Family Law & Domestic Law Attorney

Child Custody In Georgia, the court will make the final decision on child custody. Children over the age of 14 years old may choose which parent with whom they would prefer to live. Due to changing circumstances in income, parental behaviors, relocation or other situations, there may be a need or desire to request a child custody modification. Any changes to child custody or living arrangements can require changes in child support payment amounts and direction. We provide legal support to negotiate modification of child custody, child visitation, grandparent's visitation rights and related child custody and visitation issues.

Child Support Child support payments in Georgia are determined based on the incomes of both parents, and in accordance with set schedules. As the income levels of each parent change, up or down, it may be necessary to request a modification of child support. The modification process is not quick so any desire to get a child support modification should be initiated as soon as reasonably possible. We handle any type of child support modification.

Spousal Support Spousal support may be awarded to a divorcing spouse, on a temporary or permanent basis, whenever the court determines that the facts justify such action. The right to receive spousal support (alimony) is not automatic in the state of Georgia. There are a number of key factors which will be reviewed and considered before any spousal support is awarded. These factors include the income and financial status of each person, non-financial contributions to the marriage, establish standard of living and some subjective criteria. Proof of adultery or abandonment usually nullifies any rights to alimony in Georgia. Any award of spousal support is subject to revision through a support modification process. We handle any type of support modification.

Paternity & Legitimation Paternity claims must go through a legal process in order to become an established legal fact. After establishing paternity it is then possible for a mother to request child support from the father, and a father may request child visitation or custody arrangements. The paternity process is only a first step in asserting parental rights. The paternity process is not always quick so any desire to establish paternity should be initiated as soon as reasonably possible.

Adoption & Foster Care Adoption is a complex legal process that requires an experienced attorney to better assure optimum results. As your adoption attorney we advise you of your rights, explain options and manage the adoptive process from start to finish. Adoption is much more than simply adding a child to your family. An adoption should be carefully managed to mitigate potential problems with birth mother's rights, foreign adoption delays, and any health or special needs issues. The process of adopting a child in state custody, or foster care, is another complexity where we can be of service. We can manage any type of adoption process or foster care adoption situation.

Domestic Violence We can help protect you from domestic violence, and your children from abduction, by obtaining temporary protective orders, restraining orders and helping you to prosecute threatening individuals. It is common in divorce and custody issues to deal with highly emotional, often irrational, behaviors. You should contact us if you have experienced physical abuse, harassmnent, stalking, unlawful restraint, intimidation or other interferences with personal liberty or safety.

Financial & Property Georgia is an "equitable distribution" state meaning that when divorcing spouses cannot reach a settlement on their own, the Superior Court will make a decision on the division of property and assets. This process includes a formal discovery process to identify property and debt which should be considered as marital. Next, the court will assign a monetary value on the marital assests and debts. Finally the court it will assign the marital as it deems to be equitable. Our purpose as your attorney is to influence the court to make a final decision that is more in your favor.

Pre-nuptial Agreements We offer pre-marriage legal services for Prenuptial Agreements which are a your best legal protection for your high value assets. Today's society has no problems with filing for divorce. This could pose a serious and costly event for some people. The cost to draft a binding pre-nup agreement is extremely minimal when you consider the typical value that is potentially at risk.

The lives of you or your family can be devastated if you do not take appropriate legal actions to prepare for, or defend against, problem family issues. Taking proactive actions can prevent harm to personal relationships, prevent valuable assets from going to the wrong person, minimize tax liabilities, and otherwise deliver financial protection and peace of mind. We offer a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your needs for a family law firm. Give us a call. We're here to help.