Divorce cases can be challenging and have a significant impact on all family members. Even when both parties agree to a divorce, there may be many issues that need resolving. Therefore, it is crucial to hire the best divorce lawyer you can find.
A divorce Lawyer in Dublin, GA can help you navigate the divorce process, including custody and alimony. They can provide you with options to make informed decisions about your family’s future.
It is also essential to have someone who can fight for your rights, as without proper representation, this can be difficult.
It is crucial to research and carefully select a divorce lawyer, as the wrong choice can put you at a disadvantage. Analyzing the attorney’s track record of handling previous cases can help you make an informed decision.
What Are the Common Grounds for Seeking Divorce and Can Divorce Attorneys Dublin GA Help?
Georgia law provides various grounds for divorce. Although no one imagines ending a marriage when getting married, certain circumstances can lead to divorce under family law.
Adultery
If a spouse is found to have committed adultery, it can be used as grounds for divorce in Georgia. However, it is important to have proof of the adultery before proceeding with a divorce case. An experienced divorce attorney can help you gather evidence and advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation.
Domestic Violence
If your spouse is physically or verbally abusive towards you or your children, you may seek a divorce on those grounds. Your attorney can assist you in finding a safe place to stay during the various legal separation proceedings. It is crucial to have evidence to support your claims, as unsupported allegations may not hold up in court.
Permanent Mental Incapacitation
If your spouse is a habitual drunkard and/or drug addict, you can seek a divorce in Georgia. The court will require proof of their addiction, so you need to gather evidence such as medical records or witness statements. Your divorce attorney can help you present your case to the court and argue why a divorce is necessary.
Drug Addiction
If you believe that your spouse’s drug use is impacting your marriage and family life, you should discuss the situation with an experienced divorce attorney. They can help you gather evidence and build a strong case for divorce.
Child Custody and What Divorce Lawyer Dublin Can Do for You
Custody can be determined outside of court if both parents agree, but if not, a custody case may need to be taken to court. There are two types of custody that the court has to decide on, these are:
Legal Custody
Legal custody refers to the legal authority given to a parent or parents to make decisions regarding a child’s life. This includes education, religion, health, and activities. It can be given solely to one parent or both parents equally.
In cases of joint custody, the court may designate one parent to have the final say on certain matters to avoid disputes that may negatively impact the child. For example, one parent may have the final say on education while the other has the final say on health matters.
Physical Custody
Physical custody refers to which parent the child lives with on a day-to-day basis. It is not always awarded to the parent with legal custody. The decision is based on what is in the best interest of the child, taking into consideration factors such as the child’s safety, well-being, and relationship with both parents.
In Georgia, children who are 11 years or older may express their preference, but the final decision is still up to the judge. Visitation rights for the non-custodial parent are also discussed during custody negotiations.
What Factors Determine Custody?
In determining custody, the court’s main focus is on the best interest of the child. This means that the decision made should not only benefit the parents but also prioritize the welfare of the child.
In some cases, the court may appoint a custody evaluator to assist in mediation and making the decision. The evaluator examines both parents and their environments to determine what is best for the child.
However, the judge has the final say and may choose not to follow the evaluator’s recommendations.
The following are some of the things that the judge looks at when determining the best interest:
- The child’s best interest, is the top priority.
- The physical and emotional environment of both parents’ homes.
- Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s basic needs such as shelter, clothing, medical care, and food.
- The physical and mental health of each parent.
- The involvement of each parent in the child’s life, such as school involvement.
- Each parent’s ability to spend time with the child and establish a positive relationship.
- Previous criminal record or history of drug and alcohol abuse by either parent.
Having a comprehensive parenting plan is crucial in determining custody. It outlines the responsibilities and duties of each parent, how they plan on dividing the child’s time, and who has decision-making power.
The judge may use the parenting plan as a basis for determining custody. It is important to have a well-written plan that accurately reflects the best interests of the child, and a good divorce attorney can help draft one that meets your needs.
How Does the Court Determine Alimony?
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a payment made by one spouse to the other to provide financial support during and after a divorce. It is not exclusively for wives and can also be paid to husbands.
The purpose of alimony is to ensure fairness by providing support to the spouse who earns less or has no income, enabling them to establish their financial independence after the divorce. The following are some of the considerations when determining who will get alimony:
- The earnings of each spouse, their assets, and debts.
- The age, health, and emotional state of either spouse.
- The contributions that each spouse has had to the marriage and family in general.
- How long the marriage last.
Alimony is a form of payment that a spouse pays to the other for a specified period, either temporarily or permanently. Temporary alimony is paid for a set duration, usually in monthly payments, while permanent alimony is rarely awarded by judges since they expect spouses to be self-sufficient.
However, permanent alimony may be awarded if the receiving spouse is unable to support themselves due to factors such as old age, illness, or lack of qualifications.
Couples can also negotiate the amount and duration of alimony on their own, but it’s recommended to have a lawyer represent their interests and negotiate a fair package.
Why Do You Need a Dublin Divorce Attorney to Help with Your Divorce?
Reduced Stress Levels
Having a divorce attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. They have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the entire process, ensuring that you have all the necessary paperwork and documents.
They also handle the communication and negotiations with your spouse’s attorney and represent your interests in court. With a divorce attorney by your side, you can focus on rebuilding your life and moving forward with less stress and uncertainty.
To ensure a Desirable Outcome
Having a skilled divorce attorney by your side can make all the difference in your case, especially when it comes to complex matters such as child custody and property division.
An experienced lawyer can provide valuable legal assistance and advice, navigate the legal system, negotiate on your behalf, and fight for your rights in court.
This can give you peace of mind and increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your divorce case. So, it is essential to choose a divorce lawyer who understands your needs and is committed to achieving your goals.
Giving Advice and Direction
Having an experienced divorce attorney by your side can be extremely beneficial, especially if it is your first time going through a divorce. A divorce attorney can guide you through the process and ensure that you have a clear understanding of what is required legally.
They can also help you avoid any mistakes that could have negative consequences for your case. Additionally, they can provide advice on how to conduct yourself during any court proceedings and represent you in any legal matters.
With their expertise, you can have peace of mind and confidence that your interests are being protected.
Fear of Domestic Violence
An experienced attorney can help protect you and your children from an abusive spouse during the divorce process. They can assist in obtaining a restraining order, arranging for a safe place to stay, and seeking justice for any harm or suffering caused during the marriage.
It’s important to have a knowledgeable and supportive legal professional by your side in such a difficult and often emotionally traumatic situation.
Call Joe Durham P.C for a Consultation on Your Case and a Plan for the Way Forward
At Joe Durham P.C., we have a team of experienced divorce attorneys who are ready to help you through this challenging time. We understand that divorce is never easy, but we are here to guide you through the process and help you make the best decisions for your future.
Contact us today at 229-210-6226 to schedule a consultation and let us start working on your case.
