Family Law Attorneys in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta Family Lawyers

1776 Peachtree Road, NW
Suite 430N
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 383-7501

Family Law Practitioners in Atlanta, Georgia

Welcome to our family law practice situated in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia! Our skilled team of attorneys in our Atlanta family law branch is committed to delivering superior legal services spanning all facets of family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, and beyond.

If you’re grappling with a family law matter in Atlanta, Georgia, we are here for you. At The Law Offices of Charlotte Christian and Associates, we serve individuals and families, guiding them through the process and representing them in Atlanta family law cases. We provide compassionate and supportive legal advice, assisting families in understanding their options so they can take appropriate measures.

Reach out to our Atlanta family law team today for a confidential, no-commitment consultation. We can address your worries, plot the next steps, and examine the potential outcomes of your case. Our team is ready to respond to your queries and jump into action for you.

Get started by calling (404) 383-7501 or completing our online form right now.

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What Types of Cases Do Charlotte Christian & Associates Handle?

Family law is a branch of law practice addressing family-related issues, encompassing marriage, divorce, child-rearing, adoption, and custody. These cases are generally adjudicated in county civil courts.

Our firm handles a vast array of family law matters in Atlanta. Here are some of the issues we tackle:

Atlanta Divorce

When a marriage becomes unsustainable, and counseling or other alternatives prove unfruitful, divorce can be the optimal path. While divorce is not something one plans for, it sometimes becomes an inevitable choice. Our attorneys understand this and are committed to assisting our clients through this journey in an efficient and painless manner.

We manage uncontested, contested, no-fault, and fault-based divorces. We also represent clients during mediation sessions and in court when necessary, working tirelessly to ensure the court considers their narrative and needs during decision-making.

Atlanta High-Asset Divorce

In cases where a divorce involves substantial assets or debts, it escalates in complexity. Georgia law fairly distributes marital assets. Our attorneys are skilled in distinguishing which assets or debts are separate and communal property. We construct persuasive arguments to defend our client’s best interests in these situations.

We understand the significance of property distribution for your financial future and the emotional and sentimental connections to the family residence, cherished collections, and family heirlooms.

Child Custody in Atlanta

Whether it’s pursuing child custody in a disagreement or during a divorce, our team aids in safeguarding the child’s best interests by presenting evidence on behalf of our clients. We represent families in custody-related matters, including decision-making, visitation rights, child support, and more.

Recognizing these can be emotionally exhausting and stressful disputes, we aim, just as you do, for the best possible outcome for your child. We are familiar with the laws, the factors considered, and the typical decision-making trends among judges in Atlanta.

Divorce Modifications

At times, alterations to a previous court order may be necessary. As your children grow, their needs evolve. Changes in employment or residence might arise, or their extracurricular activities may require a modification in the visitation schedule. Perhaps your spousal support or child support payment necessitates adjustment.

Georgia family law judges understand this, and the court system provides a mechanism to petition for a revision of your current orders. The other party might agree (uncontested) or contest the petition. A judge’s approval is required for all divorce modifications.

Military Divorce in Atlanta

When one or both spouses are members of the U.S. military, courts must take into account distinct factors. Given Atlanta’s proximity to various military installations, it houses numerous U.S. Army soldiers and their families. Spouses in a military divorce can greatly benefit from an attorney experienced in such cases.

Alimony

Georgia law permits spousal support, commonly known as alimony. This is generally a temporary arrangement. We can request alimony on behalf of our clients for specific purposes and for a limited duration. This could include completing education, vocational training, job hunting, securing a new residence, or taking other steps necessitated by the divorce.

In some long-term marriages, we may seek extended alimony.

Atlanta Divorce for Professionals

When a party possesses a professional degree, they might wish to shield the associated earning power. Conversely, their spouse may have set aside their personal ambitions or financed their education. When professionals divorce, the court must evaluate numerous financial aspects not considered in regular cases. We ensure that our client’s voices are heard during their divorce proceedings.

Uncontested Divorces

Our Atlanta family law team aids spouses in navigating through an uncontested divorce. We ensure all paperwork is completed accurately and all applicable deadlines are met. Failure to do so can potentially lead to unnecessary delays in the process. Our team is committed to providing a smooth and efficient experience, helping you transition into the next phase of your life with as little stress as possible.

The Atlanta Divorce Process

The divorce process in Atlanta initiates when one party files a petition in family court. Georgia law provides individuals the option to file based on fault or on a no-fault ground:

Irreconcilable differences

Upon filing, the other party is served with the filing notice and has a stipulated time to respond. Occasionally, the parties might already have agreed upon how to divide assets, child custody arrangements, and other pertinent issues. Alternatively, they can collaborate to decide these matters. Mediation or negotiations through their attorneys may be required.

If the parties fail to reach an agreement, they can contest the divorce and proceed to court. This process is time-consuming. During this period, the judge frequently enacts one or more provisional court orders addressing child custody, support, and visitation.

Once the trial date arrives, the family court judge listens to the disputed issues and makes decisions on behalf of the couple. The court will only issue a divorce decree, parenting plan, and other court orders after all disputes have been settled.

Equitable Distribution of Property

Georgia law equitably distributes assets and debts between spouses. However, an equitable distribution doesn’t necessarily imply equal distribution. The court considers multiple factors such as each party’s employment, income, contributions to the household, and more.

This is frequently one of the most contested subjects in a divorce, particularly when there are substantial assets or debts, unique collections, or real estate in addition to the family home.

Child Custody in Georgia

Georgia law generally favors joint custody if it is feasible and serves the child’s best interests. The official policy promotes stable and meaningful relationships with both parents. When judges rule on matters related to custody and visitation, they encourage the parents to cooperate, share responsibilities, and communicate regarding their children’s best interests.

However, parents cannot always share equally in their children’s decision-making and physical custody. Consequently, the judge must evaluate numerous factors to determine the child’s best interests. Child support is heavily influenced by visitation and custody arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in Atlanta Family Law Cases

Our experienced family lawyers offer no-obligation evaluations for those with family law concerns in Atlanta. We’re here to address some of the most common questions we get from our prospective and current clients. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team if you have additional questions or need assistance tailored to your unique situation.

Does an Atlanta Divorce Require an Attorney?

Yes. The law can be too complicated for individuals to handle a divorce, child custody dispute, or modification of a previous order without legal counsel. That’s why many people consider working with a family law firm or consulting with an Atlanta family law attorney.

Even if a divorce appears to be straightforward, emotions can often cloud logical decision-making. Moreover, the outcomes of these proceedings can significantly impact your financial health, your children’s well-being, and many other aspects of your daily life. Therefore, we always recommend at least a consultation to determine if your case is more complex than it appears.

In a contested divorce involving children, we always advise securing legal representation. The stakes are simply too high to handle such a case alone.

Does Georgia Have a Waiting Period for Divorce?

Yes, Georgia does have a waiting period. There must be at least 30 days between the date of the initial complaint and the final hearing or decree. Other timelines and deadlines also apply in these cases. We can discuss what you can expect based on the specifics of your case during your no-obligation consultation.

What Is the Difference Between a Contested and an Uncontested Divorce?

In Georgia, divorces, modifications, and other court petitions are classified as either “contested” or “uncontested”. An uncontested petition means that the parties agree on all aspects of the divorce and the court doesn’t need to intervene on any issues. A contested petition, on the other hand, includes at least one disputed factor. In many cases, contested divorces contain several areas of disagreement.

Will My Atlanta Divorce Have to Go to Trial?

Like most civil cases, the majority of divorces in Atlanta are settled without the need for a trial. Instead, the parties often come to an agreement or attend mediation where they resolve any contested matters. Their attorneys then draft a document outlining these agreements.

A judge must approve any agreements, but a family law attorney can ensure they are appropriate and fair. Typically, the judge will not contest an agreement that meets these standards.

Of course, some divorces do go to trial, especially when significant issues prevent spouses from reaching an agreement. In these cases, the judge will hear arguments from each side, listen to witness testimonies, review evidence, and rule on any disputed matters. The court then issues a final decision and decree.

Can We Draw Up Our Own Child Custody Agreements?

Yes, in most cases, child custody and visitation schedules are settled outside of court. Parents often come to an agreement on decision-making, primary parental responsibilities, and when the child or children will spend time with the other parent. The courts in Atlanta, and throughout Georgia, typically accept these agreements.

However, it’s beneficial to have us draft and review your custody agreement to ensure your parental rights are fully protected.

In a divorce or child custody dispute, these agreements are incorporated into the court order approved by the judge to finalize the case. If you decide to modify them on your own after a previous agreement or court order, a Petition to Modify is advisable. This officially amends the earlier court order to include the new agreement.

Get an Evaluation and Learn How an Atlanta Family Attorney Can Help

We offer no-obligation evaluations for those with urgent family law concerns or questions about their options. We consult with individuals, couples, and families to ascertain how we can assist. We understand that many family law issues in Atlanta bring distress, anxiety, trepidation, and other intense emotions. Our empathetic team can provide you with answers during a confidential evaluation of your case.

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The Benefits of Working With an Experienced Atlanta Family Law Team

Experience has taught us that family law issues are often emotionally draining experiences stemming from loss. These experiences usually do not afford people the mental space to think and act logically and without potent emotions. That’s why it’s crucial to depend on a legal advocate who will care and passionately represent you during your time of need.

Our guiding principles of trust and excellence and our proven track record for surpassing expectations set us apart from our competitors. This is what fuels our vision of assisting families like yours to regain security, create a new life following a loss, and enjoy the bright future you worked for and deserve.

Counties Served

Atlanta, GA
Fulton County
Cobb County
Gwinnett County
DeKalb County
Clayton County
Cherokee County
Henry County
Douglas County
Carroll County
Coweta County
Fayette County
Hall County
Rockdale County
Paulding County
Newton County
Barrow County
Spalding County
Walton County
Bartow County
Forsyth County
Butts County
Meriwether County
Pike County
Lamar County
Monroe County
Jasper County
Pickens County
Haralson County
Morgan County
Polk County
Banks County
Heard County
Greene County
Gilmer County
Upson County
Talbot County