The time of year has come where for the dance community, it is our “Super Bowl.” While it is an exciting time, it is important to remember that this competition, the UCA & UDA College Cheer and Dance Nationals, is one of the hindrances to dance team members being...
The Manely Firm
Filing Costs, Attorney’s Fees, and Contests, Oh My!
Budgeting for Divorce The average cost of divorce in Georgia where there are no children involved is around $15,000. That cost can balloon to over $23,500 if there are children involved. For many people, this is one of the most costly endeavors they will undertake in...
What Did God Give George Bailey
On Tuesday, our local classic theater in Marietta, The Strand, aired a marathon of It’s a Wonderful Life. They started it in the morning and just repeated it throughout the day and well into the night. It’s a wonderful Christmas movie about a man at the end of his...
The Sandwich Generation
Almost three years ago, my husband and I, along with our then 4-year-old daughter and 5-month-old son, moved three hours away from our hometown in search of new opportunities. We understood that we were effectively leaving our support system, but we operated under the...
Collections and enforcement post divorce and post litigation – beware!
While for some people receiving a final judgement and decree of divorce means freedom and the end of divorce nightmare and financial difficulties, for others the final order marks the beginning of a new excruciating phase called “post -judgement collections”,...
Understanding the Intersection of Immigration and Family Law: Rights of Undocumented Immigrants
In Georgia, undocumented immigrants have significant rights within the realm of family law, particularly concerning divorce and legitimation. This intersection highlights the legal inclusivity that ensures all residents, regardless of immigration status, can access...
What to do when you can’t do anything right
The front door closes, and before there is a “hello,” “how was your day,” “happy you’re home” my spouse’s voice rings out with annoyance from the living room: “Why did you park in the driveway?? The kids were going to play with sidewalk chalk. Because of you, now they...
Hazards of Ex Parte
Lately the news is buzzing with the issue of ex parte communications between a judge and a witness. For legal professionals, we understand the dangers ex parte communications can cause in any case, criminal or civil. Thus, we stand on guard to prevent or correct such...
My Passion, My Purpose
My name is Emily E. McClarty, and I am a new Associate Attorney at The Manely Firm. My journey from the bustling streets of Alpharetta, Georgia, to the rugged landscapes of Wyoming's College of Law has been nothing short of an adventure. Growing up in Georgia, music...
Am I married in the United States if I married my spouse in a foreign country?
Considering that we at The Manely Firm. P.C. specialize in Family and International Family Law, one of the most common questions people ask us is as follows: “If I got married in a foreign country, am I still married in the United States?” For example, if I got...