Family Law

Atlanta-Marietta Attorneys Practicing in Divorce and Family Law

With offices in Atlanta and Marietta, the lawyers at Stearns-Montgomery & Associates proudly represent families in the Atlanta metropolitan area, including the communities of Alpharetta, Atlanta, Buckhead, Canton, Dallas, Decatur, Douglasville, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs and Smyrna.

Divorce

While most people understand what the term "divorce" means, only people who have gone through the process understand the complexity of the process and the pain and stress involved. The lawyers at Stearns-Montgomery & Associates understand divorce and will help you deal with all of the issues that need to be addressed.

Child Custody and Visitation

Our lawyers zealously represent the best interests of mothers, fathers, grandparents and other interested parties in custody controversies without putting children in the middle of the dispute. We are committed to providing the most effective level of service to each of our valued clients in a caring and compassionate manner.

Child Support

As you may be aware, on January 1, 2007, Georgia’s traditional child support guidelines changed significantly. Whereas the former child support law ostensibly only considered the income of the parent obligated to pay child support, the new law takes into account the income of both parents in determining the child support obligation.

Collaborative Law

“Collaborative divorce” refers to the resolution of divorce and domestic partnership dissolutions where the parties are likely to have continuing relationships after the current conflict has been resolved. The collaborative process is an amicable or uncontested approach to divorce. Its key elements include the voluntary and free exchange of information, a pledge by each party not to litigate and the commitment to resolutions that respect the parties' shared priorities as well as their children's.

Adoptions

Adopting a child is a joyous event. It is also a legal process that can have frustrating delays and obstacles along the way. The family law attorneys at Stearns-Montgomery & Associates are dedicated to representing and guiding you through the adoption process in a streamlined and cost-effective manner.

Modification of Custody and Support

The child custody, visitation and support agreement that was appropriate at the time of your divorce may not be appropriate years later if your circumstances or the circumstances of your ex-spouse or child have changed. For example, if the income of either parent has changed substantially, it could result in an increase or decrease of the amount of child support paid by the noncustodial parent.

Contempt Actions

In Georgia, a divorce judgment or order can be enforced through an action for contempt. Anyone found in contempt of court is subject to a number of consequences, including jail time.

Paternity & Legitimation

In Georgia, a legal action to establish paternity is called "legitimation." If you are an unmarried father seeking visitation with your child or an unmarried mother who wants child support, you must first establish a legal father-child relationship through an order of legitimation.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence charges are treated very seriously in Georgia. Even before a person is found guilty of criminal assault charges, he or she is likely to face civil sanctions such as removal from the family home, as well as temporary restraining orders (TRO) that prevent the accused from having any contact with the alleged victim.

For specific information about your case, please contact us today. To learn more about our areas of practice, please read on.

Speak with a caring divorce and family law attorney: Call Stearns-Montgomery & Associates today at (770) 426-1148 or fill out our simple contact form.