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Georgia offers both no-fault and fault-based divorce options. A no-fault divorce is based on the assertion that the marriage is "irretrievably broken," meaning there is no reasonable chance of reconciliation (O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1). This is the most common and straightforward method for divorce. A fault-based divorce, on the other hand, involves proving that one spouse’s misconduct, such as adultery or abandonment, led to the breakdown of the marriage. While fault may not significantly impact property division, it could influence alimony or custody decisions in certain cases (O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3). Choosing between a no-fault or fault divorce depends on the circumstances and the specific goals of the party seeking the divorce. If you or someone you know needs help with any of these family law matters, please contact our office at 770-741-1570 or visit us at www.chisolmtrimblelaw.com . We have been named one of Georgia’s top 10 family law firms, and our Managing Attorney has been selected as one of Georgia’s SuperLawyers. Let us help you navigate these challenging legal matters with expertise and care.

When preparing for a divorce consultation, it’s essential to gather relevant financial documents, such as income statements, tax returns, property deeds, and information about debts. Be prepared to discuss the history of your marriage, any children involved, and the specific issues you would like to address in the divorce, such as child custody or alimony. Your attorney will need to understand your goals and concerns to provide you with the best advice and strategy. It’s also important to ask questions about the divorce process, potential costs, and what you can expect moving forward. Proper preparation can help ensure that your consultation is productive and that you understand your options. If you or someone you know needs help with any of these family law matters, please contact our office at 770-741-1570 or visit us at www.chisolmtrimblelaw.com . We have been named one of Georgia’s top 10 family law firms, and our Managing Attorney has been selected as one of Georgia’s SuperLawyers. Let us help you navigate these challenging legal matters with expertise and care.

High-conflict divorces can be emotionally draining and legally complicated. In Georgia, a high-conflict divorce may involve disputes over child custody, division of assets, or allegations of abuse or infidelity. One effective way to navigate such a divorce is through mediation, which allows both parties to negotiate a settlement with the help of a neutral third party. If mediation is unsuccessful, litigation may be necessary to resolve issues in court. It is important to remain calm, avoid retaliatory actions, and focus on achieving a resolution that serves your best interests and those of any children involved. A skilled family law attorney can guide you through these difficult proceedings (O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1). If you or someone you know needs help with any of these family law matters, please contact our office at 770-741-1570 or visit us at www.chisolmtrimblelaw.com . We have been named one of Georgia’s top 10 family law firms, and our Managing Attorney has been selected as one of Georgia’s Super Lawyers. Let us help you navigate these challenging legal matters with expertise and care.

Georgia law provides several grounds for divorce, including both no-fault and fault-based reasons. The no-fault ground, and the most commonly used, is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" (O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1). However, Georgia also allows for fault-based divorce on the grounds of adultery, cruelty, desertion, and others. If one party can prove that the other spouse engaged in misconduct, such as adultery, this may influence the division of property or alimony. However, fault is not always a significant factor in most Georgia divorces, as the court typically focuses on equitable distribution and the best interests of the child in custody matters (O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3). If you or someone you know needs help with any of these family law matters, please contact our office at 770-741-1570 or visit us at www.chisolmtrimblelaw.com . We have been named one of Georgia’s top 10 family law firms, and our Managing Attorney has been selected as one of Georgia’s SuperLawyers. Let us help you navigate these challenging legal matters with expertise and care.

Divorce process in Georgia begins with the filing of a Petition for Divorce. Learn more about how this process works by reading out blog.

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.