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.
You are a Military Service Member that had a Positive Drug Test. What Should You Do?
Military service members are tested twice yearly for drug use. The test is typically a urinalysis and you’ll be screened for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and opiates. In some cases you may also be screened for other drugs like barbiturates, LSD, or even steroids. The effect on the service members career can be devastating and include military separation or court martial. What should you do if you come up positive on a test? What if you feel you have been falsely accused? Should you accept the offer of a free trial defense or retain private counsel? Steve and Patty Shewmaker with the Law Firm Shewmaker & Lewis answer these questions and many more in this video.
Lessons We Can Learn from Divorce Movies
We all have our favorite movies about divorce. There are some good ones that teach us valuable lessons about divorce, the law, and how things can go very badly when relationships and marriages go south. In this video, Steve Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis with the Law Firm Shewmaker & Lewis talk about their favorite movies and the lessons we can all learn from them.
ROTC and Service Academy Disenrollment – Procedures and Due Process
What is an ROTC and Service Academy Disenrollment? When a contracted Cadet commits a violation or acts in a manner unbecoming of a future officer, the university can initiate a formal disenrollment. Each service has internal regulations on how to conduct these hearings. An ROTC Disenrollment Hearing is quite different from a typical trial as is the role of the Cadet’s lawyer. There is some due process and the Cadet is allowed to present a defense and they are allowed notice of evidence that will be used against them. The Cadet has to represent themselves but their attorney has a very important role. Steve Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis of Shewmaker and Lewis discuss ROTC and Service Academy disenrollment hearings in this video. What does due process look like in these hearings and how can the attorney best serve their client?
Divorced Service Members and GI Bill Benefits Transfer. A Spouse’s Recourse for Non-Compliance.
Assets are typically divided when a couple gets divorced but the split does not necessarily extend to retirement plans. This is where a qualified domestic relations order, or QDRO, is need. Patty Shewmaker and Jimmy Lewis of the Law Firm Shewmaker & Lewis discuss the different rules for dividing assets depending on the type of retirement account in question.
What if My Child Wants to Divorce Me? Emancipation.
Assets are typically divided when a couple gets divorced but the split does not necessarily extend to retirement plans. This is where a qualified domestic relations order, or QDRO, is need. Patty Shewmaker and Jimmy Lewis of the Law Firm Shewmaker & Lewis discuss the different rules for dividing assets depending on the type of retirement account in question.
I’m a Military Service Member. Local Authorities Have Dropped My Legal Case. Am I in the Clear?
If you’re a military service member that got into legal trouble but had local authorities decide not to prosecute you are in the clear, right? Wrong. Individuals can be prosecuted by State District Attorneys, Federal Law Enforcement and the Military. Federal and State cases are geographically based while Military cases are status based for active duty personnel. Steve Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis discuss the matter in this video.
What is a Separation Board in the Military and How Does it Differ from a Contested Court Martial?
From a litigation standpoint, an administrative separation hearing is very similar to a contested court-martial. The Respondent is entitled to have an attorney, call witnesses, cross examine witnesses, and present opening and closing statements. However, there are some stark differences.
Can a Judge Force a Service Member to Assign GI Bill Education Benefits?
In the case of GI Bill Education Benefits we’re often asked if a judge can force a service member to assign those benefits to a former spouse or dependent. Patty Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis of the Law Firm Shewmaker & Lewis provide an answer in this video.
What Happens With TRICARE When a Military Couple Divorces?
For military families undergoing a divorce, one of the biggest concerns of the non-military spouse is whether they and their kids will still be able to access health benefits. In a military divorce, the former spouse (referred to by TRICARE as the “sponsor”), and all of their biological or adopted children only remains eligible for TRICARE if he or she meets certain criteria. In this video from Shewmaker & Lewis, Steve Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis discuss those criteria, how they may apply under different scenarios and how to navigate the rules.
Is Family Court in Georgia a Racket? Is it a Disaster?
Media often reports on “injustices” in family court in Georgia. In any court there are occasionally miscarriages of justice but by and large, given the sheer number of cases In Georgia, the system works. Steve and Patty Shewmaker of the Shewmaker & Lewis Law Firm in Atlanta discuss the reality of family court in Georgia and the importance of choosing the right lawyer that will prepare you properly for family court.
How Can an Attorney Help at an ROTC Disenrollment Hearing?
During an ROTC Disenrollment Hearing the Cadet’s attorney can not technically speak, but they can be of great assistance to the Cadet. The board will be often deferential to the attorney in allowing as much time as possible to talk to the Cadet. A good attorney in an ROTC Disenrollment Hearing can “read the room” and push the boundaries in giving the Cadet their best chance at a good outcome. Steve Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis discuss exactly how an attorney can help in this video from the Shewmaker & Lewis Law Firm.
My Step Child’s Biological Parent Has Not Exercised Their Visitation Rights. Can I Adopt?
You’d like to adopt your step children. Their biological parent has not exercised their visitation rights for a period of time. Under what circumstances can you adopt? Patty Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis of the law firm Shewmaker & Lewis discuss the topic in this video.