What Stay-At-Home Moms Should Know About Divorce in Georgia

Divorce can be particularly challenging for stay-at-home moms, as it often brings up concerns about finances, custody, and what the future holds. Understanding how divorce works in Georgia can help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.

Key Takeaways:

• Stay-at-home moms in Georgia have rights to marital assets, including property and spousal support, even if they haven’t worked outside the home.
• Child custody is determined by the best interests of the child, and Georgia courts favor joint custody when possible.
• The division of assets, alimony, and child support are all critical issues to address in a divorce, and a skilled divorce lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure a fair outcome.

Divorce is an emotional and challenging time, especially for stay-at-home moms who may not have been the primary income earner during the marriage. The uncertainty about finances, child custody, and how life will change after divorce can make this time feel even more stressful. But it’s important to know that you have rights under Georgia law, and with the right guidance, you can navigate the process with confidence.

At Lunn Law, we understand the unique challenges that stay-at-home moms face during a divorce. Our experienced divorce lawyers are here to help you understand your legal options, protect your interests, and work toward the best possible outcome for you and your family. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the important aspects of divorce in Georgia, including property division, child custody, spousal support, and more.

Property Division in Divorce

One of the biggest concerns for stay-at-home moms going through a divorce is the division of marital property. In Georgia, the law follows an equitable distribution approach, meaning that property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Property, per this definition, includes assets such as the family home, retirement accounts, vehicles, and other marital property acquired during the marriage.

Even if you haven’t worked outside the home, Georgia law recognizes your contributions to the marriage, including caring for the home and raising children. These contributions are considered in the division of assets. If you’re a stay-at-home mom, you are entitled to a fair share of the property, even if your spouse was the primary breadwinner.

It’s important to understand that the division of property can get complicated, especially if there are assets like business interests, investments, or debts to consider. Experienced legal counsel will help ensure that your share of the marital property is fair and that you are not left with an unfair financial burden.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

For many stay-at-home moms, spousal support (also known as alimony) is a major concern in a divorce. If you’ve been out of the workforce for a number of years and relied on your spouse’s income, you may be entitled to receive alimony to help maintain a similar standard of living after the divorce.

In Georgia, the court determines spousal support based on several factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage, and the requesting spouse’s needs. Stay-at-home moms often have a strong case for receiving alimony, especially if they’ve been out of the workforce for an extended period of time.

Alimony can be temporary or permanent, depending on your circumstances. Temporary alimony may be awarded during the divorce proceedings, while permanent alimony may be awarded after the divorce is finalized. Working with qualified legal counsel can help you understand whether you are entitled to spousal support and ensure that you receive the financial assistance you need.

Child Custody and Support

In situations where children are involved, child custody and support are often the most important aspects of the divorce. In Georgia, the courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. While Georgia courts generally favor joint custody, the specific custody arrangement will depend on the unique circumstances of your family.

If you are a stay-at-home mom, you likely have a strong relationship with your children and may be the primary caregiver. Child-parent relationships can be an important factor in custody determinations, as the courts consider which parent is best positioned to care for the child on a daily basis. However, custody decisions are not based solely on who has been the primary caregiver. The court also considers other factors such as each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment and whether there are any issues related to the child’s safety or well-being.

In addition to custody, Georgia courts also determine child support based on the income of both parents, the needs of the child, and the time each parent spends with the child. Stay-at-home moms may receive child support to help cover the costs of raising the child, especially if the other parent is the primary income earner.

Modifications After Divorce

Life doesn’t always stay the same after a divorce. In some cases, you may need to modify the divorce agreement or child custody arrangement if circumstances change. For example, if you or your ex-spouse experiences a significant change in income or if the child’s needs change, it may be possible to seek a modification of alimony, child support, or custody arrangements.

Stay-at-home moms who have become financially independent after a divorce may seek to modify spousal support if their financial situation improves, or they may request changes to custody arrangements if their children’s needs have changed.

How Lunn Law Can Help You

Divorce is a stressful experience, especially for stay-at-home moms who are concerned about their financial security and their children’s well-being. At Lunn Law, we are dedicated to providing compassionate legal support to help you navigate this difficult time. Our experienced divorce lawyers will work closely with you to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the support you need during and after the divorce process.

If you’re facing a divorce and have concerns about how it will impact your finances, your children, and your future, Lunn Law is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an initial case assessment and learn how we can help you navigate the divorce process with confidence and peace of mind.