Atlanta Dissolution of Marriage Attorney
When you said, “I do,” the thought of a dissolution of marriage—commonly known as divorce in Georgia—was likely far from your mind. Yet, nearly half of all marriages end this way, with the numbers even higher for those entering second or third marriages. Whether you’re feeling lost, anxious, or even relieved and optimistic, our Atlanta dissolution of marriage attorney is here to help you transition to the next chapter of your life.
For more information on Georgia’s laws concerning dissolution of marriage, feel free to contact Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French Family Law.
Is Dissolution of Marriage the Same as Divorce?
A “dissolution of marriage” is a legal term used to describe “divorce,” which is the formal ending of a marriage. It involves a court proceeding where a judge declares that a marriage is legally terminated. Dissolution of marriage allows for an orderly division of assets and determination of responsibilities like child support. Choosing dissolution can provide clarity, protect your rights, and reduce conflict.
Understanding Georgia’s No-Fault Dissolution of Marriage Laws
Georgia is a “no-fault divorce state,” meaning that either spouse can file for a dissolution of marriage without having to prove that the other spouse did something wrong. The most common ground is stating that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” with no hope for reconciliation. However, Georgia law also allows for fault-based grounds, such as:
- Mental incapacity at the time of marriage
- Impotency at the time of marriage
- Coercion or deceit in establishing the marriage
- Wife’s pregnancy by another man, unknown to the husband at the time of marriage
- Infidelity
- Abandonment
- Criminal conviction involving moral turpitude
- Chronic alcoholism
- Cruel behavior
- Untreatable mental illness
- Persistent drug abuse
While Georgia has no mandatory “cooling-off period,” a judge can only finalize the dissolution 30 days after the non-filing spouse has been served the papers. This ensures that the non-filing spouse is not unfairly disadvantaged. The time it takes to resolve a case can vary, but having a skilled attorney can expedite the process and safeguard your rights.
Addressing Key Concerns in Your Atlanta Dissolution of Marriage
Key issues that may need to be addressed in a dissolution of marriage include:
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Spousal Support
- Asset Distribution
The Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French Family Law team is committed to resolving these issues amicably on your behalf and for court approval whenever possible. If an agreement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to resolve your case through mediation, arbitration, or litigation.
If a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement exists, our attorneys are ready to enforce or challenge its validity during the dissolution proceedings.
Need Help with Your Dissolution of Marriage in Atlanta?
For expert guidance on dissolution of marriage in Atlanta and surrounding areas, contact Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French Family Law at 404-233-2800. We are dedicated to supporting you during this challenging time and helping you achieve your goals.
