Georgia family law cases are usually sensitive matters and should be approached carefully. Though family matters are typically private, there are situations where family responsibilities can only be addressed in court. Understanding the basics of Georgia family law will help guide your approach to dealing with family issues.
Georgia family law includes divorce, alimony, child custody and support, among other family issues. It also covers civil regulations and legal procedures involving the family and other aspects of domestic relationships.
The Basics of Georgia Family Law
- Marriage and divorce: Family law regulates eligibility requirements for marriage and other legal partnerships. It also provides for the court to dissolve marriage with a divorce decree signed by a judge.
- Prenuptial and separation agreements: The court will also equally distribute marital property, assets and debts as part of the divorce settlement.
- Alimony or spousal support: Spousal support is a court ordered requirement that one spouse provides financial support to the other after the marriage is dissolved. Alimony can be negotiated through attorneys based on the financial situations of each spouse.
- Child custody and child support: When a couple ends their marriage and they have a child(ren), the court evaluates what is in the best interests of the child(ren). This includes awarding custody and arranging for visitation by the noncustodial parent. There is legal custody and physical custody.
- Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to be involved in major decisions affecting a child and having access to their medical and educational records.
- Physical custody refers to the child’s legal place of residence and which parent has responsibility for daily supervision of the child. The court also decides how much financial support (child support) is required by the parents to provide for the material
needs of the children.
- Paternity and adoption: Establishing paternity is necessary before custody, visitation and child support may be ordered by the court. In Georgia adoptions, birth fathers’ rights need to be legally terminated to proceed with an adoption, whether that be voluntarily or involuntarily.
Although domestic violence and child abuse are criminal matters, they can affect the outcome of family law cases. Hiring an attorney who specializes in family law can make a big difference in how your situation is resolved.
Sauls Law Group has the knowledge and skills that can ensure your interests are properly represented before the court. We can help you resolve high-conflict situations and protect your assets.
If you have additional questions, contact Sauls Law Group at (770) 212-9168 for a free consultation today.
