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Guiding You Through The Divorce Process In Georgia

Q: How do I know if I should file for divorce?

Leaving a spouse is a personal decision that involves emotional, financial and legal considerations. A divorce lawyer can help you understand your situation and explore your options.

Q: What does it mean to have irreconcilable differences in Georgia?

Irreconcilable differences means the marriage is irretrievably broken with no hope of reconciliation. In Georgia, this is sufficient grounds for a no-fault divorce without assigning blame to either spouse.

Q: Will I get to keep my house?

In Georgia, the marital home may be divided during divorce. Whether you keep it depends on factors such as property value, each spouse’s financial situation and whether children are involved.

Q: Am I entitled to more if my spouse cheated?

Adultery can affect alimony and sometimes asset distribution in Georgia, but it generally does not change how marital property is divided unless there was financial misconduct.

Q: What do I say about my divorce on social media?

It is best to avoid discussing your divorce on social media, as posts can negatively impact your case or reveal sensitive information.

Q: What is the difference between divorce and separation?

Separation means living apart while remaining legally married, whereas divorce legally ends the marriage. A separation agreement may come before divorce proceedings.

Q: How do I tell my kids about my divorce?

You should plan the conversation carefully, ideally with your spouse, present a united front, reassure your children of your love and avoid placing blame. Keep the discussion appropriate for their age and encourage questions.

Q: Can I date during my divorce?

You can date during a divorce in Georgia, but doing so may have consequences for issues like child custody and alimony.

Q: What do I do if my ex is abusive?

If you are experiencing abuse, you can seek a temporary protective order and take legal action to help ensure your safety during the divorce process.

Divorce changes everything. The life you planned looks different now and the path forward is not yet clear. That weight can be difficult to bear, but you should not have to carry it alone. No one can promise that your divorce will be free of conflict or hardship, but it will end. On the other side of it, there is relief, a new beginning and a future you can build on your own terms. We are here to help you get there.

At Frost Law Firm, our family law attorney will fight for your family with honesty, skill and experience. Call us today at 678-212-1365 to take the first step toward that future.

25 Years Of Helping Clients In Their Toughest Moments

When your divorce involves real conflict, you need an attorney who has been in these battles before. We know the local judges in Newton County, how the court system operates and the procedures that give our clients a real advantage when the stakes are high. We will give you an honest, direct assessment of your situation from day one. Not false comfort, but the clear truth you need to make the right decisions for your family.

Not every case requires a courtroom. When both parties can work together, we will help you pursue a collaborative path that reduces time, cost and conflict. No matter which direction your case takes, we will help you define your goals and build the most effective strategy to reach them.

Three Steps To Take At The Start Of Your Divorce

Facing the prospect of divorce in Georgia can feel disorienting and turbulent. While every situation is unique, there are some crucial steps you can take early on to help protect yourself and navigate the process more smoothly:

Take a full snapshot of your financial situation. Before you begin the divorce process, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of your financial situation. This includes all assets, investments, retirement accounts, debts and other financial obligations. Knowing the full scope of your finances will help you make informed decisions and protect your interests as you move forward.
Make a plan for where you will stay and how you will manage splitting your home. One of the first practical steps in a divorce is determining your living arrangements. Consider where you will stay during the separation and how you will divide your home and belongings. For example, if you are moving to a new apartment, decide what furniture and household items you will take with you. Clear planning can reduce conflict and help ensure a smoother transition.
Decide what type of divorce will best suit your needs. In Georgia, you have the option to pursue either a contested or uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce is typically faster and less costly, as both parties agree on all major issues. A contested divorce, on the other hand, occurs when there are disputes that require court intervention. Assess your situation and discuss with your attorney which type of divorce aligns with your needs and goals.

By taking these three steps at the outset of your divorce, you’ll be better prepared as the legal process progresses.

What To Expect During A Divorce In Georgia

Every divorce requires working through a set of core issues that will define your family’s future. We guide you through each one with clear advice and a strategy built around your goals:

Division of marital property and debts
Child custody and visitation arrangements
Child support
Alimony and spousal support

The process begins when one spouse files a petition and the other receives formal legal notice. An uncontested divorce can reach final resolution in as little as 31 days after Georgia’s mandatory waiting period. A contested divorce typically takes six months to more than a year, depending on the complexity of the disputes involved.

When the court resolves all outstanding issues, it issues a final divorce decree. If your circumstances change and you need to modify your decree, we will advocate for your interests with the same dedication we bring to your case today.

Divorce And Your Georgia Business

If you and your spouse co-own a business in Georgia, it’s essential to hire an attorney who can advocate for your interests in this area. Not every Georgia divorce lawyer understands how to negotiate a division of business-related property when the enterprise in question is considered marital property, or how the local market operates when it comes to business valuation questions.

To be considered part of the “marital estate” and subject to division, you must have started your business during the marriage, or it must have appreciated in value during that time. In many cases, one party in the marriage wants to keep ownership of the business and the other does not – in that case, knowing the business value of the enterprise becomes critical to negotiations between divorcing parties. Once that number has been determined, a spouse may offer their ex other assets (equity in a house, for example, or their retirement account proceeds) in exchange for retaining full ownership of the business.

At Frost Law Firm, our family law attorney has participated in many business valuations and has a network of professionals who can help appraise the value of your business. Attorney Frost will ask for your cooperation in delivering documents to assist with the appraisal, such as tax returns, income statements and balance sheets. Beyond helping you obtain the best divorce agreement for your future, having a well-executed business valuation can also pay dividends in terms of understanding the sales value of your company, as well as open new lines of credit and support.

Divorce FAQs

Here are some of the commonly asked questions on divorce.

How do I know if I should file for divorce?

Leaving a spouse is a personal decision. It is important to weigh the emotional, financial and legal aspects of your situation. A divorce lawyer can help provide clarity by exploring all possible aspects.

What does it mean to have “irreconcilable differences” in Georgia?

“Irreconcilable differences” is a term used in no-fault divorce cases, indicating that the marriage is irretrievably broken and there’s no hope for reconciliation. In Georgia, stating irreconcilable differences suffices as grounds for granting a no-fault divorce, meaning neither spouse is held blame for the breakdown.

Will I get to keep my house?

In a Georgia divorce, the marital home may be subject to division, and one spouse may be awarded the house. However, if the home is jointly owned, its division will depend on various factors, such as the property’s value, each spouse’s financial situation and whether children are involved.

Am I entitled to more if my spouse cheated?

In Georgia, adultery can impact the distribution of assets and alimony awards but does not usually affect the division of marital property unless financial misconduct is involved (e.g., spending marital assets on an affair).

What do I say about my divorce on social media?

It’s advisable to keep details about your divorce off social media. Sharing information can inadvertently affect the proceedings, especially if the content is viewed as disparaging or revealing confidential details.

What is the difference between divorce and separation?

Separation is when a couple decides to live apart but remains legally married. On the other hand, divorce legally ends the marriage. A separation agreement can often precede divorce proceedings.

How do I tell my kids about my divorce?

When telling your children about divorce, it’s crucial to plan the discussion together with your spouse, if possible. Aim to provide a united front, reassure them of both parents’ love, and avoid blaming each other. Keep the conversation age-appropriate and open to their questions, ensuring they feel safe and supported throughout the process.

Can I date during my divorce?

You are free to date in Georgia during a divorce, but it can have consequences, especially concerning child custody and alimony.

What do I do if my ex is abusive?

If you are facing abuse, you can file for a temporary protective order and take legal action to help ensure your safety during marital dissolutions.

Contact Our Firm For Help With All Of Your Family Law Needs

We prefer to think of divorce not as an end but as the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Allow us to help you through this process. You can contact our office at 678-212-1365 or contact us online.

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