Family Law Overview
Having a family in Georgia means taking care of each other, even when the family changes shape and size through events like a new birth, adoption, or even a divorce. Legal issues often arise out of many of these scenarios, and because of the nature of the situation, high emotions may also arise out of these situations. Having a compassionate and knowledgeable family law attorney by your side can make all the difference.
At Cowan Law, we serve families from Athens to Atlanta in helping them understand the sensitive nature of these matters. We are committed to providing you with personalized guidance and strong advocacy. We strive to help you navigate the complexities of family law, protect your rights, and achieve the best possible outcomes for you and your loved ones. Contact us today at 706-621-7664 to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Family Law in Georgia
At Cowan Law, we practice family law – a practice area that deals with issues related to the intersection of family relationships and the courtroom. It encompasses a broad range of legal matters that involve individuals connected by blood, marriage, or adoption. Family law addresses both the rights and responsibilities of family members and seeks to provide legal mechanisms for resolving disputes and establishing legal relationships.
Marriage and Divorce
Family law governs the legal aspects of marriage, including marriage licenses, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, separation, and the legal dissolution of marriages through no-fault divorce.
Child Custody and Visitation
Child custody involves determining the legal and physical responsibility of parents for their children. This includes decisions about where the child will live and the visitation rights of noncustodial parents.
Child Support
Child support establishes guidelines for determining the financial support that a noncustodial parent must provide to the custodial parent to cover the costs of raising a child.
Adoption
Adoption is a legal process through which individuals or couples become the legal parents of a child. Family law governs the adoption process, ensuring that it is carried out in the best interests of the child.
Alimony
Alimony may be awarded in divorce cases to provide financial assistance from one spouse to another, especially if there is a significant income disparity. A failure to pay alimony can lead to an individual being in contempt of court and/or a judgment being issued against them. If there has been a substantial change in circumstances since a divorce, then an alimony modification may be appropriate.
Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders
Family law addresses issues of domestic violence and provides legal remedies, like restraining orders, to protect individuals from abusive behavior within familial relationships.
Property Division
When a marriage ends in divorce, family law establishes rules for the division of marital property and assets. This includes considerations of both marital and separate property. Georgia is an equitable division state. In simple terms, this means marital property is apportioned fairly.
Paternity
Family law addresses issues related to establishing paternity, including DNA testing and other legal processes to determine and acknowledge a child’s biological father. Paternity is necessary especially in cases where the mother seeks child support or a father seeks custody.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
In situations where a person is unable to care for themselves or make legal decisions, a guardianship or conservatorship may be appropriate to manage legal and financial responsibilities for the child or individual.
Surrogacy and Reproductive Rights
Family law addresses legal issues related to assisted reproductive technologies, surrogacy, and reproductive rights, ensuring the legal recognition of parental rights in non-traditional family-building situations.
The Challenges of Family Law in Georgia
Family law can be challenging for everyone involved, from the attorney to individual family members, for many reasons. At Cowan Law, we are up to the challenge.
Family law matters often involve intense emotions and strained relationships. Navigating these complexities requires a compassionate attorney who understands the emotional impact on all parties involved.
Family law encompasses intricate legal procedures, statutes, and case law. Our family law attorney keeps up with the ever-evolving legal landscape to provide smart, accurate analysis and guidance.
Disputes involving children, such as custody, visitation, and child support, require careful consideration of their best interests. Our family law attorney prioritizes the well-being of your children while advocating for your rights.
Divorce can be quite contentious, particularly when it comes to dividing assets, determining spousal support and/or child support, determining child custody, and devising parenting plans. We work with you to arrive at a fair resolution.
How Our Family Law Attorney in Georgia Can Help You
At Cowan Law, we take our responsibilities seriously and are committed to providing excellent legal services for each of our clients. For example,
- We provide smart legal advice and guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. We explain your rights, legal options, and the potential outcomes of your case, empowering you to make informed decisions.
- We prepare and review documents so that you don’t have to do it. As it is, family law matters involve extensive documentation. We will prepare, review, and file the necessary legal documents on your behalf, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
- We negotiate on your behalf, using divorce mediation when appropriate. Our family law attorney will help you achieve amicable resolutions through mediation or settlement discussions. We advocate for your interests while promoting productive communication and compromise.
- We represent you and your interests. In cases that require litigation, our family law attorney will represent you in court, presenting your case, examining witnesses, and providing persuasive arguments to support your position.
At Cowan Law, it is our mission to help each and every one of our clients with all their family law matters.
Why Choose Cowan Law as your Family Law Lawyer in Georgia
What’s more, we all have families, and at one time or another, we’ve been in your shoes and understand what you are experiencing. We know how dealing with family law matters can be emotionally draining. We offer support, empathy, and guidance, providing reassurance during challenging times.
Contact a Georgia Family Law Attorney Today
Family law is meant to address the unique legal challenges that arise within family relationships and to protect the rights and well-being of individuals within these relationships. At Cowan Law, we help resolve these contentious and emotionally-charged legal matters through negotiation, mediation, or the court, depending on the circumstances. Contact us today at 706-621-7664 to schedule a free consultation and to get proper advice on all of your legal options. We will discuss your case and get it moving forward to avoid costly delays.