Family Law Firm in Lawrenceville, GA Provides Effective Guidance

Gwinnett County family law attorneys handle domestic legal concerns

Contested divorces and custody conflicts can seem overwhelming. At the Lawrenceville law office of Margaret Gettle Washburn, P.C. our experienced attorneys and legal staff take great pride in helping Georgia residents overcome tough challenges and achieve successful in domestic cases. Drawing on decades of combined legal experience, we deliver exceptional advice and advocacy in cases relating to marriage dissolution, parenting, financial support and allegations of juvenile delinquency.

Dedicated advocates offer sound counsel during emotional conflicts

Each member of our team has firsthand knowledge of the stress that accompanies divorce and other domestic legal concerns. We strive to relieve the immediate burden while taking steps to secure effective, long-term solutions. You will be treated with the utmost compassion and respect at all times and will receive clear, complete responses to all of your family law questions.

We handle your Georgia family law matters

Throughout northeast Georgia, or firm helps clients take on all types of family law challenges, including matters associated with:

• Divorce — Ending a marriage is not pleasant, but our knowledgeable attorneys can steer you through the divorce process and safeguard your interests in discussions over parenting and financial terms.

• Child custody and visitation — Divorce can be very difficult on young people, but we look for creative ways to meet the needs of our clients, as well as their sons and daughters. Our personal approach to child custody and visitation issues gives us the ability to pursue a resolution that is truly in the best interests of your children.
• Child support — Whether you’re entitled to child support or being asked to provide it, we will advise you of the relevant standards and strive to establish a fair rate given your particular circumstances. You can also turn to us for assistance with modification and enforcement proceedings.
• Juvenile delinquency and dependency proceedings — In matters before the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, we advocate for resolutions that encourage accountability and growth rather than punishing past transgressions. If you’re at risk of losing your parental rights in a dependency proceeding or know a child whom you believe is under threat in their current home, we can help. 
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements —A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can be critical in maintaining financial security, but they must meet certain requirements to be enforceable. No matter what assets are at stake, we can guide you and your partner toward a fair, straightforward agreement.

Don’t hesitate to speak with a seasoned Gwinnett County family law attorney to gain an informed perspective on your legal options. Waiting too long could be costly to you and those who are closest to you.

How to file for divorce in Georgia

The marriage dissolution process in Georgia begins when one spouse files a Complaint for Divorce with the court and has it served upon their spouse. Either you or your spouse must have lived in the county of filing for at least six months. In the Complaint, you must state a ground for the divorce. Many people choose to file based on the fact that the marital relationship is irretrievably broken (known as no fault), but you can also seek to end the marriage by alleging one of 12 fault-based grounds. Even if the divorce is uncontested, you must file a Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit. This is meant to ensure that accurate information is used to reach a resolution on property division, alimony and child support. Our firm can also prepare a parenting time plan for submission to the court.   

When will child custody be decided in Georgia?

Georgia judges are required to make decisions on legal and physical child custody arrangements based on what is in the youth’s best interests. Usually, this means frequent, meaningful contact with each parent regardless of the child’s primary residence. There are typically two points where the court issues an order addressing custody and visitation. First, a hearing is held to determine temporary terms that are intended to last while the divorce proceeding is pending. As part of the marriage dissolution, the court issues an order to address custody going forward. The details might be similar to the temporary order, or they could be changed based on the judge’s full review of the relevant factors.

Contact a dedicated Gwinnett County family law attorney for a consultation    

Margaret Gettle Washburn, P.C. in Lawrenceville handles a wide range of family law concerns for Georgia residents, including divorces and child custody disputes. For a consultation with an accomplished attorney, please call or contact us online.