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.
Should I Meet With Investigators in a Title IX Investigation?
I’m in College and Being Investigated for a Title IX Infraction. Should I Meet With the Investigators and Give My Version of the Events? Steve Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis with the Shewmaker & Lewis Law Firm discuss what to do and who to talk to if you find yourself the subject of a Title IX Investigation.
What is a Title IX Investigation Like?
Title IX was initiated to end discrimination against women on college campuses and provide equal opportunities. Title X covers not only discrimination, but sexual harassment and sexual assault. A college Title IX investigation is required independent of a law enforcement investigation and in general, these investigations lack due process, the accused attorney is not allowed to speak, and the university investigation carries a much lower burden of proof than a criminal justice investigation.
ROTC Disenrollment Hearings: Can the Cadet Have an Attorney and What is Their Role?
ROTC Disenrollment Hearings are very different from a typical trial. The role of legal counsel is unusual. Unlike a separation hearing or a court martial, the attorney cannot speak at the hearing. The cadet has to do his own representation at the hearing. Steve Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis of Shewmaker & Lewis discuss the role of the attorney in these hearings.
What Conduct Can Trigger a Title IX Investigation for a College Student?
Title IX investigations of college students and ROTC disenrollment hearings can result in serious penalties and possibly get a student kicked out. Alexa Lewis and Steve Shewmaker discuss the behaviors that can trigger an investigation, from sexual misconduct to plagiarism.
Are Military Pensions Divisible in Divorce?
Many service members think that the 10/10 rule precludes a spouse from receiving a portion of a service member’s military retirement if they have not been married for 10 years. Others believe there must be 10 years of active service or even 10 years of consecutive service while married. None of these things are true. Steve and Patty Shewmaker discuss the facts regarding the divisibility of pensions and the 10/10 rule in military divorce.
Military Divorce and the Public Health Service Corps in Atlanta
The Public Health Service Corps, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is part of the military uniformed services. Military Divorce is a subset of divorce in general and requires specialized experience and knowledge. In this video, Steve and Patty Shewmaker discuss divorce when it involves Public Health Service Corps members or their spouses
Temporary Protective Orders When the Accused is a Service Member
There are many factors to consider when considering getting a temporary protective order against a spouse that’s a service member. Patty Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis of Shewmaker & Shewmaker discuss those factors and the ramifications if you decide to take that action.
Is Military Divorce a Subset of Divorce in General?
Is military divorce a subset of divorce in general? Should you hire a military family law attorney if you're going through a divorce as a member of the military? Steve and Patty Shewmaker of Shewmaker & Lewis discuss how the issues faced in a military divorce are...
How Do We Prepare Clients for Court at Shewmaker & Lewis
Going to court can create significant anxiety. There is often a lot at stake for our clients. In this video, Steve and Patty Shewmaker discuss how we prepare our clients for what they'll experience in the courtroom to help ensure they get the most favorable outcome.
What Happens to Pension Benefits When a Military Service Member Goes to Jail?
When a military service member is incarcerated, what happens to their various benefits can be a complicated picture. Patty and Steve Shewmaker talk about some of the different types of benefits and how various scenarios are handled in these cases.
What is a QDRO? When Do People Need One?
Patty Shewmaker and Jimmy Lewis talk about Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO). How do they affect your 401k and other benefits in a military divorce? When do you need one?
ROTC Disenrollment Hearings: How Serious Are They?
Steve Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis of Shewmaker and Lewis on ROTC disenrollment hearings. What are they? How serious are they?