Georgia Divorce Process

Georgia Divorce Process

Are you going through a divorce in Lawrenceville, Georgia? Divorce in itself can be overwhelming, but you have to resolve serious issues like child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Our divorce lawyers can help you through this difficult and emotional process. 

Crystal Wright Law is an established and respected law firm known throughout the state for providing exceptional legal representation to our clients. We know the Georgia divorce process through and through, and we know how to get the best possible outcome for your family law issue.

Call us today in Lawrenceville, GA, at (404) 594-2143 to speak with our family law attorneys. You have nothing to lose by contacting our law office.

How Crystal Wright Law, Can Help With Your Divorce in Georgia

When your marriage breaks down, the legal process for divorce is likely the furthest thing from your mind. Divorce is often a complicated process; it may be overwhelming to think about all that must be done before ending your marriage

Engaging the services of Crystal Wright Law, can make all the difference in bringing you peace of mind. We have years of experience handling divorce cases in Lawrenceville, Georgia. We’re known for offering compassionate and skilled legal services. In fact, our firm has won the “Avvo’s Client Choice Award” for our representation of individuals and families in Gwinnett County. 

While every case is different, here are just a few things our Lawrenceville family law attorneys can do for you:

  • Listen to your story to understand the specific details of your case
  • Walk you through the divorce process so you understand how it works
  • Handle all negotiations and discussions with opposing parties and counsel 
  • Communicate with you regularly to involve you in the process 
  • Represent you at trial if a settlement cannot be reached

Our Lawrenceville family law attorneys are well aware of the obstacles that can arise during a divorce action. You can trust our legal team to address and overcome each one to get you the resolution you and your family deserve.

Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation with our experienced Lawrenceville divorce attorney. 

What Are the Requirements For Divorce in Georgia?

There are a number of elements involved in seeking a divorce in the state of Georgia. To file for a divorce, you must have:

  • Valid Marriage: The court only has jurisdiction to grant a divorce if a marriage is valid.
  • Residency: The person seeking the divorce (plaintiff) must have been a Georgia resident for at least six months prior to filing for divorce. 
  • Separation: You do not have to be living apart at the time of filing, but you must be “legally separated.” This means you consider yourself in a state of separation and intend to suspend marital relations.

During divorce proceedings, a wide range of family law issues may arise, including spousal support, child custody, visitation rights, child support, and division of assets. You need a skilled divorce lawyer to help you navigate these various issues. 

Our family law attorneys at Crystal Wright Law take care of the complex legal matters so you can have peace of mind about your decision.

What Are the Grounds For Divorce in Georgia?

When you file for divorce in Georgia, you will have to state your grounds for seeking a divorce. 

Fault Divorce

Georgia law allows for any of the following statutory grounds for divorce:

  • Adultery
  • Desertion and abandonment
  • Cruelty and abuse
  • Conviction of a crime with a prison sentence greater than two years
  • Substance abuse, such as drug addiction or alcoholism
  • Insanity or other serious psychological ailments
  • Impotence at the time of the marriage
  • Pregnancy by another man 
  • Force or fraud at the time of the marriage
  • Incest 
  • Tricked or forced into marriage

If you file on one of the above grounds, you must prove that the specific issue was the cause of the breakdown. For example, if you want to proceed on the fault basis of adultery, you must be able to show that your spouse is guilty of committing adultery, which led to the breakdown of the marriage. 

No-Fault Divorce

Alternatively, you can choose to file a “no-fault” divorce. This ground simply states that the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” meaning neither party is to blame and there is no chance of reconciliation. 

The court may not grant a divorce on this ground until at least 30 days have passed since the date you served your spouse with your divorce complaint.

Spousal Support in the Georgia Divorce Process

Spousal support, also called alimony or spousal maintenance, refers to a legal obligation of one spouse to make payments to the other in the event of a divorce. There are several factors that may influence whether spousal support is warranted. 

The most common factors are:

  • Significant disparity in income between spouses
  • The employment status of the spouses
  • The length of the marriage before the divorce
  • Certain faults that may be applicable, such as adultery or desertion

The decision to award spousal support can be a complex and disputed process. Our family law attorneys at Crystal Wright Law, will fight for your rights and assist you in seeking or defending against spousal support. 

We handle all negotiations; you won’t have to engage in any uncomfortable and potentially contentious conversations.

Child Custody

In making determinations on child custody, the judge will weigh a number of considerations and ultimately decide custody based on the best interests of the child. 

The following considerations are often part of a judge’s deliberations:

  • Safety of the child
  • Parental involvement with the child
  • Capacity to care for the child
  • Emotional bonding
  • Child’s preference
  • Willingness to co-parent amicably
  • Mental health evaluations

While one parent may have more of these factors in his or her favor, that does not mean custody automatically goes to that parent. Each of these elements carries different weight, and the judge will consider them holistically in making the final decision.

Child Support

In the state of Georgia, child support is calculated based on each parent’s monthly income and an assessment of the child’s needs, among other things. The Georgia child support guidelines use this information to produce an adequate and appropriate amount of child support. 

It is important to keep in mind that this amount is not necessarily the final amount—it is merely a recommendation. The court can use its discretion to adjust the amount for costs of health insurance, child care, and other relevant factors. Parents do not have to rely on the court to make a decision on child support and can come to mutual agreement on their own.

Our divorce lawyers at Crystal Wright Law, can argue on your behalf for the amount of child support that works for both you and your child.

Division of Assets

Under Georgia state law, each spouse in the marriage is entitled to what is referred to as an equitable share of the marital property. Keep in mind that an “equitable” share does not necessarily mean an “equal” share. It simply means a fair distribution of the property.

In determining the division of assets, the law takes into consideration a number of variables, including the following:

  • Conduct (such as fault)
  • Length of the marriage
  • Contributions to marital property
  • Separate property
  • Contributions to the family

Upon making these considerations, the judge will then fairly divide the marital property. Our divorce attorneys at Crystal Wright Law, will do everything possible to ensure you get your fair share of the assets.

Contact a Lawrenceville Divorce Lawyer at Crystal Wright Law Today

If you are going through a divorce in Georgia, our team of experienced and hard-working family law attorneys in Lawrenceville know how to fight to get you the peace of mind you deserve. 

We are ready for anything the opposition may throw your way, so you can rest assured that when you hire the services of Crystal Wright Law, you are receiving the benefit of years of experience in handling legal matters. 

Call our Georgia law office today to schedule your free consultation. Our skilled Lawrenceville divorce lawyers will be ready to handle your case and help you move forward with your life. Let us put our extensive knowledge and experience to work for you. 


Visit Our Divorce & Family Law Office in Lawrenceville, GA

Crystal Wright Law
440 S. Perry Street Suite 105, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
(404) 594-2143

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