Serving Georgia Families For Two Decades
Practice Areas
During my years of practice, I have represented a diverse group of clients from all backgrounds and orientations including spouses, unmarried partners and parents, third party caregivers, and other individuals in a myriad of different family law matters. It remains my goal to work with people from all different walks of life and to provide consistent and reliable service to each and every one.
These are the types of family law matters I help people resolve at Sheri Lake Law:
Divorce: Divorce cases can be contested, uncontested, or amicable with a focus toward resolution outside of court. I represent individuals in all three categories in the most efficient and effective way possible so that they can move forward with their lives.
Separate Maintenance: In separate maintenance actions, the parties do not wish to be divorced but to live in a state of legal separation, perhaps for religious reasons or because remaining married is financially beneficial to both parties. Just as in a divorce, I can help clients divide their assets and establish support obligations, all while they remain married.
Annulment: Marriages can be annulled under limited circumstances, and I assist clients in determining whether or not their set of facts meets the standard.
Legitimation and Paternity: When two parents are not married, I provide advice and representation to both men and women who want to establish their custodial rights and their child support obligations.
Third Party Visitation and Custody: Georgia law provides that certain relatives and non-relatives may be awarded custody or visitation rights to children with whom they have developed a significant relationship. I have helped numerous third party clients secure custodial and visitation rights.
Adoption: In cases where a relative, third party or step-parent desires to adopt a child or children, I can help a client gather the necessary documents, draft the required pleadings and represent the adoptive parent in both uncontested and contested matters.
Guardian Ad Litem: In some contested custody and parenting cases, the court may appoint a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) to represent the best interests of the child or children involved, to conduct an investigation, and to make a recommendation to the court as to the issues of custody, parenting time, and any other matter affecting the children. Appointment as a GAL requires training, experience and the confidence of the court and your colleagues. I am frequently appointed as a GAL in Georgia courts, and I am honored to be able to provide this service to families and to the judiciary.
Modification of Prior Orders: In some cases, significant or material changes of circumstances may require a modification of custody, parenting time, child support or alimony. Where the right circumstances exist, I help clients make those changes and move forward.
Enforcement: Where a party fails to comply with a family court order, e.g., a parent does not make required child support payments or fails to produce a child for visitation, he or she is subject to contempt charges. I work with the party trying to enforce the terms of the court order and with clients who may be in violation of the order.
Prenuptial Agreements: In some cases, pre-marital couples desire to clarify their financial rights and obligations during their upcoming marriage and agree on how assets will be divided and whether or not alimony will be paid in the event of a divorce, among other issues. I have drafted prenuptial agreements for a multitude of clients and can help brides and grooms decide if such an agreement is best for their relationship.
Temporary Protective Orders: Relationships can be complicated, and in some cases, one or both parties commit acts of family violence against the other party. I counsel and represent individuals who have been subject to family violence, and I am also available to defend clients who have been accused in a civil matter of committing acts of family violence.