Seeking A Less Adversarial Divorce?
Understanding your options in divorce puts you in control of the outcome. There are uniform codes and laws that regulate divorce procedures in Georgia, yet if you put 25 divorced couples in a room together, each of them probably would have a distinctly different story to share about what their divorce experience was like. There are a number of reasons for this, including the distinctive personalities of both spouses, as well as the approach and personalities of the lawyers involved.
At Hedden Law in Cumming, Georgia, I strive to help every client navigate divorce and all that comes with it with a minimal amount of stress. I provide highly personalized legal counsel by investing significant time upfront to learn each individual's values, objectives and priorities.
I cut through the clutter of legalese to provide clear and comprehensive explanations of each client's options. Only once you are presented with the full array of solutions and possible outcomes can you make a wise choice. After all, it's called an "educated decision" for a reason.
What You Need To Know
The divorce process is about so much more than the law. Eighty percent of it is psychological and emotional. How your divorce will proceed and where you land once everything is completed will depend in large part on your frame of mind as you enter the process. In essence, there are four different methods of navigating through a divorce:
- Uncontested divorce — If both parties in a divorce agree or are near agreement regarding the main issues that must be decided (custody and parenting plans, spousal and child support, property division and other matters), an uncontested divorce is the most affordable means of divorce and the least taxing emotionally.
- Mediation — If you and your partner are near agreement on the issues but have reached a standstill, it may make sense to use a neutral mediator who will work with both of you to help you reach agreement. I am a certified civil and domestic mediator in the state of Georgia. I am registered with the Georgia Office on Dispute Resolution, the 9th Judicial Administrative District Office of Dispute Resolution and the Cobb County Superior Court Alternative Dispute Resolution program.
- Collaborative law — In the collaborative process, each party retains his or her own legal counsel, yet still works to reach agreement outside of court. Negotiation sessions may include third-party specialists such as financial advisers and family counselors. The ultimate objective is to transition into an uncontested divorce. If the parties cannot reach agreement through the collaborative process and decide to litigate, the attorneys who worked with them in the collaborative phase cannot represent them in litigation. Litigation — If the parties are unable to reach agreement through negotiation or mediation, decisions will be made by a superior court judge in the county in which you live. This is generally the most expensive and time-consuming means of divorce, but sometimes it is necessary to protect your interests.
You may be able to accomplish everything using one method or employ a combination of two or more methods. If you face divorce in Forsyth County or any North Georgia counties, I invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your options.