Decatur Divorce Lawyer

Decatur Divorce Attorney

The Fleming Firm can guide you through every step of the divorce process, whether you’re facing an amicable separation or a complex, contested battle. Our Decatur, GA, divorce lawyers understand that divorce is about more than ending a marriage, and we want to help you set a stable foundation for your future.

If you’re considering divorce or have already been served divorce papers, we work to protect your rights and help you make informed decisions for yourself and your family.

Divorce in Decatur, Georgia

In 2023, the National Center for Health Statistics reported over 2 million marriages and 672,502 divorces in the United States. For Georgia, this breaks down to a marriage rate of 6.1 to 1,000 individuals and a divorce rate of about 2.4 per 1,000.

Georgia law governs all divorce proceedings in Decatur and the surrounding areas. As your Decatur, GA, divorce lawyers, our team ensures you fully understand your rights, obligations, and legal options.
The state allows for both no-fault and fault-based divorces. In a no-fault divorce, one spouse must simply state that the marriage is irretrievably broken.

Fault-based grounds include the following:

• Adultery
• Cruel treatment or domestic violence
• Abandonment
• Substance abuse
• Conviction of a felony with a prison sentence

Choosing the appropriate grounds for your divorce can influence decisions about various aspects of the divorce. This also helps us determine the strongest legal strategy for your unique situation.

Types of Divorce in Georgia

There are two main categories for divorce: contested and uncontested. An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on major issues, including custody, support, and property division. These divorce cases are typically faster, less expensive, and less argumentative. The Fleming Firm can help draft and file your settlement agreement and ensure your rights are protected.

A contested divorce occurs when you and your spouse disagree on one or more major issues surrounding your divorce. This may require that you resolve your differences through mediation or litigation.

A contested divorce may include the elements below:

• Court appearances at DeKalb County Courthouse on North McDonough Street
• Exchanging financial documents and evidence
• Custody hearings
• Expert evaluations

Key Issues of Divorce

During divorce proceedings, there are certain important aspects of the end of the marriage that need to be resolved or planned. The following includes some of these issues.

Property Division

Georgia is an equitable distribution state, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly, but not always equally. Factors considered include:

• Length of marriage
• Each spouse’s income and contributions to the marriage
• Future financial needs
• Any misconduct, such as infidelity or hiding assets

Marital property may include homes, cars, retirement accounts, and debts. Our team ensures a full inventory and proper Valuation of all assets before any division.

Alimony

Alimony, or spousal support, is not automatic with divorce. It depends on factors like the length of marriage, earning disparities, and each spouse’s contributions. Georgia courts may award temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent support.

We help clients seek or contest alimony, ensuring that any arrangement is fair and justified. Our team can also help with alimony modification or termination.

Child Custody

Georgia courts prioritize the best interests of the child when making custody decisions. Legal custody is the right to make major decisions about the child’s life, and physical custody is where the child primarily resides.

Custody can be joint or sole, and parents must submit a parenting plan. Factors influencing custody can include the following:

• Each parent’s involvement in the child’s life
• Home environment and stability
• Ability to co-parent
• History of abuse or neglect

Child Support

Child support in Georgia is calculated based on an income shares model, which considers both parents’ income, the number of children, and the specific expenses required to care for the child, including health insurance and childcare.

We ensure that support calculations are fair and accurately reflect each parent’s financial situation.

Why Choose The Fleming Firm?

The Fleming Firm understands how deeply personal divorce cases can be. We offer personalized service, clear communication, and unwavering advocacy. Our team holds an in-depth knowledge of Decatur divorce laws and has skilled negotiation and litigation experience.

We hold extensive experience in achieving favorable outcomes for our clients and offer compassionate guidance throughout legal proceedings.

FAQs

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Georgia?

The cost of hiring a divorce lawyer in Georgia really depends on the lawyer’s overall experience with divorce cases and the complexity of the case. Uncontested divorces cost less, since they take less time to resolve. A contested divorce that involves disputes over custody or assets can cost much more. If the case goes to trial, involves the need for expert witnesses, or requires many court appearances, costs also increase.

What Are the Three C’s of Divorce?

The three C’s of divorce often refer to communication, compromise, and cooperation. This can guide a more peaceful and efficient separation process. Communication ensures each party understands their rights and responsibilities. Compromise can create a mutually beneficial solution to issues like custody, support, and property. Cooperation helps avoid lengthy or costly litigation.

Who Pays for a Divorce in Georgia?

In Georgia, each party is responsible for paying their own attorney’s fees and divorce court costs. However, the court has the discretion to order one spouse to pay some or all of the other’s legal fees, especially if there is a significant disparity in income or one party acted in bad faith during the proceedings.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get a Divorce in Georgia?

The most affordable way to get a divorce in Georgia is through an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all terms, such as custody, support, and asset division. This avoids prolonged litigation and lowers attorney fees. While it’s possible to file alone, hiring a lawyer for divorce proceedings is highly recommended to ensure fairness and avoid future issues.

Hire a Divorce Lawyer Today

Going through a divorce can be overwhelming and stressful. The Fleming Firm provides the legal support and strategic insight you need to make decisions for yourself and your family.

Whether you’re initiating a divorce or responding to one, consider hiring a divorce lawyer who puts your needs first. Contact The Fleming Firm today to schedule a consultation, and let us help protect your rights and move into the next chapter of life with confidence.