Georgia Family Law Questions, Answered

An uncontested divorce in Georgia can finalize in as little as 31 days after service. Contested custody or support matters typically take several months to over a year, depending on the county, the court's calendar and how much the parties dispute.

Not always. Many family law matters settle through negotiation or mediation. When settlement is not possible, we prepare every case as if it will be tried, which often produces better settlement offers.

Fees depend on the complexity and level of conflict in your case. We discuss fees transparently at your free consultation so you can make an informed decision before you commit to anything.

At least one spouse must have been a Georgia resident for six months immediately before filing. The divorce is typically filed in the county where the responding spouse lives.

No. Georgia follows equitable division, which means marital property is divided fairly — not necessarily equally. Courts consider each spouse's contributions, financial circumstances and future needs.

An uncontested divorce costs far less than a contested one. The biggest cost drivers are conflict and complexity. At your free consultation we give you a candid assessment of what your case is likely to involve.

At age 14, a child's selection of a primary physical custodian is generally controlling unless the court finds it is not in the child's best interests. Between ages 11 and 14, the court gives the child's preference serious consideration.

No. Georgia law is gender-neutral. Custody is decided on the best-interests factors, and fathers who are actively involved in their children's lives routinely win primary or shared custody.

Yes. If there has been a material change in circumstances affecting the child, either parent can petition to modify custody. Visitation schedules can generally be revisited once every two years even without a major change.

Georgia uses an income-shares model: both parents' gross incomes are combined, a presumptive support amount is set by statute, and the obligation is divided in proportion to each parent's share of income, with adjustments for insurance, childcare and parenting time.

You can file a contempt action. Courts can order wage garnishment, intercept tax refunds, suspend driver's and professional licenses, and in serious cases order jail time until payments are made.

Yes. A substantial change in either parent's income or the child's needs — or a change in custody — can justify a modification. Generally, a parent must wait two years between modification requests unless the change is involuntary, like a job loss.

No. For unmarried fathers, the birth certificate alone does not create custody or visitation rights. Only a legitimation order from the superior court gives you standing to request them.

No. Support and visitation are legally separate in Georgia. A parent cannot withhold court-ordered visitation because support is unpaid — and vice versa.

Uncontested legitimation can conclude in a few months. Contested cases take longer, especially when custody is disputed. Starting early matters — delays can be used to argue a father has not been involved.

When the other biological parent consents, a stepparent adoption can often be completed in three to six months. Contested terminations take longer because the court must find statutory grounds to end parental rights.

Usually yes — but consent can be excused if the parent has abandoned the child, failed to support or communicate with the child for a year or more, or is found unfit under Georgia law.

Stepparent and relative adoptions in Georgia often qualify for a streamlined investigation rather than a full home study. Private adoptions typically require more extensive evaluation. We will tell you upfront what your case requires.