Deciding to end a marriage is one of the hardest choices a person can make, and the questions start right away. What happens to the house? How will time with the children work? How long will this take, and what will it cost? At Daniels & Taylor, P.C., our Lawrenceville divorce lawyers help you answer those questions clearly, so you can make decisions with a plan instead of fear.
We have served families in Lawrenceville and across Gwinnett County since 1990. Whether you and your spouse agree on most things or very little, we explain the process in plain language and prepare carefully.
Going through a divorce in Lawrenceville? Call (770) 285-1673 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation.
How Divorce Works in Georgia: A Step by Step Overview
Every case is different, but most Georgia divorces, including divorces for Lawrenceville families, follow the same general path. Knowing the steps ahead of time makes the process feel far less overwhelming.
- Filing. One spouse files a complaint for divorce that states the grounds and what that spouse is asking for, such as custody, support, or a division of property.
- Service. The other spouse is formally served with the papers, or signs an acknowledgment of service.
- Response and temporary matters. The other spouse has a set time to respond. If needed, either spouse can ask for temporary orders on issues like custody, support, or use of the home while the case is pending.
- Exchanging information. Both sides share financial information and documents. Formal requests for information are called discovery.
- Negotiation and mediation. Most divorces settle before trial. Many settle through direct negotiation or mediation, where a neutral mediator helps both sides work toward an agreement.
- Agreement or trial. If you reach a full agreement, it is written into a settlement agreement. If some issues remain unresolved, they are decided by the court or, where available, a jury.
- Final decree. The divorce is complete when the final judgment and decree is entered.
On the no fault ground (the marriage is irretrievably broken), the court cannot grant the divorce until at least 30 days after the other spouse is served.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Lawrenceville
An uncontested divorce is one where you and your spouse agree on every issue: property, debts, support, and, if you have children, custody and a parenting plan. It is usually the least expensive and least stressful path, and it often moves faster than a contested case.
A contested divorce is one where you disagree on some or all of the issues. Those issues are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or, if necessary, trial.
Some divorces that start out contested become uncontested once both spouses have the information they need. Our job is to help you get there when an agreement truly serves you, and to prepare for trial when it does not.
Issues a Georgia divorce may need to resolve
- Child custody and a parenting plan
- Child support
- Health insurance for the children
- Alimony
- Division of property and debts
- Attorney fees
How Property Is Divided in a Georgia Divorce
During a divorce in Georgia, separate property is typically retained by its original owner. Marital property is divided under the principle of equitable distribution, which means a division that is fair given the circumstances. It may or may not be an equal split.
For Lawrenceville families, the marital home, retirement accounts, business interests, and debts are often the largest pieces. We help you identify what is marital and what is separate, understand what each asset is worth, and build a proposal that protects your interests.
What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in Georgia?
In Georgia, each spouse, husband or wife, is entitled to an equitable share of the marital property. The law does not favor one spouse because of gender. What is fair depends on the facts of your marriage.
What to Bring to Your Free Case Evaluation
You do not need everything on this list to get started with our Lawrenceville team, but the more you bring, the more specific we can be about your options.
- A short timeline of the marriage: date of marriage, date of separation if you have separated, and the children’s names and ages
- Recent pay stubs and the last two or three years of tax returns, if available
- Statements for bank, retirement, and investment accounts
- Mortgage statements, deeds, and vehicle titles
- A list of debts, such as credit cards and loans
- Any existing court orders, agreements, or papers you have been served with
- Your questions. Write them down so nothing gets missed.
If you are worried about safety at home, tell us right away. We will talk with you about options to protect you and your children. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-33-HAVEN (1-800-334-2836).
Why Lawrenceville Families Choose Daniels & Taylor, P.C.
Close to home. Our office is in Lawrenceville, where clients can meet with us in person.
A team, not a single lawyer. Your case is handled by a team of family law attorneys and staff.
Straight answers. We will not sugarcoat our advice. We will tell you what you need to hear, even when it is not what you want to hear.
A plan for both paths. We work toward a fair settlement through negotiation or mediation while preparing for trial. If the case is not settled, we are ready to try it before a judge or jury.
Payment options. We offer payment plans through LawPay.
You can also learn more about our Lawrenceville office and the families we serve on our Lawrenceville, GA page.
Talk With a Lawrenceville Divorce Lawyer
You do not have to figure this out alone. Call Daniels & Taylor, P.C. at (770) 285-1673 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation with our Lawrenceville divorce team.
Need a Skilled Divorce Lawyer? Contact Us for Trusted Gwinnett County Representation
Our office is in Lawrenceville, and you can learn more about our Lawrenceville office and the families we serve.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Divorce in Georgia
How long does a divorce take in Georgia?
On the no fault ground, the court cannot grant the divorce until at least 30 days after the other spouse is served. An uncontested divorce often finishes sooner than a contested one, which can take several months or longer depending on the issues, discovery, and mediation.
How much does a divorce cost?
Cost depends mostly on how much you and your spouse agree on. An uncontested divorce generally costs far less than a contested one. Daniels & Taylor, P.C. opens cases with a retainer, bills against it with itemized monthly statements, and offers payment plans through LawPay.
Can I get a divorce without proving fault?
Yes. Georgia allows a no fault divorce on the ground that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Georgia also recognizes fault grounds, such as adultery, cruel treatment, and desertion, which can matter in some cases. We can help you understand which approach fits your situation.
How is property divided?
Georgia follows equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly, though not always equally, based on each spouse’s circumstances and contributions. We help protect your interests in the home, retirement accounts, business interests, and debts.