How Do You File for a Legal Separation in Georgia

According to Psychology Today, a temporary breakup can make a difficult relationship even stronger in the long run. Unlike other states, legal separation in Georgia has an option for separate alimony. It provides support to a spouse without the need for a divorce. Separate support is not called alimony because the couple is still married in the eyes of the law. There are no specific deadlines, but a month tends to be a recommended period. You and your spouse are considered legally separated if one of you leaves the house or bedroom with the intention of ending a conjugal union. Divorce laws in Georgia can get complicated and it`s always wise to hire a lawyer. While it is not necessary to hire a lawyer for legal separation, divorce or annulment, it is highly recommended for all three. To achieve the most desirable result for your case, hiring a lawyer is crucial. Without a lawyer, you must complete and submit all the correct documents, appear before a judge on your behalf, and correspond with the opposing party`s lawyer. In addition, most people are not familiar with family law in Georgia, so unrepresented parties can oversee certain rights to which they are entitled. As with a divorce, the applicant (the person filing the divorce) must invoke grounds for legal separation.

The reasons for the separation are as follows: (1) the separation between the couple has been agreed (this is in parallel with no fault reason in a divorce); and (2) the separation between the couple was based on misconduct on the part of the defendant spouse (i.e., the person not subject to registration). The type of misconduct allowed includes adultery, domestic violence, abandonment, excessive drug use, etc. Georgia grants “separate maintenance” to couples who do not wish to divorce for religious reasons or if there is a legal advantage for marriage (e.B. insurance). This order allows the court to preside over all matrimonial matters, except that the couple remains legally married. Partners can be separated immediately. To do this, they must choose and agree on a date for their separation and ensure that they do not have sex from that moment on. This can be the first day of a month when spouses don`t remember exactly when they decided to break up, the day someone moves into another room, or a day after a big argument – most importantly, this date can be easily verified by either party. Informal separation or post-nostalgia agreements in Georgia, while not recognized by the state as a legal separation, may be a good option for couples who wish to continue enjoying the legal and financial benefits of marriage without living together. A separation agreement is a legally binding contract signed by the spouses and aims to resolve property, debt and child issues.

This can be a very complex and detailed document, depending on the unique situation of the marriage. Many spouses consult a lawyer to do this, or they decide to prepare their own. Although legal segregation is not explicitly recognized in the state of Georgia, a separate maintenance measure may be what you are looking for, as it is the closest equivalent to Georgia. A separate maintenance application allows the couple to remain married, eliminates any responsibility that each spouse has for the other and also makes important legal decisions regarding the following points: to divorce, the separation must be maintained. When “catch-up relationships” occur, temporary support arrangements and divorce in general are at risk if a complaint has been filed. “Georgian law provides that voluntary cohabitation takes precedence over all provisions relating to the permanent maintenance of a spouse. However, the effect of living together is that only future obligations for permanent support are cancelled and the spouse does not require him or her to return property or payments already received. See McConaughey`s § 2:24. To file for divorce in Georgia, the applicant must swear that he is in a state of separation, which means that the party swears that he is no longer engaged in marital activities and considers himself separated. You and your spouse are legally separated, but not divorced. Only “separated” spouses can file for divorce in the state. However, this does not mean that spouses have to leave their marital home or that they must first apply for separate alimony.

Spouses can be considered separated, even if they continue to live under the same roof, but do not have conjugal relations and maintain separate households within the household. In addition, they are not required to draw up an agreement unless they deem it necessary. Boudreaux`s family law lawyers take the time to understand your unique situation before proceeding with a legal separation in Georgia. We are experts in separation agreements and separation care. Our lawyers are familiar with the emotions of a breakup and can help you navigate all aspects of separation. Call us today at 706-869-1334 to arrange a consultation on legal separation in Georgia. .