Divorce

Representation that fights for the results you need

     Helping you make the transition to the next chapter in your life

Deciding to end your marriage can be a difficult and emotional decision. If you are contemplating divorce, contact Howard A. Gold. He will advise you on your legal grounds for divorce and on protecting your interests.

Should you choose to divorce, he will be with you through the entire process and handle the case according to your needs, whether it be negotiating an amicable divorce settlement, if possible, or providing zealous representation in court.

There are 13 grounds for a valid divorce in Georgia:

• Adultery
• Conviction of certain crimes and imprisonment for two years or more
• Cruel treatment, either bodily or mental
• Duress, force, fraud or menace in obtaining the marriage
• Habitual drug addiction
• Habitual intoxication
• Impotency at the time of marriage
• Incurable mental illness
• Intermarriage between related persons
• Irretrievably broken ("No fault")
• Mental incapacity at the time of marriage
• Pregnancy of the wife by a man other than the husband, at the time of the marriage, unknown to the husband
• Willful and continued desertion of either of the spouses for the term of one year

Mr. Gold is an experienced divorce lawyer who is able to offer his clients the benefit of his training in addiction through the DeKalb Addiction Center. He handles cases involving addictions to alcohol, drugs and sex, including those involving Internet pornography. Mr. Gold also utilizes sexual abuse evaluations from both the defense and plaintiff side of child abuse claims.

Custody and Parenting Time (Visitation)

In the State of Georgia, custody of all children must be settled before a divorce can be granted. Provisions for parenting time (visitation) must also be addressed before the divorce can be finalized. These issues may be resolved by settlement or trial. Howard A. Gold has the experience and compassion necessary to obtain the custody arrangements and parenting time schedules that are favorable to his clients and are in the best interests of the children. He approaches custody issues from the perspective of what he would want for his own children.

Alimony and Support

Both parents are obligated to provide for the support of a child until the child reaches the age of 18, or graduates from high school, whichever is later, but no later than the age of 20. However, the court will review the terms that both parties agree to in settlement negotiations, and consider them in light of the statutory child support guidelines. Mr. Gold can advise his clients on the child support guidelines and protect his clients’ interests in any negotiation of child support terms.

The court will order alimony when the situation warrants it, but there are no guidelines for determining the amount. The amount of spousal support is based upon the determination of the judge or jury for the needs of one party and the ability of the other party to pay. Mr. Gold has the trial experience to ensure that his clients are treated fairly and not taken advantage of during this emotional time.

Equitable Division of Property

Mr. Gold realizes that his divorce clients may have financial uncertainty about the future, and his goal is to help them make the transition to the next chapter in their life in the best possible way. He has a network of professional appraisers and forensic accountants to evaluate the worth of marital assets and liabilities, including:

• Closely-held Businesses
• Professional Licenses
• Pensions
• Qualified Domestic Relations Orders
• Stock Options
• Houses and Real Estate
• Furniture, Art and Personal Belongings
• Mutual Funds
• Vehicles
• Business and Personal Debt

Versatility and Personalized Representation

Not every case is the same, and different situations require different methods to achieve the best results. Mr. Gold will evaluate the facts of each divorce case and consult with the client to determine the best course of action based on their needs. He has been successful in handling divorce cases in all types of proceedings, including:

• Trial before a jury
• Trial before a judge
• Mediation
• Collaborative Law

For the latest information on Divorce and Non-community Property issues, see the Divorce Info Center  on this site.

Howard A. Gold is ready to fight for you so that you can take the next step in your life and not look back. Call him today to discuss the best legal solution for your divorce needs.