Divorce is not often an event that people want to experience. It can be emotionally challenging, stressful, and overwhelming. It can also give couples a sense of relief. Once your divorce is finalized, your life in Cobb County, GA, will be different.
Regardless of why you decide to divorce, you need an experienced Cobb County divorce attorney who can protect your assets, your children, and your future. At Better Law, we are committed to helping you navigate the legal complexities and find practical solutions for resolving contested issues.
With over 40 years of combined experience in divorce and family law, our team is dedicated to safeguarding your rights and advocating for your best interests. Let us handle the legal process so you can focus on moving forward. Contact our Cobb County, Georgia, law office at (470) 308-5409 to schedule a consultation with an attorney who can help.
How Can Better Law Help With My Divorce Case in Cobb County, GA?
Separating from a spouse can be an emotionally overwhelming experience. Your family’s routine may be fundamentally changed. Most divorcing spouses are handling complex issues. Still, it’s critical to understand your legal rights and take steps to protect your interests.
When you hire Better Law, you’ll have an experienced Cobb County divorce attorney by your side throughout the entire process. Our compassionate attorneys have handled a wide range of divorce cases, and we are prepared to protect your best interests.
Choosing our team gives you an attorney who will:
- Provide personalized support and attention at every stage of the divorce process
- Protect your legal and financial interests
- Ensure you fully understand your rights and options.
- Offer insight into how decisions you make today can impact your family’s future
- Assist in negotiating fair agreements on complex divorce-related issues.
- Ensure that your divorce settlement is just and equitable.
- Advocate for you during court proceedings and settlement discussions.
Our Cobb County divorce attorneys are here for you now and in the future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.
Overview of Georgia’s Divorce Laws
Filing for divorce in Georgia can be straightforward or complex, depending on the circumstances. Contested divorces, especially those involving children or high-value assets, may take longer to resolve.
All divorcing couples in Georgia must resolve certain issues before their divorce can be finalized.
Those issues will typically include:
- Division of marital assets and debts
- Spousal support (Alimony)
- Child custody, visitation, and parenting time
- Child support obligations
Some couples can resolve these issues amicably, while others may require mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Our attorneys often recommend mediation as a first step, as it allows couples to reach agreements without court intervention. However, we are fully prepared to litigate if necessary.
If you’re considering filing for divorce, seeking legal counsel as early as possible is in your best interest. Contact Better Law today to discuss your case.
What Are the Initial Requirements for Obtaining a Divorce in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, to file for divorce in Cobb County, either you or your spouse must have resided in the county for at least six months. If your spouse lives in another state, you can still file for divorce once you’ve been a resident for six months. Usually, the state where the divorce complaint is first filed has jurisdiction.
After you satisfy the state residency requirements, you’ll begin the divorce process. Our attorneys will prepare a divorce petition. If your spo
use has already served you with a divorce complaint, we’ll help you respond.
The divorce petition contains basic information, including:
- The reason for the divorce.
- Any requests for court intervention regarding financial or custody matters.
- Your preferred outcome for property division, support, and other key issues.
Once the petition is filed, a 30-day waiting period begins. The responding spouse has 30 days to reply before the court can proceed. If they fail to respond, the case may proceed as an uncontested divorce.
Can I Get a No-Fault Divorce in Cobb County?
Yes. Most couples state that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” as their grounds for divorce. This is known as a no-fault divorce.
It’s also possible to obtain a fault-based divorce. While spouses often prefer no-fault divorces because they tend to be faster and less expensive, there may be valid reasons for seeking a fault-based divorce.
The grounds for fault-based divorce in Georgia include:
- Adultery
- Abandonment (one year or more)
- Incest
- Mental incapacity at the time of the marriage
- Impotence at the time of the marriage
- Fraud or duress in obtaining the marriage
- Pregnancy of the wife by a man other than the husband at the time of the marriage
- Cruelty or abuse
- Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude resulting in a prison sentence of at least two years
- Alcoholism or habitual drug addiction
- Incurable mental illness
Filing a fault-based divorce can significantly impact spousal support, asset division, and child custody rulings. If you are considering this route, consult our attorneys to understand the potential legal and financial implications.
How do I file for Divorce in Cobb?
Before filing for divorce, it’s important to determine which county has jurisdiction over your case. In Cobb County, divorce and family law matters are handled by the Cobb County Superior Court.
To initiate the divorce process, you must pay a filing fee. Along with this fee, you will need to submit the Cobb County divorce forms required for your case. The specific forms you need depend on your situation. For instance, if you have minor children, additional paperwork addressing custody and child support will be necessary.
If you choose to file on your own, we provide a list of Cobb County divorce forms to help you navigate the process. However, hiring an experienced divorce lawyer can make the process smoother. A proficient attorney will draft and submit all required forms on your behalf and ensure compliance with Cobb County court rules, procedures, and judge preferences.
At Better Law, our Cobb County divorce attorneys have years of experience handling family law cases in the Cobb County Superior Court. We are committed to guiding you through every step of your divorce, ensuring your rights and interests are protected.
Need help with your Cobb County divorce? Contact Better Law today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced divorce attorneys.
What Are the Differences Between Contested and Uncontested Divorce?
In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all key issues without court involvement. In contested divorces, you’ll ask the family court to resolve points of disagreement.
The benefits of an uncontested divorce are:
- The spouses make important decisions that will impact your family
- The process is faster and less stressful for children
- Uncontested divorces tend to be less expensive
- Your privacy is protected, as court orders become matters of public record
- It’s often possible to maintain civility and reduce feelings of anger and resentment
A contested divorce can become uncontested if both parties successfully negotiate terms. With skilled legal guidance, many spouses can avoid unnecessary litigation.
How Will My Family’s Assets Be Divided After the Divorce?
Georgia follows equitable distribution laws which means that marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally.
All assets and debts that were acquired or incurred during the marriage are classified as marital property. Property that either spouse brought into the marriage is considered separate property and is not subject to division. Gifts and inheritances are also typically characterized as separate property.
Courts in Georgia consider many factors when deciding how to divide marital assets, including:
- Each spouse’s financial status, considering earnings during the marriage and earning capacity
- The length of the marriage
- The character of any separate property retained by either spouse
- Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements that address asset division
- Evidence of misconduct that results in wasting of assets by either spouse
- Each spouse’s behavior during the divorce process
- The future needs of each spouse
If spouses can agree on property division terms, they can avoid court involvement. Our Cobb County divorce attorneys will help you negotiate a fair settlement or advocate for you in court if necessary.
We Handle All Types of Divorce Cases in Cobb County
While all divorces begin in the same manner, each can present its unique complications.
At Better Law, we handle all types of family law cases, including:
- Contested divorces
- Uncontested divorces
- High-net-worth divorces
- Military divorces
- LGBTQ divorces
- Divorces involving domestic violence
- Child custody and child support issues
- Prenuptial agreements
- Post-divorce modifications of court orders
We’ve been serving Cobb County residents for years. Whether you’re considering divorce or have been served with divorce papers, contact us today for experienced legal guidance.
Contact an Experienced Cobb County Divorce Attorney to Arrange a Consultation Today
Divorce is never easy, but having the right attorney can make the process smoother. At Better Law, we are dedicated to protecting your rights, finances, and future.
Call us today at (470) 308-5409, or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an experienced Cobb County divorce lawyer.