Forsyth County Legal Guide 2022

2022

Legal Directory

for Forsyth County

THE FORSYTH COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

213 VETERANS MEMORIAL BLVD Cumming, GA 30040 (Directly across from the Jail)

AVAILABLE 24/7 678-GA-CRIME

www.GeorgiaCrime.com

2022

Legal Directory

for Forsyth County

General Manager Norman Baggs Publisher Stephanie Woody swoody@forsythnews.com Advertising Stacy Clark sclark@forsythnews.com David Smithson dsmithson@forsythnews.com Tim Anderson tanderson@morrismultimedia.com Creative Services Chelsea Sunshine Claudette Keeley April Seymour

2022 Legal Directory for Forsyth county A Product of Forsyth County News, a Metro Market Media Inc. company.

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Legal Fields Bankruptcy Law

U.S. Bankruptcy law applies to the insolvency problems of individuals as well as organizations. This type of law issues directly from the Constitution and is in the domain of Federal law, though State laws have an important effect on bankruptcy procedure. Legal practitioners in this field are experts in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, which is a subset of the United States Code.

Business (Corporate) Law

Corporate law involves the formation, dissolution, and all other legal aspects of the administration of corporations. Typical duties of corporate lawyers include mergers, acquisitions, internal reorganization, or disputes between corporations and individuals concerning liability, patents, and compliance with state and federal law, as well as international accords. A legal professional whose sole client is a corporation is generally known as in-house counsel.

Civil Rights Law

Civil rights law aims to balance competing interests between institutions of government on the one hand and individuals or groups of individuals on the other. Lawyers in such practice may work on cases involving discrimination and unfair practices that infringe on rights and liberties such as expression, employment, housing, education, or other entitlements.

Criminal Law

Criminal law focuses on behaviors that are sanctioned under criminal code and defined as illegal. Prosecutors and District Attorneys sanction illegal behavior, while criminal defense lawyers represent clients accused of criminal activity. Both prosecution and defense professionals deal with issues of individual liberty, basic rights, and responsibilities. In some Common Law countries other than the U.S., and in most Civil Law countries, the roles of a prosecutor (or procurator) and defense lawyer (or advocate) are separated more clearly into different professional specialties.

Entertainment Law

Entertainment law predominantly relates to Intellectual Property Law, but is more specifically centered on rights and royalties issues to media in the arts, music, television, cinema, or athletics. Sports lawyers ensure compliance with regulations for professional or amateur athletics and may represent an athlete for a contractual transaction. With the rapid development of information technology and social media, entertainment lawyers operate in an environment of constant change.

Environmental Law

Environmental law concerns a multitude of statutes, treaties, regulations, and conventions based in state, federal, or transnational law. Legal professionals practicing in this field may represent government agencies, advocacy organizations, or individuals. Environmental lawyers often focus on cases involving natural resource management, the curbing of pollution, or disputes about land and littoral use. Public health components are increasingly common in the practice of environmental law.

Family Law

Family law focuses on legal relations between individuals in the context of the family. Lawyers in this field typically work in smaller firms and specialize in a variety of areas ranging from child welfare, through adoption, to divorce. Child abuse, legitimacy, civil unions, domestic partnerships, and marriages are among the main aspects of family lawyers’ practice.

Health Law

Health law is an evolving field that focuses on legislation related to health care. Health law attorneys may represent patients, clinics, insurance companies, or individual health practitioners. The federal government employs attorneys in this field to oversee the crafting, implementation, and enforcement of policies. Health law specialists also work at academic institutions and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

Immigration Law

Immigration lawyers work with individual clients at all stages of the naturalization process. Other aspects of the profession relate to refugee and asylum seekers, as well as to individuals in the country without legal permission. This field of law varies significantly from country to country.

Much of its practice depends on international treaties, bilateral accords, and political conjecture.

Intellectual Property Law

Intellectual Property law focuses on protecting the rights of inventors, authors, and businesses to their tangible and intangible creations, inventions and symbols. Legal professionals in this field are often experts in a particular domain, such as science, the arts, or an industry. For example, trademark or copyright attorneys manage the legal aspects of contracts, visual identity, brand names, or slogans. Technological advances, notably in digital reproduction and transmission, make this a dynamic field of law.

International Law International law is broad in its conception and can be broken down into private and public sectors. In the private sector, specialists in international law may work in finance and trade divisions of multinational corporations.

Familiarity with business essentials, as well as corporate law or intellectual property law would be helpful in this field. In the public international law, practitioners would work on cases that involve dealings between sovereign nations. Familiarity with comparative law or public international law would be most helpful for effective practice in this field. Both private and public international law are interdisciplinary in nature and would involve an understanding of the differences between common law and civil law systems across borders.

Labor (Employment) Law

Labor law is concerned with the relations between workers and their employers on matters ranging from wages and compensation, through harassment, to discrimination based on gender, disability, or age. Labor law often involves collective bargaining and unions. Attorneys in this field may represent individual clients, a union, a government regulatory agency, or an employer.

Military Law

Military law involves codes and procedures that govern legal matters in the armed forces. Since 1951, military law has been based on the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Legal experts in this field are typically members of the armed forces serving in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

Personal Injury Law

Personal injury law deals with intentional or unintentional wrongdoing that affects individuals physically or psychologically. Experts in the field are well-versed in torts law and may work on cases involving medical malpractice, accidental collisions, product liability, wrongful death, or workplace injury. Many cases are settled out of court in this field of legal practice.

Real Estate Law

Real Estate law involves land or construction ownership, development, litigation, tenant rights, or landlord disputes. Attorneys in this field may work on residential or commercial transactions, review contracts, or work in planning and other government offices.

Tax Law

Tax law is a dynamic field that deals with domestic and international transactions. Because of the frequent modifications to local, state, and federal codes and the complexity of fiscal policy that guides these changes, experts in tax law engage in continuous education at greater rates than in many other fields of law. Apart from ensuring the legality of the levies on economic transactions, tax lawyers help clients reduce fiscal liabilities.

Excerpt from Brown University Online www.brown.edu

Listings LIPSCOMB, JOHNSON, SLEISTER, DAILEY & SMITH, LLP

112 N Main ST., Cumming, GA 30040 (770)887-7761 www.LipscombJohnson.com Land Use: Zoning, Commercial Real Estate, Lease and Loans: Workouts. Business Law: Buying, Selling and Financing, Business, Wills, Trust and Estate including COVID-19 issues.

Business organization, Personal Injury, Divorce and Custody, Adoption, Criminal Defense, Social Security Disability, Condemnation/ Eminent Domain, Real Estate Litigation, General Trial Practice

GA Probate Lawyers Moyer, LLC

306 W. Main St., Cumming, GA 30040 (678) 855-0880 www.GAProbateLawyers.com Probate and Estate Administration, Guardianship and Conservatorships, Elder Law, Wills, Trusts and Power of Attorney, Minor Conservatorships and Medicare

The Manton Law Firm, LLC

418 Pirkle Ferry Rd., Suite 112 Cumming, GA 30040 (678) 455-3257 www.MantonLaw.com Personal Injury, Nursing Home Neglect, Wrongful Death

The Law Office of Robert A. Rivers, LLC

520 Pirkle Ferry Road, Suite G Cumming, GA 30040 (404) 882-2200 RiversDeliversLaw.com Real Estate Closing, Real Estate Litigation, Family Law, Personal Injury and DUI

Boling Rice, LLC

207 Pirkle Ferry Road, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 887-3162 www.bolingrice.com Real Estate Law; Estate Planning; Probate Administration; Business and Commercial Law; Civil Litigation; Mediation and Arbitration; & Domestic Law

Law Offices of Christopher L. Moore, LLC

123 Tribble Gap Road Cumming, GA 30040 678-679-6717 www.Moorelawga.com Family Law, Probate and Probate Litigation, Estate Planning

Litigation; Mediation and Arbitration; & Domestic Law Richman Law Firm, LLC 213 Veterans Memorial Blvd (Across from the Jail) Cumming, GA 30040 6474 Georgia Highway 400 Cumming, GA 30028 (678) GA-CRIME www.GeorgiaCrime.com DUI Defense, Drug Crimes, Domestic Violence, Probation Violations, Theft Crimes, Traffic Tickets, Sex Crimes and Underage Drinking

Wilson Legal., P.C.

407 E. Maple St. #105 Cumming, GA 30040 770-205-7861 www.wilson-legal.com Estate Planning, Elder Law or Long-Term Care Planning, Will & Trust Disputes/Judiciaries Litigation, Special Needs Planning (Minors and Adults), Probate and Trust Administration, Asset Protection and Business Succession

C O N F I D E N T

REPRESENTATION

THE LAW OFFICES OF

ROBERT A. RIVERS LLC

Licensed to Service All of Georgia

Since 1999, the skilled Attorneys at Robert Rivers Law have been serving the state of Georgia’s legal needs. We have a passion for helping victims and believe in tasking personal interest in all our cases.

Request a FREE Legal Consultation

Practice Areas Auto Accident PTSD Birth Injury Criminal Assault DUI/Criminal Misdemeanor Defective Drugs

Dog Bite Drunk Driving Accident Failure to Diagnose False Imprisonment Family Law Medical Device Injury

Nursing Home Abuse Wrongful Death Real Estate Closing Slip and Fall Accidents Truck Accident Whistleblower Law

520 Pirkle Ferry Road, Suite G • Cumming, GA

Open 24 hours 404-882-2200

Real Estate Law Did you know?

A real estate attorney is an important professional to have in one’s corner when buying or selling a home.

The legal resource Find Law says that buying and selling a home can be one of the most significant purchases made in a person’s life.

Real estate law can be complicated, and all parties involved need to ensure they are protected as they complete transactions and negotiations. That is why it is essential to have a real estate attorney in one’s corner.

A lawyer trained in real estate law will review contracts and other documents like title transfers and deeds. The attorney also handles the closing.

Throughout the process, attorneys will provide legal guidance and explain terminology related to the transaction.

In case of a dispute, the attorney will also provide legal representation in the courtroom, if needed, or negotiate a resolution on a client’s behalf.

Even though a real estate attorney is another expense in the process of purchasing real estate, it is a worthwhile investment for the protection and peace of mind attorneys provide.

The trusted source for legal advice and representation since 1946 Attorneys representing individuals and businesses in North Georgia and metro Atlanta areas

207 Pirkle Ferry Road Cumming, GA 30040 770.887.3162 | www.bolingrice.com

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407 East Maple Street, #105 | Cumming GA 30040 770.205.7861 | www.wilson-legal.com

How to include giving How to include giving in your estate plan Charitable giving is the lifeblood of many nonprofit organizations.

The generosity of donors helps charities meet their missions and provide vital services to people facing disease, financial hardship and other situations they cannot overcome on their own.

Many donors make sacrifices to support their favorite causes and charities. Forgoing certain luxuries so money can be donated to charity illustrates the selfness nature of charitable giving, which can even continue after death. Estate planning is a complicated process that details exactly how a person wants their assets divvied up after death. But an estate plan also can go into effect while individuals are still alive.

Each year, millions of people across the globe choose to include charitable giving in their estate plans, and that can benefit charities and donors. The following are a handful of the many ways charitable men and women can incorporate giving into their estate plans.

• Bequest giving in a will or living trust. Perhaps the most

widely known way to include charitable giving in an estate plan is to bequeath money in a will or living will. The Community Foundation Alliance notes that bequests typically allow donors to define how their donations will be spent or utilized. That benefits charitable organizations, but surviving family members also can benefit from such arrangements. According to LawDepot.com, individuals may be able to lower the estate taxes on their estates at their time of death if they bequeath money to an eligible charitable organization in their wills.

• Consider a charitable rollover. The Internal Revenue Service notes that individuals with an IRA, SEP IRA, Simple IRA, or retirement plan account generally must begin withdrawing money from these accounts when they reach age 72. These withdrawals are called required minimum distributions and they are considered taxable income. However, individuals who want to give to charity can opt for a Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD. A QCD counts toward the minimum distribution from retirement accounts and individuals will not be taxed on the money they donate to charity. That’s a win-win for charities and individuals 72 and over who do not need to withdraw money from their IRAs to meet daily living expenses.

• Donate via a charitable remainder trust. A charitable re-

mainder trust, or CRT, allows individuals to set up a trust that benefits both a designated beneficiary and a charity or charities of their choosing. When a CRT is set up, a beneficiary will receive annual payments from the trust until it terminates, at which time the remaining funds in the trust are donated to charity. The philanthropy experts at Fidelity Charitable note that individuals can name themselves as the beneficiaries of the trust, which ensures they will have an income during retirement and that their favorite charities will be supported when the trust expires.

Individuals who want to make charitable giving part of their estate plan can do so in various ways.

Lipscomb Johnson LLP OUR SKILLED ATTORNEYS HAVE OVER

100 YEARS

OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE

Zoning and Land Use Law Commercial Real Estate Transactions Estate Planning ◊ Wills & Trusts ◊ Powers of Attorney & Advanced Healthcare Directives Probate Administration Business/Corporate Formation and Transactions Criminal Law ◊ Both Felonies and Misdemeanors ◊ DUI/DWI/Drug Crimes ◊ Assault & Battery

Why you need a lawyer in your corner One need not spend ample time to find depictions of lawyers on television and in films.

Though such depictions are not always so rosy, most lawyers are reputable individuals who help people navigate the complicated matters of the law.

There are many instances when it is in a person’s best interest to hire an attorney. The law is more nuanced than people outside the legal profession may realize, and having a person in one’s corner who understands the ins and outs of the law is a wise move. The following are a handful of reasons why it pays to have a lawyer in your corner.

• Lawyers understand legal documents. Attorneys know that

procedure is a major part of the law and the judiciary system.

A lawyer will help to file the correct paperwork, fill out legal documents, contact courts, and engage in legal procedures in the correct fashion.

• Lawyers have access to experts. Attorneys have strong

networks and can connect their clients with experts that support their efforts. For example, parents who are using a special education attorney to navigate 504/IEP plans can ask their lawyer to connect them with an education advocate, expert or tutor who can serve as a witness or reference.

• Lawyers ensure guidelines are followed. A lawyer can be

an asset when drafting a will or engaging in elder care arrangements. With legal, binding documentation, contestation of wishes is much more difficult and ensures that a financial legacy is put to use as intended.

• Lawyers know how to negotiate and settle. Heading to court isn’t always the best outcome. Experienced attorneys likely have seen similar cases and scenarios and can make informed guesses about how your own situation may play out if it goes to trial. He or she may suggest a settlement or know a tactic that can work in your favor, particularly if it results in reduced legal fees.

• Lawyers can effectively lock horns with other lawyers. Individuals who choose to represent themselves are at a disadvantage when the other side has hired an attorney. To avoid this inequity of knowledge and experience, it’s best to seek legal representation.

• Lawyers provide unbiased insight. When dealing with

complicated family issues, such as estate planning, divorce or custody, it pays to have a third party who is emotionally detached from the situation to help guide decision-making.

Attorneys can guide people through all types of complicated legal matters and provide sound, unbiased advice.

AVAILABLE TO YOU 24/7

678-GA-CRIME At Richman Law Firm, I offer my clients:

• • • • • •

Former prosecutorial experience Years of legal knowledge 24/7 availability Personalized defense Free investigative services Trusted and qualified counsel

We handle major criminal defense cases:        

Cyber crimes Driving under the influence Drug crimes Domestic violence Federal crimes Probation violations Theft crimes Sex crimes

213 Veterans Memorial Blvd Cumming, GA 30040 (Directly across from the Jail)

6474 Georgia Highway 400 Cumming, GA 30028

www.GeorgiaCrime.com

How to find an attorney Attorneys can help people at various times in their lives.

Much like doctors specialize in particular types of medicine, attorneys also tend to focus on one area of the law. For example, some lawyers might specialize in criminal law, while others may help their clients with estate planning.

Choosing an attorney is an important decision, and one that many people will need to make at least once during their lifetimes. The following tips can help people find an attorney to help them with whatever legal advice they need.

• Book an initial consultation. Initial consultations are typically free of charge and these meetings often give people a first impression of an attorney before they have to spend any money. Initial consultations are a great opportunity to gauge an attorney’s personality and demeanor, determine his or her experience and even his or her outlook for your particular case. Book consultations with as many attorneys as necessary until you feel comfortable making a decision.

• Be ready to ask questions. Attorneys should not be the only ones to speak during a consultation. Make a list of general questions and questions specific to your case and don’t hesitate to ask them. Ask about the attorney’s accessibility should he or she become your attorney, making sure to determine if the attorney or someone else, such as a paralegal, will be your primary contact during your case. Many people are most comfortable with attorneys to whom they can speak to directly throughout their case, and that’s an important point to consider for people who may never have needed an attorney in the past.

• Discuss costs. Attorney fees are not immaterial, no matter how serious a case might be. Attorney fees vary widely, and professional legal advice is often expensive, especially when cases are complex and lengthy. Expect to sign a contract regarding fees before an attorney begins working on your case.

Many attorneys will provide cost estimates, so get those in writing.

• Seek recommendations. As noted, many people require the services of an attorney at least once in their lifetimes. So don’t hesitate to ask family, friends or coworkers for recommendations. Word-of-mouth can be a great way to find a reliable, trustworthy attorney. In addition, certain organizations may be helpful. For example, AARP might recommend lawyers who specialize in estate planning.

Attorneys help people who need legal advice. Finding the right one involves careful consideration of a host of factors.

LAW OFFICES OF

Christopher L. Moore, LLC

FAMILY LAW ESTATE ADMINISTRATION PROBATE LITIGATION Full Service Representation for Individuals and Families in the legal matters, that matter most to them.

LAW OFFICES OF

Christopher L. Moore, LLC CUMMING OFFICE

FREE

Consultation

123 TRIBBLE GAP ROAD CUMMING, GA 30040

PHONE: (678) 679-6717 W WW.MO O R E LAW GA .C OM

Proven Proven Results Results In In Personal Personal Injury Injury Cases Cases • $2.3 Million Medical Malpractice • $2.3 Million Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death Wrongful Death • $1.6 Million Traumatic Brain Injury • $1.6 Million Traumatic Brain Injury • $1.1 Million Medical Malpractice • $1.1 Million Medical Malpractice • $750,000 Car Wreck Head Injury • $750,000 Car Wreck Head Injury • $750,000 Car Wreck Neck Injury • $750,000 Car Wreck Neck Injury • $650,000 Nursing Home Neglect • $650,000 Nursing Home Neglect Bed Sores Bed Sores

If you have a If you have a personal injury personal injury or wrongful death or wrongful death case contact case contact our firm today our firm today for a free for a free consultation. consultation.

Jason R. Jason R. Manton Manton

418 Pirkle Ferry Road, 418 Pirkle Suite 112, Ferry Road, Suite 112, GA 30040 Cumming, Cumming, GA 30040

678.455.3257 678.455.3257 www.MantonLaw.com www.MantonLaw.com