Divorce Rights in Georgia
Couples who file for a divorce in Georgia always have to follow a set of rules and regulations to file for divorce. The residents of Georgia have to adhere to any timelines given and follow state-mandated grounds for divorce. By doing so, the proceedings are able to end as soon as possible; the divorce is then granted by the judge involved.
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Custody Rights
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Courts usually favor the idea of joint custody of any children, unless abuse of some type is involved. When joint custody is filed, both parents have equal access to their children and are both able to make all major decisions together. This would include where the children attend school and whom the children live with primarily. Each parent must present a detailed parenting plan, in writing, to a Georgia judge before the ruling is made.
Residency
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For a couple to be granted a divorce in Georgia, the couple must have lived in the state for at least six months. If only one spouse meets this requirement, then the other spouse can legally file for a divorce in the state in which he resides. If one spouse is part of the military and has been stationed on base for at least six months in Georgia, the divorce is eligible to be filed in Georgia.
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Living Arrangement
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A right to file for divorce in Georgia is dependent on various living arrangements. Abandonment is considered legal grounds for filing divorce in Georgia. Abandonment would include if one spouse has been away from the other for more than a year and chose to do so. If the couple has been living separately for the past three years, it's legal to file for a divorce in Georgia. Another valid reason for divorce is if one spouse was convicted of a felony and has been serving a year or longer behind bars.
Financial Support
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A spouse who's awarded custody of the children through a divorce proceeding has the right to file for child support. The Supreme Court of Georgia has adopted child-support guidelines to determine the amount that one spouse must pay the other. Alimony may also be paid, depending on the circumstance. The purpose of alimony is to provide additional funding to ensure that the caretaker has
appropriate living conditions for the child.
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References
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