Legal Help When Your Marriage Ends
For many people, going through a divorce is one of the most difficult and disorienting experiences they will ever face. Whether you are planning to file for divorce or were recently blindsided by a spouse and served with divorce papers, you can count on the Law Office of T. Rabb Wilkerson, III, P.C., to provide the advice, options, guidance and help you need to achieve your personal and financial divorce-related goals.
I am attorney Rabb Wilkerson, and I am committed to helping you and your family successfully navigate the numerous challenges and changes that accompany the divorce process. For more than 30 years, I have helped hundreds of clients in Warner Robins and throughout Middle Georgia obtain favorable divorce settlements, and I can do the same for you.
Experienced Divorce Lawyer Who Is On Your Side
When it comes to divorce cases, every client has unique circumstances, needs and goals. At my law office, you and your case will receive the attention and advocacy you need to achieve a divorce settlement, child custody arrangement and support orders that meet your and your family’s unique needs. I will look out for your best interests when it comes to negotiating or litigating a broad range of divorce matters, including:
- Property division – Bank, retirement and investment accounts, property and debts
- Military divorce – Residency and filing requirements, division of any military pensions
- Child custody agreement – Sole or joint custody, enforcement and modifications
- Child and spousal support orders – Support petitions, enforcement and modification
When Domestic Violence Is A Factor In Divorce
In cases where accusations or criminal charges related to domestic abuse and violence plagued your marriage, I will take steps to protect your best interests. I can help you obtain a restraining order and physically protect yourself and your children. If you believe that a soon-to-be ex-spouse made false accusations against you, I can help protect your parental rights and rights to child custody and visitation.
Divorce In Georgia: Questions And Answers
Divorce can move quickly or slowly depending on the issues involved. Understanding the early steps involved can help guide you through your divorce. Below, I address frequently asked questions about getting a divorce in Georgia.
What happens after I am served with divorce papers in Georgia?
Once you are served, the clock begins running on your deadline to respond. Georgia generally allows you 30 days to file a response, and failing to respond can allow the court to move forward without your input. Your answer is your opportunity to admit or deny any involved allegations. It also allows you to outline your own requests regarding property, custody, support or other issues.
Many spouses also file a counterclaim, which allows them to present their own grounds for divorce and ensure the court hears their side even if the other party later dismisses the case. Missing deadlines can limit your options, so it is important to act promptly and preserve your rights.
What if we reconcile? Can we stop a divorce after filing in Georgia?
Reconciliation is possible at any point before the court issues a final decree. If both spouses agree to end the case, the filing party may submit a voluntary dismissal, which stops the divorce from moving forward. Some couples choose to pause the process while they attend counseling or attempt to resolve their issues privately.
If the case has already involved temporary orders or scheduled hearings, the court may require brief procedural steps to close the matter. However, the parties retain the ability to halt the divorce as long as no final judgment has been entered.
What happens if my spouse will not sign divorce papers?
A divorce can still proceed even if one spouse refuses to participate. Georgia allows both contested and uncontested divorces, and a spouse’s refusal to sign simply means the case will move forward as a contested matter. The court will schedule hearings, review evidence and make decisions on property division, custody and support based on the information available.
A spouse who ignores the process risks having the court issue orders without their input, including financial obligations and parenting arrangements. While cooperation can make the process faster and less expensive, the lack of participation by one party cannot stop the divorce from being finalized.
Ready To File For Divorce?
To discuss your specific divorce needs and goals, call my law office today at 478-225-4370 or contact me online to schedule an initial consultation.