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The Impact on Children

Divorce can be a complex and emotionally charged process, and legal fees can add to the financial strain. In Georgia, courts have specific guidelines for awarding attorney's fees in divorce cases. As an attorney with experience in family law, I aim to clarify how attorney's fees are awarded and the factors that influence these decisions, helping you navigate this aspect of your divorce with greater confidence.

Irretrievably Broken Marriage: The marriage is beyond repair, with no fault assigned to either spouse. Cruelty: Physical or mental abuse by one spouse toward the other. Adultery: If one spouse cheats, they may be barred from receiving alimony. Abandonment: Leaving a spouse without justification for over a year. Mental Incapacity: One spouse could not consent to the marriage. Chronic Mental Illness: A spouse suffers from a mental disorder with no hope for recovery. Impotence: If one spouse is impotent at marriage, it may serve as grounds for divorce. Fraudulent or Forced Marriage: Marriages entered under duress or deception can be annulled. Pregnancy Concealed at Marriage: If a wife is pregnant without the husband’s knowledge at the time of marriage. Criminal Conviction: A spouse convicted of a serious crime involving moral turpitude and sentenced to two years or more in prison. Habitual Alcohol Abuse: Persistent alcohol misuse by a spouse. Habitual Drug Abuse: Ongoing substance abuse issues affecting marital stability. Incestuous Marriage: Marriages between closely related individuals are prohibited. The first four grounds are cited far more frequently than the remaining nine. Whether you are considering filing for divorce or have received divorce papers, we are here to support you through this process and help you understand your legal options. Our team can assist you in identifying the grounds for your divorce and achieving the outcome you deserve. Contact us today at 770-741-1570 for compassionate guidance during this challenging time.

When discussing reasons for divorce, you may come across terms like “irreconcilable differences,” “mental cruelty,” and “adultery.” These terms refer to the legal justifications, or "grounds," needed to dissolve a marriage. Many states recognize various grounds for divorce, with “no-fault” being a common option. In a no-fault divorce, neither spouse must demonstrate wrongdoing; it is sufficient for one spouse to assert that the marriage is irreparably broken. All fifty states permit no-fault divorce, making it the most frequently cited reason for ending a marriage, although other valid grounds can also apply.  Conversely, Georgia still acknowledges “fault-based” grounds for divorce, such as cruelty or adultery. If a divorce is pursued based on a partner’s adultery or another fault-based reason, a judge may grant the divorce on those grounds, but this typically follows a detailed discovery process to gather the necessary evidence.

In Georgia, custody modification refers to a legal process aimed at altering an existing child custody or visitation arrangement. Parents can initiate this process if there have been significant changes in their circumstances or the child's situation since the initial custody order was established. Reasons for Seeking a Custody Modification There are various reasons why parents in Georgia might pursue changes to their original custody agreement. The primary requirement for any modification is a substantial change in material circumstances affecting either the child or the parent.

Overview of Family Law in Georgia At the core of Georgia's family law is the process of legitimation, which is crucial for biological fathers and their children when the parents were not married at the time of the child's birth. This legal procedure not only addresses naming rights but also encompasses various legal and emotional aspects. In this article, we will explore the importance of legitimation, the steps involved, and address common questions regarding Georgia’s legitimation laws.

Written by: Chimere Chisolm-Trimble, J.D., M.P.A.

Written by: Chimere Chisolm-Trimble, J.D., M.P.A