Once a spouse makes the decision to file for divorce, he/she should take steps in preparation for this life-altering event, which may turn out to be a long and drawn-out process. Below are the steps, generally, that a spouse should take prior to filing for divorce....
In Georgia, the minimum waiting period for the granting of a divorce is thirty-one (31) days after the other party has been served or an acknowledgment of service has been filed with the court. By filing an acknowledgment of service with the court, the other party...
Many Georgia counties require mediation. It is not uncommon for parties to divorce actions in Georgia to be contacted soon after the filing of an answer in a case to schedule mediation. Many courts require the parties to participate in mediation prior to having a...
All states now offer some form of no-fault divorce. In 1973, Georgia adopted its version, a 13th ground for divorce that does not require a showing of fault: "The marriage is irretrievably broken." For this basis of divorce, parties do not have to complain of the...
Under Rule 24.8 of the Uniform Superior Court Rules for Georgia, superior courts may require parents who are parties to domestic relations cases with minor children to complete a parenting seminar. The purpose of the seminar is to educate parents on the effects of...
In these current times, health insurance coverage has become a major concern for most individuals. For couples, one of the greatest benefits of marriage is the family coverage provided by one or both spouses' health insurance. Spouses considering divorce often...
Legitimation is the process by which unwed fathers establish a legal relationship with their child. It is much more significant than the establishment of paternity, which is simply the legal identification of the biological father of the child. Legitimation enables...
After a final judgment and decree of divorce that establishes child support has been entered, ex-spouses may wonder if they are allowed to establish their own private agreements outside of court modifying the child support obligation. Under Georgia law, such private...
Parents who pay a lump sum child support payment for multiple children may wonder if child support is automatically reduced when one of the children turns 18 and has graduated high school. Under Georgia law, there is no automatic reduction in child support due to one...
Sometimes ex-spouses want to move out of state after a divorce for reasons such as better job opportunities, being close to family, or to live with a new spouse. Issues often arise when the ex-spouse who seeks to move out of state is the primary physical custodian of...