- DivorceWe are guided by the belief that family and divorce law matters should, when possible, be resolved outside of the Courtroom. We remain a resolution focused law firm, and our attorneys' and resources are open to assist you. As Coronavirus (COVID-19) becomes more of a concern in our local communities, we all must take the necessary precautions. At Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor, we have executed several precautionary measures to protect the safety of our clients and team. We understand the fundamental nature of the service we provide, and we know that emergencies can happen at any point in time. Many of you may have concerns during this difficult time, and as always, Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor is here to help guide you through it. If you need help with a divorce or family law issue, we are available to help you.
- Child SupportGeorgia Child Support Laws Atlanta parents should know that the state of Georgia requires both parents to support their children until a child reaches the age of 18, dies, graduates from high school, marries, emancipates, or joins the military. However, support can extend past the age of 18, such as in the case of a child still in high school.
- Child Custody and VisitationIn Georgia Disputes over child custody and visitation are among the most hotly contested in Georgia family law cases. While the court has established legal guidelines to follow, there are always extenuating factors which must be considered. At Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor, our team members have acted as strong legal advocates on behalf of parents in these situations for 30 years. We offer tried and true strategies designed to protect the rights and well-being of both you and your child.
- AdoptionOur associate attorney, Judy Sartain, is especially well-known in this area and has earned a stellar reputation for adoption law. She not only has successfully guided many families through the process of adoption, but he also has a deep passion for helping her clients' families. You certainly want Judy and her team fighting on your side. You will find Judy in all of the Atlanta Metro counties, however her home base is Gainesville.
- PaternityThe process of establishing child support payments often causes anxiety for parents going through the divorce process or paternity suits. Most parents want to pay reasonable child support if they do not have primary custody of their children but often worry about the impact of excessive and financially crippling payments. Others who anticipate being awarded primary custody worry they will not be able to support the child at the appropriate level.
- Premarital AgreementMany people have misconceptions about a prenuptial agreement (sometimes called prenup or antenuptial). Most often, prenuptial contracts protect the interests of existing children or partners in family businesses. Other times, it protects the higher income earning spouse.
- Spousal SupportIn Georgia, alimony is not a right, but it can be appropriate in certain situations and awarded over time or in one lump sum after a divorce settlement. In order to determine eligibility, courts consider a number of issues, including the needs, income and assets of each spouse.
- Legal SeparationTechnically, there is no such thing as a legal separation in GA. However, you can file for a separate maintenance action, defined as a judicial determination to separate spouses and provide support without a judicial termination of the marriage.
- AnnulmentThere is a difference between a divorce and an annulment, so it's important to know the facts about each and what might make your situation applicable. Typically, when considering an annulment the goal is to have your marriage completely eradicated from historical records, while a divorce is concrete and will be documented for life. Certain circumstances do have to be met for an annulment to be considered, so it's important to know the facts, the parameters, and what makes your situation unique. It's recommended to hire an experienced attorney when confronting such matters.
- MisdemeanorsIf you've been involved with a felony or misdemeanor it's important to know the facts and move forward with clear and concise information regarding your case.
- Construction Litigation
- Estate PlanningIf you or your loved ones are going through the process of divorce, child custody, adoption, estate planning, or other legal issues in Fayette County, contact Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor to see how we can help. Our Fayetteville family law office even offers weekend appointment times so that our clients can seek the counsel they need at convenient times.
- ProbateWhile collaborative divorce refers to the resolution of particular types of disputes (divorce and domestic partnerships), the other terms can also apply to disputes involving employment law, probate law, construction law, real property law, and other civil law areas where the parties are likely to have continuing relationships after the current conflict has been resolved.