Hiring a lawyer for your divorce ensures your rights are protected and legal procedures are followed correctly. An experienced attorney can navigate complex laws, negotiate fair settlements, and handle paperwork efficiently. This reduces stress and helps avoid costly mistakes, allowing you to focus on your well-being during this challenging time.

An uncontested divorce is one in which the parties agree on the resolution of all possible issues such as child custody, visitation, child support, alimony, division of assets, debt allocation, attorney fees, and other subcategories of the foregoing. If the parties do not agree on all issues and there are one or more areas of dispute, it is considered a contested divorce. A contested divorce may eventually be settled after the efforts of the parties and their attorneys or through an alternative dispute resolution like mediation. If you need a family attorney, reach out to the Law Offices of Stephanie Salb, PC today.

Family law costs vary based on location, attorney experience, and case complexity. As an experienced family attorney, our fees range from $1,500 for simple cases (like uncontested divorces without children) to $7,500 for complex matters involving high-conflict custody or significant assets. Most cases fall in between. While clients pay retainers upfront, we often seek reimbursement from the opposing party. With 31 years of experience, our rates are competitive with similarly seasoned firms, offering a solid investment in your legal needs without being the most or least expensive option.

Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps disputing parties negotiate and reach an agreement without going to court. It's an alternative to traditional litigation. Unlike arbitration, where a neutral party makes a binding decision after hearing both sides, mediation empowers the parties to create their own solution. This approach often leads to more satisfactory outcomes and can be less costly and time-consuming than a court trial if you are seeking a divorce.

Most uncontested cases don't require court appearances unless specifically ordered by the judge, which is rare. For disputed issues, court appearances are necessary. However, an experienced family attorney can often negotiate resolutions to avoid court appearances. In essence, whether you'll need to go to court depends on the complexity of your case and the level of agreement between parties.

Choosing the right attorney is crucial in family law cases. According to the United States Census Bureau, there were 673,989 divorces in 2022. This high number underscores the importance of selecting a skilled family attorney. When choosing, consider factors like experience, cost, and client compatibility. Our firm, licensed since 1993 by the State Bar of Georgia, has extensive experience in family law. We prioritize client satisfaction and optimal outcomes, as our testimonials show. Our rates are competitive for our level of expertise. We encourage comparing fees, but caution against unusually low prices, as they often indicate compromised service quality.

Yes, you can have a jury trial in your support modification case or divorce. According to our experts, our state is one of only two in the United States (along with Texas) that allows jury trials for divorces. Your attorney will help you decide whether a jury trial or a bench trial (where the judge determines the facts) is better for your situation. We'll also discuss alternative settlement options like mediation and arbitration to find the best approach for your case.

Congratulations on reaching an agreement on all issues - that's a significant achievement! However, ethical rules prevent one attorney from representing both parties in any legal action, including an uncontested divorce. Even if your divorce is amicable, your interests are still considered legally adverse. It's advisable to at least pay for a consultation with your own attorney to review any documentation prepared by your spouse's lawyer. This ensures your interests are fully protected.

While online resources can provide basic information, their reliability varies. Many websites offer inaccurate or outdated advice. Some may present accurate information, but it might apply to a different state's laws - remember, divorce laws differ across all 50 states, according to our experts. Online research can be a starting point, but it's not a substitute for personalized legal advice. Only a qualified family attorney can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and local laws.

Yes, these orders can be modified if the requesting party meets the necessary legal requirements. For instance, to change a child custody order, you must prove a significant change in circumstances affecting the children since the last order was issued. Similarly, support payments may be adjusted based on substantial changes in financial situations. It's best to consult with a family attorney to determine if you have valid grounds for modification in your specific case.