Resources & Insights

Plain-English guides to divorce and family law in Georgia — written by our attorneys to help you understand your options before you ever pick up the phone.

Legitimation in Georgia: A Father's Complete Guide
Child Custody

Legitimation in Georgia: A Father's Complete Guide

Legitimation is how an unmarried father gains legal rights to his child in Georgia — being on the birth certificate isn't enough. What it grants, and how it works.

Jul 15, 2026
How to File for Legitimation in Georgia: Petition, Forms, Cost, and the Hearing
Child Custody

How to File for Legitimation in Georgia: Petition, Forms, Cost, and the Hearing

How to file a legitimation petition in Georgia in 5 steps — where to file, what the petition must include, the filing fee, serving the mother, and what happens at the hearing.

Jul 15, 2026
Unmarried Fathers' Rights in Georgia: What Custody Law Says for Unmarried Parents
Child Custody

Unmarried Fathers' Rights in Georgia: What Custody Law Says for Unmarried Parents

In Georgia, the mother of a child born outside marriage has sole custody by default. Here's what unmarried fathers can do about it — and what changes it.

Jul 15, 2026
How Much Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Georgia?
Divorce

How Much Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Georgia?

An uncontested divorce in Georgia runs from about $220 in court costs (DIY) to $1,500–$5,000 with an attorney. Here's what changes the number — and when cheap gets expensive.

Jul 15, 2026
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Georgia? Contested vs. Uncontested Timelines
Divorce

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Georgia? Contested vs. Uncontested Timelines

Georgia's legal minimum is 31 days — but most divorces take longer. Realistic uncontested and contested timelines, plus the factors that stretch a case.

Jul 15, 2026
Filing for Divorce in Cobb County: Superior Court Process, Fees, and What to Expect
Divorce

Filing for Divorce in Cobb County: Superior Court Process, Fees, and What to Expect

Where to file for divorce in Cobb County, what the Superior Court filing fee covers, the required co-parenting seminar, and what happens after you file.

Jul 15, 2026
Uncontested Divorce in Georgia: What It Means and How It Works
Divorce

Uncontested Divorce in Georgia: What It Means and How It Works

For Georgia couples who agree on the major issues, an uncontested divorce is a faster, less expensive path — but it still carries specific legal requirements and a binding settlement agreement worth getting right.

May 26, 2026
Contested Divorce in Georgia: What to Expect When Spouses Don't Agree
Divorce

Contested Divorce in Georgia: What to Expect When Spouses Don't Agree

When spouses can't agree on property, custody, support, or alimony, a Georgia divorce becomes contested — here's how the process works, from filing through trial, and how to protect yourself.

May 18, 2026
How Is Child Support Calculated in Georgia? Marietta Child Support Attorney Explains
Child Support

How Is Child Support Calculated in Georgia? Marietta Child Support Attorney Explains

A Marietta attorney explains how Georgia calculates child support using the Income Shares Model, which income and expense factors matter, and how support can be modified or enforced.

Mar 26, 2026
Child Custody in Georgia: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Child Custody

Child Custody in Georgia: What Every Parent Needs to Know

A comprehensive guide to Georgia child custody law — the types of custody, court procedures, the factors judges weigh, and how parents can protect their child's best interests.

Mar 18, 2026
Step-by-Step Guide: How to File for Divorce in Georgia
Divorce

Step-by-Step Guide: How to File for Divorce in Georgia

Navigate the Georgia divorce process with a clear, step-by-step guide covering residency rules, filing, serving your spouse, mediation, and finalizing your decree in Marietta.

Mar 4, 2026
Effective Child Custody Strategies for Dads in Marietta: Protecting Your Fathers' Rights
Child Custody

Effective Child Custody Strategies for Dads in Marietta: Protecting Your Fathers' Rights

A practical guide for fathers in Marietta on protecting their parental rights in child custody disputes — covering Georgia custody law, case preparation, and local resources.

Jan 28, 2026
How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Georgia? Key Insights
Divorce

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Georgia? Key Insights

A breakdown of divorce costs in Georgia — attorney fees, filing fees, mediation, and how custody, support, alimony, and property division affect the total.

Jan 27, 2026
Secure Your Child's Future: Fathers Rights Attorney Benefits
Child Custody

Secure Your Child's Future: Fathers Rights Attorney Benefits

Why fathers in Georgia should hire a specialized fathers' rights attorney to protect their interests in child support, custody, paternity, and legitimation cases.

Jan 26, 2026
Know Your Divorce Rights: Essential Guide for Fathers
Child Custody

Know Your Divorce Rights: Essential Guide for Fathers

A comprehensive guide to fathers' legal rights during divorce in Georgia — covering custody, visitation, paternity, child support, and how to protect parental rights.

Jan 20, 2026
Choose a Reliable Divorce Lawyer in Marietta for Your Case
Divorce

Choose a Reliable Divorce Lawyer in Marietta for Your Case

Why hiring a Marietta divorce lawyer with Cobb County expertise matters — covering local divorce laws, residency rules, custody, support, property division, and ADR.

Jan 15, 2026
Essential Steps for Dads: Modifying Child Support in Georgia
Child Support

Essential Steps for Dads: Modifying Child Support in Georgia

A step-by-step guide for Georgia fathers seeking to modify child support, covering eligibility, the two-year rule, required documentation, and legal rights.

Jan 13, 2026
Complete Guide to Divorce in Georgia | Process, Timeline & Costs
Divorce

Complete Guide to Divorce in Georgia | Process, Timeline & Costs

A complete guide to the Georgia divorce process, timeline, custody and support rules, property division, and what it typically costs.

Jan 9, 2026
Georgia Father Awarded Sole Custody in Landmark Legitimation
Child Custody

Georgia Father Awarded Sole Custody in Landmark Legitimation

Better Law won sole legal and physical custody for a Georgia father in an unprecedented emergency legitimation case.

Dec 22, 2025
How to File and Win Full Custody: A Complete Guide for Mothers and Fathers
Child Custody

How to File and Win Full Custody: A Complete Guide for Mothers and Fathers

A practical guide to filing for and winning full custody in Georgia, covering the court process, the evidence judges weigh, and the steps mothers and fathers can take to strengthen their case.

Nov 4, 2025
How to Apply for Divorce in Georgia: A Step-by-Step Guide
Divorce

How to Apply for Divorce in Georgia: A Step-by-Step Guide

A seven-step walkthrough of how to apply for divorce in Georgia, from meeting residency requirements to finalizing the decree in court.

Nov 4, 2025
What’s the Difference Between Legal Custody and Physical Custody?
Child Custody

What’s the Difference Between Legal Custody and Physical Custody?

Legal custody covers decision-making authority while physical custody covers where a child lives — here is how the two differ and how Georgia courts decide each.

Apr 25, 2024
5 Things to Remember if You're Up Against False Accusations in Court
Divorce

5 Things to Remember if You're Up Against False Accusations in Court

What to remember if you're facing false accusations in a Georgia divorce or custody case — from preserving evidence to defending your credibility in court.

Mar 19, 2024
Can I Modify My Child Custody Arrangement Without Going To Court?
Child Custody

Can I Modify My Child Custody Arrangement Without Going To Court?

Informal custody tweaks are not enforceable in Georgia — here is why court approval matters and how to modify a custody order when circumstances change.

Mar 14, 2024
Divorce Rates By Demographics in Georgia
Divorce

Divorce Rates By Demographics in Georgia

A look at how divorce rates in Georgia break down by age, education, race, and marriage length — and the common factors that contribute to separations.

Feb 21, 2024
How Separate Maintenance Works in Georgia
Georgia Law

How Separate Maintenance Works in Georgia

Georgia's separate maintenance action functions much like a legal separation, resolving custody, support, alimony, and property while a couple remains married.

Dec 21, 2023
How Can a Father Get Full Custody of Their Child?
Child Custody

How Can a Father Get Full Custody of Their Child?

Georgia courts no longer favor mothers in custody — here are the strategies that help a father build a strong case for full custody of his child.

Nov 27, 2023
7 Signs It Is Time For a Divorce
Divorce

7 Signs It Is Time For a Divorce

Seven honest signs that it may be time to consider a divorce, and how legal guidance can help you navigate the decision in Georgia.

Nov 21, 2023
5 Factors That Affect Child Custody Decisions in Georgia
Child Custody

5 Factors That Affect Child Custody Decisions in Georgia

Georgia judges weigh the best interests of the child — these are five of the key factors that affect custody decisions, from a parent’s willingness to the stability of the home.

Nov 2, 2023
Yes, You Can Date While Separated in Georgia, But Here’s the Catch
Divorce

Yes, You Can Date While Separated in Georgia, But Here’s the Catch

Dating during a Georgia separation is legal, but it can still affect custody, alimony, and property division in your divorce.

Aug 30, 2023
Does Georgia Recognize Common Law Marriage?
Georgia Law

Does Georgia Recognize Common Law Marriage?

Georgia stopped recognizing new common law marriages in 1997, but pre-1997 unions and valid out-of-state ones still count.

Aug 30, 2023
Georgia Child Custody Guide and FAQs
Child Custody

Georgia Child Custody Guide and FAQs

Answers to common Georgia child custody questions, from legal vs. physical custody to how courts decide a child's best interest.

Aug 15, 2023
Unfit Parents And Child Custody In Marietta, GA
Child Custody

Unfit Parents And Child Custody In Marietta, GA

An “unfit” parent finding is rare in Georgia and reserved for extreme cases — here are the factors Marietta courts weigh and how sole and emergency custody work.

Aug 9, 2023
What Is The Divorce Filing Cost In Marietta, Georgia?
Divorce

What Is The Divorce Filing Cost In Marietta, Georgia?

A breakdown of divorce filing costs in Marietta, Georgia — court filing and service fees, fee waivers, the required paperwork, and ways to keep total costs down.

Aug 9, 2023
5 Advantages of a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) in a Georgia Divorce
Divorce

5 Advantages of a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) in a Georgia Divorce

Five key advantages of using a marital settlement agreement (MSA) to reach a faster, less contentious, and more cost-effective Georgia divorce.

Aug 8, 2023
What Is the Difference Between a Lawyer and an Attorney?
Georgia Law

What Is the Difference Between a Lawyer and an Attorney?

The difference between a lawyer and an attorney explained — including what J.D. and Esq. mean and why the distinction matters when hiring legal help.

Aug 8, 2023
Do I Have To Pay Child Support With 50-50 Custody in Marietta?
Child Support

Do I Have To Pay Child Support With 50-50 Custody in Marietta?

Even with 50-50 custody in Marietta, Georgia's income-shares formula means the higher-earning parent often still pays child support.

Jul 31, 2023
What Happens if a Spouse Refuses to Sign the Divorce Papers in Marietta?
Divorce

What Happens if a Spouse Refuses to Sign the Divorce Papers in Marietta?

A spouse who refuses to sign divorce papers in Marietta cannot stop the divorce — default judgments and no-fault grounds allow the case to proceed.

Jul 18, 2023
Does Your Marriage Qualify for an Annulment in Georgia?
Divorce

Does Your Marriage Qualify for an Annulment in Georgia?

How annulment differs from divorce in Georgia, the limited legal grounds that qualify a marriage, and why most couples must file for divorce instead.

Jun 23, 2023
How Does Service of Process Work?
Georgia Law

How Does Service of Process Work?

A plain-English look at how legal papers are served in Georgia and what a process server legally can and cannot do.

Jun 21, 2023