A Family Lawyer in Monroe, GA

Family Lawyer in Monroe

40+

YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE

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A Family Lawyer in Monroe, GA

Looking for a family lawyer you can trust? Contact us!

Divorce and child custody proceedings are some of the toughest things people go through in life and in the legal system. Given the high financial and emotional stakes involved in many divorce and child custody cases, it is crucial that you hire a diligent attorney who can represent your interests and make sure that you and your family are treated fairly and not taken advantage of.

Divorce

To end a marriage in Georgia, the proper legal processes must be followed. This can be a relatively simple process or very complex depending on the circumstances. And every case is different. Divorces can either be uncontested (meaning the terms are agreed upon) or contested (meaning that the terms of the divorce are not agreed upon). Issues to be resolved in a divorce often include child custody, child support, division of assets, and alimony. We will consider all of these factors when helping you through the divorce process.

At Wosnik Law, we will take the time to consider your case individually and carefully to help you select the best option for you and your family. We will also use our extensive courtroom experience to present your case to the judge or jury thoroughly and persuasively.

Child Custody

In Georgia law, there are two broad types of custody, “legal” and “physical.” When a marriage comes to an end and there are children involved, a custody arrangement will have to be determined.

Legal custody consists of the ability of a parent to make important life decisions for a child such as medical, educational, and religious decisions. A parent may have legal custody of a child but not necessarily physical custody. This is a crucial distinction. For important decisions that are made for the child, the court usually designates one of the parents as being the final decision maker or tie breaker in the event of a disagreement on the topics regarding health, religion, medical, and extra-curricular. This parent is often (but not always) the primary physical custodian.

Physical custody deals with where and with whom the child lives and, as with legal custody, can also be joint or sole. Joint physical custody means that the child will spend a substantial amount of time staying with each parent. Sole custody means that the child will spend almost all of his or her time with one parent and little or no time with the other parent.

To make the decisions about all custody issues, the judge in the case will balance several legal factors to determine what arrangement will be in the child’s best interest and will contribute the most to the child’s welfare. If custody is in dispute, this is where an attorney can make the argument to the court, in your behalf, regarding which party is best equipped to have custody of the child. If you are going through a divorce or child custody dispute, contact us today for a free consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a criminal trial lawyer?
A criminal trial lawyer defends individuals accused of crimes, providing expert legal representation. At Wosnik Law, our experienced team is dedicated to protecting your rights and crafting personalized defense strategies. We advocate for you in court and negotiate plea deals when advantageous. Don’t face criminal charges alone—trust Wosnik Law to help you navigate this challenging time.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
Misdemeanors and felonies are both criminal offenses, but they differ in severity. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, typically punishable by fines or imprisonment for up to one year. Examples include petty theft or minor assaults. Felonies, on the other hand, are more serious offenses, often resulting in imprisonment for more than one year and significant fines. Examples include robbery, murder, and drug trafficking. At Wosnik Law, we can help you understand the implications of these charges and provide the defense you need.
How is child support calculated in Georgia?
Georgia uses an income shares model which considers the combined gross income of both parents. This figure is applied to a statutory table to determine the basic obligation, which is then divided proportionally between the parents. Adjustments are made for health insurance premiums, work-related childcare costs, and other specific expenses to reach the final monthly amount.
How long must you live in Georgia before filing for divorce?
To file for divorce in Georgia, at least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of the state for at least six months prior to filing the petition. The case is typically filed in the Superior Court of the county where the defendant currently resides, though certain exceptions apply if the defendant has recently moved out of state.
What does "best interest of the child" mean in custody cases?
The best interest of the child is the legal standard judges use to decide custody and visitation. The court evaluates several factors, including the emotional ties between each parent and the child, each parent’s ability to provide basic needs like food and clothing, and the child’s home, school, and community record. The goal is to ensure the child’s safety, happiness, and mental development.

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