Insights
At Shewmaker & Lewis, we believe that knowledge is power—especially when it comes to the law. Our Insights page is your resource for exploring a wide range of legal topics, from Family Law and Military Justice to Criminal Defense and beyond. Through our blog articles, videos, and in-depth discussions, we break down complex legal issues in a way that’s clear, practical, and relevant.
Looking for even more candid legal conversations? Be sure to check out our Podcast/Vodcast here ,where we tackle important legal topics with real talk—no billboards required.
Fulton County Family Court How Does it Differ from Other Georgia Counties?
Fulton County in Georgia has 20 Superior Court Judges. Only 4 hear family law matters. No other counties in Georgia (there are 158 excluding Fulton) handle family court cases like Fulton. The county is also very long (113 miles) and thin. They have a unique process to keep things moving that involves status conferences. Join Steve and Patty Shewmaker as they discuss Status Conferences and just how Fulton County, GA tries to keep cases moving through the court.
Presumption of a 50-50 Split in a Child Custody Arrangement
Steve Shewmaker and Jimmy Lewis discuss the Presumption of a 50/50 Split in Child Custody Arrangements and how it differs from state to state, along with the current law in Georgia and potential future changes.
Hague Convention on International Child Abduction Part 4: How Quickly are Cases Resolved?
In this, the fourth in a series on the Hague Convention by attorneys Patty Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis of the Law Firm Shewmaker & Lewis, they discuss the importance of central authorities adhering to the guidelines and the ramifications for non-compliance.
Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction
If a parent wrongfully removes a child from their country of habitual residence, and the “left behind” parent is exercising custodial rights, the wronged parent may petition for the return of children to the country of habitual residence.
Patty Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis discuss the complexities of international child abduction and the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction – a multilateral treaty that established procedures for the prompt return of children who have been wrongfully removed or kept away from their home country.
Navigating Family Court in Georgia
Attorneys Steve and Patty Shewmaker take on the subject of family court in Georgia, and provide some insights into how to “navigate” the courts. When it comes to family court, legislatures in most states have added more and more complexity to the process over time. Georgia is no exception. In Georgia, most counties have family law libraries and other resources for individuals that want to learn more, but the bottom line is that it has become increasingly important to hire an attorney if you’re dealing with the family courts in Georgia. The waters can be treacherous.
Child Support Obligations in Split Custody Arrangements Part II
In our last video, Attorneys Steve Shewmaker and Jimmie Lewis discussed how child support payments are arrived at in split custody arrangements. In this follow-up, they look at the law pertaining to 50/50 custody splits in Georgia along with the judges’ discretion in deviating from the law in the interest of fairness and equity.
Hague Convention on International Child Abduction Part 3: Where to File
In this video, Part 3 of the series on international child abduction, Patty Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis talk about choices parents have when filing, including how and where to file. Where to file is important strategically and is very situation dependent.
Pretextual Phone Calls, Texts and Emails
Lying to the police, detectives or federal investigators is a crime. However, they can lie to you to collect evidence. That is perfectly legal, as is recording the phone call.
When someone is accused of inappropriate behavior or a crime, it is human nature to want to explain yourself. In the context of these phone calls, don’t. You could be helping investigators manufacture evidence. If you suspect someone is accusing you, do not talk to the alleged victim, or your best friend or acquaintance. Only talk to your lawyer.
These attempts to manufacture evidence can occur, not just in sexual assault cases but in divorces, Title IX investigations, and criminal cases, both civilian and military. It is our experience that the military uses them as a tool far more frequently than the state, but they are in common use with law enforcement across the board.
In this video, Steve Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis of the law firm Shewmaker & Lewis go into detail about pretextual phone calls, texts, and emails and discuss how to respond if you suspect you may be targeted.
Two Factors Essential for a Successful 5050 Child Custody Arrangement
Steve Shewmaker and Jimmy Lewis discuss the Presumption of a 50/50 Split in Child Custody Arrangements and how it differs from state to state, along with the current law in Georgia and potential future changes.
Child Support Payments in Split Custody Arrangements
We frequently receive calls at Shewmaker & Lewis from individuals going through a divorce that believe having a 50/50 split custody arrangement means they do not have to pay child support. This is not the case. Steve Shewmaker and Jimmy Lewis discuss how child support payments are arrived at in split custody arrangements and the impact of income disparities between the two parties in a divorce
Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction Part 2
In this video, Part 2 of the series on international child abduction, Patty Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis talk about how the complexities of international child abduction and the rights of the abducting parent enter into these cases, what their affirmative defenses could be, and how they are applied under the multilateral treaty.
What is Title IX? How Has it Changed Recently?
Universities must investigate any report of a gender-based allegation of sexual harassment and assault, sexual discrimination, stalking, domestic violence or any other gender-based harm that the school includes in their anti-discrimination policy. In this video, Jimmy and Alexa Lewis of the Law Firm Shewmaker & Lewis do a deep dive on Title IX. They discuss recent changes to the law along with what’s involved in a title IX investigation, how they can result in a hearing and how you can defend yourself against the charges if you’re a student facing an investigation or hearing