Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia

Re: pro se

Since I don't use forms, except the ones I already have, I can't help you except to suggest www.findforms.com or www.nolo.com. Before you consider filing a Petition for Contempt using a generic form, I strongly suggest that you consult with a local attorney. By your zip code, I can tell you are in the Toccoa area. Call my friend Alan Ramsay; 706-886-3178

Re: pro se

Contempt is not a simple matter (you didn't give details so it's hard to address it further), and oftimes it is not even the best or only remedy, so for that reason alone you should seek counsel.

A change of custody isn't simple either, especially if contested. Even if uncontested, it requires good drafting to cover related issues (support, tax deductions, insurance, and so on).

While a 15 year old can certainly choose, a court is not 100% bound by the choice, so bad drafting could jeapordize things.

Most websites sell poor quality documents, and even those that may do better are not going to advise you which counties require hearings, which ones bypass them, what extra local forms are needed, and so on. Two counties in Georgia do provide forms (Fulton and Dekalb) for their courts, and even in those, they suggest you have an attorney review your forms and coach you before you file.

My prime recommendation would be that your child is too important to risk him to try and save a dollar, but even if you do wish to proceed pro se, you will do far better hiring a lawyer to review or draft your papers and to coach you. That cost is minimal.

If you're in metro Atlanta, please feel free to call us if you wish to retain counsel or simply assist with paperwork [404-768-3509].