Atlanta Divorce Attorney
How can we help you?
You did not get married thinking you would get divorced. Unfortunately, roughly half of all marriages end in divorce. Ironically, the divorce rate is even higher for people in their second or third marriage. You may feel alone, confused, angry, scared, or sad. You may feel relieved, free, light, and hopeful for the future. You may not feel anything because you are numb. Regardless of how you feel, our Atlanta divorce attorneys are here to help you navigate from where you are now to the next phase of your life.
Learn more about Georgia divorce laws below, and contact Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French Family Law if you are considering divorce or if you have been served with divorce papers from your spouse.
Georgia Divorce Laws
Either husband or wife can file for divorce in Georgia provided at least one spouse has been a resident of the state for at least six months. The party filing the divorce petition must state why he or she wants the divorce, which can be that the marriage is irretrievably broken (meaning there is no hope of reconciliation) or one of a dozen different fault-based grounds. Below are the grounds for divorce in Georgia.
- Mental incapacity at the time of marriage
- Impotency at the time of marriage
- Force, menace, duress or fraud in obtaining the marriage
- Pregnancy of the wife by a man other than the husband, at the time of the marriage, unknown to the husband
- Adultery
- Desertion
- Conviction for an offense involving moral turpitude
- Habitual intoxication
- Cruel treatment
- Incurable mental illness
- Habitual drug addiction
- The marriage is irretrievably broken
Although Georgia does not have a “waiting period” to get a divorce or a certain amount of time for which parties much be separated before filing for divorce, a judge is unable to finalize a divorce until thirty (30) days after the time the divorce documents have been served on the non-filing spouse. This period helps ensure that the non-filing spouse is not disadvantaged in the divorce process if caught off-guard by the filing. Our solution-oriented team is often asked how long it will take to resolve a case and we do not have an answer or a prediction. Some cases resolve quickly, even if the case is complex, because there are skilled lawyers on both sides. Some cases are drawn out due to it being a complex case or there being a difficult lawyer or party on the other side. Regardless, having a skilled and knowledgeable divorce lawyer on your side moves the process more efficiently while ensuring your rights are protected at every step.
Resolving the issues in your Atlanta divorce efficiently and effectively
There are four main areas to resolve in a divorce matter, some of which may not be applicable to your case:
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Alimony
- Property Division
The Atlanta divorce attorneys at Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French Family Law are solution-oriented and, if the circumstances allow, will assist you in reaching an agreement regarding the above issues for the court’s approval. This agreement can be incorporated into the final judgment of divorce and converted into enforceable court orders.
If you and your spouse do not agree on how to handle the issues in your divorce, our experienced advocates are prepared to resolve your case in myriad ways – mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Our solution-focused advocacy approach focuses on our clients and their needs because what matters to you, matters to us.
In the event the parties had executed a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, this agreement might address of some or all of the issues in the divorce. Our lawyers are ready to challenge or enforce a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement if its validity is called into question during the divorce.
Let Us Help You with Your Divorce in Atlanta
For help with divorce in Atlanta and surrounding areas, call Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French Family Law at 404-233-2800. We are here to help you through a difficult time and achieve your goals.
