Blog

Are you facing divorce? If so, this is likely a stressful time. There are emotional challenges that come with the end of a marriage, but there are also serious financial and legal questions to address. You may be wondering how much of the marital assets you'll get, whether you can stay in your home, or even how much time you'll get with your kids. You're not alone in this. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 2.7 out of every 1,000 adults in the United States faces divorce. The outcome of your divorce will likely depend on whether or not the divorce is contested or uncontested. Here's some information on each type of divorce and how the process plays out in court. more Uncontested Divorce In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on major issues like alimony, asset division, child custody, and more. There may be some minor details that need to be negotiated by the divorce attorneys, but for the most part, both spouses agree on the divorce itself and the major points within it. The process for an uncontested divorce usually moves quickly, which can save both parties money on divorce attorneys. Both parties also retain some control over the outcome, since they're agreeing to most of the major points. If possible, many divorce attorneys recommend trying to reach an uncontested outcome because it's a smoother process for everyone involved. Contested Divorce In an uncontested divorce, the spouses are not in agreement on the major issues and they decide to take the case to court. Decisions about alimony, assets, custody, and more are ultimately made by the divorce court judge. This requires hearings, testimony, evidence discovery, and much more. As you may imagine, this is a costly process that involves much more work by divorce attorneys. It also adds risk for both spouses, as there's the possibility the judge will reach a decision that neither spouse prefers. In a contested divorce, the spouses give up some control over the outcome of the case, which could potentially backfire. Although a contested divorce can be more difficult and costly, it sometimes cannot be avoided. That's especially true if the other spouse is unreasonable, abusive, or unwilling to negotiate. If you have any questions or need additional information about the divorce process, South Atlanta Family Law is here to help. We have the expertise and compassion necessary to assist you during this challenging time. Don't hesitate to give us a call today.

Are you facing divorce? If so, this is likely a stressful time. There are emotional challenges that come with the end of a marriage, but there are also serious financial and legal questions to address. You may be wondering how much of the marital assets you'll get, whether you can stay in your home, or even how much time you'll get with your kids. You're not alone in this. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 2.7 out of every 1,000 adults in the United States faces divorce. The outcome of your divorce will likely depend on whether or not the divorce is contested or uncontested. Here's some information on each type of divorce and how the process plays out in court. more Uncontested Divorce In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on major issues like alimony, asset division, child custody, and more. There may be some minor details that need to be negotiated by the divorce attorneys, but for the most part, both spouses agree on the divorce itself and the major points within it. The process for an uncontested divorce usually moves quickly, which can save both parties money on divorce attorneys. Both parties also retain some control over the outcome, since they're agreeing to most of the major points. If possible, many divorce attorneys recommend trying to reach an uncontested outcome because it's a smoother process for everyone involved. Contested Divorce In an uncontested divorce, the spouses are not in agreement on the major issues and they decide to take the case to court. Decisions about alimony, assets, custody, and more are ultimately made by the divorce court judge. This requires hearings, testimony, evidence discovery, and much more. As you may imagine, this is a costly process that involves much more work by divorce attorneys. It also adds risk for both spouses, as there's the possibility the judge will reach a decision that neither spouse prefers. In a contested divorce, the spouses give up some control over the outcome of the case, which could potentially backfire. Although a contested divorce can be more difficult and costly, it sometimes cannot be avoided. That's especially true if the other spouse is unreasonable, abusive, or unwilling to negotiate. If you have any questions or need additional information about the divorce process, South Atlanta Family Law is here to help. We have the expertise and compassion necessary to assist you during this challenging time. Don't hesitate to give us a call today.

For many people, divorce is a scary word. Deep-running worries about children, split households, or financial stress could send chills to the involved parties. However, sometimes divorce is the best step. According to Statista, the United States registered about 750,000 divorces nationally in 2019. This article will give you three reasonable signs to look out for, signaling it is time to go down that road. more 1. Violence or Abuse Abuse comes in many forms. It could be substance abuse (involving drugs and addiction), emotional abuse (involving manipulation), physical abuse, or verbal abuse. If any of those behaviors emerge and don't improve, it's time to call a divorce attorney. Domestic violence, for instance, shouldn't be left unattended and the victim should attempt to leave the marriage as soon as they can. 2. Infidelity When a married person steps out and has an affair, the other person experiences a great deal of emotional pain and the relationship dynamic changes. In such a situation, counseling helps to rebuild the broken trust and repair the connection. However, if the behavior doesn't change, it may be time to seek divorce by talking to an experienced divorce attorney. 3. Poor Communication At some point in a marriage, partners may lose touch with each other. If they're attentive to each other's needs, they're more likely to communicate through every situation and possibly save the marriage. However, if talking becomes more difficult, partners quickly become strangers and end up living separate lives, even under the same roof. If such a situation isn't saved during counseling, divorce could be the healthiest option for both parties. Marriage is, without a doubt, a partnership that needs round-the-clock work. If such a partnership is severed, it can be repaired through communication and counseling. However, if both partners try to fix the marriage and it doesn't seem to work out, divorce becomes the easier, more promising option. Since divorce can be emotionally and financially challenging, it would be in everyone's best interest to involve a divorce attorney. Professional lawyers help you have a smoother process and articulate your concerns in case your divorce involves settlement issues. Talk to South Atlanta Family Law today to learn more about your options.

For many people, divorce is a scary word. Deep-running worries about children, split households, or financial stress could send chills to the involved parties. However, sometimes divorce is the best step. According to Statista, the United States registered about 750,000 divorces nationally in 2019. This article will give you three reasonable signs to look out for, signaling it is time to go down that road. more 1. Violence or Abuse Abuse comes in many forms. It could be substance abuse (involving drugs and addiction), emotional abuse (involving manipulation), physical abuse, or verbal abuse. If any of those behaviors emerge and don't improve, it's time to call a divorce attorney. Domestic violence, for instance, shouldn't be left unattended and the victim should attempt to leave the marriage as soon as they can. 2. Infidelity When a married person steps out and has an affair, the other person experiences a great deal of emotional pain and the relationship dynamic changes. In such a situation, counseling helps to rebuild the broken trust and repair the connection. However, if the behavior doesn't change, it may be time to seek divorce by talking to an experienced divorce attorney. 3. Poor Communication At some point in a marriage, partners may lose touch with each other. If they're attentive to each other's needs, they're more likely to communicate through every situation and possibly save the marriage. However, if talking becomes more difficult, partners quickly become strangers and end up living separate lives, even under the same roof. If such a situation isn't saved during counseling, divorce could be the healthiest option for both parties. Marriage is, without a doubt, a partnership that needs round-the-clock work. If such a partnership is severed, it can be repaired through communication and counseling. However, if both partners try to fix the marriage and it doesn't seem to work out, divorce becomes the easier, more promising option. Since divorce can be emotionally and financially challenging, it would be in everyone's best interest to involve a divorce attorney. Professional lawyers help you have a smoother process and articulate your concerns in case your divorce involves settlement issues. Talk to South Atlanta Family Law today to learn more about your options.

When it comes to child custody, some parents tend to believe certain misconceptions about separation. However, you don't have to be afraid. A family lawyer will help you and your former partner handle this matter in the best way possible for your children. They will also tell you what's fair. According to Statista, in 2020, 15.31 million American kids lived with their mothers, while 3.27 million lived with their fathers, which leads to the misconception that mothers always get the most custody. That's not exactly true, and it's time to get rid of this and other myths. Keep reading to learn about more common misconceptions. more The Mother Doesn't Always Get More Custody Time While it used to be true that mothers would get custody more often since they normally stayed at home and cared for the children, gender roles are no longer as rigid as they were in the 1950s. It's now common for both parents to work full-time, so it's not unusual to see the court favoring a father depending on the circumstances. The judge or the family lawyer will take a look at each individual case and come up with a decision that fits the family. Not all separations have to result in disaster. All Custody Cases Go to Trial Another misconception when it comes to separations is that you'll need to attend court and have a trial for a final decision. That's not true at all. Most of the time, you'll be able to handle this situation with simple mediation. A family lawyer will usually advise you to settle things amicably with your ex-partner for the benefit of the children. Putting that decision up to a judge that doesn't know the case and hasn't met the children or the parents can end up being much worse. A family lawyer will connect more closely to their client and understand their needs better. Parents With the Most Custody Can Move Away This is another myth that needs to be debunked. The parent with more custodial time can't move away simply because they are given more access to the children. They still have to abide by the agreement, and moving away would make that difficult, even if the other parent only gets the kids one weekend a month. Now that you know the truth about these common misconceptions, you won't have a problem deciding what to do for the sake of your children. Contact us at the South Atlanta Family Law Firm when you need help with your child custody decisions.

When it comes to child custody, some parents tend to believe certain misconceptions about separation. However, you don't have to be afraid. A family lawyer will help you and your former partner handle this matter in the best way possible for your children. They will also tell you what's fair. According to Statista, in 2020, 15.31 million American kids lived with their mothers, while 3.27 million lived with their fathers, which leads to the misconception that mothers always get the most custody. That's not exactly true, and it's time to get rid of this and other myths. Keep reading to learn about more common misconceptions. more The Mother Doesn't Always Get More Custody Time While it used to be true that mothers would get custody more often since they normally stayed at home and cared for the children, gender roles are no longer as rigid as they were in the 1950s. It's now common for both parents to work full-time, so it's not unusual to see the court favoring a father depending on the circumstances. The judge or the family lawyer will take a look at each individual case and come up with a decision that fits the family. Not all separations have to result in disaster. All Custody Cases Go to Trial Another misconception when it comes to separations is that you'll need to attend court and have a trial for a final decision. That's not true at all. Most of the time, you'll be able to handle this situation with simple mediation. A family lawyer will usually advise you to settle things amicably with your ex-partner for the benefit of the children. Putting that decision up to a judge that doesn't know the case and hasn't met the children or the parents can end up being much worse. A family lawyer will connect more closely to their client and understand their needs better. Parents With the Most Custody Can Move Away This is another myth that needs to be debunked. The parent with more custodial time can't move away simply because they are given more access to the children. They still have to abide by the agreement, and moving away would make that difficult, even if the other parent only gets the kids one weekend a month. Now that you know the truth about these common misconceptions, you won't have a problem deciding what to do for the sake of your children. Contact us at the South Atlanta Family Law Firm when you need help with your child custody decisions.

Custody disputes can be emotionally draining, especially if you're in the midst of a divorce. Most custody cases are complex and require expert advice. These are some of the most common ways your custody dispute will be settled and what to expect. more Guardian Ad Litem During a custody case, it's common for the court to assign a guardian ad litem or for the parents to hire one. This person will interview both parties and speak with the child. They aim to let the courts know what is in the child's best interest. Status Quo Many states have a status quo. Some states are still considered “mother states” and often give custody to the mother. However, many states are now placing parents on equal ground, and their status quo is a shared parenting arrangement. Shared parenting arrangements are common when parents live close enough that the child can attend the same school. Mutual Agreement If both parents mutually agree on a custody arrangement, the judge will usually order that to be the custody agreement. According to Legal Jobs, 51% of the time, parents agree that the mother should have custody. These cases may require mediation to agree on holiday visitation or other visitation arrangements. Negotiations Often, negotiations take place outside the courtroom. These involve both parties sitting down to compromise on custody, child support, visitation, and anything else that will be part of the custody agreement. If both parents can reach an agreement, that's encouraged. Family lawyers can serve as mediators and help draft a custody agreement. Court Litigation When two parties cannot agree on a custody arrangement or parenting plan, they head to court. In this situation, both parties will present their case to the judge. They may also present arguments against the other person's case. Then, the judge will decide what they feel is in the child's best interest. The judge will consider a stable environment, the parent's relationship with the child, and more. Custody arrangements are not permanent. As situations change, modifications can be made. Family lawyers can help guide you through the complex court system, draft legal documents, and mediate during negotiations. Here at South Atlanta Family Law Firm, we have a team of family lawyers to help you settle your custody dispute. Contact us today!

Custody disputes can be emotionally draining, especially if you're in the midst of a divorce. Most custody cases are complex and require expert advice. These are some of the most common ways your custody dispute will be settled and what to expect. more Guardian Ad Litem During a custody case, it's common for the court to assign a guardian ad litem or for the parents to hire one. This person will interview both parties and speak with the child. They aim to let the courts know what is in the child's best interest. Status Quo Many states have a status quo. Some states are still considered “mother states” and often give custody to the mother. However, many states are now placing parents on equal ground, and their status quo is a shared parenting arrangement. Shared parenting arrangements are common when parents live close enough that the child can attend the same school. Mutual Agreement If both parents mutually agree on a custody arrangement, the judge will usually order that to be the custody agreement. According to Legal Jobs, 51% of the time, parents agree that the mother should have custody. These cases may require mediation to agree on holiday visitation or other visitation arrangements. Negotiations Often, negotiations take place outside the courtroom. These involve both parties sitting down to compromise on custody, child support, visitation, and anything else that will be part of the custody agreement. If both parents can reach an agreement, that's encouraged. Family lawyers can serve as mediators and help draft a custody agreement. Court Litigation When two parties cannot agree on a custody arrangement or parenting plan, they head to court. In this situation, both parties will present their case to the judge. They may also present arguments against the other person's case. Then, the judge will decide what they feel is in the child's best interest. The judge will consider a stable environment, the parent's relationship with the child, and more. Custody arrangements are not permanent. As situations change, modifications can be made. Family lawyers can help guide you through the complex court system, draft legal documents, and mediate during negotiations. Here at South Atlanta Family Law Firm, we have a team of family lawyers to help you settle your custody dispute. Contact us today!

If, for whatever reason, the time has come for you and your spouse to legally break off your marriage, then a family lawyer or divorce lawyer near me is your best resource for understanding the social and financial repercussions of your decision. Divorce can be a complicated process for adults, let alone for children who don't understand why their parents are going through the split. In 2020, according to Statista, there were over 15 million children living with a single mother, and over 3 million with a single father, following a divorce. Here are two ways children can be affected by their parents' divorce and how divorce lawyers can mediate. more Misunderstanding the Cause If parents choose not to include every detail of the reason for the divorce to their child, the child may assume they are to blame. Thinking they misbehaved so badly that they've driven their parents apart is not an uncommon response for a developing child. Teenagers may respond with more anger as their living situations are upended, but no matter the age of the affected child, divorce attorneys include their desires in the discussion as well. Determining custody often has the child's best interest in mind, and through this process, they may achieve some clarity. Difficulty Adjusting Moving between residences every week can be exhausting for a child who just wants their family to be together again. Though family lawyers are primarily trained in mediating a split to honor the wishes of both spouses, many times the wishes of children must be considered as well if they are present. Family lawyers are not only legally trained but psychologically trained as well, and are experts in dealing with situations where children feel down about the divorce or see their school grades suffering. When a child is a factor in a divorce, family lawyers are one of their best resources for ensuring they understand and recover from the incident. Family lawyers can help adults and their children alike with maintaining mental health consultations, healthy relationships, and goals to pursue. If you're desperate for a divorce lawyer near me to help talk through your options regarding custody, contact us at the South Atlanta Family Law Firm today. You and your children will only benefit from our mediation.

If, for whatever reason, the time has come for you and your spouse to legally break off your marriage, then a family lawyer or divorce lawyer near me is your best resource for understanding the social and financial repercussions of your decision. Divorce can be a complicated process for adults, let alone for children who don't understand why their parents are going through the split. In 2020, according to Statista, there were over 15 million children living with a single mother, and over 3 million with a single father, following a divorce. Here are two ways children can be affected by their parents' divorce and how divorce lawyers can mediate. more Misunderstanding the Cause If parents choose not to include every detail of the reason for the divorce to their child, the child may assume they are to blame. Thinking they misbehaved so badly that they've driven their parents apart is not an uncommon response for a developing child. Teenagers may respond with more anger as their living situations are upended, but no matter the age of the affected child, divorce attorneys include their desires in the discussion as well. Determining custody often has the child's best interest in mind, and through this process, they may achieve some clarity. Difficulty Adjusting Moving between residences every week can be exhausting for a child who just wants their family to be together again. Though family lawyers are primarily trained in mediating a split to honor the wishes of both spouses, many times the wishes of children must be considered as well if they are present. Family lawyers are not only legally trained but psychologically trained as well, and are experts in dealing with situations where children feel down about the divorce or see their school grades suffering. When a child is a factor in a divorce, family lawyers are one of their best resources for ensuring they understand and recover from the incident. Family lawyers can help adults and their children alike with maintaining mental health consultations, healthy relationships, and goals to pursue. If you're desperate for a divorce lawyer near me to help talk through your options regarding custody, contact us at the South Atlanta Family Law Firm today. You and your children will only benefit from our mediation.

According to Statista, there were about 750,000 divorces in 2019. Divorce can be a difficult process, but many people go through it every year. A divorce attorney can help make your divorce a smooth process that helps you and your former spouse start your new lives. Choosing a divorce attorney can be tricky, but there are some tips you can follow to make sure you get the right lawyer for the job. Speak with Loved Ones Talk to trustworthy people you know who have gone through a divorce. It can be an awkward topic of conversation, but they may be a font of information for you. Whether they had a great or subpar divorce attorney, they can advise you on qualities and red flags to look for that you might not be aware of. Don't Let Appearances Fool You Keep in mind that advertisements are created to attract business. Law firms that advertise aren't all poor choices, but you need to do more homework than just watching a commercial or billboard. Speaking with loved ones, checking online testimonials, and visiting their website can help arm you with more information so you can ask pertinent questions should you decide to consult with divorce lawyers who advertise. Consider All of the Angles Divorce is not as simple as stating that you no longer want to be married to your spouse. There are various aspects that you need to understand before you start litigation, including: Contested Divorce Uncontested Divorce Alimony Child Support Child Custody Modifications of the Divorce The Division of Assets Divorce litigation is thorough, and it can take time to iron out all of the details. Your divorce lawyer is with you every step of the way, but you need to be aware of everything that will come up during a divorce proceeding. Know Your Budget Different divorce attorneys will charge in different ways for their services. They may charge a flat rate or hourly. They may or may not charge for faxing, printing, and copying documents. Remember that if they're hourly, whenever you pick up the phone to vent to them about your divorce, your bill is tallying up. This isn't to say avoid using them as a resource. You just need to create a budget and stick to the plan. If you are looking for a divorce or family lawyer in McDonough, GA, South Atlanta Family Law Firm is here to help. We have over a decade of experience advocating for our clients during family law proceedings and are eager to help you navigate your divorce process. Visit our website or contact us today for more information.

According to Statista, there were about 750,000 divorces in 2019. Divorce can be a difficult process, but many people go through it every year. A divorce attorney can help make your divorce a smooth process that helps you and your former spouse start your new lives. Choosing a divorce attorney can be tricky, but there are some tips you can follow to make sure you get the right lawyer for the job. Speak with Loved Ones Talk to trustworthy people you know who have gone through a divorce. It can be an awkward topic of conversation, but they may be a font of information for you. Whether they had a great or subpar divorce attorney, they can advise you on qualities and red flags to look for that you might not be aware of. Don't Let Appearances Fool You Keep in mind that advertisements are created to attract business. Law firms that advertise aren't all poor choices, but you need to do more homework than just watching a commercial or billboard. Speaking with loved ones, checking online testimonials, and visiting their website can help arm you with more information so you can ask pertinent questions should you decide to consult with divorce lawyers who advertise. Consider All of the Angles Divorce is not as simple as stating that you no longer want to be married to your spouse. There are various aspects that you need to understand before you start litigation, including: Contested Divorce Uncontested Divorce Alimony Child Support Child Custody Modifications of the Divorce The Division of Assets Divorce litigation is thorough, and it can take time to iron out all of the details. Your divorce lawyer is with you every step of the way, but you need to be aware of everything that will come up during a divorce proceeding. Know Your Budget Different divorce attorneys will charge in different ways for their services. They may charge a flat rate or hourly. They may or may not charge for faxing, printing, and copying documents. Remember that if they're hourly, whenever you pick up the phone to vent to them about your divorce, your bill is tallying up. This isn't to say avoid using them as a resource. You just need to create a budget and stick to the plan. If you are looking for a divorce or family lawyer in McDonough, GA, South Atlanta Family Law Firm is here to help. We have over a decade of experience advocating for our clients during family law proceedings and are eager to help you navigate your divorce process. Visit our website or contact us today for more information.