Family matters are emotionally sensitive and complicated legally, requiring the right support. In a vibrant city like Atlanta, where family dynamics can be diverse and complex, having a skilled family law attorney is crucial to navigating these challenges effectively. From divorce to child-related matters, including the division of property, expert legal guidance is paramount.
If you’re in Georgia, an Atlanta family law attorney can be a game-changer. They know Georgia’s family laws inside and out, so they can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you stay focused on what matters most.
Here are five common situations where their help is especially important.
Determining custody is probably the most emotional aspect of divorce. A skilled Atlanta family law attorney will be aggressive in asserting your parental rights so that any custody arrangement indeed serves the best interests of the child. They can also assist in creating detailed parenting plans outlining the terms of visitation, decision-making responsibilities, and other important concerns.
Specifically, the Georgia courts utilize the best interest factors that include love, affection, bonding between the child with each parent, the ability of each parent to provide for the child, and the wishes of the child, if old enough to form an intelligent preference. The attorney will represent your case in such a manner that the court will consider all the factors involved in your particular case.
The equitable distribution of marital assets and debts is complex. An experienced attorney will assist in identifying, valuing, and equitably dividing assets such as real estate, retirement accounts, and business interests so your financial future is protected. Georgia is an equitable division state, which means assets and debts are divided in a fair manner but not necessarily equally.
The factors that come into play with this division include the length of the marriage, the financial and non-financial contributions of the spouses, and the economic circumstances of each party. An attorney can advise as to how these factors may apply to your situation.
Determining alimony involves assessing various factors, including the length of the marriage, financial disparities, and the recipient's needs. An Atlanta family law attorney can provide guidance on whether alimony is appropriate in your case and assist in negotiating fair terms.
Georgia courts consider factors such as the standard of living established during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, the financial resources of each party, and the time necessary for the recipient to acquire sufficient education or training to find appropriate employment. An attorney can help assess these factors in your case and advocate for a fair alimony arrangement.
Ensuring that child support payments are fair and sufficient to meet the child's needs is crucial. An attorney can help calculate appropriate support amounts based on Georgia's guidelines and advocate for your child's financial well-being.
Georgia uses an income shares model to determine child support, considering the combined gross income of both parents and the number of children. The court may also consider other factors, such as the child's medical expenses, educational costs, and any special needs. An attorney can help ensure that all relevant factors are considered in the support calculation.
In cases involving domestic violence, obtaining protective orders is vital for safety. A family law attorney can assist in securing these orders and provide support throughout the legal process. Georgia law defines domestic violence as any felony or assault, battery, or stalking committed by a current or former spouse, parent, child, co-parent of common children, or member of the household.
An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, including obtaining a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) and a Family Violence Protection Order, and can represent you in hearings related to these orders.
