If you find yourself seeking a divorce in the state of Georgia, then look no further for advice and counsel on what you should do and the steps to take during this period of your life. The attorneys at Phillips and Sellers, Scott Phillips and Angela Sellers have over 23 years of experience in family law and Georgia divorce cases.
Below our divorce experts will walk through a few key points of the Georgia divorce laws and process.
How Do I File for a Georgia Divorce? – Lawyer Advice
Filing for a divorce in Georgia can seem scary, but we are here to walk you through the divorce process. First, you will want to write a complaint, or petition, that describes your current living circumstances, the arrangements you’ve made for your children, the state of your shared assets and debts, and the specific issues that led you to file for a divorce. Details about child support and alimony do not need to be included in the initial complaint. Gathering paperwork, tax returns, and any other documents relating to financial responsibilities will be useful to share with your lawyer as well.
After writing out your complaint, hiring yourself a board-certified Georgia divorce lawyer like Phillips and Sellers should be next on your list of to-dos. Our lawyers see the trouble areas that you might not recognize at first and can push your divorce proceedings along more efficiently. Relieving the stress off your shoulders and allowing you to focus on your family at this difficult period.
What are the Grounds for Divorce in Georgia?
According to the Code of Georgia Annotated; 19-5-3 and the state of Georgia, there are thirteen different grounds for divorce, separation, and annulment.
- impotence
- adultery
- conviction/imprisonment of over 2 years for an offense involving moral turpitude
- alcoholism and/or drug addiction
- confinement for incurable insanity
- separation caused by mental illness
- willful desertion
- cruel and inhuman treatment which endangers the life of the spouse
- habitual drunkenness
- consent to marriage was obtained by fraud, duress, or force
- spouse lacked the mental capacity to consent
- the wife was pregnant by another at the time of marriage unknown to the husband
- incest
If proven, any of these grounds can result in the complete dissolution of marriage and divorce.
What if I Don’t Know Where My Spouse is Living, is Divorce an Option?
You may have separated with your spouse before filing for divorce and we understand. If your spouse has relocated, and you can’t find him or her, then an uncontested divorce is not a possibility. An uncontested divorce assumes that the other party can be located and is willing to sign settlement documents. You will need to file a contested divorce and serve your spouse by the publication of a legal notice. Divorces by publication can only accomplish a few limited goals, so you should make all possible efforts to locate your spouse before the filing of a divorce.
Our law team at Phillips and Sellers in Columbus, Georgia has over 23 years of experience with numerous complicated divorce cases. Our legal office is also certified in Alabama and can represent you and your family during an Alabama divorce.
For a free quote for your divorce, please contact our office.
