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You’ve Decided to File for Divorce in Georgia: What Next?


If you have decided that getting a divorce is the best option for you, what you do next can determine the length, cost, and emotional and physical toll your divorce takes on you and your family. Although divorce is a lengthy and often stressful process, taking the right steps immediately after your decision can make a world of difference.

Hire a good divorce lawyer.

Hiring a divorce attorney that will stand by your side and keep you informed and up to date on your case is extremely important. The attorney you choose will be with you for the entirety of your divorce, so hiring someone that is compassionate, knowledgeable, experienced, and specializes in divorce can take away some of the normal stress that comes with a typical divorce.

Get organized.

A lot of factors in your divorce will depend on the type of divorce you’re getting. Is the divorce amicable? Do you and your spouse agree on most of what will be divided between both of you? Do you have minor children? Has one of you already moved to another state? If your divorce ends up being contested, the process will most likely be more extensive and require a closer look into things like finances, child support, alimony, and child custody. If your divorce goes to court, you might be required to take part in a “discovery phase,” which is the process of gathering evidence pre-trial. Evidence includes but is not limited to testimony, financial records, phone records, pictures, and recordings. Getting organized also means making copies of important documents like tax returns, social security statements, and bank statements. If you or your spouse own a business, it’s important to gather information about the finances of the business.

Budget with your future in mind.

Things like child support and alimony should be factored into any budget you have, if applicable. In Georgia, child support is calculated using the “Income Shares Model.” The Income Shares Model estimates the total amount that parents would spend on a child in an intact family unit, then splits the amount proportionately according to both parents’ incomes. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

You are not meant to go through your divorce alone, no matter how isolating the process might feel. Having friends, family, and co-workers by your side during this difficult time is vital, and asking for help, whether in the form of childcare, time off from work, or help with things like finances is important. Most of the time, the people in your circle want to help more than you think.

The attorneys at Brown & Dutton Law Firm are here for you and want you to feel comfortable and informed throughout your divorce proceedings. If you have questions, don’t know where to start, or are unsure of your circumstances, call today to schedule a consultation with Jenni Brown, Lance Dutton, or Tracy Crider. We’d be honored to stand by your side.