Experienced Attorneys Handling All Aspects Of Divorce
Divorce is a challenging situation for everyone involved. In addition to the emotional and personal turmoil that accompany divorce, there are significant legal challenges. Although some people choose to represent themselves in their own divorce cases, this is not generally a wise decision, as there are numerous potential pitfalls and errors that you could make if you are not deeply familiar with the laws and procedures involved in the divorce process.
At Hotard & Hise, our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience representing clients in divorce and other legal areas. They have seen it all. Serving clients throughout northeast Georgia, our attorneys know the law, the procedures, and how to protect your rights and interests in divorce.
Comprehensive Service
Divorce is a complex legal area that involves numerous connected issues. Our lawyers handle all aspects of divorce, including:
- Division of assets: We can handle anything from the simplest uncontested divorce to the most complex high-asset divorce cases.
- Child custody and visitation: Our lawyers can help you develop a parenting plan that will protect your time with your child.
- Child support and spousal support: Whether you are the paying spouse or the spouse who is to receive support, our attorneys will protect your interests to make sure you get a fair outcome.
- Other divorce-related issues: We help clients with stepparent adoptions, parental rights, post-divorce modifications, paternity actions, and related matters.
- Mediation: We work with clients to find the most efficient, favorable outcome possible, whether in the mediation sessions or in the courtroom.
Although divorce can be complex and emotionally challenging, our attorneys bring experience and a deep commitment to helping you get through this efficiently and to seeking the best results possible.
When you work with Hotard & Hise, we make sure that you are the one in charge. You decide how aggressive we should approach your case. You decide what issues are the most important. We are here to serve you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce
Divorce, aside from being one of the more painful experiences you can have, is enormously stressful and confusing. Relying on their extensive experience, our lawyers answer questions our clients have about divorce, and they have provided some answers to common questions here.
How do I file for divorce in northeast Georgia ?
To file for divorce, you must meet the basic requirements for divorce in Georgia. The first of those requirements is the residency requirement, which is six months. This is only a requirement for you, not you and your spouse. From there, you must file all the necessary paperwork with your local county court, and all your necessary divorce agreements. However it is those divorce agreements which are going to be the most difficult to secure.
A divorce, from beginning to end between filing, discovery, trial and temporary orders of all types can take between a few months and years, depending on the amount of disagreements between the sides.
What’s the difference between an uncontested and contested divorce in Georgia?
An uncontested divorce is one in which both sides agree to all the details of the dissolution agreement, from property division to alimony to child custody and support. If there are no points of contention, then the divorce is uncontested. However, if there is any disagreement, that divorce is contested, and all points may go before the judge for resolution. Typically, an uncontested divorce is a no-fault divorce because both sides agree with the reason for the marriage. Most divorces are filed as a no-fault divorce; though there are reasons to pursue a fault divorce, doing so makes the divorce process much more challenging.
How are child custody and visitation decided in a Georgia divorce?
If the parents do not make a concerted agreement before court, then the judge will decide based on what is in the child’s best interests. This could include looking at their health, both physical and mental, and the opportunities of which parent’s custody makes the most sense. The state will try to build a shared custody situation, both legal and physical, but if that’s not possible for safety reasons, the court will create a visitation plan.
However, if you come to court with a pre-agreed upon plan that respects the law and the best interests of the child, then the court will sign off on it, in most cases.
Contact Hotard & Hise
Clients across northeast Georgia have trusted our legal team’s counsel and representation for many years. Call us at 706-925-0797 or email us to learn more in an initial consultation.