If you are preparing to file for a divorce in Atlanta, Georgia, you will need to contact an experienced family laws attorney for advice and guidance. When you do so, you will be able to get the best possible results from your case.
Legal separation
Legal separation under family laws in Atlanta is a process that ends a marriage, but does not mean that the couple is legally divorced. Rather, it can be used to define the rights of both parties. This is a good option for couples who want to stay together while resolving issues such as child custody and alimony.
If the marriage is going to end, the couple should make a separation agreement. This document is a legal contract signed by the spouses. It can be a complicated document depending on the unique situation of the marriage.
The document can include a plan for the disposition of property, alimony, and children. It should also state the date of separation.
To file for a separation in Georgia, the petitioning party must have been a resident of the state for at least 30 days prior to filing. In order to prove residency, most courts will require testimony.
When filing for a separation, a spouse who moves out of state must register his or her driver’s license and library card in the state where the court is located. Additionally, the spouse must register to vote in the state where he or she plans to move.
Depending on the situation, the couple may choose to pursue a divorce before settling child-related issues through a separation agreement. Alternatively, they may choose to live separately for a period of time to strengthen a relationship that is in turmoil.
When choosing whether or not to separate, couples should consider the benefits and drawbacks of each option. Among the benefits is the fact that they can avoid the legal expense of a divorce.
In addition, couples who separate can remain married for a variety of reasons, such as religious beliefs. They can also choose to remain married to ensure health insurance coverage for themselves and their children.
Child custody
Georgia child custody and family laws can be complicated. However, with a little preparation and some help from an experienced attorney, it can be a lot easier.
If you are thinking about filing for divorce, it’s important to make sure you understand the rules governing custody. A good lawyer will be able to explain them to you and help you create a parenting plan. This plan will outline how much time your child will spend with each parent and explain the limits on each parent’s access to their child.
Generally, courts in Atlanta will award physical custody to the parent who lives in the home. They may also award visitation rights to the other parent. These rights can include overnight stays at the weekend or mid-week visits.
A court will consider many factors in deciding on the best custody arrangement for your child. The judge will look at the child’s wishes and also evaluate the parents’ capacity to provide a safe environment.
The court will also weigh professional input. For example, a guardian ad litem is often appointed to represent the child’s best interests in the courtroom.
One of the most important things you can do is stay calm. You’ll want to have a strong legal case for your child’s custody. If you don’t have a strong enough case, your best bet is to remain quiet and let your lawyer present the case to the judge.
Whether you are filing for a divorce or dealing with a custody dispute, you should know your rights. Contact an experienced family law attorney in Atlanta today. Their knowledge can make the difference in your case.
In a modern, two-income household, men and women share equal responsibility for the children. Increasingly, however, men are responsible for their own work, as well.
Property division
In Georgia, property division is a big part of divorce proceedings. This can be a stressful and exhausting process. It’s important to do it right the first time. A skilled lawyer can help you determine how to divide your assets properly.
To begin the property division process, you need to determine what your marital assets are. These include your home, vehicles, stocks, retirement accounts, and other assets. The court will use state laws to determine how these properties are divided.
Some things to keep in mind when dividing property are the source of funds, the value of your assets, and the tax consequences of dividing certain items. All of these factors can impact the way you are awarded a portion of your spouse’s property.
While there are many variables to consider, one rule of thumb is that the value of your property should be divided equally between the two of you. However, this does not mean that you will receive equal shares of everything.
Assets that may be considered separate include inheritances and gifts that were received during the marriage. Other items may be considered separate, including 401(k) contributions, business revenue, and other personal property.
You should also make sure that you disclose all of your assets to the court. If you are hiding any assets, you could get fined or jailed.
An Atlanta property division attorney can help you figure out how to split your assets. There are several factors to consider when determining how to divide your assets, and an experienced family law attorney will help you determine the best course of action.
During a divorce, it can be tempting to hide assets. You need an experienced family law attorney on your side to ensure that your property is protected and to avoid future litigation.
Parenting plan
During a divorce, the state of Georgia requires each parent to submit a parenting plan to the court. These documents are designed to explain how each parent’s rights will be managed and how the child will be supervised during visitation. They also contain important information relating to the future of the children.
A parenting plan is an excellent way to alleviate tensions between parents. In fact, a well-crafted plan will allow each parent to enjoy time with their child. However, it is important to remember that both parents should work together to develop a parenting plan that is in the best interests of their children.
The first thing you should do when trying to come up with a parenting plan is to identify which types of decisions should be delegated to which parent. For example, one parent may take charge of healthcare decisions. Another parent could be in charge of deciding on where the child’s education will be taught.
Having a plan in place will eliminate confusion in regards to day-to-day decisions involving the children. Ideally, the plan should outline details of the child’s medical and educational needs. It should also explain how the parents will conduct visits and make decisions on their behalf.
While there are numerous factors to consider in drafting a parenting plan, the state of Georgia requires the most important ones to be included in the document. Some of the information you will want to include includes the children’s education plans, the parent’s criminal history, the parenting time schedule, and the parent’s ability to pay the bills.
Parenting plans are important for many reasons, including avoiding conflict over child custody. If you’re going through a divorce, it is a good idea to discuss your plans with an attorney before submitting the documents to the court.
AVLF’s Family Law Program
The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation Family Law Program provides legal representation to families facing a wide range of family law issues. AVLF offers pro bono services from trained volunteer attorneys. In addition to providing legal representation, AVLF provides consultation services that assist survivors of family violence and domestic abuse. Survivors can receive assistance completing their legal documents, identifying resources, and achieving their safety goals.
In 2018, AVLF volunteers donated 13,400 hours of their time and provided more than $3 million in legal aid to families. These attorneys have helped hundreds of victims of eviction and divorce get back on their feet. Moreover, AVLF volunteers are trained to provide quality service and help survivors get the legal help they need.
AVLF provides legal services and representation to victims of intimate partner abuse, including obtaining temporary spousal support and a temporary protective order. Its Safe Families Office also provides safety planning assistance for survivors of dating and domestic violence. AVLF collaborates with law firms, agencies, and organizations to offer pro bono services to these individuals.
AVLF also collaborates with schools and health providers to address issues of housing and education. For example, AVLF’s Stand With Our Neighbors program works with partner law firms and institutions to improve living conditions and housing options for low-income families. Since 2016, AVLF has teamed up with eight additional schools in Atlanta. Other partners include Kaiser Permanente, Home Depot, and Care Source.
AVLF volunteers are able to serve as Guardians ad Litem in contested custody cases. They are supervised by staff attorneys to ensure that their services are effective. A volunteer may be appointed by a Superior Court judge to represent the best interests of a child in a contested custody case.