How Divorce Works in Paulding County, GA: Filing, Timeline, and What to Expect
Divorce is difficult, costly, and time-consuming regardless of your assets or financial standing. No doubt, divorce can change your life financially and emotionally. Understanding how divorce works in Paulding County, GA, can have a significant impact on the outcome. Financial planning can protect the financial support you and any children need. Georgia divorce laws operate under equitable distribution rules, meaning that the goal is to divide assets fairly.
Depending on your situation and whether you are requesting child and/or spousal support, an uncontested divorce takes a few months to finalize. When a divorce is contested, it takes considerably longer. If a settlement is reached in mediation, the time is shorter than if the case goes to court. Divorce itself is complicated, as is planning for your financial future. Consider hiring a local divorce lawyer in Dallas for legal guidance and experienced representation.
The Basic Steps for Filing for Divorce in Paulding County, GA
Divorce in Paulding County, GA, is governed by Georgia state divorce laws. You can file for divorce in Paulding County when at least one spouse has lived in the county for at least six months. The next steps are:
- You must designate the grounds for the divorce, or you can state irreconcilable differences.
- Next, you file for divorce on your own or hire a qualified divorce attorney.
- You need to file forms at the Paulding County and pay the filing fees.
- If you hire an attorney, they can manage serving your spouse, or you can manage it.
- Your spouse can file forms to contest the divorce.
- Be sure to file for spousal and child support if needed.
- During the divorce process, you need to submit accurate financial records and asset information.
- Property is then divided, and childcare plans and/or child support settlements are finalized.
In most cases, divorce settlements can be created during mediation. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, then the divorce goes to court.
Georgia Divorce Laws & Getting the Support You Need
As a state, Georgia has a lower-than-average divorce rate of 2.2 per 1000 people, as reported by the CDC. Despite the low incidence overall, divorce can be a problem for spouses who have stayed home to raise children rather than pursue a professional career. If you are a stay-at-home spouse facing divorce, you may need to apply for permanent and temporary spousal support.
A judge can award temporary spousal support to provide financial support during the divorce process. Permanent spousal support, alimony, is awarded when the divorce is final. A Paulding County judge considers the following factors when awarding spousal support:
- The length of the marriage.
- Age and physical health of each spouse.
- The financial resources available to each spouse
- The education or job training needed to improve employability
- Any other factors, like proof of abuse or infidelity
Finally, if children are involved, you may need to file for child support if you are the custodial parent.
Why Hire a Divorce Lawyer?
Hiring a divorce lawyer provides legal guidance, an experienced negotiator, and a support system during the long divorce process. If negotiations fail, an experienced divorce lawyer from Dallas can take your case to court when necessary to pursue a better result. Divorce is never easy, but if you have children or need financial support to survive, your better option is to hire a divorce lawyer.
Consider a divorce lawyer from the Young Law Firm, LLC. Our legal team can represent you with compassion and leverage our four decades of experience with Georgia law. We offer a free initial 30-minute consultation and accept all major credit cards. Get the legal help you need for a better post-divorce outcome.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Finalize a Contested Divorce in Paulding County, Georgia?
The time it takes to finalize a contested divorce in Paulding County, Georgia, depends on the complexity of the divorce case and whether the spouses can reach a settlement during mediation for dividing property fairly. The process can take longer if a divorcing couple fails to provide accurate financial and asset records or to create a parenting plan for child support. Additional time may be required for a judge to determine whether spousal support is warranted.
Do You Have to Be Separated First Before Getting Divorced in Paulding County, Georgia?
No, neither Paulding County nor Georgia State Law requires a couple to be separated before filing for divorce. Georgia divorce laws require only six months of county residency, or slightly longer for military personnel. A divorce case must be filed through a divorce lawyer’s office or with the Paulding County Clerk of Superior Court located at 240 Constitution Boulevard in Dallas.
How Can I Get a Quick Divorce in Paulding County, Georgia?
You can get a quicker divorce in Paulding County, Georgia, if you file for divorce and your spouse does not contest it. An uncontested divorce may take several months, but the timeline is much faster as reaching a settlement is simpler when the divorce is uncontested. However, be cautious, a spouse can file their own forms and attempt to prove adultery or desertion in order not to have to pay child or spousal support.
What Are Common Mistakes Made During a Georgia Divorce?
Common mistakes made in a Georgia divorce include attempting to hide financial assets, using children as leverage during property division, and failing to get an experienced Dallas family lawyer who understands Georgia’s divorce laws, court fees, and filing processes. When your future is on the line in a divorce, give yourself a better chance by consulting with and hiring a local divorce lawyer familiar with Georgia divorce laws.
Why Choose Us for Your Divorce in Paulding County, GA?
Simply put, at Young Law Firm, LLC, we are passionate about Georgia and our clients. Divorce attorney Diana Whipkey Young provides dedicated legal guidance along with over 40 years of experience with Georgia law in and around Paulding County. Diana creates a unique case strategy for every client. Contact us today, or call 770-758-8162 to get started.
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