Ending a marriage is one of the most difficult choices you may ever make — emotionally and legally. Whether your case is contested or you’re aiming for an amicable resolution, having clear, experienced legal guidance matters. At Better Law Divorce Attorneys, our Marietta divorce lawyers help you make informed decisions while protecting your rights and planning for your future. We represent clients throughout Cobb County with compassionate counsel and a strategic approach at every stage of the process.
Contact our Marietta divorce lawyers today for a confidential consultation.
Table of Contents
Understanding Divorce in Georgia
Grounds for Divorce in Georgia
Georgia law recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce, outlined in O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3. No-fault divorces typically cite irreconcilable differences, while fault grounds may include adultery, desertion, mental cruelty, habitual intoxication, or criminal conviction, among others. These distinctions can affect spousal support and case strategy. Our team will explain which grounds make sense for your situation and advise on the legal and financial effects of each option.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on the major issues — property division, child custody, and alimony — which usually speeds up the process and lowers costs. A contested divorce requires negotiation, mediation, or court intervention when parties disagree. Our divorce lawyers in Marietta, GA, handle both paths, guiding you toward the most efficient, protective resolution for your case.
How Our Marietta Divorce Lawyers Can Help
Personalized Legal Strategy
No two divorces are identical. As your Marietta divorce attorney, we take time to learn your priorities and build a strategy that aligns with your financial realities, emotional needs, and legal goals.
Experience in Complex Divorce Cases
We regularly handle high-net-worth separations and complicated custody disputes, including cases that involve business ownership, prenuptial agreements, or concealed assets. If you own a business or face a financially complex split, our high-asset divorce team in Marietta will protect your interests and pursue an accurate division of assets.
Communication and Support
Divorce can feel overwhelming — you don’t have to navigate it alone. We prioritize responsiveness, transparency, and timely updates so you always know where your case stands and what to expect next.
Let our attorneys guide you through every step.
Key Divorce Issues We Handle
Child Custody and Parenting Plans
We draft custody agreements that focus on your child’s best interests and your parental rights. Whether you need help establishing physical or legal custody, arranging parenting time, or modifying an existing order, our child custody lawyers in Marietta will advocate for a stable, workable parenting plan.
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Spousal support may be temporary or long-term depending on the case. Our Marietta spousal support attorneys work to secure fair outcomes — whether you’re seeking support or defending against a claim. Factors affecting alimony in Georgia are outlined in O.C.G.A. § 19‑6‑5, including the standard of living during the marriage, duration of the marriage, and the financial resources of each spouse.
Property and Asset Division
Georgia follows the principle of equitable distribution under Georgia divorce law, meaning that marital property is divided fairly, though not always equally. At Better Law, we help clients navigate complex property and asset division in Marietta by identifying marital vs. separate assets, valuing real estate and retirement accounts, and ensuring debts and property are divided accurately and fairly.
High Net Worth Divorce
High-asset cases require careful valuation, tax planning, and often collaboration with financial experts. Our Marietta high-asset divorce attorneys work closely with CPAs, business valuators, and forensic accountants to assess portfolios, businesses, and retirement holdings — ensuring property division reflects both true value and long-term financial consequences.
Divorce for Professionals
Professionals — doctors, lawyers, executives, and business owners — face special issues related to practice ownership and compensation structures. We offer discreet, strategic representation that protects your professional and financial interests.
Types of Divorce For Every Situation
We handle all types of divorce in Cobb County — from straightforward uncontested cases to high-conflict litigation. The services below represent areas where our attorneys offer added insight and experience.
Uncontested Divorce
When both spouses agree on major terms like custody, support, and property division, an uncontested divorce in Marietta offers a faster, less costly resolution. We ensure all documents are accurate, enforceable, and protect your long-term interests.
Contested Divorce
High-conflict cases require a strong advocate. Whether the dispute involves custody, complex assets, or spousal support, our attorneys guide clients through negotiation, mediation, and litigation when necessary — always focused on securing a favorable outcome.
LGBT Divorce
LGBTQ+ clients can encounter unique legal challenges, from parentage issues to assets acquired before nationwide marriage recognition. We handle LGBT divorce matters in Marietta with respect, experience, and clear legal guidance tailored to your needs.
Military Divorce
Military divorces bring special rules about residency, benefits, and custody while one spouse is deployed. Our Military Divorce Lawyers know these rules and will protect your rights and benefits throughout the process.
Gray Divorce
Later-life divorce (or “gray divorce”) often involves unique concerns like retirement division, adult children, and estate planning. Our Marietta gray divorce lawyers bring experience in long-term marriage dissolutions and complex financial analysis.
Divorce Mediation & Collaborative Divorce
Not every divorce needs to end in court. We offer mediation and collaborative divorce services designed to reduce conflict, shorten timelines, and lower costs while preserving control over the outcome.
Why Choose Better Law Divorce Attorneys?
Local Knowledge of Marietta Courts
We know Cobb County’s courts, clerks, and local procedures. That local insight helps us move your case forward more efficiently and anticipate how processes may unfold.
Results-Driven Representation
Whether through negotiation or trial, we focus on outcomes that protect your family, finances, and future while minimizing unnecessary disruption.
What Our Clients Have To Say About Us
Clients consistently highlight our professionalism, deep legal knowledge, and compassionate, client-focused service. Read more of our Google Reviews.
What to Expect in the Divorce Process
Filing for Divorce in Georgia
Divorce begins when one spouse files a petition in the Cobb County Superior Court. Georgia law requires a 30-day waiting period after service before a divorce can be finalized, and contested matters typically take longer to resolve.
The courthouse is located just 1 mile from our office, at 70 Haynes Street, Marietta, GA 30090.
Timelines and Key Milestones
- Filing the complaint
- Serving your spouse
- Discovery and negotiations
- Mediation (if applicable)
- Final hearing or trial Timelines can range from a few months for uncontested divorces to more than a year for complex or contested matters.
Essential Steps to Prepare for a Divorce Case
Preparation means gathering financial documents, clarifying your goals, protecting important assets, and considering the needs of any children. Our attorneys will help you build a practical roadmap and prioritize the steps that matter most.
- Gather and Safeguard Key Documents
First of all, collect important paperwork, including bank statements, property deeds, tax returns, loan records, and identification documents. - Take Legal Action to Protect Your Assets
If a divorce seems likely, speak with your attorney about getting a standing order or temporary injunction. - Make a Full Inventory of Marital and Separate Property
Work with your Georgia divorce attorney to create a detailed list of all property, including real estate, vehicles, investment accounts, and personal valuables. - Review and Allocate Debts Responsibly
Take stock of all shared and individual debts, including mortgages, credit cards, and personal loans. Even if the court assigns a debt to one spouse, creditors may still hold both parties accountable. - Consider the Tax Consequences
Divorce can affect everything from how you file taxes to potential liabilities on alimony or property transfers. An experienced Georgia divorce attorney will help you understand these implications. - Be Mindful of What You Share Online
What you post on social media can be used as evidence during your divorce. Therefore, avoid venting about your ex or discussing case details publicly.
The sooner you contact our Marietta divorce attorneys, the more control you’ll have over the process.
Georgia Divorce Law Resources
- Grounds for Divorce – O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3
- Equitable Distribution – O.C.G.A. § 19-5-13
- Spousal Support Factors – O.C.G.A. § 19-6-5
- Custody Determination – O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3
- Cobb County Superior Court Website
Divorce Lawyer in Marietta: When to Call an Attorney
If you’re thinking about divorce, facing custody disputes, or planning financially for separation, talk with a qualified family law attorney in Marietta sooner rather than later. Early advice can prevent costly mistakes and strengthen your position.
FAQs About Divorce in Marietta
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in GA?
Costs depend on case complexity and attorney rates. Typical rates in Georgia range from about $200 to $400 per hour, though flat fees may be available for simple, uncontested matters. We provide clear, upfront information about fees and billing.
What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in Georgia?
A wife may receive an equitable share of marital property, possible alimony, and child support when applicable. Courts consider factors such as financial need, each spouse’s contributions, and available resources when making those decisions.
Who Will Get Custody of the Children?
Georgia courts make child custody decisions based on the best interest of the child or children of divorcing parents. However, there is a presumption that a child benefits from having both parents in their lives. The courts use many factors to identify the best custody and visitation situation for the child.
Our divorce attorneys in Georgia can help you advocate for a custody and visitation plan that prioritizes your relationship with your children and satisfies their best interests.
What Kind of Property Division Can I Expect After a Divorce?
Georgia is an equitable distribution state. This means the court and parties must divide marital property equitably (but not necessarily equally) upon the dissolution of the marriage. The court can consider many factors when determining the proper property division.
Our legal team can advocate for a fair property split that allows you to maintain what is most important to you. We will work for a division that helps you maintain quality of life.
How much to file for divorce in Cobb County, GA?
Filing fees in Cobb County generally run around $215 to $225, plus any service fees. Fee waivers may be available if you qualify based on financial hardship.
For updated filing fees and downloadable forms, visit the Cobb County Superior Court Clerk’s website.
Can I Get Alimony After My Divorce?
Georgia law does not require divorcing spouses to provide alimony/spousal support to their former partner. However, the parties can agree to provide alimony as part of the divorce settlement. You may even be eligible to receive alimony while your case is pending.
Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating for fair spousal support payments. We can help you pursue an alimony amount that will allow you to maintain your quality of life.
How much do most divorce lawyers charge?
Hourly rates vary, but many divorce attorneys charge between $250 and $400 per hour. We aim for transparent pricing and may offer fixed fees for certain services where appropriate.
What to fight for in a divorce?
Common priorities include custody and parenting time, a fair division of assets, spousal support, and protection from unfair agreements. We’ll help you identify and pursue what matters most for your future.
Contact an Experienced Marietta Divorce Attorney for Help Protecting Your Legal Rights Today
If you’re considering getting a divorce in Marietta, you deserve to understand your legal rights and options. Better Law has the knowledge you need to get your family through this tough time. To discuss your case with a Marietta divorce attorney, contact us today to arrange a meeting.
We serve clients in Marietta, Cobb County, Douglas County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, and surrounding areas.
