Divorce Lawyers Proudly Serving Clients in Metro Atlanta, Alpharetta and all surrounding counties
No one enters into a marriage expecting it to end in divorce. But unfortunately, for many couples, that is exactly what happens. If you are facing the hardship of a divorce, you are not alone. The attorneys at Hecht Family Law have helped numerous individuals through this difficult time in their lives. Sometimes people need someone who will look out for them.
A divorce can be an emotionally charged and stressful experience. It is often made even more complicated by the fact that it involves legal issues as well. That is why it is important to have family law attorneys on your side who can help you navigate through the process and protect your interests when going through divorce mediation.
Our law firm understands how difficult this time can be for our clients. We will work diligently to help you through the divorce process as quickly and efficiently as possible. We will also make sure that your rights are protected throughout the process. If you are considering filing for divorce, or if you have already been served with divorce papers, contact Hecht Family Law today at (470) 291-5342 to schedule a consultation with our experienced Georgia divorce and family lawyers.
What Happens in a Divorce?
When a married couple decides to divorce, they must go through the legal process of ending their marriage. This process can be complicated, and it is important to have an experienced divorce lawyer on your side during the divorce proceedings.
In Georgia, the first step in getting a divorce is to file a petition for divorce with the court. Once the petition is filed, the other spouse must be served with papers. Once the papers are served, the other spouse has 30 days to respond.
If the other spouse does not respond, the court will grant a default divorce. If the other spouse does respond, then the case will proceed to trial. At trial, the judge will decide on all of the disputed issues in the case, including child custody, property division, and alimony.
There are two main types of divorces in Georgia: contested and uncontested.
A contested divorce is when the spouses cannot agree on one or more issues, such as child custody or property division. These cases often go to trial, where a judge will decide on the disputed issues. An uncontested divorce is when the spouses can agree on all of the issues. In these cases, the divorce can be finalized without going to trial. Sometimes, spouses can agree to some of the issues but not others. This is called a partial settlement. In these cases, the court will still need to decide on the disputed issues.
How Much Time Will My Divorce Process Take?
The divorce process in Georgia can be quite lengthy, and the amount of time it will take to finalize your divorce will depend on many factors. If you and your spouse can reach an agreement on all of the issues related to your divorce, such as child custody, property division, and spousal support, then your divorce process may be relatively short.
However, if you and your spouse are unable to agree on these issues, then your divorce process may take much longer. If you have minor children, your divorce process will likely take longer due to the need to resolve issues related to child custody and visitation. This can be an extremely emotional and stressful time for both you and your spouse, which is why it is important to have an experienced divorce attorney by your side who can guide you through the process and help you make the best decisions for your future.
One of the main reasons that a divorce can take a long time is that there are often many complex legal issues that need to be resolved. For instance, if you and your spouse disagree about how to divide your assets and debts, or if you cannot agree on who will have custody of your children, then the divorce process will likely take longer as the court will need to intervene and make decisions on these matters. If either party contests the divorce or attempts to delay proceedings, this can also cause the divorce process to drag out.
How are Assets Divided in a Divorce?
Georgia is an equitable distribution state, meaning that assets are divided fairly between spouses rather than being split evenly. However, what is considered “fair” can be subjective, which is why having an experienced divorce attorney on your side can make a huge difference.
At Hecht Family Law, we have extensive experience handling complex asset division cases. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive a fair and equitable share of marital assets. Some of the factors that will be considered when dividing assets in a divorce include:
- The length of the marriage
- The age and health of each spouse
- Each spouse’s income and earning potential
- Each spouse’s contribution to the marriage (including child-rearing and homemaking)
- The value of each spouse’s separate property
In Georgia, child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. The court will consider various factors when making a custody determination, including:
- The child’s age
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s work schedule
- The child’s health and educational needs
- The stability of each home environment
If you are going through a divorce and need help determining child custody, Hecht Family Law can assist you. We will advocate on your behalf to help ensure that your rights as a parent are protected. Our legal services can help with the enforcement of divorce orders and other family law issues. Family law cases can sometimes involve a complex divorce, and our law firm is here for you.
What Should I Look for When Hiring a Divorce Lawyer?
When you are ending a marriage, it is important to have experienced and qualified legal representation. Family law is complex, and the Georgia divorce process can be confusing. You want an attorney who will fight for your rights, help you understand the process, and guide you through every step of your case. Hiring a divorce lawyer is an important decision. Here are some tips on what to look for when hiring a divorce lawyer:
- Experience: Look for an attorney who has experience handling divorce cases in Georgia. He or she should be familiar with the local court system and have a good understanding of Georgia family law.
- Communication: You want an attorney who will keep you updated on the status of your case and return your calls promptly. Make sure you feel comfortable communicating with your lawyer and that he or she is patient in answering your questions.
- Compassion: Choosing to end a marriage is a difficult decision, and you want an attorney who will treat you with compassion and understanding.
- Aggressive Representation: While you want a compassionate attorney, you also want someone who will be aggressive in fighting for your rights. Make sure your lawyer is prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
If you are considering divorce, contact Hecht Family Law today at (470) 291-5342 to schedule a consultation with our experienced Georgia divorce lawyers that possess all the above qualities. We can help you understand the process and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. Call us today to learn more.