Custody battles aren’t just about kids anymore - they’re about pets. In this episode, the team at Shewmaker & Lewis dives into the emotional and legal complications that arise when couples split up and both want the dog, cat… or parrot.

Attorneys Steve and Patty Shewmaker are joined by Alexa and Jimmy Lewis for a candid (and sometimes hilarious) discussion about pet custody during divorce, how courts treat animals, and the surprising ways some couples weaponize their pets. Featuring the firm’s own rescue cat, Adeline, this episode blends compassion, strategy, and a little cattiness of its own.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:
• How Georgia law treats pets in divorce (hint: it’s not like kids)
• Real-life stories of couples fighting over animals
• Why pets can become emotional leverage in custody disputes
• Tips for protecting your rights to a pet during separation
• What to do if your ex keeps the pet out of spite
• Adeline the cat’s origin story - and her opinion on all of this

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Adelaide the Cat Makes an Entrance
01:15 – When Pets Become Pawns in Divorce
04:20 – What Georgia Law Says About Pet Custody
07:10 – Real Cases: Who Gets the Dog?
10:22 – Emotional Leverage: Using Pets to Get to a Spouse
13:45 – Should Pets Be Treated Like Property?
16:10 – Legal Tips for Pet Ownership in Divorce
19:25 – Adelaide’s Story & Office Mascot Status
21:40 – Wrap-Up: Compassion, Courts, and Cats

👨‍⚖️ Hosted by Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta-based attorneys helping families navigate divorce, custody, and criminal defense - with zero billboards and zero BS.

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

👉 Visit us at https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com for legal resources, case consultations, and future podcast updates.

📩 Contact: sshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com

🎙 Produced by Bleeding Edge in Atlanta, GA.

Ever wondered how parenting time actually affects child support in Georgia? This episode of Lawyers Without Billboards breaks down the new 2026 Parenting Time Adjustment rule - and why it's already showing up in courtrooms. Hosted by the legal minds at Shewmaker & Lewis, this episode offers a smart, honest, and occasionally hilarious look at the complex math behind custody and support.

Join Steve Shewmaker, Patty Shewmaker, Alexa Lewis, and Jimmy Lewis as they unpack:

• What the new Parenting Time Adjustment is (and how it's different from a deviation)
• Why it’s already being used—even before the 2026 start date
• How overnights (and even daytime hours) now dramatically impact support amounts
• Why the math can take 45 minutes or more to calculate
• How parenting schedules like “Thursday to Monday” weekends can save (or cost) you hundreds
• What to expect when courts default to “standard parenting plans”
• Why this law is likely to increase litigation, not reduce it
• What happens when the custodial parent ends up paying you

This isn’t just a dry dive into legal math - it’s an essential look at how child support is evolving in Georgia, told with real cases, real consequences, and a few dad jokes for good measure.

Chapters:
⏱️ 00:00 – Intro & Host Welcome
⏱️ 01:14 – What’s Changing in 2026?
⏱️ 04:44 – Shared Income Model vs. Old System
⏱️ 08:21 – Step 1: Calculating Parenting Time Overnights
⏱️ 14:08 – Online Tools & The Minnesota Calendar Hack
⏱️ 17:33 – Complexity & Burden of the New Law
⏱️ 22:00 – Default Parenting Plans in Georgia
⏱️ 23:11 – Real-World Example: How Much Parenting Time Affects Payments
⏱️ 26:08 – Can the Custodial Parent End Up Paying?
⏱️ 28:00 – Final Thoughts & Litigation Forecast

👨‍⚖️ Hosted by Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta-based attorneys helping families navigate divorce, custody, and criminal defense - with zero billboards and zero BS.

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

👉 Visit us at https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com for legal resources, case consultations, and future podcast updates.

📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com

🎙 Produced by Bleeding Edge in Atlanta, GA.

#ChildSupport #ParentingTime #GeorgiaLaw #FamilyLaw #LegalPodcast #Custody #Divorce #ShewmakerAndLewis #LawyersWithoutBillboards #LegalAdvice #AttorneysInAtlanta

Ever wonder what really happens when someone files a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) in Georgia? This episode of Lawyers Without Billboards delivers an unfiltered, no-nonsense breakdown of the legal, emotional, and strategic realities of civil protective orders. Hosted by the seasoned legal team at Shewmaker & Lewis, this episode is as informative as it is entertaining—think courtroom meets Jerry Springer (yes, really).

Join Steve Shewmaker, Patty Shewmaker, Alexa Lewis, and Jimmy Lewis as they explore:

• What qualifies as a TPO in Georgia
• The legal definition of “family violence”
• Why intimate relationships (not just romantic ones) matter
• What kinds of evidence judges look for
• How timing and context influence your chances
• Why ex parte hearings are constitutional (and controversial)
• What rights you may lose—including the right to possess firearms
• How TPOs impact child custody, housing, and employment
• When a judge may deny a TPO—or grant one "just in case"

This episode is full of real courtroom insight, legal strategy, and yes—dad jokes. Whether you're seeking a TPO, defending against one, or simply curious about how Georgia’s civil court system operates, this is the survival guide you didn't know you needed.

👨‍⚖️ Hosted by Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta-based attorneys helping families navigate divorce, custody, and criminal defense - with zero billboards and zero BS.

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

👉 Visit us at https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com for legal resources, case consultations, and future podcast updates.

📩 Contact: alewis@shewmakerandlewis.com

🎙 Produced by Bleeding Edge in Atlanta, GA.

#FamilyLaw #ProtectiveOrder #TPO #GeorgiaLaw #DomesticViolence #CivilCourt #LawPodcast #ShewmakerAndLewis #LegalAdvice #AttorneysInAtlanta

What happens when a teenager wants to live with the other parent? Can a child simply sign a paper and shift custody? If you're confused about affidavits of election, you're not alone—and this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards breaks it all down with clarity, insight, and a bit of laughter.

Your hosts—attorneys Steve Shewmaker, Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy Lewis, and Alexa Lewis of Shewmaker & Lewis in Atlanta—dig into the real meaning of these affidavits, how Georgia law treats them, and the ethical (and emotional) minefields involved when children are caught in the middle of a custody battle.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What an affidavit of election actually is
• At what age a child’s choice holds legal weight in Georgia
• Why judges may not follow a child’s wishes—even when the affidavit is valid
• The difference between a ticket to court and a ticket to a custody change
• How parents sometimes misuse these affidavits—and what courts think of that
• Tips from the attorneys on how they personally handle these cases with kids
• When affidavits can help—and when they might backfire

Along the way, the team shares real-world stories from the courtroom, talks through strategy, and offers candid perspectives on how best to balance legal strategy with a child's best interest.

Whether you're a parent navigating custody or just curious about how family law really works, this episode offers a grounded, eye-opening look at one of the most misunderstood tools in domestic law.

👨‍⚖️ Hosted by Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta-based attorneys helping families navigate divorce, custody, and criminal defense—with zero billboards and zero BS.

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

👉 Visit us at https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com for legal resources, case consultations, and future podcast updates.

📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com

00:00 - Intro: No Billboards, Just Real Lawyers
01:18 - What Is an Affidavit of Election?
02:13 - Age Requirements & Legal Weight
03:09 - What Judges Really Consider
04:10 - Why a Judge Might Say “No”
06:24 - How Attorneys Handle Children Signing Affidavits
08:47 - Does the Child Need Their Own Attorney?
10:21 - The Ethics and Risks of Affidavits
11:16 - Can a 14-Year-Old Refuse Visitation?
13:03 - Prater v. Wheeler and Legal Misunderstandings
15:38 - Judges and the “Best Interests” Standard
18:33 - When Affidavits Are Your Only Option
20:18 - Abuse and Misuse of Affidavits
22:32 - Wrapping It Up: Our Thoughts and Real-World Stories

#FamilyLaw #ChildCustody #AffidavitOfElection #GeorgiaFamilyLaw #CustodyModification #DivorceLaw #ShewmakerAndLewis #LegalAdvice #FamilyCourt #LawyersWithoutBillboards #LegalPodcast

If you're a parent considering a move after divorce - or if you're already dealing with a custody agreement - you need to listen to this episode before you pack a single box.

In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, attorneys Steve Shewmaker, Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy Lewis, and Alexa Lewis from Shewmaker & Lewis dive into one of the most emotionally and legally complex topics in family law: child custody modifications due to relocation.

Whether the move is across town or across the country, changing a child's living situation can trigger major legal consequences, especially when there's a custody order in place. This episode covers real-world relocation scenarios - from military reassignments to spontaneous life changes - and explains what not to do when you’re planning a move with your child.

👂 You’ll learn:

• Why relocation custody cases often cost more than the original divorce
• How Georgia judges assess “best interests of the child” in relocation matters
• The consequences of moving without notifying the other parent
• What to do when the non-custodial parent relocates
• How child support and parenting time are affected by relocation
• The importance of calling a family law attorney before making a move

📍 Whether you're a co-parent, military family, or simply navigating post-divorce transitions, this episode offers crucial insights for avoiding costly mistakes and protecting your parental rights.

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

👉 Visit us at https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com for legal resources, case consultations, and future podcast updates.

📍 Recorded in Atlanta, GA | Hosted by Shewmaker & Lewis, Family Law Attorneys

Chapter Markers | Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction & Nacho Joke Callback
01:47 – Custody vs. Divorce: The Emotional & Financial Stakes
03:14 – Teenagers, Custody, and the Catlike Phase
04:10 – Why Relocation Cases Are So Expensive
05:07 – The High School Sweetheart Move to Ohio
06:08 – When Clients Tell You *Before* They Move
07:01 – The Case That Lost Custody Due to Delay
08:10 – Patty as Guardian ad Litem: When the Move “Stuck”
09:39 – Judges, Punishment, and Best Interests of the Child
10:24 – The Texas Move: What Not to Do
11:14 – Why Relocation Is So Painful & Unpredictable
12:03 – Even In-State Moves Can Trigger Custody Challenges
13:22 – When the Non-Custodial Parent Moves
14:26 – Modifying Visitation and Parenting Schedules
15:02 – Do Judges Care *Why* You're Moving?
16:10 – Child Support Adjustments & Retroactive Deviations
17:03 – Final Thoughts: Always Call a Lawyer Before You Move
18:46 – Quick Tease: International Custody & Hague Convention
19:49 – Hero of the Week: Attorney Rebecca McLaw
21:08 – Outro

#FamilyLaw #ChildCustody #RelocationCases #ParentingAfterDivorce #GeorgiaLaw #CustodyModification #DivorceAttorney #CoParenting #MilitaryDivorce

What Really Happens in Georgia Courts
In this no-holds-barred episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, Steve, Patty, Jimmy, and Alexa from Shewmaker & Lewis dig deep into alimony in Georgia—how it’s awarded, who qualifies, and what factors truly influence outcomes in the courtroom.

From outdated laws to modern challenges, the team discusses need vs. ability to pay, gender bias, lifestyle standards, infidelity, employment expectations, and what happens when one spouse gets "pimped out." You’ll also learn the differences between periodic and lump-sum alimony, the impact of cohabitation, and the realities of facing different judges.

This is the alimony episode everyone going through a divorce needs to hear.

Need legal insights with no legalese? You're in the right place.

📍 Recorded in Atlanta, GA | Hosted by Shewmaker & Lewis, Family Law Attorneys

Chapter Markers | Timestamps

00:00 - Intro & Horse Joke
00:35 - Today’s Topic: Alimony Deep Dive
02:01 - Is Alimony Dead in Georgia?
03:10 - What the Law Says About Alimony
04:25 - Adultery and Its Legal Consequences
06:44 - Reconciliation and Why It Matters
08:01 - Conduct That Can Affect Alimony
09:22 - Employment Expectations During Divorce
10:55 - Gender & Judge Bias in Alimony Rulings
13:24 - Understanding Your Judge: Reality vs. Statute
15:19 - Changing Social Norms & Dual-Income Households
17:01 - How Long Do You Need to Be Married to Get Alimony?
18:03 - Periodic vs. Lump Sum Alimony Explained
20:09 - Life Insurance as Alimony
21:43 - Car Payments & Modifiability
22:15 - Meretricious Relationships & Alimony Termination
23:29 - Is Alimony Still Taxable?
24:00 - What’s Coming in Future Episodes

Need legal advice?

Call us at (770) 939-1939 or visit ShewmakerandLewis.com for more.

✉️ Have questions? Email pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com

🔔 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app!

Who pays for attorney fees in a divorce or family law case in Georgia? Do you always have to pay your own, or can you make your ex pick up the tab? In this candid episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, Atlanta attorneys Steve Shewmaker, Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy Lewis, and Alexa Lewis tackle one of the most common—and misunderstood—questions in family law: Who pays for attorney fees?

Get real, practical answers as the team unpacks Georgia’s “American Rule” (everyone pays their own lawyer) and the major exceptions found in family law. The hosts break down the most important Georgia statutes—OCGA 9-15-14, 19-6-2, 19-6-15, and more—that could let a judge order one party to pay the other’s fees. You’ll hear real courtroom stories, practical examples, and a behind-the-scenes look at how judges decide whether to award attorney fees.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The basics of the American Rule—and why it matters in family law
• The key Georgia laws that can shift attorney fees in divorce, custody, child support, and legitimation cases
• How bad behavior in litigation (think: stonewalling, refusing discovery, frivolous filings) can backfire under OCGA 9-15-14
• How financial disparity and access to marital funds affect fee awards under 19-6-2 and 19-6-15
• What judges really look for before granting (or denying) attorney fees
• Real-life examples of fee awards—from a few thousand to over $80,000!
• Why “hoping” the other side pays your fees is never a guarantee

Whether you’re going through a divorce, modifying child support, or dealing with custody, this episode gives you the straight truth about attorney fees in Georgia family law—and what it means for your case.

Chapter Markers | Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Welcome to Lawyers Without Billboards
00:45 – Icebreaker: Firm Potluck and Introductions
02:01 – Today’s Topic: Attorney Fees in Georgia Family Law
03:00 – The American Rule: Does Everyone Pay Their Own Fees?
04:00 – Can the Other Side Be Ordered to Pay? (Client Questions)
05:00 – Statutes that Allow Attorney Fee Awards in Georgia
05:55 – OCGA 9-15-14: Fees for Bad Conduct in Litigation
07:00 – Real-Life Stories: Biggest Fee Awards (and Losses)
10:00 – Burden-Shifting & Frivolous Litigation
11:53 – The Most Common Statute: OCGA 19-6-2 Explained
12:10 – Financial Disparity: How Judges Decide Fee Awards
13:20 – What the Court Considers: Not Always One-Sided
14:34 – Other Key Statutes: 19-6-15 (Child Support), 19-9-3 (Custody)
15:40 – Prevailing Party & Child Support Modifications
16:39 – Proving Income & Real Examples of Fee Awards
18:05 – Burden-Shifting Provisions & Modification Traps
19:23 – Alimony Modification and Fee Awards
20:23 – Risks of Fee Awards and Real-World Outcomes
21:00 – Other Scenarios: Legitimation, Paternity, and Discovery Motions
21:40 – Temporary Protective Orders (TPO) and Attorney Fees
22:15 – Judge’s Discretion: Why Fee Awards Are Never Guaranteed
23:33 – Partial Fee Awards: Why Clients Still Owe Their Lawyer
24:40 – Case-by-Case: Why Results Vary So Much
25:00 – How to Contact the Hosts & Wrap-Up

Need legal advice?

Call us at (770) 939-1939 or visit ShewmakerandLewis.com for more.

✉️ Have questions? Email plewis@shewmakerandlewis.com

🔔 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app!

When can you legally modify a custody order in Georgia? What qualifies as a “material change in circumstances”? In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, the family law attorneys at Shewmaker & Lewis take you inside the courtroom and behind the statutes to explain what it takes to modify custody or parenting time in Georgia.

Whether you’re a parent seeking joint custody, worried about your child’s safety, or just wondering what your legal options are, this episode breaks it all down with real cases, legal advice, and some off-the-record humor.

From teenage affidavits to relocation issues and everything in between, we cover the factors that matter most to judges—and the missteps that can cost you. Tune in to learn what judges really consider, what counts as a "damn good reason" to change custody, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Timestamps / Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Welcome & Joke of the Day
00:55 – Upcoming CLE in Barcelona (Spain, not Louisiana)
02:11 – Today’s Topic: Modifying Custody & Parenting Time
04:00 – What counts as a material change in circumstances?
06:10 – Visitation Modifications: Timing & Misconceptions
09:22 – The “Damn Good Reason” Standard
10:58 – Real Case Examples: From Allegations to Affidavits
14:20 – The Problem with Geographic Distance in 50/50 Custody
17:13 – Red Flags: New Partners, Drugs, and Safety Concerns
23:14 – Co-parenting Gone Wrong: Badmouthing the Other Parent
25:10 – Judges, Emojis & the Power of a Screenshot
27:23 – Military Parent Deployment (Teaser for Future Episode)
28:12 – How to Contact Us

Need legal advice?
Call us at (770) 939-1939 or visit ShewmakerandLewis.com for more.

✉️ Have questions? Email alewis@shewmakerandlewis.com

🔔 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app!