Crystal Wright | August 15, 2024 | Divorce
Georgia is one of eight U.S. states with the lowest rate of divorce. Though surrounding states have higher averages, Georgia’s divorce rate is 2.1 per 1,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Overall, U.S. divorce rates are declining, but so is the number of people getting married. According to information compiled by the U.S. Census, the divorce rate fell from 9.7 per 1,000 in 2009 to 7.6 per 1,000 in 2019. However, the marriage rate in 2009 was 17.6 per 1,000, and it was 16.3 per 1,000 in 2019. Though the percentage of first marriages may be lower, divorce rates are dropping faster than marriage rates.
Common Reasons For Divorce
When things go wrong in a marriage, it’s natural to look for blame. Sometimes, people just grow apart, and no one is to blame. Once the excitement of a new relationship wears off, couples can find that they have too many basic incompatibilities and want different things in life.
Some of the most common reasons for divorce include:
- Lack of intimacy
- Infidelity
- Lack of commitment
- Financial conflicts
- Addiction
- Abuse
- Betrayal
- Constant conflict
One person’s actions can cause a marriage to dissolve. Infidelity, abuse, and other emotional betrayals can become obstacles that are too big to overcome despite the couple’s attempts to heal their relationship.
Grounds For Divorce in Georgia
Georgia is a no-fault divorce state, meaning either spouse can file for divorce without proving fault. The couple may proclaim they are incompatible or that they have irreconcilable differences without placing legal blame on anyone.
There are also grounds for divorce in Georgia that do claim fault. In some cases, proving fault can be advantageous for child custody, asset division, or other issues.
Some of the legal grounds for divorce in GA include:
- Intermarriage within prohibited degrees of kinship (marriage between certain relatives)
- Mental incapacity at the time of marriage
- Pregnancy by a man other than the husband at the time of marriage
- Adultery during marriage
- Impotence (sexual dysfunction) at the time of marriage
- Force, duress, or fraud
- Desertion, where one spouse has abandoned the other for longer than 12 months
- Habitual intoxication (alcohol or substance use disorders)
- Cruelty or abuse
- A criminal conviction that results in two or more years in prison
- Mental illness that cannot be treated
To file for an at-fault divorce, you must be able to prove your spouse’s wrongdoing and how it contributed to the destruction of your relationship. For example, you must not only prove that your spouse has a substance use disorder but also show how it negatively impacted your marriage.
The Advantages of No-Fault vs. At-Fault Divorce
No-fault divorce is quicker, easier, and less expensive. It may seem like the best way to dissolve a marriage, and in many cases, it is. A no-fault divorce avoids making either spouse relive painful memories. Agreeing to part amicably can help people begin their new lives on a more positive note, and it can help parents be better co-parents to their children.
At-fault divorce can be advantageous if one spouse has strong evidence supporting the other’s wrongdoing. A successful at-fault divorce may yield a higher share of the marital property and better chances of getting more child custody time.
Will Your Marriage Beat the Odds?
Staying married is a challenge, but divorce isn’t an easy answer. Georgia law requires many divorcing couples to go through mediation, especially when issues of child custody must be decided. Mediation isn’t designed to save your marriage — though it could open up new doors to communication and cooperation. Mediation is a tool to help settle the divorce agreement.
If you’re considering divorce, remember that you’re not alone. There are many local resources to help you adapt to a single life. If you’re struggling with emotional issues related to divorce, reach out to friends or a mental health professional for support.
Contact the Lawrenceville Divorce Lawyers at Crystal Wright Law To Get Legal Assistance Today
To learn more and get the help you deserve, contact our legal team at Crystal Wright Law and schedule your consultation today.
We serve all through Lawrenceville, Georgia in Gwinnett County and its surrounding areas. Visit our law firm today at
Crystal Wright Law Lawrenceville
440 S. Perry Street, Suite 105
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
(404) 891-0134