: Barrow, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, and Walton Counties. www.barrow.k12.ga.us , www.fultonschools.org , publish.gwinnett.k12.ga.us , www.newtoncountyschools.org , portal.walton.k12.ga.us . Some parents follow their regular schedule during the Thanksgiving break, while others divide up the week. “You can divide Thanksgiving Day and Thanksgiving weekend so one pare...

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 : ...