Family law
Family law does one of two things: it either brings family members together or it resolves disputes for parties who wish to live apart. No matter what situation you find yourself in, Smith, Welch, Webb & White will walk with you every step of the way. Handling divorce settlements, child custody, adoption cases and more.
We know how to navigate the complicated process of litigating a divorce or other family law action. Both our experience in the courtroom and familiarity with the Judges assist us in creating a plan for fighting for your rights and for what is best for your children. While we take pride in our ability to reach resolutions that help to minimize the animosity that can linger long after divorce, we offer the aggressive approach that is necessary when a case has to be decided by a Judge or Jury.
Here are examples of ways we handle family law cases:
Divorce settlements
Divorce can put a strain on families, especially when children are involved. That’s why we tailor every single pleading to the particular parties involved. We draft settlement agreements and parenting plans. We go over specific issues, specific schedules and family traditions. Everything is customized for you and your children.
What about law firms that advertise $500 uncontested divorces on billboards? Don’t be fooled, it’s not that simple. That impersonal approach to divorce creates strife, uncertainty, and confusion between parties. That’s the last thing we want during an already tough time in your life. You deserve better and at Smith, Welch, Webb & White, we’ll take care of you and your family.
Our lawyers are experts on divorce law. We have offices in both Stockbridge and McDonough, GA. When filing for divorce in Georgia, you must adhere to the strict filing guidelines and prepare and submit the appropriate mandatory divorce documents to the county court.
In the State of Georgia, the grounds for divorce are either “fault” or “no fault”. When filing for divorce, you must declare the grounds for divorce. There are 13 grounds for divorce in the State of Georgia.
Our attorneys also specialize in issues relating to divorce:
- Child custody
- Child support
- Visitation
- Alimony
Parental rights
We represent parents whose rights to their children have been terminated for whatever reason. We give these parents a voice and a sense of pride. They leave the courtroom knowing they were well represented and their voices were heard. Smith Welch also will represent grandparents who are fighting for visitation rights to their grandchildren.
Adoptions
We guide adoptive parents and children through the adoption process. Nothing satisfies us more than watching a child light up when he or she becomes an official member of a family. At Smith, Welch, Webb & White we are familiar with every type of adoption, including those by step-parents, relatives, or people unrelated to a child.
Who may adopt a child in Georgia?
An adult in Georgia may petition to adopt a child if they meet the following requirements:
- At least 25 years of age or is married and living with his or her spouse
- At least ten years older than the child
- A Georgia resident for at least six months immediately prior to filing the petition
- Financially, physically, and mentally able to have permanent custody of the child
Are there different types of adoption?
Yes. Many individuals or couples want to adopt a child through an agency. Often, they may already know the child. Just several of the different types of adoption include:
- Adoption by a step-parent or co-parent
- Adoption by a relative
- Interstate Compact (adoption of child in one state by parents in another state)
- Domestication of foreign adoptions (when an adoption is finalized in another country)
What happens during the adoption process?
Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) will be involved. This typically involves:
- A family assessment at your home
- Training program and home visits conducted by DFCS (20 hours)
- A lot of paperwork
- Superior Court must approve your adoption petition
Put our expertise to work for you:
- How does the adoption process work in Georgia?
- Who may adopt in Georgia?
- What are the different types of adoption?
- How long does the adoption process last?
- What procedures are followed to ensure that adoptive parents are fit to adopt a child?
Additional family law areas
- Alimony and spousal support
- Annulments
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
- Child protection
- Civil unions
- Foster care adoptions
- Juvenile Court – Delinquency
- Juvenile Court – Dependency
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Separation agreements
- Visitation
Work Together
Meet with one of our family law attorneys today. Schedule an appointment by sending us an email or calling 1-855-505-7999 today.
Juvenile Law (click to expand)
Our firm represents parents, grandparents, and third parties involved in family deprivation cases. Our attorneys also serve quite frequently as guardian ad litem on behalf of the children involved in these types of cases. We also offer a full range of criminal defense services to children who have been charged in juvenile court in matters ranging from traffic offenses to serious felony cases.
