Gainesville Divorce Lawyer Provides Sound Counsel

Experienced attorney handles the dissolution of marriage process

The decision to get divorced doesn’t happen easily. Many spouses stay in unhealthy marriages because they are concerned about the stress and expense associated with the marriage dissolution process. The Brownell Law Office in Gainesville provides knowledgeable counsel to Georgia residents in contested and uncontested divorces. If possible under the circumstances, we strive to safeguard your interests while avoiding unnecessary conflict over custody, child support, property division and alimony. With nearly four decades of legal experience, Attorney William M. (Bill) Brownell, Jr. advocates for fair terms on parenting and financial issues, whether your case is resolved in or out of court.

Grounds for divorce under Georgia law

For Georgia courts to have jurisdiction in a divorce, at least one party must have lived in the state for six months or more. You can petition the court for a no-fault divorce based on the marital relationship being irretrievably broken. If you wish to file for divorce based on your spouse’s fault, the following traditional grounds are available:

  • Adultery
  • Willful desertion lasting at least one year
  • Incarceration of at least two years following a conviction for a crime of moral turpitude
  • Habitual drug or alcohol addition
  • Cruel treatment

Even when someone might be able to obtain a fault-based divorce, they often choose not to do so because proving their case could be difficult and stressful. We will review the circumstances of your divorce and help you choose the best path forward.

Assisting with custody, alimony, child support and property division issues

We work with clients to secure favorable terms for their divorce relating to the following:

  • Child custody and visitation — Children of a marriage go through a difficult time when their parents break up. Whenever possible, our firm seeks to create custody and visitation arrangements through consensus so that both parents can concentrate on their children’s well-being.
  • Property division — Divorce usually involves the separation of marital property. This includes the family home, bank and investment accounts, retirement assets and business ownership shares. Our firm looks for creative ways to achieve an equitable distribution of assets and debts.
  • Spousal support — A spouse who depended on their partner’s income during the marriage might require alimony during and after the divorce. Whether you’re seeking spousal support or being asked to provide it, we will work out the best solution that the law allows in your case.
  • Child support — Under state guidelines, child support is calculated by comparing each parent’s income and making adjustments for expenses, such as child care costs and health insurance premiums. However, there may be multiple reasons that justify deviating from the guideline formulas.

We will provide knowledgeable, personalized counsel to safeguard your interests and ease your burden.

Contested and uncontested divorces

When divorcing spouses agree on parenting and financial terms, the marriage dissolution process can be quicker and less expensive. Uncontested divorces are usually granted soon after the 30-day waiting period passes after the filing and service of the papers. Our firm negotiates marital settlement agreements and ensures that spouses have a firm understanding about the terms. In some cases, the parties can reach a suitable compromise through mediation, which involves the assistance of a neutral third party trained in helping litigants find common ground.

When couples cannot bridge the gap between them, they usually must pursue a contested divorce. In that situation, they need a proven family law litigator who understands how to develop a persuasive argument and present it in court. We are always ready to go to trial if that is in a client’s best interests.

Contact an accomplished Georgia divorce lawyer

The Brownell Law Office in Gainesville provides exceptional legal counsel for Georgians who are going through a divorce. To schedule a consultation, please call 770-215-0184 or contact us online.