Stephens County Divorce Attorney

Compassionate. Knowledgeable. Experienced.
For 20 Years, Attorney Dodie Sachs Has Helped North Georgia Navigate Their Family Law Needs.

Navigating Divorce in Stephens County with Sachs Family Law

When it comes to divorce in Stephens County, you need a seasoned Stephens County divorce attorney by your side. At Sachs Family Law, our attorney, Dodie Sachs, brings years of experience working within the legal landscape of Stephens County, Georgia. Our primary mission is to simplify the divorce process for our clients in Stephens County while ensuring cost-effectiveness. Understanding Georgia’s residency requirements is a fundamental initial step when initiating divorce proceedings in Stephens County, and your dedicated Stephens County divorce attorney is here to guide you through every step of the way.

Click here to learn more about divorce in Stephens County Courts.

Grounds for Divorce: Your Stephens County Divorce Attorney Explains

In Stephens County, Georgia follows no-fault divorce principles, and a proficient Stephens County divorce attorney like Dodie Sachs will ensure you understand the process. This means there’s no need to provide evidence of wrongdoing to initiate a divorce. A simple assertion that the marriage is irretrievably broken, with no chance of reconciliation, is typically sufficient.

Moreover, Georgia offers 12 fault-based grounds for divorce in addition to the no-fault option. Your Stephens County divorce attorney can help you navigate these grounds, which include:

• Adultery
• Willful desertion for a period of one year
• Mental or physical cruelty
• Addiction to drugs or alcohol
• Imprisonment for a crime
• Domestic violence

Filing for Divorce: Your Stephens County Divorce Attorney by Your Side

To initiate divorce proceedings in Stephens County, you’ll need to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage through the Stephens County Superior Court. Your Stephens County divorce attorney will ensure this petition includes vital information about your marriage, such as the names and addresses of both spouses, the marriage date, and details regarding any children involved.

After filing the Petition, your Stephens County divorce attorney will guide you through the crucial process of serving your spouse with the divorce petition. This service can be carried out by a sheriff or a private process server, and your Stephens County divorce attorney will ensure it’s done correctly. Your spouse, as the recipient, has up to 30 days to provide a response.

If your spouse fails to respond within the 30-day period, your Stephens County divorce attorney can help you file a Motion for Default Judgment. This allows the court to issue a judgment in your favor without the need for a formal hearing.

Should you and your spouse reach an agreement on the fundamental terms of your divorce, your Stephens County divorce attorney can help you submit a Settlement Agreement to the court for approval. In cases where an agreement cannot be reached, the next step in the process is divorce court.

Mediation: Your Stephens County Divorce Attorney Helps Facilitate Resolution

Before proceeding to trial, mediation may be required as part of the divorce process. Mediation involves a neutral third party who facilitates discussions between you and your spouse, aiming to resolve divorce-related issues. Your Stephens County divorce attorney is there to represent your interests during this process. Mediators do not make decisions but rather assist in achieving an amicable resolution. This process helps alleviate congestion in the court system.

In numerous cases, mediation successfully resolves disputes with the guidance of your Stephens County divorce attorney. However, if mediation proves ineffective, the court will schedule a trial date, and your Stephens County divorce attorney will be prepared to advocate on your behalf.

Stephens County Divorce Decree: Protecting Your Interests

Once your divorce is finalized, a Divorce Decree, guided by your Stephens County divorce attorney, will be issued. This decree outlines the terms of the divorce, including property division, child custody arrangements, and child support agreements. Your Stephens County divorce attorney ensures your interests are protected throughout this process.

In cases where a Divorce Decree is violated, your Stephens County divorce attorney can help you file a Motion for Contempt of Court. Such filings may result in penalties for the party found in violation, including fines or even potential jail time.

Hiring a Stephens County Divorce Attorney: Your Trusted Advocate

If you are contemplating divorce, Dodie Sachs, your experienced Stephens County divorce attorney, brings over 15 years of experience navigating the divorce courts in Stephens County. For expert guidance and support throughout your divorce journey, please do not hesitate to contact Sachs Family Law. We are here to assist you with professionalism and empathy, protecting your interests as your Stephens County divorce attorney.