An uncontested divorce can be the easiest kind of separation to pursue. It means that both partners agree on how assets are to be divided, how child custody is shared, and on arrangements for child support. It’s generally more amicable than a contested divorce, and if done right proceeds more smoothly.
However, if you don’t approach it properly, you can run into issues that can be ruinous to the process. Divorce is hard enough without worrying about it turning into a fight, so it’s best to be clear in advance. Learn the issues, steps, and precautions you need to take to prepare for an uncontested divorce in Georgia, to ensure it goes without complications.
Uncontested Divorce in Georgia
An uncontested divorce in Georgia carries a lot of benefits over a traditional court divorce. First of all, on a personal level, it allows you to maintain some semblance of partnership and cooperation with your spouse, which can be vital if you’ve got children that you’ll need to raise together.
Secondly, it costs less than a court battle or a mediated solution. Finally, it’s much more efficient, and can be finalized in weeks to months, following a waiting period and filing the settlement.
Prepare for the Big Three Issues
The first thing you need to do is ensure that the Big Three issues for divorce are covered, and that both spouses are in complete agreement on each. The first of these is the division of property and assets. You need to sit down with your spouse and catalog every piece of property and assets you own together, then determine how it will be divided up. Include bank accounts, retirement accounts, investment accounts, and pensions as well as your house and real property, and don’t forget debts!
Next, you’ll need to decide on child custody if you have children. Will one of you be the primary caregiver, or will you share custody? What will the visitation schedule be? How will healthcare be handled?
Finally, you’ll want to determine an agreement for child support. Georgia has guidelines to help you with this, and you should probably stick closely to them to avoid questions from the courts.
Drafting Your Agreement
Once you and your spouse agree on all these issues, you’ll want to draft a physical agreement outlining how everything is going to be handled. This is where things can get very complicated, and you might hit stumbling blocks or walls where there’s a minor sticking point you can’t get past. When this happens, a divorce attorney can help.
Hiring an Attorney
Just because you’re hiring a divorce attorney doesn’t necessarily mean the process has to be antagonistic. Attorneys can help to mediate a settlement, provide legal advice, and work to make sure the entire settlement is completely equitable.
If you’re trying to go through an uncontested divorce in Georgia and you need advice from a qualified and experienced divorce attorney, turn to Slepian Schwartz Landgaard Attorneys at Law. For more information or a consultation, give us a call to get started today!
