Divorce

Atlanta Divorce Attorneys

Protecting Clients’ Rights During the Complex Divorce Process

Divorce is something that few couples think about when they walk down the aisle and exchange vows, but the harsh reality is that about half of marriages in the United States end in this way. If you have made the difficult decision to file for divorce, you should have a legal team on your side that listens to your concerns and understands your needs.

The decisions made during your divorce can have a huge impact on your future, including your financial stability and important family relationships. These crucial decisions come at a time when you may already be feeling stressed, angry, or sad because of your divorce. Don’t risk going it alone with so much at stake. Contact our Atlanta family law attorneys to learn more about your rights and to help you navigate the complicated Georgia divorce process. Having served as a Fulton County judge and now a dedicated attorney, Quinton G. Washington knows what matters in a courtroom. He uses that judicial experience to anticipate arguments and strengthen your position from day one.

At Washington Legal Group, we have extensive experience helping couples find solutions and favorable outcomes in the many family law matters that arise during Georgia divorces. We can help you in negotiations or in court in matters such as child custody, child support, spousal support or alimony, asset division, and more. Call us today at 404-809-2394 to schedule your free case evaluation.

What Aspects of an Atlanta Divorce Are Governed by Georgia Law?

The laws dealing with divorce, property distribution, and spousal support are complex in Georgia, and spouses who navigate the process without legal representation usually go on to regret their decision. Some family law matters that arise during a divorce can be negotiated between the couple, such as spousal support. Other issues, like child support, are strictly governed under Georgia law and require a great deal of legal knowledge to achieve a favorable outcome.

Whether your divorce is emotionally charged or simply a matter of paperwork, we are here to help. We’ll explain your options under Georgia law and provide compassionate advice for your unique situation. When you are ready to move forward, we’ll provide aggressive legal representation as we relentlessly pursue your best interests in these and other complex family law matters.

The Atlanta divorce lawyers at the Washington Legal Group have decades of experience representing divorcing spouses and will fight tenaciously to defend your rights and obtain the best possible outcome. We understand that the subsequent proceedings can significantly affect the quality of the rest of your life. We’ll help you resolve issues through mediation whenever possible so you can avoid a time-consuming and costly court battle. If your legal matter must go before a judge, we’ll aggressively pursue an outcome in your favor. Reach out to the compassionate divorce attorneys at Washington Legal Group today.

What is the Difference Between Divorce and Marital Dissolution?

The terms “divorce” and “marital dissolution” are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings under Georgia law. The legal process for terminating a marriage is the divorce; however, the parties involved may file an action seeking marital dissolution. The primary difference between the two is whether one spouse is alleging fault of the other as the grounds for the divorce. A marital dissolution can also be referred to as a no-fault divorce. Both divorce and marital dissolution require the formal, legal ending of the marriage by the courts.

The Atlanta divorce lawyers at Washington Legal Group have decades of experience representing divorcing spouses and can assist you with your divorce or marital dissolution cases. As the subject matter experts in family law, we handle all types of divorce-related cases, including property division, alimony/spousal support determinations, child custody issues, visitation, and more.

How Do Georgia Divorce Laws Work?

Georgia has what is known as a no-fault divorce law, which means that you will not have to prove that your spouse committed adultery or physically or emotionally abused you to end your marriage. If you have lived in Georgia for at least six months, you can seek a divorce based on irreconcilable differences, even if you still live with your spouse. However, divorces are only granted in Georgia if the couple involved has suspended their marital relations, which means that you can only seek one if you no longer have a physical relationship with your spouse.

Irreconcilable differences are the most cited reasons for ending a marriage in Georgia, but divorces can also be granted based on grounds such as:

  • Abandonment
  • Adultery
  • Habitual intoxication
  • Drug addiction
  • Physical or emotional mistreatment
  • Incarceration
  • Mental illness

Call our experienced Atlanta divorce lawyers to learn more about your rights and how to seek a divorce in the State of Georgia.

What Is the Difference Between Contested and Uncontested Divorce in Atlanta?

Divorces in Georgia can be either uncontested or contested. In an uncontested divorce, both spouses accept that the marriage is unsalvageable and reach an amicable agreement over matters like property distribution and spousal support. In a contested divorce, these issues are far more difficult to resolve. Contested divorces can be expensive and emotionally draining, so it pays to have an experienced Atlanta divorce lawyer on your side if you think negotiations are likely to be heated.

Many divorces start amicably and then become more and more contentious as they progress. Therefore, you should consider retaining an Atlanta divorce lawyer even if you do not anticipate any problems. Hiring a lawyer tells your spouse that you are serious about ending your marriage and ensures that you will have a qualified professional advocating on your behalf. Call our Atlanta, GA, legal team immediately for the legal representation you need in your family law case.

What Decisions Must Be Made in a Georgia Divorce?

Georgia family law matters, including divorces and dissolutions, include a number of important decisions. These matters can directly impact your future, including your ability to live your life to the fullest and enjoy your family relationships. You can trust our experienced Atlanta divorce attorneys for legal advice in these critical decisions.

Some examples of decisions that our skilled Atlanta divorce attorneys can help with include:

  • Child custody – You and your spouse must decide who will care for the children, including physical and legal custody
  • Child support – Both parents must report all of their income so a judge can make a fair child support ruling that helps the parents provide for their children
  • Asset division – One of the most heated topics in Atlanta, GA, divorces is dividing the marital estate. You and your spouse must list assets that are communal property so a judge can help find an equitable solution whenever possible, meaning the assets may not necessarily be divided exactly in half
  • Prenuptial agreements – Resolving prenups and post-nuptial agreements is another aspect of divorce law in Atlanta, GA
  • Spousal support – Also known as alimony, spousal support provides for a spouse who has a lower income or is not ready to enter the workforce

Contact our Atlanta, GA, family law attorneys immediately for help resolving these and other issues that arise during your divorce. We’ll seek to resolve matters through mediation whenever possible to minimize your expenses and avoid stressful court battles. We’ll be your staunch allies in the courtroom and beyond if necessary.

What Options Do I Have When My Divorce Involves Young Children?

Some of the most difficult decisions in family law come in regard to children who are involved in their parents’ divorce. Georgia judges strive to make every decision with the children’s best interests in mind. If the child is older, their wishes may impact the final decision. However, some matters, such as child support, are governed by strict laws that ensure both parents have the funds they need to provide a stable life for their child.

One critical issue that must be addressed is child custody. Typically, the court will order shared or joint custody. In these situations, both parents share the responsibility of providing for their child. Child custody includes assigning physical custody, which means providing a home and daily care, and legal custody, meaning decision-making authority.

However, in some cases, one parent cannot or does not want to care for their children. In these situations, sole custody may be awarded to the other parent. If your spouse is awarded sole custody, you may still preserve your parental rights to visit your child in a visitation schedule.

Child support is another critical issue that will be decided in the divorce. A judge usually issues a court order that prescribes how much child support one or both parents make in providing for the children. Determining child support is extremely important as it directly impacts your financial future. This procedure can be complex as you and your spouse will need to provide an accurate account of income earned each month.

Our Atlanta, GA, legal team can help ensure you are treated fairly as you navigate decisions regarding your children during your divorce. Call our family law firm immediately to seek legal advice on these and other important family law matters.

How Are Important Decisions Made During the Atlanta Divorce Process?

Most divorces are resolved at the negotiating table because litigation is costly, and arguing the facts in court involves airing personal grievances in public. When divorcing spouses are unable to reach a settlement, the judge assigned to the case may order them to attend mediation sessions. Mediation is a less adversarial process that is designed to resolve disputes by finding common ground, and it can sometimes produce a breakthrough when a lengthy court battle seems all but inevitable. Divorce lawyers do not present evidence or question witnesses during mediation sessions, but it would still be a good idea to have one with you to provide advice and guidance.

In order to finalize your divorce, you and your spouse will have to reach an agreement about all of the issues involved in your situation, such as child custody and visitation, child support, division of marital property and debts, and alimony. It is always better to try to reach settlement terms outside of court. Working towards a settlement agreement allows you to have a say in these crucial decisions about who your children will live with, how often you will see your children, how your assets will be divided, and what debts you will be legally responsible for paying. Once a divorce proceeds to trial, all of these decisions will be left up to a judge who may see the facts of the case from a different perspective than you.

During negotiations, divorce lawyers should seek the best possible outcome for their clients as quickly as possible, so they should prepare thoroughly. At Washington Legal Group, our Atlanta divorce lawyers gather all the relevant facts before negotiations begin, and they will not recommend an agreement that is not in your best interests. Call right away for assistance from our experienced attorneys as you navigate mediation and litigation during your divorce.

Should You Hire Our Atlanta Divorce Attorneys?

Filing for a divorce can be daunting, and you probably have a host of questions if you have decided to take this step. The Atlanta divorce lawyers at Washington Legal Group have a great deal of experience in this area, and they will listen to you and fight for you no matter what led up to your decision. Quinton G. Washington brings together academic prestige, courtroom experience, and a deep understanding of Georgia law. Whether he’s in a courtroom or negotiating a resolution, he knows how to build a winning case.

We have spent decades practicing family law, including assisting couples in Atlanta and surrounding communities navigate the divorce process. Our experience allows us to offer excellent legal advice and aggressive legal representation. We’ll apply our knowledge, skill, honesty, and dedication to get you the best chance of a favorable outcome in your Atlanta, GA, divorce.

Our attorneys know what to expect at the negotiating table and in court, and they will do everything they can to make the process as stress-free as possible for you. If you would like to discuss your legal options, you can call us at 404-809-2394 or use our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.