Experienced Divorce And Asset Division Solutions

Ending a marriage may be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. Whether it’s a decision you and your spouse came to amicably or an ongoing dispute that needs resolving, the emotional toll of divorce can leave a lasting impression.

I have worked closely with all kinds of Georgia couples for over 30 years. It’s normal to feel frustrated and upset during this difficult situation, but as we navigate the process together, I will help you feel prepared and confident to start the next chapter of your life.

Guiding You Through The Divorce Process

With over 20 years of dedicated family law experience, I know what to expect from the Georgia divorce process. There is no waiting period to file for divorce in Georgia, but you and your spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months.

The timeline for divorce can vary depending on whether agreement can be reached amicably or if your case requires the court’s involvement. Every case is different. I work hard to ensure the process is as smooth and streamlined as possible.

Experienced In Complex Asset Division Solutions

Spouses who have accumulated significant assets over the course of their marriage or who have a family owned business, or several business entities may face a unique divorce experience.

As an experienced Columbus divorce lawyer, I am familiar with handling these more complex issues in divorce cases. Property division, especially for high-asset cases or those involving hybrid assets that include both separate and marital components, can often lead to serious disputes. I take great care to understand your specific goals when it comes to asset division to ensure I’m well-prepared to fight for what you value most.

Prenuptial And Postnuptial Agreements

• Business valuations: If you or your spouse own a business, determining its value is crucial during property division. The value of the business includes not only the financial history of the company but also its projected revenue. Understanding the true worth of the business can help you decide how you want to handle the business during property division.
• Prenuptial agreements: Couples who have significant assets can benefit from a prenuptial agreement before their marriage. This document can outline how you want your assets divided in the event of a divorce. If you already have a prenuptial agreement, I can review for enforceability.
• Postnuptial agreements: A postnuptial agreement offers benefits similar to a prenuptial agreement, but only if it’s created and signed after a marriage. Spouses can use this tool to help protect certain assets during a divorce and ensure financial stability.

I have worked on many different cases over the years and have unique insight into how to navigate this complex situation. I can help you achieve a favorable outcome.

Resolving Complex Military Divorces

As Columbus is home to Fort Moore, I have experience handling military divorce cases over my 30 years as an attorney specializing in family law.

Military divorces may also take longer if your spouse is currently deployed. They have the right to request a delay – also known as a stay – to reply to your divorce complaint.

I can help you navigate the unique obstacles that come with a military divorce. The federal laws and  regulations are forever changing as they relate to military divorce issues and it is important to have someone knowledgeable about these nuances to better assist  military families and ensure enforceable division of military pensions and other benefits available after a divorce of a couple in which one of the spouses is on active duty and also for those veterans already retired.

Frequently Asked Divorce Questions

Divorce is a complex process that isn’t always easy to understand. I can help you answer any questions you might have, including the following:

What are the grounds for divorce in Georgia?

Georgia can be a no-fault divorce state, but you may also meet the criteria to plead certain grounds for divorce. 

How is property divided in a Georgia divorce?

Georgia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital assets are divided equitably. Marital assets are those acquired during the time of the marriage of the parties. Courts consider certain factors when dividing assets, including  determining if any assets are separate property (meaning a spouse came into the marriage with that asset, inherited it or was individually gifted the asset during the marriage), each spouse’s financial contributions, comingling of any separate assets that cause the asset to become marital and subject to division, future earning capacity, and debts.

What factors are considered in Georgia alimony decisions?

Alimony is a court-ordered payment that one spouse makes to the other spouse to maintain their marital standard of living or provide financial stability during and after the divorce. Alimony is determined by certain factors, including the length of your marriage, your marital standard of living and each spouse’s age, health, financial status, contributions to the marriage, debts and earning capacity.

Determining the eligibility of alimony can be challenging. I have the skill and experience to handle these sensitive cases and can help you get the financial support you need.

There are creative ways to manage alimony claims, and alimony can be in the form of lump sum alimony, periodic alimony and/or additional assets from a property division. Tax laws changed some years ago so that alimony is no longer taxable to the recipient or deductible to the payor, which changes the way in which courts and attorneys approach resolution of this issue.

How long does the divorce process take?

No two divorce cases are alike. Every couple has different goals and contributing factors that can affect the length of time it takes to reach a positive outcome. In Georgia, many uncontested divorces, where the spouses agree on the terms of their divorce, can take up to 12 months. Contested divorces can take up to three years or even longer, depending on what needs to be resolved.

I know how stressful this time can be for you, and I strive to be as prepared and proactive as possible so you’re not waiting around for your divorce to finalize.

Can we reach a settlement out of court?

If you and your spouse don’t want to go to trial, it may be possible to achieve a resolution outside of court. In these circumstances, you will need to negotiate the terms of your divorce settlement together outside of court, which you can do even before filing the divorce paperwork.

If you’re unable to reach an agreement on those terms, then going to court may be in your best interests. However, there are other options, such as mediation and collaborative divorce, that can assist you in achieving a resolution while avoiding court.

Prepare For Your Divorce Today

Divorce isn’t easy to navigate alone. My experience as a divorce attorney can provide you with the knowledge and insight you need to make smart decisions and set you up for the next chapter of your life.

Contact my firm today at 706-447-9698 or submit my online form.