At the Bader Law Firm, we have the experience to help you get to work today. The goal of our Atlanta family law lawyer is to make your divorce as straightforward and uncomplicated as possible.
We understand how devastating a lengthy and emotional battle can inflict. We strive to minimize your stress during this challenging time and to resolve all divorce issues in a reasonable, cost-efficient manner.
Complex Divorce Issues that We Can Handle
Divorce is common in the US, but that does not mean it is easy. Aside from the actual separation, many issues need to be settled before a divorce is finalized. Here, we want to discuss these issues, so you understand the complexity of a divorce case.
Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce is one in which both spouses generally agree on all of the issues that need to be finalized. However, that does not mean that you should forego securing an attorney. You want to be sure that everything is completed correctly.
Contested Divorce
A contested divorce is one in which one or both spouses do not agree on the issues that need to be finalized in a divorce. This can lead to heated emotions that cloud a person’s judgment.
In a contested divorce, an attorney will be an invaluable resource. Your Atlanta divorce lawyer will handle all communication with your spouse or their legal team as they work towards finalizing the separation.
Property Division
One of the most contentious aspects of the divorce process is the division of assets. Like most states, Georgia recognizes that all property acquired during the marriage should be equitably distributed between the two spouses. This does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split, but that it should be as equal as possible. Depending on the assets that a couple has between them, this can become a complicated process. Consider all of the following assets that may need to be split:
- The marital home
- And secondary homes
- Investment real estate
- Pensions, IRAs, 401(k)s
- Stocks, bonds, mutual funds
- Vehicles, RVs, and boats
- Furniture, artwork, collectibles
Any debts acquired during the course of the marriage that are still outstanding will also need to be equitably divided between the two parties. This includes mortgages, credit card debt, personal loans, car loans, and more.
Child Custody
If there are any minor children between the two spouses, child custody will need to be determined. This can become a very emotional part of the divorce process, and an attorney will be able to formulate a plan with you. Both physical and legal custody need to be determined.
- Physical custody refers to which parent a child will physically reside.
- Legal custody refers to which parent has the right to make legal decisions for the child. This can include decisions about a child’s education, medical care, religious upbringing, and more.
For both types of custody, parents can share custody (joint custody), or one parent can have custody (sole custody). This does not have to be the same for both. For example, one parent can have sole physical custody of a child while both parents share legal custody. There can be many combinations of custody arrangements, and your attorney will work to ensure you are treated fairly throughout the entire process.
For any parent that does not have physical custody of their child, a visitation schedule needs to be arranged before the divorce is finalized.
Child Support
The Georgia Family Court system states that both parents are required to support their children after separation. This is accomplished through child support payments that are made every month. Child support payment amounts are determined by a calculator with a unique formula set forth by law in Georgia.
An Atlanta divorce attorney will work to ensure you are treated fairly, whether you should be receiving child support or paying child support payments. At the Bader Law Firm, we will work to accurately calculate the earnings of both spouses to ensure that the fair amount is being paid.
Alimony
In Georgia, alimony (spousal support) is not a guaranteed part of a divorce. Several factors go into whether or not alimony will be considered for a spouse of lesser means. Spousal support payments are calculated and awarded by the court, but there are no set formulas in place for these payments. Some of the factors considered can include:
- Living standards each spouse had while living together
- Length of the marriage
- Receiving a spouse’s age, physical condition, earning potential, and skillset
- Paying a spouse’s earning capacity, financial stability, and debts
- Non-income producing contributions to the marriage
Spousal support in Georgia can be temporary (usually while the divorce process is ongoing) or permanent. However, even permanent alimony is often only awarded for a limited amount of time, generally long enough for the receiving spouse to become self-sufficient.
For a free legal consultation with a divorce lawyer serving Atlanta, call (404) 888-8888
Is There a Waiting Period for a Divorce in Georgia?
In Georgia, it takes 31 days for a divorce to be finalized. However, divorces that happen this quickly are usually uncontested, with both spouses agreeing on everything we discussed above. For a contested divorce, the process will almost certainly take longer than 31 days.
Contested divorces will take negotiation or litigation, which can increase the period. However, a skilled Atlanta divorce lawyer will understand every aspect of divorce laws and will help speed this process up.
Atlanta Divorce Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
We Care About Your Financial Security
At the Bader Law Firm, we understand that those going through a divorce are also likely to experience financial stress. Our goal is to provide quality legal services at a reasonable cost to you.
We will analyze every aspect of your case to determine what your situation may cost. Our team will work to keep the costs as low as possible throughout the entirety of your divorce.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Contact an Attorney about Your Divorce Today
If you are going through a divorce in Atlanta, you should speak to a skilled attorney as soon as possible. At the Bader Law Firm, we are ready to get to work on your case today. Our team understands how emotional this issue can be, and we will work to ensure the entire divorce process is as stress-free as possible. We have an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of family law and are ready to provide you with compassionate service.
When you need an Atlanta divorce attorney, you can contact us by calling us or by visiting our contact page and sending us your information. A divorce may feel overwhelming right now, but there is light at the end of this process. This is a new beginning, and the Bader Law Firm is here to help you get there.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
