Asked and Answered

Photography: Blake Crosby, D. Paul Graham

If you thought the Amber Heard v. Johnny Depp trial was compelling, you should hear what the Coastal Empire’s top attorneys have to say about navigating the complexities and conquests of your legal needs.

1. What is one law that is archaic or crazy, or still around?  

“I think it is archaic (and crazy) that unwed fathers are not given any rights to their children in the state of Georgia. It does not matter if paternity is not an issue, if the father signs the birth certificate, or even if he pays child support. Unless a father legitimates the minor child, he does not have any legal custody or physical custody rights (including visitation) until the Court issues an order granting him those rights.”

– Amanda Love

“At one time it was illegal in parts of Georgia to eat fried chicken with a fork – a law seldom violated by Savannahians.”

– Oliver Maner

2.   What’s one thing you wish people knew about the law?

“The law is always changing and differs from state to state. That’s why it is important to seek out an attorney who has the skill set and knowledge to represent you properly wherever you are.”

– Howard Barker Lane, P.C. 

“Just like it’s easier for businesses to be connected around the globe, it’s easier for families to be connected both to each other and to their legal teams, who can be there with and for them anywhere in the world. The law is changing thanks in large part to developing technology that allows for improved delivery of service and improved delivery of solutions. There are even online parenting tools like calendars and mediation communication tools helping remove some of the stresses of co-parenting.” 

– McManamy Jackson Hollis, LLC    

“Legal matters often take time and patience.”

– Oliver Maner

“Parties involved in a lawsuit do not always play ‘fair.’ The rules of procedure and of evidence can be traps for the unwary. Preparation is essential and the client has to be billed for the time it takes to prepare the case.”

– Phillips Carson & Phillips

3.  What’s one thing people need to do right now?

“Make your estate plan now. Despite our best efforts, none of us will live forever. An estate plan can be as simple as a will leaving everything to one person, or it can be complex with trusts, business buy/sell agreements, advanced medical directives, etc. It is so important to leave your loved ones in the best possible situation when you’re gone. Estate planning is something that we all tend to put on the back burner, simply because it isn’t something staring us in the face. But we have to remember that it isn’t something we do for ourselves; we do it for our families, friends, and loved ones.”

– Dixon & Lasseter

“Review your wills and estate plans.”

– Oliver Maner

“Make sure you and your loved ones have a will. Many people put off writing theirs because, quite honestly, nobody likes the idea of what a will is for. A will is likely to be the most important document that you ever write because it dictates how you want your assets to be distributed. I’d say that’s the most important thing people need to do sooner rather than later.”

– McManamy, Jackson, Hollis, LLC

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