The Law Firm of Christopher T. Adams, P.C.The Law Firm of Christopher T. Adams, P.C.2026-07-07T14:54:19Zhttps://www.bigdawglaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1104226/2025/03/cropped-CTAlogoSiteID-32x32.pngOn Behalf of The Law Firm of Christopher T. Adams, P.C.<![CDATA[4 ways to protect digital privacy during a high-conflict divorce]]>https://www.bigdawglaw.com/?p=519172026-06-24T18:09:00Z2026-06-24T16:36:23ZChange passwords and enable two-factor authentication
Start by securing all online accounts. Banking apps, email accounts, social media profiles and cloud storage all need new passwords. Make a different password for each platform. Two-factor authentication adds extra security to these accounts.
Georgia courts accept digital evidence in divorce cases. A spouse who can access accounts might use messages, photos or financial records in court.
Check for tracking software and disable location services
Cyberstalking is a common concern in high-conflict divorces. Georgia law bans computer or electronic harassment. Some people install tracking apps on devices without permission. Look through all devices for apps that seem unfamiliar. These programs might be watching your digital activities.
Check apps like Find My iPhone or Google Maps to make sure location sharing has been turned off. Review which accounts remain linked to a spouse's phone or computer. Contact service providers to separate joint accounts and remove shared access.
Review email settings and social media accounts
Email accounts hold private information. They contain details about personal matters, finances and legal communications. Georgia law allows legal counsel to request electronic messages during divorce. Consider creating a new email account. Use it for important messages that a spouse cannot see.
You may also adjust privacy settings on social media. This can limit what others can see. Consider using encrypted messaging apps for sensitive conversations. Think carefully about what gets posted during divorce proceedings.
Secure personal devices
Smartphones, tablets and computers hold private information. Turn on passcodes or fingerprint locks on all devices. Do not use simple codes that a spouse might guess.
It is also important to back up key documents and photos. A secure cloud account can help keep information protected and accessible for legal needs.
Guarding your personal information during divorce
Divorce can increase conflict, making digital privacy especially important. Georgia courts may use digital evidence in divorce cases. However, cyberstalking and unauthorized monitoring are illegal under state law. Taking simple steps to secure your devices and accounts can help protect your privacy during this process.]]>On Behalf of The Law Firm of Christopher T. Adams, P.C.<![CDATA[Dividing stock options and deferred compensation in gray divorce]]>https://www.bigdawglaw.com/?p=518962026-05-06T14:49:32Z2026-05-06T14:48:59Zequitable distribution. This means courts aim to divide property fairly, though not always equally. Executive pay can make that process more difficult because some benefits may vest years later or depend on future work.
Why executive pay can complicate divorce
Executive pay packages often include assets that do not fit neatly into a typical divorce case. Unlike a bank account or family home, these benefits may grow in value over time. Some may remain unpaid long after the divorce becomes final. Courts may review several types of executive benefits, including:
Stock options earned during the marriage
Restricted stock units tied to vesting schedules
Deferred compensation plans
Executive bonuses or retention incentives
Non-qualified retirement benefits
Severance agreements tied to employment contracts
Courts may need to decide which parts count as marital property and which parts stay separate.
How Georgia courts may divide stock options and RSUs
If part of your compensation came from work completed during the marriage, courts may treat at least part of that benefit as marital property. That can include unvested stock options or RSUs in some situations.
Many people assume unvested benefits automatically stay separate from the divorce. In Georgia, courts may still divide part of those benefits depending on when the employer awarded them and what work they were meant to reward. Courts may also consider:
Whether benefits vested before separation
Whether future work requirements apply
The value of the benefit at the time of divorce
Possible taxes tied to future payouts
Some pay packages contain both marital and separate portions. This can create disputes about value, especially in gray divorce cases involving high earnings and long careers.
Courts often review financial records, employment agreements and vesting schedules during negotiations or court proceedings.
Preparing for financial changes after gray divorce
Gray divorce can affect retirement plans, income and future savings. In high-asset divorce cases, executive pay may add uncertainty because some benefits may continue long after the divorce becomes final.
Financial review often becomes important when pay packages include future earnings, deferred benefits or long-term incentive plans. These cases may involve both immediate concerns and future income tied to executive benefits.
]]>On Behalf of The Law Firm of Christopher T. Adams, P.C.<![CDATA[Can divorce in Georgia change your retirement plans?]]>https://www.bigdawglaw.com/?p=518752026-02-26T14:09:32Z2026-02-26T14:09:32ZAfter a long marriage, the idea of stepping into retirement without the life you built together can be unsettling. What once looked like shared plans and mutual security may suddenly feel uncertain. That unease deepens when more than emotions are involved. Retirement accounts, pensions and long-term savings are not just numbers on a page. They represent years of work and expectations about the future.
In a divorce, those assets can become a major point of concern, especially for spouses who planned to rely on them later in life. Knowing how retirement assets are treated can help bring some structure to a moment that otherwise feels unpredictable.
How retirement assets are divided in a Georgia divorce
Georgia uses an equitable distribution model when dividing marital property. This approach focuses on fairness, not an automatic 50-50 split. Retirement assets often fall into this category, even when only one spouse earned the income or managed the account.In most cases, the portion of a retirement account earned during the marriage counts as marital property. Contributions made before the marriage or after separation may qualify as separate property, depending on timing and documentation. Common retirement assets in divorce include 401(k) plans, pensions and individual retirement accounts. Even when an account is in one spouse’s name, its marital value still matters. Proper valuation helps so that the division reflects both short-term needs and long-term security.
Factors that can affect how retirement accounts are handled
Dividing retirement assets involves more than dividing a balance on paper. These accounts often come with tax rules and long-term consequences that deserve careful attention. Several factors can shape how retirement assets are addressed in a divorce:
When the account was opened and how long the marriage lasted
How much of the account grew during the marriage
Whether the plan includes employer contributions or pension benefits
Potential tax consequences tied to transfers or withdrawals
The need for a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) for certain plans
Each factor can influence both the outcome of the divorce and financial stability years down the road. Missing these details can lead to avoidable losses.
What the QDRO process really involves
Dividing retirement assets often takes more than a simple provision in the divorce decree. For many employer-sponsored plans, the transfer depends on a separate court order called a qualified domestic relations order, or QDRO. Without it, the plan administrator will not release or divide the funds.A QDRO outlines how the retirement account will be split and must meet strict plan-specific requirements. The plan administrator reviews and approves it before any money moves. If the order does not meet those rules, the process can stall for months. Getting it right the first time can save you stress and unnecessary back-and-forth.
Securing your retirement after divorce
Divorce can feel like it’s rewriting everything you planned for the future, especially when retirement is on the line. But it doesn’t have to leave you at a dead end. Understanding how your retirement accounts are treated and getting the right guidance can help you protect what you’ve worked for and rebuild a sense of financial security.An experienced Georgia divorce attorney can make a real difference in helping you take control of your retirement and start planning the next chapter on your terms.
]]>On Behalf of The Law Firm of Christopher T. Adams, P.C.<![CDATA[2 FAQ about property division in Georgia]]>https://www.bigdawglaw.com/?p=518592026-01-07T02:16:29Z2026-01-07T02:16:29ZHow are assets and debts divided in Georgia?
Under Georgia divorce laws, court decisions on property division are determined using the equitable distribution model. This means that when you and your spouse file for divorce, all your marital property will be subject to a fair division process.
In this procedure, the courts will assess several factors about your marriage. Five common examples of these include:
You and your spouse’s age and health
You and your spouse’s individual incomes
You and your spouse’s future earning capacities
You and your spouse’s economic circumstances
The length of your marriage
Alternatively, you and your spouse may choose to discuss and resolve your property division matters in a private way, outside of court. By entering a formal negotiation with each other, you can create your own divorce settlement agreement.
What if we have a prenuptial agreement?
If you and your spouse signed a prenuptial agreement before your marriage, the terms on it shall become enforceable upon your divorce. This means that the court will proceed with your property division and debt management according to the agreed terms in your legal document.
With time and patience, you will be okay
By understanding Georgia’s property division laws and working on a straightforward approach to your asset division process, you can navigate your divorce with better ease and embrace your life’s new chapter with open arms.]]>On Behalf of The Law Firm of Christopher T. Adams, P.C.<![CDATA[Your first 5 minutes after a Georgia DUI stop]]>https://www.bigdawglaw.com/?p=518112025-11-14T15:41:01Z2025-11-14T15:41:01ZKnow what to do during the stop
Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391 governs DUI stops, and officers follow strict rules during traffic stops. It is easier to stay calm when you understand what the officer is looking for. Remember to keep your hands visible, speak clearly and provide your license and insurance when asked. These simple actions reduce tension and help you avoid mistakes that could hurt your case.
Key actions that protect you
Many drivers get stressed during a DUI stop and forget basic steps that protect their rights. You can take control of the moment by slowing down and focusing on the situation. Remember to do the following:
Park safely and lower your window before the officer reaches your car.
Stay respectful even when you feel nervous.
Decline to answer questions that go beyond simple identification.
If you do not want to answer more questions, clearly invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney.
These steps keep the interaction steady and set up the next phase of your defense strategy.
How field tests affect your case
Georgia officers often ask drivers to complete field sobriety tests. These tests check balance and focus, and your performance affects how the officer views the stop. Remember that you have the right to politely refuse all field sobriety tests (FSTs) without penalty, as they are voluntary and used to gather evidence against you.
What to do after you leave the scene
You should save medical records that could explain your FST performance. Crucially, if you refused the post-arrest chemical test, you have only 30 days to file a request for an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing. A Georgia DUI attorney can guide you through the evidence rules and help you understand the next steps in your defense.]]>On Behalf of The Law Firm of Christopher T. Adams, P.C.<![CDATA[What are the penalties for a Georgia DUI conviction?]]>https://www.bigdawglaw.com/?p=517792025-09-12T12:40:41Z2025-09-12T12:40:41ZFines
Financial penalties are common in DUI cases. Judges can order defendants to pay fines of between $300 and $5,000. The prior record of the driver and the presence of aggravating factors influence the amount of the fine. Additionally, drivers convicted of DUI offenses typically have to cover court costs in addition to the fines ordered as a penalty.
Driver's license suspensions
Committing a major moving violation is grounds for the temporary elimination of driving privileges. The courts can suspend a driver's license after a DUI conviction. A first-time DUI without any aggravating factors could cost someone their license for up to a year, while third offenses can lead to a five-year license revocation. If the person accused has a commercial driver's license (CDL), a DUI conviction makes them ineligible for a CDL for a year. Repeat offenses may make them permanently ineligible.
Jail time
Incarceration is often the biggest fear for those facing DUI charges. They do not want to give up their freedom or risk losing their jobs as they serve a jail sentence. A first-time DUI without aggravating factors might lead to up to a year in jail, although drivers often serve as little as 24 hours in jail. However, more serious DUI charges carry longer sentences. Third DUI offenses could increase the minimum time in jail to 15 days.
Fighting DUI charges is often better than pleading guilty and accepting whatever penalties the courts impose. Defendants may need help assessing their situation to determine the possible penalties and the defense strategies available to them, and that’s okay.]]>On Behalf of The Law Firm of Christopher T. Adams, P.C.<![CDATA[3 common issues that arise in complex, high-asset divorces]]>https://www.bigdawglaw.com/?p=517032025-05-21T21:08:58Z2025-05-21T21:08:58ZDifficulty categorizing property
Spouses preparing for high-asset divorces typically begin the process with the creation of an inventory of assets and debts. They report all of their resources and financial obligations. They assign an estimated value to their assets. Some resources may be separate property. Belongings owned before marriage, resources designated as separate property in a prenuptial agreement and even inherited assets may remain the separate property of one spouse after a divorce. Spouses may disagree about what assets are separate and which ones are part of the marital estate.
Disputes about asset value
Even if spouses agree readily on what assets are separate and which ones are subject to division, they may disagree about what different resources are worth. Attempting to calculate the fair market value of a broad range of different marital resources can be a challenging process. The amount initially paid for those resources may no longer represent their current market value. Depreciation due to age or appreciation caused by changing market conditions may mean spouses have vastly different ideas about what different assets are truly worth. They may need the assistance of specialized professionals to assess an appropriate value for different resources such as business holdings, real property and collections.
Disagreements about alimony
Spousal support, also sometimes called alimony, can be a point of contention during high-asset divorces. The spouses have enjoyed a higher standard of living throughout their marriage, so they have certain expectations about their finances after divorce. Particularly in cases where one spouse stayed home to manage family affairs or raise children, they may expect the other to provide them with support to maintain a basic standard of living. Spouses may disagree about the necessity of alimony, how much the payments should be or how long the payments should last.
Recognizing that high-asset divorces create numerous opportunities for conflict can help spouses better prepare themselves. People who have adequate support and information about divorce proceedings can prepare for a complex divorce more effectively than those who let their emotions guide the process.]]>On Behalf of The Law Firm of Christopher T. Adams, P.C.<![CDATA[What is the difference between sole vs. joint custody in Georgia?]]>https://www.bigdawglaw.com/?p=516652025-03-31T22:49:27Z2025-03-31T22:49:27ZUnderstanding custody: physical and legal
In Georgia, custody is divided into two main types: physical and legal. Physical custody concerns where the child lives. Legal custody determines who makes decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religious training.
For example, if you do not have physical custody but you and the other parent have joint legal custody, you still have the right to participate in your child’s life decisions. You can work together to determine essential aspects, such as choosing the school your child will attend. This allows both parents to remain actively involved in shaping their child's future, even if the child primarily lives with one parent.
Sole custody
Sole custody means one parent is given both physical and legal custody. This parent makes all major decisions for the child and is the primary caregiver. The other parent usually has visitation rights, but these can be limited if needed for the child's safety. Sole custody is often given when one parent cannot provide a stable environment due to problems like substance abuse or neglect.
Joint custody
Joint custody lets both parents share responsibilities. In joint physical custody, the child spends time living with each parent, though not always equally. Joint legal custody means both parents participate in significant decisions affecting the child’s life, like education and healthcare. This arrangement works well when parents can work together and focus on their child’s needs.
How is custody determined in Georgia?
When deciding custody, Georgia courts look at what is best for the child by considering several factors. These factors help make sure the custody setup supports the child's well-being and growth. Here are some key things the courts look at:
The emotional connection between the child and each parent
How well each parent can meet the child’s physical and emotional needs
The stability of each parent’s home
The child’s preferences if they are 14 or older
Each parent’s involvement in the child’s education and activities
Any history of family violence or substance abuse
By looking at these factors, the court aims to create a custody arrangement that supports a positive environment for the child.
Married vs. unmarried Parents
The legal rights of parents can differ based on whether they are married. Married parents have equal rights to custody and visitation. For unmarried parents, the mother automatically has custody rights unless the father takes legal steps to establish paternity and seek custody.
The role of parenting plans
Georgia requires a parenting plan in custody cases to explain how parents will share responsibilities. A comprehensive parenting plan covers several essential parts:
Visitation schedules: This shows when the child will be with each parent, including regular schedules, holidays, and special occasions, so everyone knows what to expect.
Decision-making procedures: It outlines how parents will make crucial decisions about the child's life. It might give one parent the final say in certain areas or require both to agree.
Communication guidelines: Clear communication between parents is key. The plan can set rules for how and when parents will talk about their child, using phone calls, emails, or meetings.
Dispute resolution methods: The plan can include ways to solve conflicts, like mediation, to avoid going back to court.
Transportation arrangements: The plan can specify how the child will be moved between parents, including who is responsible for pick-ups and drop-offs.
A well-crafted parenting plan helps minimize misunderstandings and provides a stable, predictable environment for the child. It encourages cooperation between parents and focuses on the child's best interests, promoting their overall well-being and development.
Understanding the differences between sole and joint custody in Georgia can help you make informed decisions during a custody dispute. Whether you are considering pursuing sole custody due to specific concerns or opting for joint custody to maintain balanced involvement, the focus should always remain on the best interests of your child.
If you are dealing with a custody decision, having legal guidance is essential. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you protect your parental rights and your child’s best interests.
]]>On Behalf of The Law Firm of Christopher T. Adams, P.C.<![CDATA[Taking a focused approach to high-asset divorce in Georgia]]>https://www.bigdawglaw.com/?p=516662025-03-25T14:37:50Z2025-03-25T14:37:50ZA high-asset divorce requires a particularly focused and strategic approach. When one or both spouses possess significant wealth—such as business interests, investment portfolios, multiple properties and retirement accounts—their division of assets becomes far more complex than the process required of most divorcing spouses. In addition, there are potential issues of spousal support, tax implications, and hidden assets, and it isn’t hard to see why it’s important to be as thoughtful and proactive as possible in one’s approach.
While any divorce can be emotionally taxing, high-asset cases demand an extra level of clarity, attention to detail and planning. If you and your spouse are going your separate ways and you are compelled to divide significant assets, know that a focused approach can help you better ensure that your financial future is protected, your rights are upheld and costly mistakes are avoided.
Valuation and forensic accounting
Proper valuation of assets is key in a high-asset divorce. Businesses, real estate, intellectual property and complex financial instruments may all require professional appraisals. In many cases, a forensic accountant may be brought in to analyze financial records, uncover hidden income or assets and better ensure full financial disclosure from both parties. This level of scrutiny helps prevent undervaluation and protects clients from being shortchanged during negotiations or litigation. It’s especially important when one spouse has historically controlled the family finances.
Spousal support and lifestyle considerations
In high-net-worth divorces, spousal support (alimony) is often a significant issue. Courts in Georgia consider factors such as the length of a marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, each party’s earning capacity and the contributions made by each spouse. In long-term marriages where one spouse did not work outside the home, maintaining a comparable lifestyle may be a goal—within reason and subject to available resources.
Privacy and reputation preservation
High-asset divorces also come with reputational risks. Business owners, public figures and professionals may be particularly concerned about the disclosure of sensitive financial details. A focused legal strategy may involve pursuing out-of-court settlements or mediation to preserve privacy and minimize conflict.Navigating a high-asset divorce in Georgia is not just about dividing wealth—it’s about protecting your long-term stability. Seeking personalized legal guidance can help you to make informed decisions, negotiate from a position of strength and develop a strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. ]]>On Behalf of The Law Firm of Christopher T. Adams, P.C.<![CDATA[Can you get sole custody in Georgia?]]>https://www.bigdawglaw.com/?p=516672025-03-10T19:09:25Z2025-03-10T19:09:25ZWhat goes into custody decisions in the state of Georgia?
In Georgia, the court’s focus when making custody decisions is best interests of the child. The court may consider many different aspects of a child’s life, including:
The child’s needs: The court evaluates the emotional, educational and physical needs of the child and how each parent can meet these needs.
Parental capability: This includes assessing each parent's ability to care for the child, including their physical and mental health.
Parent-child relationship: The quality of the relationship between the child and each parent is crucial. The court examines the emotional ties and the parent's involvement in the child's life.
Stability: The court looks at the stability of each parent's home environment and their ability to provide a secure and stable upbringing and help the child maintain strong relationships with the significant people in their life.
Child’s preference: If the child is of a certain age and maturity, the court may consider their preference, although it is not the sole determining factor.
These details about a child’s life are the foundation of every custody decision made by the court.
When might a parent get sole custody?
In Georgia, custody decisions involve two different types of custody: legal and physical. A parent with legal custody gets to make decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, religious upbringing and other major aspects of their life. A parent with physical custody provides daily care in their home. Parents may share one or both types of custody, or one parent may have both sole physical custody and sole legal custody.
Georgia courts typically favor arrangements that allow the child to maintain a strong relationship with both parents. As a result, they do not grant sole custody often. However, sole custody may become necessary in some situations:
Abuse or neglect: Evidence of physical, emotional or sexual abuse or severe neglect by one parent.
Substance abuse: Documented issues of alcohol or drug dependency that impair a parent's ability to care for the child.
Incarceration: If one parent is incarcerated for a lengthy period.
Absence or abandonment: When one parent is absent from the child's life or has abandoned the family.
Mental health issues: Severe mental health issues that prevent a parent from caring for the child safely.
How can you pursue sole custody?
If you believe that sole custody would be best for your child, you should seek legal counsel to understand your rights and responsibilities. An experienced family law attorney can provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and help you build a legal strategy.
Your attorney can also help you collect evidence that supports your case for sole custody. This may include documentation of your involvement in the child's life, stable living conditions, and any evidence of the other parent's inability to provide a safe environment. Be prepared to present your case clearly and effectively, highlighting why sole custody is in the best interest of the child.
To initiate the process, you must file a petition for custody in the appropriate Georgia court. You may have to attend mediation sessions to try to reach an agreement outside of court. If mediation fails, your case will go to court, where a judge will make the final decision.
Securing sole custody can be a challenging journey. However, with the right preparation and legal support from a family law attorney, you can fight for a custody arrangement that protects and supports your child. Reach out to our firm to learn more about your legal options.]]>