Decatur Family Lawyer

Decatur Family Attorney

Legal matters involving your family can be emotional and overwhelming. No matter if you’re going through a divorce, pursuing custody of your child, or navigating support agreements, you need experienced legal guidance. At The Fleming Firm, our Decatur, GA, family lawyers can help you protect what matters most in your life. We can help prioritize your future and your family’s well-being.

Types of Family Law Cases We Handle

The Fleming Firm handles many family law cases with professionalism and empathy. Georgia family law can be complex, especially when emotions are involved. A family law claim in Decatur may involve multiple stages, such as filing a petition, responding to motions, mediations, negotiations, and court hearings. Through each step, our firm can help you understand your rights, options, and next moves. We approach each case with a tailored strategy.

Some of the family law practice areas we cover include the following.

Divorce

Georgia holds one of the lower divorce rates in the nation at 2.1 divorces per 1,000 individuals, compared to their marriage rate of 6.1 to 1,000. Divorce can be incredibly stressful and emotionally charged. The complexity of your divorce case is also determined by whether it’s contested or uncontested. The Fleming Firm can help you resolve matters that include the areas below:

• Division of property and debts
• Spousal support/alimony
• Parenting plans/custody
• Temporary orders
• Child support

Our goal is to help you come to a fair resolution while minimizing unnecessary conflict.

Child Custody

Child custody issues can be the toughest in family law. Georgia law prioritizes the best interests of the child. While states aim to split parenting time if possible, Georgia has one of the largest disparities of parenting time between the father and mother, with fathers only having 23.5% of parenting time.

The Fleming Firm helps parents create or modify custody and visitation agreements that support healthy co-parenting and stability for children. If court involvement is necessary, we can represent you and advocate for your parental rights.

Child Support

Georgia uses income-based guidelines to calculate child support, but disputes often arise regarding income reporting, expenses, or enforcement. We can help ensure your financial responsibilities or rights, whether you’re seeking fair support or defending against an unfair demand.

Alimony

Alimony is financial assistance paid by one spouse to another during or after divorce. It’s not guaranteed and depends on factors such as income disparity, caregiving responsibilities, and health conditions. The requesting spouse must show financial need, and the other must have the ability to pay.

The types of alimony in Georgia include:

• Temporary. Paid during the separation or divorce process
• Rehabilitative. Supports education or training for self-sufficiency
• Permanent. Ongoing support after divorce, subject to modification
• Lump sum. A one-time payment in lieu of ongoing support
• Periodic. Regular payments, typically monthly

When to Hire a Family Lawyer

You don’t want to wait until problems escalate out of control before you seek legal help. You should hire a family lawyer as soon as you’re served with divorce or custody papers, you’re planning to file for divorce or legal separation, or you’re concerned about the safety of yourself or your children. Also, consider seeking legal help if you’re facing non-compliance with a court order or you want to establish or contest parental rights.

Having a knowledgeable Decatur family attorney from the beginning can help you avoid costly mistakes and additional stress.

Why Choose The Fleming Firm?

The Fleming Firm holds extensive experience in family law. We blend our deep knowledge of Georgia family law cases with a commitment to dignity, transparency, and tailored legal strategies.

Our team takes time to listen to and understand your goals and explain legal processes clearly. We’re strong negotiators and offer compassionate counsel every step of the way.

The Fleming Firm also has a long track record of success in navigating cases through the DeKalb County Courthouse on North McDonough Street.

FAQs

How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Georgia?

The cost of hiring a family lawyer in Georgia varies based on the attorney’s experience and how complex your case is. Uncontested matters generally take less of the lawyer’s time, which lessens costs. However, contested issues, such as custody battles and divorces, can be much more time-consuming. You can expect to pay court filing fees, and you may also need to hire expert witnesses.

What Is the Ideal Way to Choose a Lawyer?

To choose the right lawyer, you can begin by identifying attorneys who focus on your specific legal needs. Check credentials, client reviews, and see if they have had any disciplinary history. Schedule a consultation to meet with the attorney and get an idea of their communication style, transparency, and experience. Use this time to ask about fee schedules and the outcome of cases they’ve worked on that are similar to yours.

When to Hire a Family Lawyer?

You should hire a family lawyer when you’re facing legal issues involving divorce, child custody, and child or spousal support. The earlier you get legal support, the greater the chance your attorney has of successfully helping you navigate proceedings. An experienced family law attorney can help you understand your legal options, avoid costly mistakes, and build a strong case.

Do You Have to Pay a Lawyer Upfront?

Many lawyers require an upfront payment known as a retainer. This is especially common in family law cases. A retainer is deposited into a trust account and billed against as work is completed. If the case continues long enough to deplete this amount, clients will be asked to pay for additional services. Some lawyers also offer payment plans or may only ask for a flat fee for uncontested matters.

Hire a Family Lawyer Today

Family law issues can be difficult. With the right legal partner, you don’t have to face these struggles alone. The Fleming Firm aims to guide you with integrity and personalized service. Our Decatur, GA, family lawyers can help you take the next step forward. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and let us help protect your family and peace of mind.