Candace M. Williams, P.C.Passionate Advocate For Parents Trusted Champion For Children2026-06-23T16:29:08Zhttps://www.candacewilliamslaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1204462/2025/07/cropped-CW-site-icon-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Candace M. Williams, P.C.<![CDATA[3 tips when putting together a parenting plan for teenagers]]>https://www.candacewilliamslaw.com/?p=480422026-06-23T16:29:08Z2026-06-23T16:29:08Z amount of change during teenage years may be second only to the growth that occurs during a child’s toddler years. Any parent knows the teenage years are filled with a push for independence. This is developmentally appropriate but not always easy to parent – especially when parenting is happening over two different households. Divorced parents can take steps to help set their teens up for success during this time of growth. Thankfully, there is decades of research available to help parents put together a parenting plan that can help meet their teen’s needs during this important stage of development. The following tips can help.
Tip #1: Consider the teenager’s needs and voice
Courts and mediators increasingly expect parents to consider a teenager’s preferences, especially when those preferences are consistent and tied to practical realities like extracurriculars or part-time work. That does not mean a teenager decides the outcome, but it does mean the plan should show thoughtful consideration of their schedule, maturity and wellbeing.Before you draft the plan, gather the basics: school calendar, activity commitments, transportation options and any health or learning needs. Then build a plan that is specific enough to follow and flexible enough to survive real life.
Tip #2: Include core terms
A strong parenting plan typically covers the same legal categories as any other plan, but the details shift for adolescents. It can help to begin by discussing the following and adjust to meet your needs:
Regular parenting time that accounts for school nights, sports, social events and driving responsibilities
Decision-making rules for education, medical care, mental health support and extracurricular commitments
Communication expectations, including teen-to-parent contact and parent-to-parent updates
Transportation and cost sharing for activities, car insurance, phones and school expenses
Boundaries that are consistent across homes, such as curfews, screen time and discipline approach
A dispute resolution process, such as mediation before court except in emergencies
Remember, if you have specific expectations it is often best to write it down in plain language and define how it works on weekdays, weekends and holidays.
Tip #3: Build flexibility without inviting conflict
Teen schedules change quickly. Instead of constant renegotiation, it can help to include a structured method for adjustments that keeps both parents informed and avoids last-minute pressure on the teenager. A clear process can protect the teenager from being placed in the middle and reduces arguments about what was agreed.A parenting plan for teenagers should balance stability with autonomy. Focus on the teen’s real schedule, write enforceable terms and include a calm process for change. When parents commit to clarity and consistency, teenagers are more likely to gain the security they need to thrive across two homes.]]>On Behalf of Candace M. Williams, P.C.<![CDATA[Georgia’s new child support rules: What parents need to know]]>https://www.candacewilliamslaw.com/?p=480412026-06-10T19:30:00Z2026-06-10T19:30:00ZCounting overnights matters more than ever
One of the biggest changes is the mandatory parenting time adjustment. Previously, judges had the choice to lower support if a parent spent more time with the child. Now, the updated child support law requires a credit if a parent has at least 90 overnights per year. In other words:
Parents with 90 to 130 overnights typically see a 10 percent reduction in their base obligation.
Those with 131 to 165 overnights may see a 15 percent reduction.
Parents with 166 or more overnights could qualify for a reduction of 20 percent or more.
These specific tiers help remove the guesswork from the legal process for families across the state.
Higher income caps and low-income shields
The new rules also change how the state treats different income levels. The combined monthly income limit on the support table grew from $30,000 to $40,000. This provides a clear standard for high-earning households that did not exist before.
At the same time, the law now protects parents with very low wages through a self-support reserve. This reserve ensures that parents can still afford their own basic needs while meeting their legal obligations.
Updating your current support order
These changes do not happen on their own for existing cases. If you have an order from before 2026, you must file a formal request for a modification to use the new formula. A court will generally look for a change of at least $25 or 15 percent to grant the request. Taking this step is the only way to align an old order with the current state standards. It is a big change.
Legal changes can be complicated and have an impact on individuals they may not anticipate, so legal guidance in these matters is crucial. Ensuring your child support order is accurate allows you to focus on the well-being of your children.]]>On Behalf of Candace M. Williams, P.C.<![CDATA[3 critical requirements you need for a divorce in Georgia]]>https://www.candacewilliamslaw.com/?p=480352026-05-25T08:20:30Z2026-05-25T08:20:30ZResidency in Georgia
You or your spouse must be a resident of Georgia for at least six months. If either spouse meets this requirement, the next step is filing in your or your spouse’s county of residence.
Grounds for filing a divorce
Your petition or complaint for divorce should include the legal grounds for the dissolution of the marriage. In Georgia, you may file under these circumstances:
No-fault: The marriage is irretrievably broken and has no options for reconciliation.
Fault-based: The marriage ends due to one of the 12 fault grounds, including adultery, impotency and desertion.
After filing with the county of residence, ensure to serve the papers to your spouse to notify them about the divorce formally.
Complete financial disclosure
Because Georgia follows the equitable distribution rule, the courts require you and your spouse to provide a financial disclosure. This outlines your income, assets, debts and expenses, which judges review to determine the division of property.
You must ensure that your disclosure is complete and accurate. The courts will punish those who hide assets, underreport income or shift funds.
How legal assistance can help in your divorce
Divorce can be technical, especially when you are facing a highly contentious case. Aside from the legal papers that require filing, you must also address property division, child custody, alimony and other matters. An experienced divorce attorney can provide the guidance you need.]]>On Behalf of Candace M. Williams, P.C.<![CDATA[Mediation can help to set expectations for college-age child support]]>https://www.candacewilliamslaw.com/?p=480332026-05-01T14:00:09Z2026-05-01T13:59:31ZAs children approach adulthood, many families assume that child support and parenting issues will naturally wind down. In reality, a transition to college can introduce a new set of financial and logistical concerns that may impact both of a child’s co-parents.
Unlike support for younger children, college-related expenses are not always addressed in a standard parenting plan or support order. Tuition, housing, books, transportation and everyday living costs can vary widely depending on the school and a child’s needs. Without a clear agreement, parents may have very different assumptions about who will pay for what -- and when. Mediation can be a valuable tool for parents who are looking to set clear expectations about college-age support before a potential for misunderstandings turn into a dispute.
Taking cooperative action
Mediation provides a structured environment where these issues can be discussed in advance. Instead of reacting to expenses as they arise, parents can work together to outline a plan that reflects their financial situations and their child’s goals. This might include how tuition will be divided, whether contributions are capped and how scholarships or financial aid will be factored into the equation.College-age children may move between campus housing, off-campus apartments and time at each parent’s home. Mediation can help clarify expectations around housing costs, breaks from school and how those changes affect ongoing support obligations. These conversations can prevent confusion about whether traditional child support continues, is modified or is replaced by direct contributions to specific expenses.Mediation also allows parents to address non-financial expectations. For example, they may agree on academic benchmarks the child must meet to continue receiving support, or how decisions about transferring schools or changing majors will be handled. While these issues can be sensitive, discussing them early can minimize the risk of conflict later.Importantly, mediation encourages cooperation at a stage when the child is becoming more independent. Maintaining a functional co-parenting relationship can make it easier to support one’s child emotionally and financially during this transition.]]>On Behalf of Candace M. Williams, P.C.<![CDATA[“I’ll Make Enough Money for Us”: What Happens After Divorce]]>https://www.candacewilliamslaw.com/?p=480102026-01-28T13:47:55Z2026-02-02T13:47:15ZYour Work at Home Still Counts
Georgia judges understand that being a stay-at-home parent is real work. When you left your job to raise kids, you were helping your family succeed. Here is what you probably did:
Took kids to doctor appointments
Helped with homework
Cooked meals and cleaned the house
Managed the family schedule
Made it possible for your spouse to focus on their career
While your spouse's paycheck grew, your ability to earn money got weaker. The longer you stayed home, the harder it became to get back into the workforce.
Courts look at all of this when deciding if you should get alimony (money your ex-spouse pays you after divorce).
Broken Promises Can Make Your Case Stronger
When your spouse said, "you don't need to work," that was not just talk. Georgia courts take this seriously when deciding about alimony. They look at:
How long you were married and how many years you stayed home
What you could be earning now vs. what you would be earning if you had kept working
Whether your ex can afford to pay based on their income
The lifestyle you had when you were married
Your age and health—can you realistically start a new career now?
There are several types of alimony depending on necessity and nature of the marriage. All these factors help the judge decide what is fair.
Fault May Matter, But It is Not the Main Point
In Georgia, courts can consider if one spouse's bad behavior caused the divorce when deciding on alimony. If your spouse's actions led to the divorce, this can influence the final decision. However, your career sacrifice and contributions remain the main focus. Courts prioritize making sure you receive fair payment for your years of unpaid work at home and the job opportunities you missed.
The Bottom Line
You made a sacrifice based on a promise. You trusted your partner and built your life around their commitment to provide for the family. Georgia courts recognize that your unpaid work at home was valuable and helped your spouse succeed in their career.
Having the right counsel when you go to court will give you the confidence to present your contributions to the marriage—even though you were not bringing home a paycheck. You deserve financial support as you start your new life, and the law is on your side.]]>On Behalf of Candace M. Williams, P.C.<![CDATA[3 key issues, other than scheduling, to address in a parenting plan]]>https://www.candacewilliamslaw.com/?p=480092026-01-09T11:48:16Z2026-01-09T11:48:16Z1. Parental authority
Parents don't just share time with their children. They also share the legal authority to make decisions about their children's upbringing. Parents who share parenting time typically also share decision-making power. Parents may want to create rules that name one parent as the final decision-maker in certain matters. Other times, they may want to establish a system for resolving disagreements when they can't agree on key decisions.
2. Academics and athletics
Frequently, the privileges that children enjoy depend in part on their performance in school. Parents may require that children avoid disciplinary issues and maintain certain grades if they want to keep a part-time job or participate in team sports. Parents may also have strong preferences regarding what types of sports or other extracurricular activities their children pursue. Having clear rules about what the children can do and what is required of them to enjoy those privileges can be helpful.
3. Rules for childcare
If one parent has less time with the children, they might request the right of first refusal so that they can spend time with the children when the other parent can't be present. Other times, the parents may want to establish minimum standards regarding who provides care for the children when they cannot be with their parents. For example, parents may include a provision preventing future romantic partners from serving as child care providers. They may impose minimum ages or rules that prevent either parent from leaving the children with someone who has a history of substance abuse or criminal convictions.
Various additional issues, including use of technology, are also likely to trigger disputes between parents who share custody without careful consideration. Taking the time to create a thorough parenting plan that addresses current needs and predictable future challenges can be beneficial for parents. Those who invest effort early in a co-parenting relationship can keep things calmer and more peaceful for their family, even when complications arise.
]]>On Behalf of Candace M. Williams, P.C.<![CDATA[Is my 401(k) marital property in a Georgia divorce?]]>https://www.candacewilliamslaw.com/?p=480082025-12-16T18:47:45Z2025-12-16T18:47:45ZHow Georgia divides assets
Georgia is an equitable distribution state, meaning a judge must divide marital property fairly between the spouses. Marital property includes all assets you acquired during the marriage.
Crucially, "fairly" means the division is based on the judge's assessment of all relevant factors, which often results in a 50/50 division, but is not legally required to be equal. A judge considers numerous factors to achieve a “just” division, including:
The length of the marriage
Each party’s financial contributions and future needs
Nonfinancial support, like homemaking and child care
The court uses these and other factors to determine the fairest division of your marital estate.
Marital vs. separate property
The key to protecting your savings is understanding the difference between marital and separate property. Here’s how Georgia defines ownership of retirement assets:
Marital property: Any contributions made to the retirement account during the marriage are generally marital assets, including employer matches and the resulting growth. These funds are subject to division.
Separate property: Retirement funds held by one party before the marriage are typically considered separate and generally belong solely to the account holder.
The portion of the retirement account accumulated from the date of marriage through the date of divorce, typically ending on the date of filing for divorce for contributions and often valued as of the date of trial or final judgment for passive growth, is subject to division.
Take steps to secure your retirement
Accurately determining the value of the marital portion of retirement accounts often requires meticulous financial tracing. Attempting to hide or intentionally dissipate marital funds may result in sanctions or an unequal division of assets by the court.
Withdrawing funds from a retirement account without a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) typically results in a 10% IRS early withdrawal penalty and income taxes on the withdrawn amount.
Given the substantial long-term financial consequences, skilled legal representation is essential. Your attorney must understand the nuances of property valuation and the specific requirements for the legal division of retirement assets.]]>On Behalf of Candace M. Williams, P.C.<![CDATA[Is an uncontested divorce the right option for you?]]>https://www.candacewilliamslaw.com/?p=472212025-07-28T08:59:15Z2021-07-23T15:07:37Zneither party is fighting over assets or anything else. Typically, this means the couple goes into the process with a final order already negotiated and discussed. By eliminating the need for litigation, an uncontested divorce is typically easier to navigate and takes less time to complete. This can make the complex and emotionally challenging process of ending a marriage a bit easier and less stressful.
Seeking an uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce is not for everyone. This option does not require that you and the other party like each other or even get along. You do not have to be friendly to have mutual interests you wish to protect and specific shared goals, such as shielding the interests of your children. Your eligibility for an uncontested divorce does not have to do with how you feel about the other party. It is an option for you if you do not have any remaining financial disputes and if you both agree to the divorce.
There are many reasons why a Georgia couple would choose an uncontested divorce. It is streamlined, and it is a less-complicated process for both sides. Both sides are in agreement over issues regarding property division, child custody, child support, spousal support and more. Because there is no need for litigation, it generally costs less than a contested divorce.
Contested versus uncontested divorce
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for divorce. Every situation is different, and it is crucial to seek an option that allows you the best opportunity for a strong and stable future. If you are wondering if an uncontested divorce is right for your unique situation, you may find it helpful to first learn about both the benefits and potential drawbacks of this choice.]]>On Behalf of Candace M. Williams, P.C.<![CDATA[Avoid property division fights in your divorce]]>https://www.candacewilliamslaw.com/?p=471682025-07-28T08:59:36Z2021-04-22T21:43:31ZYou might have seen it coming, meaning that you suspected that your marriage was heading for divorce for quite some time before you actually filed a petition. On the other hand, you might be able to relate to spouses in Georgia and elsewhere who say that they were blindsided by their partners’ decisions to file for divorce or those who decided to file paperwork after discovering that their spouse was having an affair. Regardless of the exact details that led to a breakdown in your relationship, the months ahead will include many life changes, especially if you’re a parent. Perhaps you’ve prepared for other major events in the past, such as an important business meeting or a child’s birth. There’s always a certain amount of information you can know ahead of time but, also, a few unknowns, which might cause you to feel nervous or worried about the ultimate outcome of the situation. In a divorce, property division proceedings are often like that.
Prepare for property division proceedings
Dividing your marital property might evoke feelings of sadness, which is not uncommon in divorce, even if you’re the one who initiated the petition. The court will now split between you everything you once shared with your spouse. It’s natural to feel sad about such things. In this state, the family court operates under equitable property division guidelines, which means that the judge overseeing your case will determine a fair way to divide your assets, although that division will not necessarily be 50/50. The best way you can prepare for property division proceedings is to know what assets you possess and what liabilities you and your spouse currently have. It’s also a good idea to compile a list of your needs and the goals you hope to achieve in a settlement. Getting all important documents in order ahead of time, such as bank statements, tax information, etc., may help you avoid delays during proceedings.
How to avoid confrontation
The court cannot make a property division decision without first becoming aware of the exact assets you own and debt you owe. It is critical for you and your spouse to be forthright and honest in order to ensure that you will obtain a fair settlement. If yours is a high-net-worth divorce, you’ll want to be thorough and cautious to protect your financial interests. If you and your spouse signed a prenuptial agreement or a post-nuptial contract, the terms of the agreement may affect property division proceedings. For instance, did you assign separate ownership to a specific asset in your agreement? If so, such property will likely not be subject to division in your divorce.
Know where to seek support as needed
You might be a financial wizard who fully understands the ins and outs of property division proceedings in a Georgia divorce. More often than not, however, a spouse headed for court has only a basic understanding of the financial issues that must be resolved in order to achieve a fair settlement. It’s a good idea to speak to someone who is not only well-versed in the property division laws of this state, but one who can make recommendations and provide litigation support to help you protect your interests and to ensure that you receive all that you’re entitled to as you lay the groundwork for a new lifestyle. ]]>On Behalf of Candace M. Williams, P.C.<![CDATA[How a financial advisor may assist in a high-asset divorce]]>https://www.candacewilliamslaw.com/?p=471322025-07-28T08:59:50Z2021-01-29T16:11:32Zexactly what your advisor will do for both of you and what to expect. Your divorce doesn’t have to change your financial advisor, but it may alter the relationship to the benefit of everyone involved.
Talking to your financial advisor about divorce
If you and your current spouse both want to continue to use the same financial advisor, you should know up-front that he or she may not want that arrangement. However, if the advisor is open to the possibility, all parties need to consent and understand that their financial information may be disclosed to the other party. All of you can work together to take an inventory of all family assets. Be sure to provide your advisor with copies of any estate planning documentation, tax returns and a prenuptial agreement if one exists.
The advisor should ask you about your financial priorities as well as any priorities that may influence your finances, such as child custody. Considering them ahead of time is helpful as you can take time to determine what matters most to you. Perhaps you want to hold on to the family home or retire out of state, and your advisor can advise you based on those goals.
Your new future
Your advisor will help you see what your new life post-divorce may look like. You’ll want to think about not just the division of assets you and your spouse may share but who may make choices for your care in the future if needed. The advisor can work with you to determine a new budget or savings plan so that addresses any needs that could come up as you age.
One more important thing a financial advisor can assist you with is creating a team to advise you regarding different aspects of your divorce. There are legal implications to consider in addition to the financial ones you’re already addressing. Working with more than one qualified professional may be the best way to start your new life with confidence for the future.]]>