How to File for Divorce in Georgia

by Robertson, Charles T.; Haman, Edward A.

• ISBN13: 9781572483408
• ISBN10: 1572483407
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-05-01
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Inc

Summary

How to File for Divorce in Georgia simplifies and thoroughly explains everything you need to know to successfully handle your own divorce in the state of Georgia. Complete with step-by-step instructions and the forms you need, this book makes filing for divorce inexpensive and hassle-free.

Table of Contents

Using Self-Help Law Books	vii
Introduction	xi
Marriage ``Ins and Outs''	1	(12)
Ceremonial Marriage
Common Law Marriage
Divorce
Annulment
Legal Separation
Do You Really Want a Divorce?
The Legal System	13	(12)
Theory vs. Reality
Divorce Law and Procedure
Legal Research
Alternative Dispute Resolution	25	(8)
Getting Your Spouse to Agree
Alternative Dispute Resolution Options
Lawyers	33	(10)
Wanting a Lawyer
Selecting a Lawyer
Evaluating a Lawyer
Working with a Lawyer
Firing Your Lawyer
Evaluating Your Situation	43	(18)
Relations with Your Spouse
Financial Information
Property and Debts
Child Custody and Visitation
Child Support
Alimony
Two Available Divorce Procedures
General Procedures and Forms	61	(10)
An Introduction to Legal Forms
Filing with the Court Clerk
Notifying Your Spouse
Setting a Court Hearing
Courtroom Manners
Domestic Standing Orders
Uncontested Divorce	71	(16)
Disclosure Statement
Civil Case Initiation Form
Petition for Divorce
Agreement
Affidavit Regarding Custody
Answer and Counterclaim for Name Change Purposes
Final Judgment and Decree
Contested Divorce	87	(14)
Procedure Differences from Uncontested Divorce
Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit
Collecting Information
Property and Debts
Child Custody and Visitation
Child Support
Alimony
Temporary Hearing
Final Judgment and Decree
Negotiating Agreements	101	(2)
The Court Hearing	103	(6)
Preparation
The Hearing
The Future
When You Can't Find Your Spouse	109	(4)
The Diligent Search
Preparing and Filing Court Papers
The Clerk's Job
Publishing
Special Circumstances	113	(10)
When You Cannot Afford Court Costs
Protecting Yourself, Your Children, and Your Property
Taxes
Pension Plans
Military Divorces
Paternity and Name Changes
Adoption
Grandparent Visitation and Custody
Glossary	123	(6)
Appendix A: Superior Court Clerks	129	(10)
Appendix B: Georgia Code Divorce Provisions	139	(6)
Appendix C: Forms	145	(76)
Index	221