It depends on the type of divorce. An Uncontested divorce can be resolved in about 45 days. A Contested divorce can take months or even years. However, many divorces that start out as Uncontested become Contested during the process and can take several months to a year or more to finalize.
Alimony which is also known as spousal maintenance or spousal support is financial support paid by one spouse to the other spouse due to a divorce. In most divorce cases, Alimony becomes an issue for both parties. Georgia law allows for Alimony, but there are no specific guidelines for determining Alimony eligibility, Alimony duration and there is no exact formula for calculating the Alimony amount. Since there is no specific Georgia law to determine the Alimony Specifics, this information may be determined by a Judge or a Jury. At Georgia Family Law, P.C., we put our experience to work for you to ensure that you and your family are protected while determining Alimony.
The new Georgia Child Support law went into effect on January 1, 2007 which dramatically changed the way that Child Support is determined in the State of Georgia. One of the key changes in this law is that incomes of both the custodial and non-custodial parents are taken into account. To take this into account, Georgia uses a Tool called the Child Support Calculator. While this Calculator sounds easy, it is a very complex and cumbersome tool which can cost you money if it is used incorrectly.
Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which a person who can not pay his or her bills can get a fresh financial start. The right to file for bankruptcy is provided by federal law, and all bankruptcy cases are handled in federal court. Filing bankruptcy immediately stops all of your creditors from seeking to collect debts from you, at least until your debts are sorted out according to the law.
Bankruptcy can not cure every financial problem. Nor is it the right step for every individual. In bankruptcy, it is usually not possible to:
Yes! Many people believe they can not own anything for a period of time after filing for bankruptcy. This is not true. You can keep your exempt property and anything you obtain after the bankruptcy is filed. However, if you receive an inheritance, a property settlement, or life insurance benefits within 180 days after filing for bankruptcy, that money or property may have to be paid to your creditors if the property or money is not exempt.
Yes, with some exceptions. Bankruptcy will not normally wipe out:
After your case is filed, you must complete an approved course in personal finances. This course will take approximately two hours to complete. Many of the course providers give you a choice to take the course in-person at a designated location, over the Internet usually by watching a video, or over the telephone.
Utility services - Public utilities, such as the electric company, can not refuse or cut off service because you have filed for bankruptcy. However, the utility can require a deposit for future service and you do have to pay bills which arise after bankruptcy is filed.
Discrimination - An employer or government agency can not discriminate against you because you have filed for bankruptcy. Government agencies and private entities involved in student loan programs also can not discriminate against you based on a bankruptcy filing.
Driver’s license - If you lost your license solely because you couldn’t pay court-ordered damages caused in an accident, bankruptcy will allow you to get your license back.
Co-signers - If someone has co-signed a loan with you and you file for bankruptcy, the co-signer may have to pay your debt. If you file a chapter 13, you may be able to protect co-signers, depending upon the terms of your chapter 13 plan.