Dealing with family issues can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly when legalities are involved that make problems more complex. While many people believe family attorneys only handle divorce and child custody issues, in reality, they do much, much more.
Did you know that a family lawyer handles anything that has to do with families? That’s right! Family law attorneys work with a wide range of clients, including vulnerable individuals like the elderly, children, and victims of spousal abuse and may engage in any of the following:
- Negotiating complex claims to settle for alternative dispute resolution methods
- Reviewing court documents, as well as drafting court documents, including pleadings, motions, and witness statements
- Representing an individual in court when you cannot reach a settlement
- Effectively managing family situations that are often emotionally unpredictable
- Finding, securing, and evaluating evidence that can prove beneficial to the client
- Researching past cases that may have a bearing on a current client’s case
- Providing liaison services with other professionals involved in the case, including police officers, social workers, doctors, and psychologists
Family lawyers may provide one or more of these services to clients:
- Adoption services
- Foster care issues
- Divorce
- Asset division
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Paternity issues (confirmation of the identity of a child’s biological father)
- Child Custody
- Emancipation (a process through which a minor becomes self-supporting and is no longer under the care of their parents or guardian)
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Child support
- Domestic violence
- Same-sex divorce
Laws related to families differ significantly from state to state. As such, it is important to choose an experienced family law attorney with extensive knowledge of Georgia laws.
One example is divorce laws. Did you know that divorce laws have different requirements in each state? There are often differing requirements for the amount of time you must have lived in the state before filing for divorce, as well as specific requirements regarding the actual process for filing for divorce. Most states now allow filing for divorce under no-fault “grounds.” This means the divorce was neither spouse’s fault. Rather the marriage has been irretrievably broken.
The state of Georgia allows no-fault divorce as well as filing under the following “faults”:
- Adultery
- Desertion
- Mental incapacity at the time of marriage
- Marriage between people too closely related
- Impotence at the time of the marriage
- Force or fraud in obtaining the marriage
- Conviction and imprisonment for a criminal offense
- Cruel treatment—mental or physical
- Habitual intoxication
- Mental illness
Each state also determines whether divorces fall under community property law or equitable division when determining the division of assets. Georgia operates under equitable division, meaning that courts divide marital assets fairly, although not always equally.
Why Should You Hire an Atlanta Family Law Attorney?
An Atlanta family lawyer can offer a fair, impartial view of family issues, helping you make decisions that are good for you and your family members. Your family law attorney is not emotionally invested in the case. Therefore, they can exercise sound judgment throughout the process. Consulting a family lawyer before making future decisions can ensure you do not take steps you might later regret.
Any family law issue involves loads of paperwork. However, when you hire an Atlanta family law attorney, you won’t have to handle this complex legal paperwork on your own. Because Atlanta family lawyers file similar paperwork virtually every day, they understand the forms required. When you fill out a document or file one incorrectly, the judge could potentially exclude it from your case. Your family law attorney will ensure this never happens.
There are specific statutes of limitations (windows of time) for most all legal issues. Your family law attorney will know these time limits, ensuring none are exceeded.
An Atlanta family lawyer can also help you prepare for the future through a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, implementing the best strategies available to keep your finances safe in the event of a divorce.
If you have an Atlanta family law issue, speaking to an experienced family law attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Contact Our Atlanta Family Law Attorneys
At Hobson & Hobson, P.C., our Atlanta family law attorneys know how to guide you through some of life’s most challenging moments. From divorce to adoption, we can be with you every step of the way. Our attorneys can meet with you to discuss your family issues and set up a plan to protect and safeguard your future.
Call us today at (770) 284-6153 or fill out our confidential contact form. We can set up a consultation so that you can review all your legal options.
Attorney Sarah Hobson at Hobson and Hobson, P.C. are powerful advocates for those who fight for better futures for those going through divorce and custody law matters.
