Experienced Divorce lawyers Cumming and surrounding areas in North Georgia

The decision to divorce is never easy. We know you may be overwhelmed with complex emotions and confused about the necessary steps and issues that must be resolved as part of the divorce process. You probably have questions about property division, how to determine appropriate levels of financial support and how to minimize the emotional impact of divorce on your child. At Banks, Stubbs & McFarland, our experienced divorce attorneys will explain your legal rights and the legal process. With efficient, effective strategies, we arm you with the facts you need to make sound decisions.

Call  770-887-1209 today to schedule your appointment with one of our attorneys at our Cumming or Buford office.

Our family law attorneys can handle every aspect of your uncontested, contested, or high-asset and complex divorce, such as:

• Child support
• Child custody and visitation
• Alimony and spousal support
• Property division
• Modifications and enforcement of child support, child custody and visitation 
• Contempt actions
• QDRO's
• Settlement and litigation

Legal Separation

There are three types of divorces:

1. Uncontested Divorce
2. Out of Court Divorce through the Amicable Divorce Network
3. Traditional Divorce

Georgia law actually makes the separation prior to a divorce easier than the process in other states. The couples may continue to live together during the legal separation period provided that there are no “marital relations” during this time. If one spouse moves into a different bedroom with the intention of suspending “conjugal activity”, the separation requirement is satisfied.

There is no time limit within Georgia law for how long the couple must be living in either separate residences or bedrooms for separation to be valid. Thirty days or more are suggested, however, in order to show that the couple truly intend to dissolve the marriage. Accordingly, the couple should try to have some documentation or proof for when the separation occurred.

It is important to remember that a sexual act between the married couple could nullify the legal separation. Thus, support payments and the divorce could be compromised if a spouse argues that the couple had some form of “make-up relations.”

If you have questions as to whether or not you and your spouse have completed the process for a legal separation, schedule an appointment with one of our top family law attorneys today.

Serving Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, and surrounding areas:

• Forsyth County
• Gwinnett County
• Hall County
• Jackson County

• Barrow County
• Banks County
• Dawson County
• Lumpkin County

• Cherokee County
• Clayton County
• Fulton County

How to File for Divorce in Georgia

In order to file in Georgia, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for 6 months or more. Proof of residency can be anything from a driver’s license, voter registration, library cards, bills, etc. Filing must occur in the county where at least one spouse lives or has a place of business.

The spouse who initiates the divorce, the person known as the “petitioner,” files a complaint with the Superior Court of Georgia. This is true even if the divorce is uncontested. The complaint states that a divorce is requested and typically list why the marriage is ending. The form identifies if the divorce will be “no fault” or not and addresses your current living arrangements, child custody and support goals, alimony and a brief description of your assets and debt. The form is meant to be a short summary, so you do not need to go in extensive detail.

After the complaint is filed with the clerk, the papers are served to the other party, the “respondent.” In an amicable divorce, a spouse may simply hand over the papers. In other circumstances, the papers may be mailed, served by a member of law enforcement or served by publication.

Once the papers are served, the respondent must file a response. He or she will either agree with the petitioner, or present new or different information. The response must be filed within 30 days if the respondent lives in Georgia, 60 days if the spouse is out of state and 90 days if the spouse is out of the country.
The divorce process that follows is different depending on if it's a contested or uncontested divorce. There are different forms that need completion and though a hearing is necessary in both cases, contested divorces may require more than one.

The paperwork for a divorce in Georgia is more complex than many realize. Don’t handle this traumatic experience by yourself. With offices in Cumming and Buford, the experienced divorce attorneys at Banks, Stubbs and McFarland are available to serve clients throughout North Georgia.

What is the Difference between an Uncontested and a Contested Divorce?

The terminology surrounding a divorce is confusing. Many clients do not understand if they have a contested or uncontested divorce. To clarify, a divorce requires that the couple compromise on three issues:

• The Division of Property and/or Assets
• Child Custody and Child Support
• Alimony or Spousal Support

Generally speaking, if the couple agrees with the goals and terms surrounding those three issues, the divorce is considered uncontested. It does not matter if one party wishes to stay married. If the couple is completely following a set plan, a prenuptial agreement or separation agreement, the divorce is uncontested. Uncontested divorces are generally quicker and less expensive than contested ones, but that does not mean that the process is necessarily easy in the state of Georgia. An uncontested divorce usually takes about a month to finalize.

If the parties cannot agree on all aspects of the three main issues listed above, the divorce is considered contested. Contested divorces do not always come with anger and aggression between the parties. Disagreement may arise in even the most amicable of divorces. The parties may just need help communicating, compromising, drafting, and executing the terms of the divorce. Regardless of circumstances, a contested divorce could take months or even years to finalize if the parties can't seem to agree on the terms.

Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, contact the attorneys at Banks, Stubbs and McFarland to manage the process for you. Call 770-887-1209 today schedule a meeting with one of our skilled family law professionals.