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.
What is a Guardian Ad Litem? (GAL)
Patty Shewmaker and Jiimmy Lewis of the Law Firm Shewmaker & Lewis discuss the purpose of a Guardian Ad Litem and their role in custody hearings. Even though ultimate custody decisions are made by the court, the recommendations of the Guardian Ad Litem carry weight.
Do Children Have Any Say In Custody Hearings?
Patty Shewmaker and Jimmy Lewis of the Atlanta Law Firm Shewmaker & Lewis discuss how much say children get in custody hearings in the State of Georgia. What should you do if your child files an affidavit of election?
Military Spousal Support: Can I Get Interim Support?
In this video join Alexa Lewis and Steve Shewmaker while they discuss the military’s spousal support requirements. All the branches have mechanisms for interim support that the service member may be required to pay if the couple is estranged or not living together. Steve and Alexa talk about the rules and their application.
If You are Not a 20/20/20 or 20/20/25 Spouse, When Will Your Tricare End During a Divorce?
In this third video in a series on Tricare, Steve and Patty Shewmaker of the Shewmaker & Lewis Law Firm discuss specifics of Tricare and when it ends in a Divorce involving a military member. Specifically, in the case of 20/20/20 or 25 spouse. They also touch on recourses you may have, in particular the CHCBP (Continued Health Care Benefit Plan.)
As a Former Spouse of a Military Service Member Will I lose Tricare in my Divorce?
There is a high hurdle to receive Tricare for life after a divorce from a service member. Even the rules for receiving Tricare in the year following a divorce are restrictive. The rules can seem complicated on the surface. In this video, Steve and Patty Shewmaker discussTricare, the 20/20/20 and 20/20/25 rules, and a spouse’s status after a divorce.
I’ve Been Convicted of a Crime in Civilian Court. Can the Military Prosecute me for the Same Crime?
Members of the military often believe they cannot be prosecuted in both the military courts and civilian courts. Most have heard of the concept of double jeopardy. However, civilian criminal law and the UCMJ are similar but different. In this article Shewmaker & Lewis discuss double jeopardy, civilian courts and the UCMJ.
Temporary Protective Orders in Georgia: What’s the Process?
A temporary protective order, or TPO, is a court order that helps a victim of family violence receive protection from the individual (or individuals) that are instigating the abuse or harassment. In most cases the TPO prohibits contact between the two parties. In this video, Steve and Patty Shewmaker go over TPOs and the process for obtaining a TPO from the courts.
Military Divorce: The Court says the Service Can Divide the Pension. What Happens?
Dividing pension benefits in any divorce can create conflict and tension. Service members and their spouses are often at odds when it comes to this issue. All 50 states treat military pensions as marital or community property and a state court can award a portion of military pension benefits to the spouse even in marriages that last less than a year. In this video, Steve Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis of the Law Firm Shewmaker & Lewis discuss what can happen in divorces where one party is the spouse of a service member.
How Do We Prepare Clients in Domestic Cases for Mediation?
Mediation is a process that allows divorcing couples to have a hand in creating their own agreements. They are especially helpful in cases where there are children involved in the divorce and they will need to continue making joint decisions about them moving forward. In their last video, Steve and Patty Shewmaker discussed the basics of mediation. In this video they go into details about what the mediator’s responsibilities in the proceeding.
What Does a Mediator Do in a Divorce Proceeding?
Mediation is a process that allows divorcing couples to have a hand in creating their own agreements. They are especially helpful in cases where there are children involved in the divorce and they will need to continue making joint decisions about them moving forward. In their last video, Steve and Patty Shewmaker discussed the basics of mediation. In this video they go into details about what the mediator’s responsibilities in the proceeding.
What is Mediation in a Divorce Proceeding?
In a divorce mediation, a married couple and their respective lawyers will hire a third party mediator that is neutral and will meet with them to resolve issues related to their divorce. In this video, Steve and Patty Shewmaker of the Shewmaker & Lewis Law Firm in Atlanta, GA discuss mediation in divorce proceedings.
What’s Involved in Step Parent Adoptions?
Stepparent, or second parent adoption, is quite common and involves the spouse of one of a child’s biological parents adopting the child. There are aspects that are similar to other kinds of adoptions, but there are other details that make stepparent adoptions unique. Patty Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis of the Shewmaker and Lewis Law Firm discuss the process of step parent adoption in this video.