prenuptial AGREEMENT
Prenuptial agreements are often mistakenly thought to be only for individuals with significant wealth or for those who anticipate divorce proceedings. However, this belief is inaccurate. A prenuptial agreement is a contract formed between two consenting parties who want to safeguard their personal and financial assets in case of divorce. By addressing decisions about personal property in advance, couples can potentially avoid a lengthy and costly divorce process later. For those who did not establish a prenuptial agreement, a postnuptial agreement can similarly protect both parties' interests. It is crucial to ensure that all matters are carefully addressed and documented in a legal format that will hold up if needed. This proactive approach may help save time, money, and stress in the future, especially in situations that involve child custody in Georgia.
Attorney Christine Bechtold can assist you with a pre or postnuptial agreement tailored to your needs. Contact the office today for more information.
Divorce
When a couple decides to end their marriage, it is a stressful time for everyone involved. During this challenging period, it is crucial to have an attorney on your side to advocate for the things that matter most to you, such as child custody in Georgia. Additionally, having an unrelated third party present can help guide you through the divorce proceedings with less stress.
Divorce involves various papers that must be filed with the court, proceedings that must be conducted, and sometimes even court appearances required to reach a final resolution. These divorce proceedings can often be cumbersome due to the extensive paperwork involved. In Georgia, either spouse may file for divorce for several reasons, with the most common being a no-fault divorce. This type of divorce occurs when one spouse refuses to live with the other, asserting that there is no hope for reconciliation.
You may face either an uncontested or contested divorce, depending on whether the parties or the Judge determines the conditions of the divorce. Reaching out to an attorney at this time can help clarify how to proceed, especially if you have prenuptial agreements that need to be considered. Having legal representation during a divorce is vital to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed. If the proper court documents are not organized, the divorce process will likely become longer and more stressful.
Attorney Christine Bechtold can assist you with both uncontested and contested divorce cases. Contact the office today for more information.
UNCONTESTED DIVORCE
In an uncontested divorce, the parties decide the conditions of the divorce, which can include important aspects such as child custody in Georgia. Opting for an uncontested divorce is generally quicker and more affordable compared to divorce proceedings that are contested. This type of divorce occurs when both spouses agree on the division of assets, finances, child custody, and child visitation. By choosing an uncontested divorce, the legal fees and court requirements are significantly reduced! You may receive your uncontested divorce as soon as 31 days after you file your paperwork with the court. It’s important to note that an uncontested divorce does not imply that everyone is pleased with the outcome; rather, it signifies that both parties have reached an agreement about what will happen next, even if prenuptial agreements come into play.
Attorney Christine Bechtold offers flat rates for document production for an uncontested divorce packet. This packet includes all necessary court documents along with comprehensive instructions about the divorce process. Contact the office today for more information.
CONTESTED DIVORCE
A contested divorce refers to a situation where the parties cannot agree on the terms of the divorce, necessitating the involvement of the court. There are many intricate aspects to a contested divorce, particularly when it involves child custody in Georgia. If your spouse has already initiated divorce proceedings, it’s crucial to contact an attorney immediately to safeguard your rights! Some divorces begin with a temporary hearing prior to the final divorce, where issues like finances and child custody may be decided on a provisional basis. During this hearing, a judge might place temporary restrictions on selling assets or limit your visitation rights with your children. For those facing a temporary hearing, it is essential to consult with attorney Christine Bechtold for guidance in protecting your rights.
Not all contested cases culminate in a final hearing before a judge. Attorney Christine Bechtold advocates for her clients to explore alternative dispute resolutions under attorney guidance. Having an attorney experienced in family law is vital for navigating the stressful court process, especially in contested divorce cases, which can also be influenced by prenuptial agreements. If you require assistance with a contested divorce, reach out to the office today.
CHILD CUSTODY AND VISITATION
During a divorce, it is essential that the children’s best interests are addressed alongside those of the adults. Even in cases where the parents are not married, there are still legal rights and obligations each parent must uphold regarding their child's best interests, particularly in the context of child custody in Georgia.
Georgia family law prioritizes the best interests of your child, as the court decides both legal and physical custody arrangements. Legal custody grants a parent the authority to make significant decisions regarding the child's welfare, while physical custody pertains to where the child resides. Parents can share both joint legal and joint physical custody, distributing these responsibilities evenly.
In divorce proceedings involving children, Georgia law mandates a comprehensive parenting plan. This plan details arrangements for child custody, visitation schedules, and decision-making authority, ensuring that the best interests of your child are addressed. It also allows both parents to maintain a close relationship with their child. Notably, Georgia law allows children over the age of 14 to express their preference for which parent they wish to live with, subject to court approval.
Child custody and visitation issues can arise during a divorce or as a separate action, often referred to as legitimation when the parties are unmarried. Attorney Christine Bechtold specializes in child custody and visitation services, providing flat rates for document preparation related to a Legitimation packet. This packet includes all necessary court documents along with thorough instructions on the divorce process. Additionally, she offers legal services for modifying existing child custody and visitation plans. Engaging an attorney early in the process can significantly reduce the likelihood of disputes over custody and visitation in the future. For more information, contact the office today.
CHILD SUPPORT
Child support is financial assistance provided for the daily needs of your child, typically paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent. In Georgia, both parents have an obligation to support their child financially, and this support is determined using each parent’s gross monthly income alongside the Georgia Child Support Worksheet. Often, child support arises during divorce proceedings or a legitimation action. Attorney Christine Bechtold also specializes in modifying existing child support orders, ensuring that the arrangements reflect current circumstances. For more information on these services, including advice regarding prenuptial agreements, contact the office today.