Uncontested Divorces in Newnan and Peachtree City
Georgia firm seeks to resolve marriage dissolution terms through consensus
While divorce is never pleasant, if you and your spouse can settle on custody, alimony, property division and child support issues before heading to court, the marriage dissolution process can be much less burdensome. However, even if you believe you’re heading toward an uncontested divorce, it is vital to have an experienced Georgia family lawyer on your side to make sure that the terms of your settlement are fair. At Thomas F. Tierney, Attorney at Law in Peachtree City and Newnan, I negotiate on behalf of clients who seek an uncontested divorce and handle the legal proceedings necessary to dissolve a marriage while minimizing conflict.
What is an uncontested divorce?
Marriages end because there are serious differences between the parties. Frequently, the decision to divorce only comes after years of conflict and emotional struggles. However, you should not confuse an uncontested divorce with a breakup that is completely amicable. The marriage dissolution process is not designed to decide who is to blame for the breakup, but to resolve parenting and financial issues as spouses go their separate ways. As a family law attorney with more than three decades of experience, I can often find creative solutions in order to bridge the gap between divorcing spouses.
How mediation can help
When parties to a divorce are dug into their positions, mediation might the best way to get the settlement process back on track. In this method of alternative dispute resolution, a qualified neutral third party works to find common ground. Outside help sometimes helps parties gain a better perspective on the key issues and offers insight as to how divorce terms might look if the case goes to court. Other benefits of mediation include:
- Cost — Even before the case gets to court, litigating a divorce can be costly due to necessary discovery and motion practice. It might even be possible that litigation expenses exceed the amount that is in dispute between the parties. Making the effort in mediation could benefit both spouses financially.
- Time — Divorce litigation is conducted on the court’s schedule, and getting on the calendar could take many months. Rather than waiting through delays and pretrial procedure, you and your ex might prefer starting the next phase of your new lives as soon as possible.
- Privacy — Trials are public proceedings held before a judge, and possibly a jury. With mediation, you discuss personal issues in a private office rather than a courtroom.
Mediation and settlement negotiation also give you the power to control the outcome of your divorce, rather than hoping for a favorable decision from someone who has just learned about your situation.
Creating a marital settlement agreement
Whether you require mediation to reach consensus or not, the terms of your uncontested divorce will be formalized in a marital settlement agreement. This document, signed by both parties, sets forth clear terms regarding child custody, visitation, property division, alimony and child support. My firm drafts and revises these documents to make sure clients’ interests are protected. Before the agreement is submitted to the court for incorporation into the marriage dissolution order, I will go over each provision with you so that there are no unpleasant surprises down the road.
Contact a Georgia attorney for a consultation regarding an uncontested divorce
Thomas F. Tierney, Attorney at Law handles uncontested divorces for residents of Fayette and Coweta counties, as well as divorces where differences exist between the parties. To make an appointment for a meeting at my Peachtree City or Newnan office, please call 770-796-4031 or contact me online. My firm also offers free telephone consultations.
