When families deal with changes, they may encounter unexpected challenges. Emotions can run high, and patience can wear thin when seeking a divorce, filing a custody agreement change, or completing paperwork for an adoption.
Whatever challenge you face, our family lawyer in Ball Ground, GA, can help you navigate it and lead your case.
Speights Law is committed to helping families find the best solutions for them. For more than 20 years, we have helped Georgians deal with various issues, and we want to help you. Call us today to review your legal options during a private consultation.
Family Law Cases Our Ball Ground, GA, Lawyer Can Help With
Family law encompasses a broad spectrum of legal issues affecting family relationships. Our firm serving Ball Ground provides advice from:
- Adoptions lawyers
- Divorce lawyers
- Contested child custody lawyers
- Contested adoption lawyers
When we meet, we will talk with you about your situation in a confidential setting. We will also ask questions to learn more about you and your familial situation. We also want to know your concerns, goals, and expectations so that we are on the same page.
Once you agree to work with us, we will take care of your legal matter from start to finish. This will give you time to focus on other needs and help you manage your case. You can expect our family law attorneys in Ball Ground to:
- Look into the issue to better understand the legal aspects related to your family.
- Collect and examine evidence to support your position (e.g., financial records, witness accounts, expert opinions, phone logs, police documents, photographs, and videos).
- Offer clear advice on family law in Georgia and how it affects your case.
- Prepare and submit all required legal documents and oversee communications.
- Lead negotiation meetings with the other party to try settling out of court.
- Represent you in court if needed.
- Keep you updated on your case’s progress and promptly respond to your questions and concerns.
We will put together a strategy for your case to ensure we address all its aspects. We can also assess the opposing party’s position to make sure we cover our bases and anticipate any responses to your position.
Adoption
Adoption offers families an opportunity to welcome a loved one and start a new life with them. Before the adoption is final, adoptive parents must attend hearings, fill out paperwork, and complete other business. A Ball Ground adoption attorney from our office can handle key tasks for you.
This includes offering guidance on various adoptions, such as:
- Domestic adoptions
- Stepparent or relative adoptions
- Adult adoptions
We will also ensure you comply with relevant laws and identify potential risks or challenges you could face. Such challenges can include disputes over custody or parental rights or challenges to the adoption process. We will protect your rights and interests and keep you up to date on your case.
Divorce
Deciding to part ways with a spouse is an important decision. For many people, it is also an emotionally difficult one. A divorce and family lawyer in Ball Ground can keep the process on track as you process difficult emotions. They can streamline the process and manage your expectations about it.
Each divorce case is different, but common issues addressed in divorce proceedings include:
- Dividing and protecting your marital assets, such as real estate, marital accounts, investments including retirement accounts, financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage, etc.
- Splitting up marital debts and property
- Drafting up child custody and visitation agreements
- Calculating child support or spousal support (alimony) agreements
- Discussing legal costs or tax implications of divorce, including potential tax liabilities or benefits from alimony payments
You should bring documents with you that can help with the matters listed above. We can also explore other divorce alternatives that don’t require you or your spouse to go to court. These alternatives, such as mediation or collaborative divorce, could make your divorce less stressful and cost-effective.
In collaborative divorces, spouses each work with an attorney of their choosing who can help them settle issues without involving the courts. We can discuss this and other options with you.
Custody Modification
Sometimes, circumstances occur that require co-parenting couples to revise a custody agreement. Any changes to this agreement must address those circumstances while keeping the child’s best interests in mind. Changes in a parent’s housing, finances, employment, or health status are reasons to revisit the agreement.
The main thing to keep in mind is that the court will consider what is in the best interest of the child. The agreement should reflect this and protect each parent’s rights. Georgia statute O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3 shows what courts consider when they consider what benefits the child.
Changing an existing custody agreement requires several steps that we can explain during your consultation. If you want to request the change, we must file a petition and summons with the court. If you are opposed to the other parent’s custody change request, we can also make your case against it.
Call for Help From Family Lawyers in Ball Ground, GA
Transitions can be challenging for families to manage alone. If you are seeking professional legal help, a Ball Ground family law attorney from Speights Law can guide you through the ups and downs and bring stability to a difficult situation. If you are seeking legal help with an adoption, a custody dispute, or a divorce, we can help. Contact us today for a private consultation. We offer evening or weekend appointments for your convenience.