In Georgia, contested divorces arise when spouses cannot agree on key issues, leading to court intervention. There are a number of contested divorce issues that frequently arise.
Division of Marital Property
Determining an equitable distribution of assets and debts can be contentious. These assets can include real estate, investments, and personal property. In Georgia, the division is based on fairness, not necessarily equality.
Alimony (Spousal Support)
The decision to award alimony, along with its amount and duration, often leads to disputes. Factors considered include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation, and contributions to the household.
Child Support
Calculating child support involves assessing both parents’ incomes, the child’s needs, and custody arrangements. Disagreements can arise over these calculations and the inclusion of additional expenses like education or healthcare.
Grounds for Divorce
Georgia recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. Allegations such as adultery, cruelty, or desertion can impact the proceedings and outcomes, especially concerning alimony and property division.
Child Custody and Visitation
Disagreements over who should have primary custody and how visitation is structured often lead to disputes. Factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, work schedules, and living arrangements play significant roles in these decisions.
Legal Fees
Disputes may arise over who should bear the cost of legal fees, especially if there’s a significant income disparity between spouses.
Temporary Orders
Before finalizing the divorce, temporary orders regarding child custody, support, and property use may be necessary. Disagreements over these interim arrangements can add complexity to the process.
Addressing these issues requires careful consideration, as they significantly impact the lives of all involved parties.