Barrow County Contested Divorce Attorneys

Helping Clients in Barrow, Jackson & Gwinnett Counties

When a couple decides to end their marriage, they must go through the divorce process. In Georgia, a divorce can be either contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce is one in which the parties agree on all the terms of the divorce, including property division, child custody, and child support. A contested divorce is one in which the parties cannot agree on one or more of these terms. Contested divorces are more complex and can take longer to resolve.

At Mitchell & Crunk, our Winder contested divorce lawyers have extensive experience handling these types of cases. We understand the challenges you are facing and are here to help you navigate the process. Our team is committed to providing you with the personalized legal solutions you need and the supportive guidance you deserve.

Call our office today at (678) 701-6252 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our contested divorce attorneys in Barrow County.

What Is the Contested Divorce Process in Georgia?

When a couple cannot agree on the terms of their divorce, they must go through the contested divorce process. This process is more complex and can take longer to resolve than an uncontested divorce. However, with the help of an experienced contested divorce attorney in Winder, you can navigate the process and work toward a favorable resolution.

The contested divorce process in Georgia typically involves the following steps:

• Filing the divorce petition: The first step in the contested divorce process is for one spouse to file a divorce petition with the court. This petition must be filed in the county where the couple last lived together. The petition must state the grounds for divorce, which can be either fault-based or no-fault. In a no-fault divorce, the couple must state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. In a fault-based divorce, one spouse must prove that the other spouse is at fault for the end of the marriage. The grounds for a fault-based divorce in Georgia include adultery, desertion, mental or physical abuse, and drug or alcohol addiction.
• Serving the divorce papers: After the divorce petition is filed, the other spouse must be served with the divorce papers. This means that the papers must be delivered to the spouse in person. If the spouse cannot be located, the papers can be served by publication in a newspaper.
• Filing a response: After being served with the divorce papers, the other spouse has 30 days to file a response with the court. The response must state whether the spouse agrees or disagrees with the terms of the divorce. If the spouse disagrees with the terms, the divorce is considered contested.
• Discovery: During the discovery phase, both spouses will gather information about the other spouse’s finances and assets. This information will be used to determine how the couple’s property will be divided in the divorce.
• Negotiations: After the discovery phase is complete, the spouses will attempt to negotiate a settlement agreement. This is a written agreement that outlines the terms of the divorce, including property division, child custody, and child support. If the spouses can agree on the terms, the divorce is considered uncontested. If they cannot agree, the divorce remains contested.
• Mediation: If the spouses cannot agree on the terms of the divorce, they may be required to attend mediation. During mediation, a neutral third party will help the spouses work through their differences and reach an agreement. If the spouses can agree on the terms, the divorce is considered uncontested. If they cannot agree, the divorce remains contested.
• Divorce trial: If the spouses cannot agree on the terms of the divorce, the case will go to trial. At the trial, the judge will hear evidence from both sides and make a decision on the terms of the divorce. The judge’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.
• Finalizing the divorce: After the judge makes a decision, the divorce can be finalized. The judge will issue a final divorce decree that outlines the terms of the divorce. The divorce is not final until this decree is issued.

At Mitchell & Crunk, our Winder contested divorce attorneys can guide you through each step of the process. We will work to protect your rights and help you achieve your goals.

How to Prepare for a Contested Divorce

Going through a contested divorce can be stressful and overwhelming. However, with the help of an experienced contested divorce attorney in Winder, you can navigate the process and work toward a favorable resolution. At Mitchell & Crunk, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a contested divorce:

• Understand the process: The first step in preparing for a contested divorce is to understand the process. You should know what to expect and how long the process may take. This will help you prepare for what is to come.
• Get your finances in order: During a contested divorce, both spouses will be required to disclose their financial information. You should gather all the necessary documents, including tax returns, bank statements, and pay stubs. This will help you prepare for the financial aspects of your divorce.
• Make a list of your assets and debts: You should also make a list of all your assets and debts. This will help you determine what property is considered marital property and what property is considered separate property. It will also help you determine how your property should be divided in the divorce.
• Consider your goals: Before going through a contested divorce, you should consider your goals. What do you want to achieve in the divorce? What is most important to you? This will help you determine what terms you are willing to negotiate on and what terms you are not.
• Get legal representation: One of the most important steps in preparing for a contested divorce is to get legal representation. An experienced contested divorce attorney in Winder can help you understand your rights and options and guide you through the process. They can also help you prepare for what is to come and work to protect your rights.

At Mitchell & Crunk, our Winder contested divorce lawyers can help you prepare for your case. We will work to protect your rights and help you achieve your goals.

What Are My Rights in a Contested Divorce?

When you go through a contested divorce, you have certain rights. These rights are designed to protect you and ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the process. However, it is important to understand that you also have certain responsibilities. If you fail to meet these responsibilities, you could lose some of your rights.

Some of your rights in a contested divorce in Georgia include:

• The right to be treated fairly by the court
• The right to have your case heard by a judge
• The right to present evidence to support your case
• The right to cross-examine witnesses
• The right to appeal the judge’s decision

Some of your responsibilities in a contested divorce in Georgia include:

• The responsibility to disclose your financial information
• The responsibility to follow all court orders
• The responsibility to attend all court hearings
• The responsibility to pay child support or alimony as ordered

At Mitchell & Crunk, our Winder contested divorce attorneys can help you understand your rights and responsibilities. We will work to protect your rights and help you achieve your goals.

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Georgia?

The length of a contested divorce in Georgia can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of the case. In general, the more complex the case, the longer it will take to resolve.

Some of the factors that can affect the length of a contested divorce in Georgia include:

• The complexity of the issues involved
• The number of issues that are in dispute
• Whether the case goes to trial
• The length of the trial
• The judge’s schedule

At Mitchell & Crunk, our Winder contested divorce lawyers understand that you want to resolve your case as quickly as possible. We will work to keep your case moving forward and help you achieve a timely resolution.

How Can a Contested Divorce Attorney in Winder Help Me?

Going through a contested divorce can be stressful and overwhelming. However, with the help of an experienced contested divorce attorney in Winder, you can navigate the process and work toward a favorable resolution. At Mitchell & Crunk, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Some of the ways our Winder contested divorce lawyers can help you include:

• Helping you understand your rights and options
• Helping you prepare for what is to come
• Helping you gather the necessary evidence to support your case
• Helping you negotiate a settlement agreement
• Helping you prepare for mediation
• Helping you prepare for trial
• Helping you appeal the judge’s decision, if necessary

At Mitchell & Crunk, our Winder contested divorce attorneys can guide you through each step of the process. We will work to protect your rights and help you achieve your goals.

Call our office today at (678) 701-6252 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our contested divorce attorneys in Barrow County.