Gag orders stop people from discussing cases in public. But why might that be necessary in a divorce? There are many reasons. First of all, the details of the divorce could be embarrassing – potentially hurting the reputation of one or both spouses. Another major reason for a gag order involves spouses of high net worth. Celebrities do not like to “air their dirty laundry” in public for obvious reasons. But is a gag order really the right choice for your divorce?
The best way to answer this question is by booking a consultation with a qualified family law attorney in Georgia. Our legal professionals can assess your unique situation during a consultation. From there, we can recommend the best course of action based on your circumstances. Not only can we determine whether a gag order is truly necessary, but we can also help with the other aspects of your divorce.
An Example of a Gag Order in Georgia
On September 14th, it was reported that the well-known musician Ne-Yo had requested a gag order against his estranged wife, Crystal Renay Smith. While the report did not specify whether the gag order had actually been granted, we can understand why the musician took this course of action. First of all, Ne-Yo is a public figure whose income depends on his reputation. The details of his divorce – which have been described by some as “sordid” may prevent him from earning an income in the future. Indeed, Ne-Yo has publicly stated that his wife’s comments so far have cost him approximately $400,000 in losses. Crystal alleges that he fathered a child outside of the marriage, among other things.
Is a Gag Order Necessary?
First of all, it is worth pointing out that a gag order is not necessary if you choose a collaborative divorce. This is because when you agree to this process, you typically sign an agreement that prevents you from discussing the details of the divorce with the public or any other individual outside of the lawyers involved. A collaborative divorce occurs behind closed doors – allowing you to sidestep the public nature of a divorce trial. For this reason, collaborative divorces are considered a solid solution if privacy is a priority. On the other hand, a gag order may be necessary if a trial cannot be averted – especially if your professional reputation could be damaged by leaked information.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching for an experienced family law attorney in Georgia, look no further than Lankford & Moore Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous spouses in Georgia address a range of legal concerns as they approach divorce. We know that privacy is an important priority as you progress through this legal process, and we can help you explore a range of methods to protect your reputation. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
