Atlanta Family law

During mediation, a neutral third party helps you and your ex negotiate the terms of your divorce. Once the mediation is over and you and your ex have made amicable decisions on the matters at hand, the mediator will draw up a legally binding contract that you both will sign and be held responsible for holding up your respective side of the deal. Should you need to renegotiate at any time, a new contract must be agreed upon, created, and signed. So, while it is binding, it is possible to modify and change the agreement just as your lives will change over time.

What is Mediation?

Georgians facing the end of their marriage can help reduce the financial strain of divorce by using a neutral third-party mediator to help the two parties reach amicable agreements on issues such as the dividing of finances, properties, and assets, whether one will pay the other alimony and the amount which is paid, and in the presence of children it can also help with custody, visitation, and child support. Mediation is a fantastic tool for helping the two parties come to terms without spending as much money as a longer court case would have them spend.

In some cases, a judge will order mediation during a case to help both parties understand and weigh their strengths and weaknesses in the case.

When Do I Need Mediation?

While the majority of mediation is done before a divorce, mediation can also be greatly beneficial during and after a divorce takes place, as well. Besides helping make initial decisions before the divorce, mediation can greatly benefit the hearing, and the judge may even order it. This can be especially true after “discovery,” the stage in litigation where spouses may retrieve documents and information from the other.

And, as most divorced people can attest to, a final divorce judgment doesn’t always mean the end of legal disputes between the two parties. Sometimes one of the parties may wish to make amends to the divorce contract, and a mediator can also help with this.

How We Can Help.

Before, during, or after mediation can significantly benefit all involved, and we are here to help you reach decisions and agreements that mutually benefit both parties. Discussing all your options with an attorney is always the best first step as we have years of experience helping those in the same situation as yourself. You can trust that we will always have your best interests at the forefront of our minds. Contact us at 404-738-5805 or online to book your consultation today.

In the state of Georgia, there is a mandatory 30-day waiting period after one spouse serves the other with divorce papers. Since this waiting period is mandatory, even if the other party responds within the 30 days, both parties will still have to wait out the remaining days before they can schedule a hearing date.

There are also two other waiting periods if your spouse is out of state or out of the country. If your spouse currently resides in another state, they will have a 60-day period to respond. If they are in another country, they will have 90 days. However, only the initial 30 days are mandatory, meaning if your spouse responds any time after the first 30 days, you both can proceed with setting a hearing date.

Why is there a Waiting Period?

Georgia has this 30-day waiting period as a buffer in case the parties reconcile before the hearing.

You can make good use of this period, however. With the help of a good attorney, this period can be used to discuss the hearing, gather evidence, build the strongest case possible to protect you and your rights, determine asset evaluations, and contact the other spouse in some circumstances to discuss and maybe try to settle. We can assist you through all of this and more.

What Happens if My Spouse Doesn’t Respond Within the Waiting Period?

If the entire 30-day waiting period expires without a response from the receiving party, the court can enter what is called a “default,” where they can proceed with the hearing without your spouse’s participation.

If you have been served with divorce papers, you need to respond as soon as possible to protect yourself and your rights, as once a default judgment is passed, you will lose the right to object to any of the terms in the petition.

If you have failed to respond within 30 days, do not panic because options are still available. It is important to contact an attorney immediately so they can advise you accordingly.

We Are Here to Help

No matter the stage of your divorce, having the right attorney in your corner can make a world of difference. If you are currently considering whether a divorce is right for you, or if you are looking to set things in motion, we can offer you guidance and our many years’ worth of experience dealing with families and divorces. Contact us today at 404-738-5805 or online to book a consultation.