Augusta Georgia Contested Divorce Lawyer
Contested Divorce Laws and Proceedings in Georgia
Sometimes a divorce can go smoothly. Both parties will be able to agree on all of the terms of the divorce, from the division of property to child support and visitation rights. These uncontested divorces are relatively easy, and you can have your divorce finalized within 31 days in many cases. However, many divorces just aren t this simple. The contested divorce can last for months or longer and may have to go through several preliminary hearings. These can take their toll on most people, and you don’t ever want to enter a contested divorce on your own. You need the help of an experienced professional.
Augusta Divorce Lawyer
Always hire a lawyer early when you are going through a divorce. Even if you are going through an uncontested divorce, it will be much easier. For those who are proceeding with a contested divorce with disagreements and anger bubbling over on the parts of the spouses, a good Augusta divorce lawyer is a necessity.
What are the Differences between a Contested and an Uncontested Divorce?
Even though the laws of the divorce are going to be the same whether you have a contested or an uncontested divorce, the way that things play out will be very different. A contested divorce is going to take longer and it will probably result in more bitter feelings and resentment. Rather than going into one of these types of proceedings on your own, the divorce lawyer will be on your side to help you. You or your spouse will have to be a resident of Georgia for at least six months if you are going to file.
Once the grounds of the divorce are established, either a no-fault divorce or a fault divorce, you will want to have your lawyers help you determine all of the particulars of the case and what you want out of the divorce.
What Must You Consider in a Contested Divorce in Georgia?
You will have to decide how you will split your property. Marital property is all of the things that you and your spouse obtained during your marriage. Gifts or inheritance are not considered part of marital property. If you are able to come up with an agreement in this area, the court will make sure that the agreement is fair and they can proceed. If there is not resolution, the judge will determine what happens to the property.
Child support and custody are other factors that you have to consider. The court will determine where the children are going to go, although the parents can reach an agreement on their own and the courts will respect that decision unless it appears as though the child would be in peril with one of the parents. Children who are 14 and over can tell the judge where they want to live, but the judge is always going to have the final say in these matters. The court will also determine the amount of child support.
As you can see, a contested divorce can be messy. Make sure that you hire a great Augusta contested divorce lawyer who specializes in these kinds of cases.