Canton, GA, the county seat of Cherokee County, is known for its arts, parks, and family-friendly environment. These attractive features make it a hub for families and family law needs, including divorce and custody issues.
Canton-based Speights Law offers experienced legal representation in family law, including contested or uncontested divorce, alimony, property division, child custody, and support, catering to both standard and high net-worth cases.
Our experienced family lawyers in Canton can also help you with disputes involving prenuptial agreements and spousal and child support modifications. Whatever legal issues you are facing, call us to schedule a consultation today. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request.
Why do I Need a Divorce Attorney in Canton, GA?
Selecting a divorce attorney is not a universal solution; it varies based on your needs and circumstances. You require a divorce law firm that knows the Canton court system and understands the divorce process and the issues your family is facing.
The attorneys at Speights Law have more than 20 years of experience representing divorce clients in Canton, GA.
Our family law attorneys know what’s at stake in your uncontested or contested divorce case and are familiar with the Cherokee County Court system.
We will gather facts, collect evidence, and utilize the expert testimony needed to win a favorable ruling in your case. After all, most cases are won before entering the courtroom; therefore, we will work tirelessly to negotiate with the other side, schedule mediation where necessary, and protect your rights throughout the process.
“We take pride in our ability to help our clients get to a better place.”
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770-479-1500Divorce Is Challenging. Speights Law Is Here To Assist.
Our team of family law attorneys will ensure your interests are effectively represented throughout the dissolution process.
Divorce impacts more than the individuals directly involved; it affects the entire family. Ensuring a just settlement and appropriately addressing matters such as property division, child support, and custody is vital for the welfare of children, parents, and all closely connected.
Effective legal representation is key to safeguarding your future and that of your loved ones. Choosing the right attorney is essential. The attorneys at our Canton family law firm are committed to defending your rights and facilitating a swift and efficient divorce process.
Introducing Canton’s Leading Divorce Lawyers
Attorneys Amanda Speights, Holly Holliman, and the team at Speights Law are skilled litigators who handle various divorce cases in Cherokee County.
Speights Law Co-Founder Amanda Speights
Co-founder and primary family law attorney at Speights Law, Amanda Speights excelled academically, graduating top of her class from John Marshall Law School in 2009. During her studies, she received numerous accolades for her achievements.
With over a decade of courtroom experience, Amanda has successfully argued cases at every level of the Georgia court system. Her proficiency extends from presenting cases in the Georgia Supreme Court to advocating for clients in Cherokee County’s family courts.
Her deep understanding of family law complexities, coupled with her empathy and client dedication, established her as a highly esteemed divorce attorney in Canton, GA.
Former Prosecutor Holly Holliman
With nearly two decades of experience in litigation, Holly Holliman became a member of the Speights Law team in 2021, focusing on divorce, custody, and family law. She earned her law degree from Georgia State University in 2006 and has since served as a prosecutor in Cherokee County, later advancing to the position of Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney.
Holly is highly skilled in courtroom proceedings and has a deep understanding of Georgia’s divorce statutes. Her dedication to safeguarding the interests of children is evident in her work, and she applies a prosecutor’s diligence to her family law cases. Holly is committed to securing the most favorable outcomes for her family law clients, whether through pre-trial negotiations or in courtroom settings.
Top Alimony Attorneys in Canton, GA
Securing fair alimony is challenging, especially as even friendly divorces can become contentious when financial matters are involved. In Canton, the Speights family law team provides the expertise and negotiation skills to handle your case outside the courtroom effectively.
Our divorce lawyers are well-versed in the intricacies of alimony awards in Georgia courts. They are adept at evaluating the amount of spousal support you should expect and advocating strongly on your behalf. With their extensive experience, they ensure you have robust representation, regardless of your spouse’s financial control.
Our Strategic Approach to Alimony Advocacy
Speights Law aims to create an equitable scenario in divorce proceedings. Our family law specialists will assist in obtaining funds to cover legal expenses by petitioning for temporary alimony. This support enables you to afford the high-caliber legal help you require.
Our exceptional team is also equipped to handle other alimony-related matters, whether it’s for legal fees, temporary support during a transition back to work, or long-term alimony after a lengthy marriage. We can also manage alimony agreement modifications and defend against attempts to reduce spousal support.
For a secure future, rely on experienced family law attorneys in Canton, GA, to ensure you receive and maintain a fair alimony arrangement in your divorce.
Understanding Annulment, Divorce, and Separation in Georgia
In Georgia, there are three legal ways to either end or suspend a marriage: annulment, divorce, and separate maintenance. It’s important for Canton families to understand the distinctions among these options.
Annulments
In Georgia, annulments are granted under specific, limited circumstances that are generally quite rare. These situations typically involve conditions where the marriage is considered legally invalid from the start.
Some common grounds for annulment in Georgia include:
- Incest: If the spouses are related too closely by blood.
- Bigamy: One spouse is legally married to another person.
- Underage marriage: One or both spouses were under the legal age to marry and did not have proper parental or court consent.
- Mental incapacity: Either spouse was mentally incapacitated or unable to understand the nature of the marriage contract at the time of the marriage.
- Fraud or duress: The marriage was entered into based on fraud or under duress, coercion, or force.
- Impotence: If one spouse is incurably impotent and the other spouse was unaware of this condition at the time of the marriage.
It’s important to note that annulments are distinct from divorces in that they treat the marriage as if it never legally existed rather than simply ending a legally valid marriage.
Legal advice from a qualified attorney is recommended for anyone considering this option, as the requirements for annulment are quite specific, and the legal implications are significant.
Divorce
Divorce in Georgia legally terminates a marriage between two individuals. Unlike annulment, divorce recognizes that the marriage was valid but has now come to an end. Grounds for divorce in Georgia can be either fault or no-fault.
Common grounds for a fault divorce include:
- Adultery: Infidelity by one of the spouses.
- Cruel treatment: Physical or mental abuse that endangers the safety or health of the spouse.
- Desertion: A situation where one spouse has left the other for at least one year.
- Habitual intoxication or drug addiction: Regular abuse of alcohol or drugs.
- Imprisonment: If one spouse is incarcerated for certain crimes.
The most common ground for a no-fault divorce is the marriage being “irretrievably broken,” where there’s no hope of reconciliation.
Separation
In Georgia, legal separation is known as separate maintenance. It allows married couples to live apart without formally ending the marriage. This is an option for those who wish to live separately for religious, financial, or personal reasons but do not wish to divorce.
Separate maintenance agreements address similar issues to those in a divorce, such as:
- Alimony or spousal support: Financial support from one spouse to the other.
- Child custody and support: Arrangements for the care and financial support of children.
- Division of assets and debts: Splitting marital property and responsibilities for debts.
Filing for separate maintenance requires one spouse to file a petition in the Superior Court. It’s important to note that while separate maintenance legally acknowledges the couple’s separation, it does not legally end the marriage. This means neither party can remarry until they are legally divorced.
It’s crucial to engage a knowledgeable family law attorney in Canton if you’re considering any of these legal actions.
Experts in High Net Worth Divorce in Canton
In Canton, many families possess significant wealth, which can add complexity and increase the stakes in divorce proceedings beyond those in a normal divorce. Navigating a high-net-worth divorce often requires the involvement of specialists in asset valuation, forensic accounting, taxation, and real estate.
Additionally, child support calculations may be influenced by Georgia’s high-income deviation law.
Individuals with substantial assets and income require a law firm skilled in handling high-net-worth divorce cases. Such a firm should be adept at safeguarding assets and ensuring equitable outcomes for all involved.
Speights Law is experienced in managing the intricacies of high-net-worth marriage dissolutions for Canton clients, offering comprehensive guidance throughout the divorce process.
Assistance with Child Custody Modifications from Speights Law
Child custody agreements may require adjustments over time due to changing circumstances, children’s growth, and evolving family needs. Speights Law is equipped to assist families in modifying their custody arrangements and guide them in petitioning the court for these revisions.
Our team of skilled family lawyers can adeptly manage requests for joint custody, sole custody, or revised custody-sharing plans, focusing on the critical aspects of child custody modifications. It’s essential to have proficient legal representation in Canton to ensure accuracy and effectiveness in these changes.
With extensive experience in a wide range of Georgia custody cases, Speights Law is prepared to assist regardless of the nature of your relationship with your ex-partner, including in complex situations that may involve allegations of abuse or neglect.
Our lawyers are also proficient in negotiating modified custody agreements outside of court.
Speights Law is committed to supporting and guiding clients through the child custody modification process. If you are contemplating a modification but are apprehensive about the procedure, we encourage you to reach out and begin the journey toward the necessary change for your family.
Your Legal Support During the Adoption Process
As families in Canton work through divorce transitions, including blended family dynamics and potential single-parent adoption, our firm offers expert legal support in adoption.
Adopting a child is an immensely fulfilling experience; however, it comes with a complex legal journey. To avoid legal complexities and bureaucratic hurdles, consider consulting with our adoption specialists to streamline this significant phase for you and your family.
Prospective parents in Canton encounter multiple challenges during adoption, including long waiting lists, intricate vetting procedures, and extensive paperwork. Our family lawyers have a deep understanding of Georgia’s adoption process and offer comprehensive support throughout.
Adoption Services Offered by Our Divorce Attorneys in Canton
Our family legal expertise extends beyond divorce to encompass a comprehensive range of adoption services:
- Private agency adoptions.
- Foster system adoptions.
- Relative adoptions (including adoptions by a step-parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.).
- Third-party adoptions.
- Adult adoptions
- Agency adoptions through the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS)
- Protecting inheritance rights through adult adoptions
Adoption cases, even those that appear straightforward, can develop complications, necessitating a skilled legal team to protect your interests.
Our compassionate attorneys are experienced in a range of scenarios, from newborn adoptions to cases involving children escaping neglect or abuse. We also handle step-parent, relative, special needs, and adult adoptions.
Engaging a proficient legal team is crucial to achieving the desired outcome in your adoption journey. To avoid potential pitfalls and increase your chances of successful adoption, reach out to Speights Law for expert legal assistance.
If You’re Facing a Divorce in Canton, Speights Law Can Help
At Speights Law, we recognize the significant impact of divorce and related family law matters on your life. Our experienced attorneys in Canton are dedicated to guiding you through each aspect of your case, whether it involves divorce, custody issues, or complex high-net-worth situations.
We’re committed to handling your case with professionalism and a deep understanding of family law, always prioritizing your best interests.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how our legal solutions can help guide you toward a positive resolution. We’re ready to provide the support and guidance you need during these challenging times.
