Filing for Divorce in Georgia

If you are experiencing serious marital problems, attorney Barbara E. Keon can help you file for divorce. With over 20 years of experience as a private practice lawyer in Georgia, attorney Barbara Keon is intimately familiar with the legal process for divorce. Many people filing for divorce do not know what to expect. Attorney Keon takes the time to explain the requirements and options. She prides herself on handling the legal details of divorces efficiently and effectively so that you can focus on other matters of your life.

THE DIVORCE PROCESS

MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS

The first and most important step in the Georgia divorce process is making sure that you are eligible. At least one spouse must be a Georgia resident for at least six months prior to filing.

Georgia permits “no fault” divorces, which means that either spouse can initiate a divorce by claiming that the marriage is “irretrievably broken”. Fault divorces are also possible based on grounds enumerated in the Georgia statute (e.g., adultery, habitual intoxication, etc.). The decision to file a fault divorce instead of a simple no fault divorce could considerably impact how the divorce is perceived by your spouse and the Court.

INITIATING THE PROCESS

After you have established your eligibility, you begin the process by filing a “Complaint for Divorce” with the Superior Court in your spouse's county of residency. In the filing, you have to include several pieces of information:

  • The last known address of your spouse
  • The date of the marriage and of the separation
  • The statutory ground (i.e., reason) for the divorce

 

The Court requires the filing of a Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit outlining the earnings, expenses, and assets of each party.  The Court also requires the filing of a Child Support Worksheet when the case involves minor children.

Your spouse must answer the complaint within 30 days. If your spouse objects to the grounds for divorce or relief sought, then the divorce is considered contested. Some divisive issues could include child custody, visitation, child support, alimony, property division, and debt division. After an answer is filed, attorney Barbara E. Keon can try to arrange for negotiations or divorce mediation in the interest of reaching a resolution outside of Court.

Call (770) 350-8582 for help with the divorce process in the Metro Atlanta area.