Scot Sikes is an experienced Columbus Georgia divorce lawyer

Filing for Divorce in GA? Call a highly-rated Columbus Georgia divorce lawyer today

Columbus, GA Divorce Lawyer: Expert Guidance Through Challenging Times

Are you facing the difficult decision of divorce in Columbus, GA, or at Fort Moore – Fort Benning? Navigating the complexities of divorce proceedings requires expert legal guidance to protect your rights and secure a favorable outcome. Scot Sikes, an experienced divorce lawyer in Columbus, GA is dedicated to providing compassionate support and professional representation throughout the divorce process. This article explores the essential role of a divorce lawyer and how our firm can assist you during this challenging time.

I. Understanding Divorce Law in Georgia – Divorce laws in Georgia can be intricate and vary depending on the circumstances. It is crucial to have a knowledgeable divorce lawyer by your side to guide you through the legal process. In this section, we will provide an overview of divorce laws in Georgia, ensuring you understand your rights and obligations.

Columbus, GA Family Lawyer | The Law Offices of Scot Sikes

1. Grounds for Divorce in Georgia

   • Georgia recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce.
   • No-fault divorce can be granted on the basis of irreconcilable differences or the breakdown of the marriage.
   • Fault-based divorce may be sought due to adultery, desertion, cruelty, or other grounds specified by the law.

2. Property Division

   • Georgia follows equitable distribution principles when dividing marital property.
   • The court considers various factors, such as the duration of the marriage, financial contributions, and the needs of each spouse, to determine a fair division of assets and liabilities.

3. Child Custody and Support

   • In cases involving minor children, the court prioritizes the best interests of the child when determining custody and visitation arrangements.
   • Child support is calculated based on the income of both parents and the needs of the child, ensuring the child’s financial well-being.

II. Why You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Columbus, GA – When going through a divorce, having an experienced divorce lawyer in Columbus, GA can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. This section will highlight the reasons why hiring a divorce lawyer is essential for protecting your rights and achieving a favorable resolution.

1. Knowledge and Expertise

   • Our divorce lawyers in Columbus, GA possess a deep understanding of Georgia’s divorce laws and legal procedures.
   • We stay updated on the latest developments in family law, ensuring that we provide you with the most accurate advice and effective strategies.

2. Objective Advice and Guidance

   • Going through a divorce can be emotionally overwhelming, making it difficult to make sound decisions.
   • Our divorce lawyers offer objective advice and guidance, helping you navigate the complexities of the legal process while considering your best interests.

3. Negotiation and Mediation

   • We strive to resolve divorce cases amicably through negotiation and mediation, avoiding lengthy court battles.
   • Our skilled divorce lawyers are adept at negotiating fair settlements on issues such as property division, child custody, and spousal support.

4. Litigation and Court Representation

   • If litigation becomes necessary, our divorce lawyers have extensive courtroom experience.
   • We are committed to vigorously advocating for your rights and presenting a compelling case before the court.

5. Personalized Approach

   • Our divorce lawyers understand that every divorce case is unique, and we provide personalized attention to each client.
   • We take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and develop a tailored strategy to achieve the best possible outcome.

III. Our Commitment to Your Divorce Case – Scot Sikes is a divorce lawyer in Columbus, GA that is dedicated to providing compassionate support and skilled legal representation to clients facing divorce. We are committed to:

1. Protecting Your Rights

   • Our priority is safeguarding your rights and ensuring a fair resolution.
   • We will advocate for your interests during negotiations, mediation, or court proceedings.

2. Offering Clear Communication

   • We believe in open and transparent communication, keeping you informed about the progress of your case.
   • Our divorce lawyers are readily available to address your questions and concerns promptly.

3. Providing Compassionate Support

   • Divorce is a challenging time, and we understand the emotional toll it can take.
   • Our team will provide compassionate support, guiding you through the process with empathy and understanding.

When facing a divorce in Columbus, GA, having a trusted divorce lawyer by your side is essential. Scot Sikes, an experienced Columbus GA divorce lawyer, has the knowledge, expertise, and commitment to protect your rights and guide you through the complexities of divorce proceedings. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin the journey towards a favorable resolution.

How complicated is it to get a divorce?

Some divorces are complicated, but many divorces are quite simple. The more a couple can agree on, the simpler the divorce will be. If your divorce attorney and the court have to resolve some issues that you and your spouse can’t solve between you, then the divorce will not only be more complicated, but more expensive. Attorneys can often help simplify a divorce by helping you resolve some issues if a couple is having trouble communicating well.

Does it take a long time to get divorced?

If you both agree on all the issues such as the property division, child custody, etc. you can file an uncontested divorce, and could be legally divorced in about 31 days. If you can’t reach an agreement the divorce could last months or even years. If the 31 days have passed, and you and your spouse reach an agreement, you can file it with the court at any time and the judge will grant your divorce.

I can’t wait 31 days for the hearing. What can I do?

In some cases, a judge will have a hearing to temporarily settle some matters such as how the mortgage is paid, and how other bills are going to be paid. The court may also hold a hearing to temporarily decide child custody, visitation, and child support.

Do I have to have a Columbus Georgia divorce lawyer to get divorced?

In the state of Georgia, you don’t have to have a Columbus Georgia divorce lawyer to get a divorce. One of you will have to go to the Superior Court in the county you reside in and fill out a Complaint for Divorce and a Settlement agreement. The Settlement Agreement states exactly how all property is going to be divided up, who pays the court costs, how any debts are going to be paid, etc. The people who work in the courthouse are not allowed to instruct you on how to complete these forms, only your lawyer can do that. If any of these forms are not completed properly, you may not be able to enforce the agreement in the future. Also, if minor children are involved, there is very specific legal language that must be included in the Settlement Agreement. An attorney can help you with the Settlement Agreement to ensure that you and your spouse have all your rights protected and that the Complaint for Divorce and the Settlement Agreement are completed properly.

The Complaint, sometimes called a Petition for Divorce, will require you to state why you want to get a divorce. The most common reason for a divorce is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Once you’ve completed the paperwork, your spouse will have to give the court a signed, notarized document that says they’ve received a copy of the Complaint. If your spouse is unwilling to do that, then you can have a sheriff’s deputy who is hired by the court to serve your spouse a copy of the Complaint.

Can we both use the same attorney to get divorced?

No. You and your spouse need separate attorneys. It would not be ethical for the same Columbus Georgia divorce lawyer to represent both parties on opposite sides of the divorce.

Is it expensive to get divorced? How expensive is a Columbus Georgia divorce lawyer?

The main factor that determines the cost of your divorce is how many issues you and your spouse can settle between the two of you without getting the attorney and/or the court involved. Some divorces, where the couple agrees on just about everything can be quite inexpensive, while a couple who can’t agree on anything, could pay thousands of dollars.

Some Columbus Georgia divorce lawyers charge a low flat fee to handle a divorce, while other lawyers charge by the hour. An attorney could charge you their travel time to and from court, for the time they spend in court, and for the amount of time they spend on the telephone with you or with the other attorney or the court regarding your divorce. If you and your spouse can come to an agreement without having a lot of court hearings, you will pay less for your divorce than a couple whose attorney has to go to court multiple times. A Columbus Georgia divorce lawyer can advise and assist with your case,

We still live together. Can we file for a divorce?

Yes. While the court will require you to be legally separated, you can still reside in the same house. A legal separation is the first step you will take toward your divorce. In the eyes of the law, to be legally separated means that you and your spouse are no longer having sex with each other.

If you are facing a contested or uncontested divorce in the Columbus area, then call our law office to speak with an experienced Columbus GA divorce lawyer.

Do I have to have “grounds” to get a divorce?

Yes. In Georgia there are 13 grounds, or reasons for a divorce. The most common grounds for divorce is a no-fault divorce. This means that the marriage is irretrievably broken and can’t be fixed. In a no-fault divorce neither you or your spouse will have to prove one of you was responsible for the break-down of the marriage, and only one side has to show that they believe the marriage is over and can’t be restored. Call a Columbus Georgia divorce lawyer to discuss your options.

What are some of the grounds for divorce in Georgia?

Other than a marriage being irretrievably broken, as in a no-fault divorce case, some of the other grounds for divorce are committing adultery, mental illness, conviction of particular crimes, alcoholism, physical or mental abuse, etc. Other than in a no-fault divorce, one of you must accuse the other of one of these grounds for divorce.

If you choose not to get a no-fault divorce, you are going to have to prove to the court that your spouse was to blame for the failure of the marriage. You can achieve the same results much faster and generally less expensively by filing for a no-fault divorce.

I was served with a Complaint for Divorce by my spouse. What should I do?

You should contact a Columbus Georgia divorce attorney immediately. The Complaint must be responded to in writing within 30 days after you receive it. This is your opportunity to respond to any of the allegations your spouse made in the Complaint.

You can admit to some or all of the allegations in the Complaint, deny all of the claims in the Complaint, or a combination of the two. Your Columbus Georgia divorce lawyer may advise you to file a counterclaim to the divorce, and sue your spouse for divorce.

If you don’t answer the Complaint in writing and file it with the court within the 30
day time limit, the court could assume that you agree with all the claims your spouse made in the Complaint.

If settling matters is not possible, you have to go through all the steps and you would require expert guidance and representation from an experienced Columbus Georgia divorce lawyer.