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Divorce Lawyer Atlanta GA –
Are you in need of a divorce attorney in Atlanta? Our divorce lawyers have represented thousands of clients with legal services in divorce in Atlanta, Georgia. No matter your situation, we can help. Call us now for a free consultation!
Contested & Uncontested Divorce in Atlanta
Uncontested Divorce Lawyers Atlanta Georgia
In cases of uncontested divorces in Atlanta, Georgia, a swift and less complicated resolution is often possible. According to Georgia Divorce Codes and Statutes, particularly O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1, uncontested divorces are generally expedited, typically finalized within 60 days from the filing of the divorce petition. These types of divorces are most suitable for couples who have mutually agreed on all critical aspects such as property division, child custody, and child support arrangements.
Our platform specializes in referring you to skilled Atlanta divorce lawyers with expertise in uncontested divorce cases. These lawyers are well-versed in the specific provisions of Georgia’s divorce statutes and can ensure that all the necessary paperwork is filed accurately and promptly. This contributes to a more streamlined, efficient, and ultimately affordable legal process.
An uncontested divorce in Atlanta doesn’t just benefit you in terms of speed and financial cost. It also tends to be less emotionally taxing, as parties avoid prolonged disputes and court battles. When both parties have amicably agreed on all terms, the Atlanta divorce lawyers we refer can guide you through the paperwork and legal procedures, ensuring that all necessary requirements under Georgia law are met.
Whether you’re considering an uncontested divorce or are already in agreement with your spouse about the terms, the specialized Atlanta divorce lawyers we connect you with are committed to providing high-quality, tailored legal services. Their goal is to make this process as smooth as possible, leaving you free to focus on the next chapter of your life.
Contested Divorce Attorneys Atlanta Georgia
If you’re facing a contested divorce in Atlanta, Georgia—especially one involving complex property divisions and child custody issues—finding the right legal representation is crucial. That’s where we come in. Our platform specializes in referring you to highly experienced Atlanta divorce lawyers who can guide you through the intricacies of the legal system. With their extensive knowledge and experience, these attorneys know how to simplify what can often be a daunting process, making it more manageable and less stressful for you.
Navigating a contested divorce can be a perplexing and overwhelming experience. The right Atlanta divorce attorney can make all the difference by employing strategic planning, conducting a comprehensive analysis of assets and net worth, and crafting strong arguments for child custody that prioritize the well-being of the child. Open and clear communication is a hallmark of the service you can expect, ensuring that your interests and rights are zealously protected throughout the entire legal process.
From the initial filing of divorce paperwork to court representation and even post-trial modifications, the Atlanta divorce lawyers we refer are committed to offering unparalleled service tailored to your unique circumstances. They have the expertise to be the steadfast allies you need in navigating the complicated, and often intimidating, world of contested divorce in Atlanta, Georgia.
Trust us to connect you with the specialized legal help you need. A skilled Atlanta divorce lawyer can offer you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re well-represented in one of the most challenging times of your life.
Do I Need a Divorce in Atlanta Georgia
Understanding the legal aspects of marriage and divorce in this state is crucial before making such a life-altering decision. In Georgia, marriage is a legally binding relationship, whether between a man and a woman or in some jurisdictions, between two people of the same sex. To legally dissolve your marriage, it’s essential to file a divorce petition with a Georgia court. But navigating the divorce process is more than just paperwork—it’s a challenging emotional journey filled with difficult choices, potential risks, and long-lasting consequences.
That’s where we come in. Our platform is designed to connect you with highly skilled Atlanta divorce lawyers who can help you understand your rights, obligations, and the various options available to you. Whether it’s sorting out complex property divisions, alimony, child custody, or child support, these professional divorce attorneys can provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions.
The Atlanta divorce lawyers we refer specialize in both contested and uncontested divorces. In contested divorces, where disagreements over property, custody, and other issues are common, they can serve as steadfast advocates, defending your interests throughout the legal process. In uncontested divorces, where both parties amicably agree on terms, they can help streamline the process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met efficiently and without error.
Divorce is stressful, but having the right Atlanta divorce lawyer by your side can significantly lessen that stress, allowing you to focus on your future. Trust our platform to match you with an attorney who can guide you through each step of the divorce process, helping you transition into the next chapter of your life as smoothly as possible.
Where Do I Start When Contemplating Divorce in Atlanta?
A one-on-one consultation with an experienced Atlanta-based divorce lawyer is the ideal starting point for anyone considering ending their marriage. Through our platform, we can connect you with skilled family law professionals who will walk you through your available options, helping you gain a clear understanding of the choices ahead.
Most people underestimate the benefits and protections that the legal system can offer during a divorce. The Atlanta divorce lawyers we refer can demystify the process for you, ensuring that you make informed decisions that best suit your needs and those of your family. These lawyers specialize in various aspects of family law, from complicated property divisions and alimony to child custody and support issues.
To effectively present your case to the court, it’s important to highlight various factors such as each party’s financial contributions to the marriage, roles with respect to childcare, plans for providing for themselves and their children during and after the divorce, and the specific needs of the children involved. A skilled Atlanta divorce lawyer can articulate these points compellingly, helping to ensure that your interests are well-represented.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust us to connect you with an Atlanta divorce lawyer who can guide you through each step, from the initial filing to court representation and beyond. Their expertise can provide you with the assurance and peace of mind you need during this challenging time, ensuring that the choices you make are the best possible ones for you and your family.
What Choices Do I Have?
We will make sure you know how the law relates to your divorce and your situation. As experienced Atlanta, divorce attorneys, you will know whether you are entitled to alimony while a divorce is pending. You will understand how the law relates to a visitation of the children by the parties and the party’s financial responsibility to the children of the marriage. We will discuss and explain the matter of alimony, temporary spousal support, temporary child support, or any other procedures that will benefit your side of the case.
What if I Have a Common Law Marriage?
An informal marriage, usually referred to as “common law marriage” is usually misunderstood by most people. We will explain the law relating to your relationship if you declare a common law marriage. In general, you must satisfy three requirements. The common law requirements are that you lived or cohabited together, that you represented yourself to others as husband and wife, and that you both believed that you were married in Georgia.
Who Gets What in a Divorce?
Most people do not fully understand the community property laws in Georgia. We will make sure you understand that when you divide your assets, you also need to divide your debts. We will make sure you know that you understand the laws regarding separate property and inheritance rights as it relates to community property. Our clients will also be informed about how the courts typically divide community property which is not a 50/50 split as widely believed by a lot of people.
What Are the Requirements to Get a Divorce in Georgia?
To file for a divorce in Georgia, one of the spouses has to have been a resident of the state for a continuous six-month period; and, one of the spouses must have been a resident of the county where the divorce is filed for at least 90 days.
What Are the Steps to Getting a Divorce in Atlanta
Step 1: Confirm Residency Requirements
Before you can initiate a divorce proceeding, Georgia Code § 19-5-2 mandates that at least one spouse must have been a resident of the State of Georgia for a minimum of six months. Additionally, you should be a resident of Fulton County to file there.
Step 2: Acquire and Complete Necessary Forms
Divorce papers can be obtained from the Family Law Information Center in Fulton County. Alternatively, forms are available online through Fulton County Superior Court’s website. You will need to complete the ‘Complaint for Divorce’ form along with other relevant documents, depending on your specific circumstances.
Step 3: Filing the Original Petition for Divorce
Once the forms are filled out, you will file them with the Clerk of the Superior Court of Fulton County. The clerk’s office is located at 136 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. This action is pursuant to Georgia Code § 19-5-5.
Step 4: Service of Process
The next step is to serve these papers to the other spouse, known as the “respondent.” The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office often performs this service, or you can use a private process server. Acknowledgment of service is possible if both parties agree, as per Georgia Code § 9-11-4.
Step 5: Response by Respondent
The respondent has 30 days to file their answer or response, in accordance with Georgia Code § 9-11-12. This can be done at the same clerk’s office where the original petition was filed.
Step 6: Temporary Orders and Discovery
Temporary orders related to asset division, child custody, or spousal support may be requested and are governed by Georgia Code § 19-5-8. Subsequently, the Discovery phase commences, in line with Georgia Code §§ 9-11-26 to 9-11-37, to collect evidence for the case.
Step 7: Settlement or Trial
If both parties reach an agreement, a settlement document is prepared. Otherwise, the case will go to trial. Property distribution is subject to Georgia Code § 19-5-13. Trials are held at the Fulton County Superior Court.
Step 8: Final Judgment
Following the trial or settlement, a ‘Final Judgment and Decree of Divorce’ is issued. The minimum waiting period is 60 days from the service of the initial petition, as outlined in Georgia Code § 19-5-1.
Additional Fulton County-Specific Resources
- Fulton County Family Division: For case management and alternative dispute resolution services.
- Fulton County Law Library: For legal research and resources.
Seeking Legal Counsel for Your Atlanta Divorce
Given the complexity of divorce proceedings, consulting an attorney specializing in Divorce in Atlanta is strongly advised to navigate Fulton County-specific regulations effectively. For a free consultation with an Atlanta divorce attorney click here.
Why Should You Hire an Atlanta Divorce Attorney?
1) Do Not Understand the Court System
The family court system can be very complicated and confusing. If a person does not understand the process or the legal system, they can be in a lot of trouble in the court system and may not get a fair settlement. There are certain legal documents that need to be filled out in a certain way and if they are not done correctly or on time they can be a big problem. The lawyers are there to make sure their client gets a fair settlement and they are not taken advantage of. They need to make sure their client is treated fairly and justly by the court system but more importantly by the other party. If something is done incorrectly, this can put the entire case in jeopardy.
2) Objective Legal Advocate
Even when a person files for divorce, it is still an emotional and stressful time. Both people involved in the divorce may experience feelings of sadness, depression, anger, confusion, and a range of other emotions. When going through these emotions it is hard to be objective. It will take some time to work through these emotions and during this time a person may make decisions based on these emotions. A lawyer is an objective party with no emotional attachment in the case. They can look at things in an objective manner and information their client if they are getting a good deal. With elevated emotions, it may be hard for a person to think correctly and may have the intention to harm the other. The lawyer can help stop emotions from ruining a divorce case and guide the party through the system and court procedures.
3) Additional Legal Options
Family law attorneys know and understand the varied legal options for the case, much more than the average person. They may be able to recommend a settlement that a person would have never even known existed or that was legal. A lawyer will help develop a settlement that is fair and reasonable taking into consideration all factors related to the case. They will make sure their client gets a fair and equitable settlement. They will also be able to look at the settlement offer from the other side and inform their client if it is fair or if they need to submit a counteroffer or reject it entirely.
4) Legal Paperwork
When a person is taking any legal action including getting a divorce, they need to be prepared to spend hours drafting the correct paperwork. There are so many forms that need to be filled out and information that needs to be recorded that it can be overwhelming. If the paperwork is not filled out correctly, this can delay the process of divorce even further. If a form is not submitted, this can also lead to a lot of trouble and delay for a party. A divorce lawyer knows which forms need to be filled out, all of the information to include, and the places to submit this information. Judges are getting tired of seeing paperwork completed incorrectly and missing information, it is best to allow a lawyer to handle all of this. Most documents prepared by non-lawyers run the risk of being rejected by the court.
5) Focus on the End Result
During a divorce, a person may focus on winning the case and getting everything they can. Sometimes this may seem just and other times they are doing this to hurt the other person. They may want to leave them with nothing out of anger and may fight over everything. When it comes down to it, a couch or a dining room table is not worth fighting about in court. The lawyer will help their client focus on the important issues to be litigated. They will get a fair share of the marital property and have a better chance of getting some necessary items. Lawyers will help their client see what is really important and make sure they get a fair deal in the divorce.
A divorce is an emotional time for all of those involved. A divorce lawyer can help a person reach a fair settlement and will work without allowing their emotions to overrule their better judgment. Any legal proceeding can have lasting repercussions to an individual. Be smart – hire an experienced family law attorney before you try to handle a case that can hurt you in the long term.
Divorce Statistics in Atlanta Georgia
The most common statistic about marriage that people quote is 50% of marriages end in divorce. While that may have been correct for our parents or grandparents – if they lived and married in the United States – it’s now decades-old information that no longer holds true. The statistics vary based on the geographic area you reside in, the socio-economic group you are a part of, and the ages of the parties. In 2018, the United States actually has a much lower divorce rate of around 42% – 45% for first-time marriages. It is, however, true that second and third-time marriages have a higher rate of divorce.
- Second-time marriages have a divorce rate of 60%
- Third-time marriages have a divorce rate of 73%
To gain more insight into modern-day divorce statistics in the United States and Georgia, we have gathered more information to deconstruct and analyze.
General Divorce Statistics
Not all general statistics that you’ve heard are wrong. We’ve gathered some more well-known statistics that are true:
- Every 36 seconds – or 100 times each hour – one divorce is filed in the United States. Multiply that by 24 hours in a day, and we’re left with a grand total of 2,400 divorces in a day. It may seem like a mind-boggling number, but it‘s a fact.
- First marriages that do end in divorce average 8 years in length.
- People tend to contemplate divorce for roughly 2 years before deciding to progress forward with the decision.
- Roughly 3 out of 4 divorcees decide to remarry, and those who do remarry wait an average of 3 years to do so.
Divorce Rates of Men and Women by Age Group
When looking at a break down of the divorce rates of United States citizens, it becomes clear that the majority of divorces happen between the ages of 25 and 54. The age group with the highest rate of divorce, for both men and women, is 35 – 44 years old. We’ve gathered detailed statistics of divorce rates separated by age group and sex so that you can take a look for yourself.
Men
- Of men ages 15 – 24, 3.8% will get divorced during this period of their lives
- Of men ages 25 – 34, 23.7% will get divorced during this period of their lives
- Of men ages 35 – 44, 29.4% will get divorced during this period of their lives
- Of men ages 45 – 54, 26% will get divorced during this period of their lives
- Of men 55 – 64, 12% will get divorced during this period of their lives
- Of men ages 65 and over, 5.2% will get divorced during this period of their lives
Women
- Of women ages 15 – 24, 5.8% will get divorced during this period of their lives
- Of women ages 25 – 34, 27.3% will get divorced during this period of their lives
- Of women ages 35 – 44, 30.1% will get divorced during this period of their lives
- Of women ages 45 – 54, 22.9% will get divorced during this period of their lives
- Of women 55 – 64, 9.8% will get divorced during this period of their lives
- Of women ages 65 and over, 4.2 % will get divorced during this period of their lives
As you will see, women have a slightly higher divorce rate percentages between the age groups of 15 to 44. However, after 45 women’s’ divorce rates are slightly lower than men’s.
Divorce Rates in Atlanta Georgia
The interesting thing about Georgia is that it is an outlier in the normal statistics of the United States. Typically, divorce rates are much higher in the southern U.S. states than they are in the northern and eastern areas of the country. However, Georgia has one of the lowest divorce rates in the entire country. In fact, it has the fourth lowers divorce rate out of all the states.
The U.S. national divorce rate is 9.2 out of every 1,000 citizens, but Georgia has a very low divorce rate of just 2.6 per 1,000 residents.
The ”city of Atlanta” Georgia has some interesting statistics of its own, which only has a slightly higher rate of divorce than the state itself. In 2013, their statistics showed that the Atlanta divorce rate was 2.9 divorces per 1,000 residents. In 2012 they had a divorce rate of 3.1 divorces per 1,000 residents, so the percentage dropped by 0.2 in one year’s time. In fact, the divorce rates in Atlanta, Georgia have declined every year since 1992.
Atlanta’s divorce rates by age match up fairly close with the national data mentioned above. Atlanta men and women normally get divorced between 30 years of age and 44.
Staying Up to Date
From what we’ve seen here, up to date numbers and facts paint a very different picture for divorce statistics in the United States. Georgia seems to be an island unto itself of lower divorce rates in the southern part of the U.S. If you’re curious about divorce statistics, you can find more information here.
Atlanta Divorce Attorney FAQ's
Many people have questions when it comes to getting a divorce in Fulton County Georgia. The following are a few of the frequently asked questions of divorce attorneys when it comes to a divorce proceeding.
If your divorce is very amicable, then you might be able to utilize online divorce forms. You must first determine if your divorce is uncontested or agreed. This means that you and your spouse are able to reach mutual agreements on all of the key issues. We do not recommend a person filing a legal proceeding to proceed pro se (without an attorney). You will be surprised by the payment options we have available for you to proceed with your divorce knowing that it will be done professionally and without risk to you of having legal problems in the future.
The duration required to complete a divorce in Georgia is subject to various factors, but it generally commences with the filing of an 'Original Petition for Divorce,' as stipulated in Georgia Code § 19-5-5. Following this, the respondent spouse must be served with the divorce papers, although this procedure can be waived if both parties are in agreement, thereby facilitating a potentially expedited process. Such waivers are permissible under Georgia Code § 9-11-4(d), which allows for acknowledgment of service and may reduce the overall costs associated with the divorce proceedings.
It is essential to note that, pursuant to Georgia Code § 19-5-8, a Temporary Restraining Order may be enacted to inhibit premature division of marital assets. Subsequent to meeting all procedural requirements and potential issuance of temporary orders, the State of Georgia mandates a minimum waiting period of 60 days before the divorce can be finalized, as cited in Georgia Code § 19-5-1.
In summary, while various elements can extend the timeframe, the cumulative amount of time required to finalize a divorce in Georgia, from the filing of the initial petition to the issuance of the final decree, is subject to a statutory minimum of 60 days.
In the event that a spouse is unlocatable, Georgia law provides for 'Service by Publication' as outlined in Georgia Code § 9-11-4 (e)(1). This statutory provision permits a petitioner to give notice of the divorce proceedings in a public medium, generally a newspaper, as an alternative to traditional methods of service. However, this option is only exercisable after the petitioner has conducted what is known as a 'Diligent Search,' meaning that exhaustive efforts have been made to locate the absent spouse. This may involve telephone inquiries, contacting known relatives or friends, and checking any last known addresses, among other measures.
It should be noted that Service by Publication comes with its own set of risks due to stringent due process requirements under the law. Therefore, legal counsel should be sought before pursuing this route to ensure compliance with all relevant statutes and regulations.
Additionally, Georgia's residency requirements, as stipulated in Georgia Code § 19-5-2, necessitate that the petitioner has been a resident of the state for a minimum of six months and has resided in the specific filing county for at least 90 days prior to initiating the divorce action.
In 2001, Georgia pioneered the concept of collaborative divorces, making it the first state in the nation to offer this alternative to traditional litigation and mediation. In a collaborative divorce, each spouse is represented by their own attorney, and the process also involves neutral third parties such as financial advisors and mental health professionals like psychologists or counselors.
The collaborative divorce process consists of a series of structured discussions and meetings, all governed by a set of behavioral guidelines known as 'Expectations to Conduct.' This approach aims to facilitate mutually beneficial agreements between the parties involved. It serves as an effective option for those who are committed to working together to find optimal solutions. Moreover, it eliminates the unpredictability of having a judge—who may not allocate adequate time or attention to the case—determine the outcome.
Want a professional to help you? Talk to an experienced Atlanta Divorce lawyer about your case today—for a free consultation.
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Did you know?
- There is Appx. 1 Divorce Every 36 Seconds
- 41% of First Marriages End in Divorce
- The Average Length of a Divorce Proceeding is 1 Year.
- First Marriages that End in Divorce Usually Last 8 Years.
- More Lavish Weddings MayPredict Less Successful Marriages.
Don’t give up your legal rights without speaking to an Atlanta Divorce Attorney.
Everything you need to know about getting a Divorce in Atlanta
Jump To:
- Intro
- Contested and Uncontested Divorce
- Types of Divorces
- Do I Need a Divorce?
- Where Do I Start?
- What Choices do I Have?
- What if I Have a Common Law Marriage?
- Who Gets What in a Divorce?
- Requirements to Get a Divorce.
- What is the Procedure to Get a Divorce in Georgia?
- Why Should I Hire an Atlanta Divorce Lawyer?
- Divorce Statistics
- General Divorce Statistics
- Divorce Rates of Men and Women by Age Group
- Men
- Women
- Divorce Rates in Atlanta, GA
- Staying Up To Date
- Atlanta Divorce Attorney FAQ
- Is there a Way to File for Divorce Using Online Forms?
- What is the Cumulative Amount of Time That it Takes to Complete a Divorce in Georgia?
- What Will Occur in the Instance that my Spouse is no Longer to be Found?
- I’ve Been Hearing a Lot About Collaborative Divorces. What do these Types of Divorces Entail?