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Lawyers Without Billboards
Real lawyers, real talk—without the billboards. Lawyers Without Billboards is an unfiltered look at family law, hosted by the partners of Shewmaker & Lewis: Steve and Patty Shewmaker, and Jimmy and Alexa Lewis.
With decades of experience in divorce, custody battles, child support, alimony, and criminal law, they break down legal myths, share expert insights, and dive into real cases (sometimes with a side of humor).
Expect candid conversations, legal deep dives, and the occasional sidebar on pop culture, legal movies, and life as family law attorneys. Whether you're navigating a family law issue, practicing law yourself, or just enjoy courtroom drama, this podcast offers valuable insights with a dose of levity.
New episodes every two weeks
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Lawyers Without Billboards
Custody Conflicts: What Affidavits of Election Really Mean.| Lawyers Without Billboards - Ep 10
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
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