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RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:

To file for a divorce in Georgia, at least one spouse needs to be a resident of the state for six months before filing a petition for divorce. [Based on Georgia Code - Section: 19-5-5]

• Impotency at the time of the marriage.
• Force, menace, duress, or fraud in obtaining the marriage.
• Pregnancy of the wife by a man other than the husband, at the time of the marriage, unknown to the husband.
• Adultery in either of the parties after marriage.
• Willful and continued desertion by either of the parties for the term of one year.
• The conviction of either party for an offense involving moral turpitude, under which he is sentenced to imprisonment in a penal institution for a term of two years or longer.
• Habitual intoxication.
• Cruel treatment, which shall consist of the willful infliction of pain, bodily or mental, upon the complaining party, such as reasonably justifies apprehension of danger to life, limb, or health.
• Incurable mental illness.
• Habitual drug addiction, consisting of addiction to any controlled substance as defined in Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 16; (13) Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

[Based on Georgia Code - Section: 19-5-3]

When spouses are living separately, either spouse may petition the court for alimony or child support without having a divorce pending.

The other party will be notified of such a petition, and the judge can grant such an order, to be enforced in the same manner as a divorce. [Based on Georgia Code - Section: 19-6-10]

MEDIATION OR COUNSELING REQUIREMENTS:

In contested divorce cases, the judge may refer the couple to an appropriate alternative dispute resolution program prior to a trial, if such method is reasonably available without additional cost to the parties. [Based on Georgia Code - Section: 19-5-1]

PROPERTY DISTRIBUTION:

Georgia is an equitable distribution state. At this time, there are no statutes regarding what the court considers when distributing the property in a divorce case. Generally, the separate property of each spouse shall remain the separate property of that spouse. [Based on Georgia Code - Section: 19-3-9]

ALIMONY/MAINTENANCE/SPOUSAL SUPPORT:

Alimony may be awarded on either temporary or permanent basis. A party shall not be entitled to alimony if it is established by a preponderance of the evidence that the marital discord was caused by that party s adultery or desertion. Alimony may be awarded in accordance with the needs of the party seeking alimony, and the ability of the other party to pay. Unless otherwise provided, alimony shall end upon the remarriage of the party receiving alimony. In determining whether or not to grant alimony, the court shall consider evidence of the conduct of each party toward the other. The following shall be considered in determining the amount of alimony, if any, to be awarded:

• The standard of living established during the marriage.
• The duration of the marriage.
• The age and the physical and emotional condition of both parties.
• The financial resources of each party.
• The time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable him to find appropriate employment.
• The contribution of each party to the marriage, including, but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other party.
• The condition of the parties, including the separate estate, earning capacity, and fixed liabilities of the parties.
• Such other relevant factors as the court deems equitable and proper.

[Based on Georgia Code - Sections: 19-6-1 and 19-6-5]

Custody may be awarded to either parent based on the best interest of the child or children and what will best promote their welfare and happiness. If the child has reached the age of 14 years, the child shall have the right to select the parent with whom he or she desires to live. The child’s selection shall be controlling, unless the parent so selected is deemed unfit to have the custody of the child. In all cases in which the child has reached the age of at least 11 but not 14 years, the court shall consider the desires, if any, and educational needs of the child in determining which parent shall have custody.

The court at any temporary or permanent hearing may grant sole custody. joint custody. joint legal custody. or joint physical custody where appropriate. [Based on Georgia Code - Sections: 19-9-1 and 19-9-3]

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