Atlanta Divorce Lawyer
Experienced Divorce Attorneys Serving Atlanta, Georgia Families
Whether the decision to divorce comes from you or your spouse, it’s rarely made on a whim. At Kessler & Solomiany, our Atlanta divorce attorneys have spent decades guiding individuals and families through some of the most difficult transitions of their lives. Many clients come to us after months—or years—of internal reflection, wondering whether their marriage can be repaired or whether divorce is the only viable path forward. Others are suddenly faced with a spouse who has already made that decision.
With more than 30 years of focused family law experience in Georgia, our firm understands that divorce is not just a legal proceeding—it is a deeply personal process with long-term financial, emotional, and parental consequences. While nearly half of all marriages in the United States end in divorce, no two cases are alike. When reconciliation is no longer possible, working with an experienced Atlanta divorce lawyer can help you protect your future, your children, and your financial stability. Our attorneys at Kessler & Solomiany are here to provide clear guidance, strategic advocacy, and steady support throughout every stage of the divorce process. Contact us today to set up your initial consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.
Why Hiring an Atlanta Divorce Attorney Matters
After representing thousands of clients in Atlanta-area divorce cases, our attorneys have seen firsthand how early legal decisions can shape the outcome of a case for years to come. Choosing the right divorce lawyer at the beginning of the process can significantly affect property division, custody arrangements, financial support, and long-term stability.
If you’re considering a divorce, it’s crucial to take the right legal steps from the start. Here’s how to effectively approach this complex and emotional process:
- Consult a Specialist: If you can afford a lawyer, schedule an initial consultation as soon as possible. Opt for a divorce lawyer who specializes in family law rather than relying on a general practitioner or a family friend who happens to be a lawyer.
- Choose Experienced Representation: Contact a divorce attorney with specific expertise in family law. Our Atlanta divorce attorneys at Kessler & Solomiany have extensive experience in all facets of family law, making them well-equipped to handle your case.
- Understand Legal Diversity: The U.S. Constitution allows states to regulate family-related issues, leading to variations in divorce laws across states. Only a trained family law attorney can navigate these differences effectively.
- Secure Your Interests: Remember, your lawyer is there to protect your interests during what may be a lengthy, complex, and emotionally challenging process. This is only possible with an attorney who understands the intricacies of divorce law in your state.
- Anticipate Emotional Challenges: Even if you and your spouse are parting as friends and believe you can manage the divorce amicably, it’s wise to secure legal representation proactively. Family law attorneys often say, “In our profession, we see the best people at their worst.” This proactive step can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
- Manage Conflicts: As you transition from a union to two individuals, conflicts over money, property, goods, and especially issues concerning children can arise. By hiring an experienced divorce attorney early, you can avoid common pitfalls and mistakes that may affect your family during and after the divorce.
- Avoid Ethical Conflicts: Remember that one lawyer cannot represent both you and your spouse due to ethical conflicts. You need an attorney who solely represents your interests. Our team at Kessler & Solomiany is ready to support you.
- Prepare for a Long Process: Be aware that getting a divorce is far from the quick resolutions depicted on reality television. The process can take months or even years, involving lengthy negotiations over property division and parenting issues. It’s essential to find trustworthy and dependable lawyers to navigate these challenges efficiently.
- Prioritize Honest Advice: Simply put, you need a lawyer experienced in the distinct challenges of family law. Our Atlanta divorce lawyers at Kessler & Solomiany will provide honest advice, always prioritizing your best interests.
Taking these steps can help ensure that your divorce process is handled as smoothly and effectively as possible, protecting your rights and interests throughout.
Discovery Process in a Divorce
Grounds for Divorce in Georgia
Georgia divorce law recognizes multiple statutory grounds for ending a marriage, and the strategic selection of those grounds can have meaningful implications for alimony, property division, and child custody outcomes.
No-Fault vs. Fault-Based Divorce in Georgia
You may have encountered terms like “irreconcilable differences,” “mental cruelty,” and “adultery” when discussing reasons for divorce. These terms refer to the “grounds” or justifications required to legally end a marriage. Many states recognize various grounds for divorce, with one common option being “no-fault.” This means that neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing; it only requires one spouse to believe the marriage is irretrievably broken. All fifty states allow for no-fault divorce, and it is often the most commonly used basis for ending a marriage, though other valid reasons can also be considered.
On the other hand, “fault-based” grounds for divorce, such as cruelty or adultery, still exist in the State of Georgia. If a divorce is sought due to a partner’s adultery or another fault-based ground, a judge may grant it on these grounds, but this typically occurs after a lengthy discovery process where the evidence necessary to establish such grounds is obtained.
However, issues like adultery and abuse can still significantly impact your case, particularly in the division of marital property and during negotiations. For example, adultery can eliminate the possibility of receiving alimony, and accusations of child or spousal abuse can heavily influence custody determinations. Therefore, addressing these concerns during the divorce proceedings is crucial, as they can affect child custody arrangements and other important matters.
Read More: Statutory Grounds for Divorce in Georgia
Types of Divorce Cases We Handle in Atlanta
Just as every marriage is unique, so is every divorce, including those in the Atlanta area. Depending on the circumstances of your divorce, there are several ways it can be handled, including:
- Contested: Spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues related to their separation, such as property division, child custody, child support, alimony, or other matters.
- Uncontested: Both spouses agree on all the key issues related to their separation without needing to go to trial.
- Collaborative: Both spouses and their respective attorneys commit to resolving their divorce outside of court.
What to Bring to Your Initial Divorce Consultation
In Georgia, you will need to complete a “domestic relations financial affidavit” (DRFA) or a similar document. This affidavit is a sworn statement detailing your income, assets, debts, liabilities, monthly expenses, and other pertinent financial details. Should you find yourself in court later on, the judge won’t want to calculate your monthly bills. Instead, they’ll want a general understanding of your living expenses and income. It’s crucial to provide this information accurately. If you’re unsure how to prepare the statement, consider seeking assistance from an accountant or ask your attorney for guidance. Our attorneys regularly review domestic relations financial affidavits in contested and high-asset divorces, and we know how even small inaccuracies can create credibility issues or financial setbacks later in the case.
Your DRFA could be the pivotal document in your case, so accuracy is paramount. Take the necessary time to ensure its precision and honesty. Review all your expenses thoroughly and collaborate with your attorney to ensure no crucial details are overlooked. This isn’t the time for modesty, as presenting an overly frugal image may not accurately represent the past or future. Conversely, avoid dishonesty or exaggeration. If you have significant expenses, like jewelry or other luxuries, include them, but refrain from listing mere wishlist items.
The DRFA could be your initial paperwork in the divorce process; as emphasized, it holds significant importance. Your attorney might need to submit it to the court early to establish your immediate financial requirements for both the court and opposing counsel. Furthermore, later in the process, a judge will most likely refer to your DRFA to ascertain the financial support you require for your livelihood.
Before You File for Divorce: Preliminary Decisions
Keep in mind that despite the contentious atmosphere of divorce, complete transparency is necessary for your attorney and the court. With the division of finances, two households will have to sustain themselves on the income that previously supported only one. Consequently, you might not receive all the relief you desire. However, you will not receive what you do not request. Therefore, finding this balance is crucial, and understanding it is one of the most important aspects to grasp during your divorce. Our Atlanta divorce attorneys are here to assist you throughout the process.
Why Choose Kessler & Solomiany for Your Divorce?
Kessler & Solomiany, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the largest family law firms in the Southeast, with a team of more than 25 dedicated family law professionals, including experienced divorce attorneys, paralegals, and legal staff. Our firm focuses exclusively on family law, allowing us to bring depth, precision, and consistency to every divorce case we handle.
Through decades of involvement in complex and high-conflict divorce matters, we have developed longstanding working relationships with respected financial experts, forensic accountants, business valuation professionals, and mental health specialists. This collaborative approach allows us to address the legal, financial, and personal dimensions of divorce—particularly in high-asset and custody-driven cases.
- Proven Expertise in Family Law: Founded in 1991, our firm has handled thousands of divorce and family law cases, from straightforward uncontested divorces to complex high-asset disputes. Our attorneys, including Board-Certified specialists, bring unparalleled knowledge of Georgia’s family law landscape.
- National Recognition: Our team has been consistently honored in prestigious publications like The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, reflecting our reputation for excellence in divorce and family law both locally and nationwide.
- Personalized Approach: We tailor our strategies to your unique needs, whether through collaborative negotiation, mediation, or aggressive litigation. Our goal is to protect your interests—financial, emotional, and familial—while achieving the best possible outcome.
- High-Profile and High-Asset Experience: We specialize in complex cases involving significant assets, business valuations, and intricate custody disputes. Our attorneys, including Randall M. Kessler and Marvin L. Solomiany, have a track record of success in high-stakes divorce matters.
- Comprehensive Support: With a team of over 25 professionals, including experienced attorneys and dedicated paralegals, we provide holistic support throughout your case. From child custody to alimony and property division, we cover every aspect of your divorce.
- Client-Centered Commitment: We prioritize clear communication, transparency, and accessibility. Our Atlanta offices in Downtown and Sandy Springs are designed for your convenience, and our commitment to client satisfaction drives everything we do.
Choosing Kessler & Solomiany means partnering with a firm that combines decades of experience with a deep commitment to your future. Contact us today at (404) 688-8810 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your divorce with confidence. Our reputation has been built not on volume alone, but on decades of consistent results, ethical advocacy, and trusted leadership in Georgia family law.
Meet Our Team
At Kessler & Solomiany, LLC, our team of seasoned family law professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional legal guidance through your divorce, combining deep expertise with a compassionate, client-centered approach. Led by our distinguished founding partners, Randall M. Kessler and Marvin L. Solomiany, we bring decades of experience and a proven track record to every case, ensuring tailored solutions that prioritize your needs and goals.
Randall M. Kessler, Founding Partner: With over 35 years of experience, Randall M. Kessler established Kessler & Solomiany in 1991 and is a nationally recognized authority in family law, frequently featured in outlets like CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times for his insights on high-profile divorce cases. A former Chair of the American Bar Association’s Family Law Section, he has been consistently honored in The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, reflecting his commitment to delivering strategic, results-driven representation for clients in Atlanta and beyond.
Marvin L. Solomiany, Partner: Marvin L. Solomiany, a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist by the Georgia Bar, brings over 20 years of expertise in navigating complex divorce, custody, and high-asset cases, earning a reputation for his meticulous preparation and skilled advocacy. Recognized in Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America, he is deeply committed to achieving favorable outcomes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, always prioritizing his clients’ emotional and financial well-being.Supported by a talented team of 16 attorneys, Kessler & Solomiany, LLC offers comprehensive expertise across all facets of family law, from collaborative resolutions to courtroom advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Atlanta
These are some of the most common questions our Atlanta divorce attorneys hear from clients during initial consultations and ongoing representation.
In Georgia, you can file for divorce based on one of 13 grounds, including the common “no-fault” ground of an “irretrievably broken” marriage, which avoids proving wrongdoing and is less contentious. The other 12 “fault” grounds, like adultery or cruelty, require evidence of misconduct. An experienced attorney can help select the best ground for your case.
Yes, at least one spouse must have resided in Georgia for at least six months before filing in the local Superior Court. This ensures the court has jurisdiction over the case.
The petitioner must file a “petition” with the local Superior Court, detailing the marriage, including living arrangements, children, assets, debts, and divorce reason. The petition is served to the respondent by a sheriff or via notarized acknowledgment.
An uncontested divorce may finalize in 31–60 days, depending on court schedules. Contested divorces, with disputes over custody or assets, can take six months to several years. A skilled attorney can expedite resolution through negotiation or mediation.
An uncontested divorce involves mutual agreement on all terms, like custody and asset division, making it faster and cheaper. A contested divorce requires negotiation or court intervention for disagreements, increasing time and cost. Kessler & Solomiany’s attorneys excel in both, ensuring efficient outcomes.
In Georgia, divorce cases are generally filed in the Superior Court of the defendant’s county of residence. If the defendant no longer lives in Georgia, the case is typically filed in the plaintiff’s county of residence, with some exceptions depending on recent residency and consent.
If you have been served with a divorce complaint, you typically have 30 days to file an answer in writing. An answer is your opportunity to respond to each claim, and you may also file a counterclaim if you are seeking relief from the court as well.
Yes. In Georgia, spouses can still be considered legally “separated” even if they live under the same roof, as long as they are in an actual state of separation and are not engaging in marital relations.
Yes. Either spouse may request a temporary hearing so the court can address issues such as child custody, visitation, child support, alimony, debts, and possession of property on a temporary basis until the final resolution of the case.
Georgia courts decide custody based on the child’s best interests. A child who is 14 or older may generally express a custodial preference, which is influential but still subject to the child’s best interests and the court’s review.
Read More Frequently Asked Questions
Speak With an Atlanta Divorce Lawyer Today
Divorce raises complex legal, financial, and personal questions that cannot be answered through online research alone. At Kessler & Solomiany, our Atlanta divorce attorneys provide clear, experienced guidance grounded in decades of Georgia family law practice. We help clients understand their options, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions at every stage of the divorce process.
Our firm represents individuals throughout Atlanta and the surrounding communities, handling everything from uncontested divorces to highly complex, high-asset, and custody-driven cases. Whether you are considering divorce or already facing active proceedings, having an experienced Atlanta divorce lawyer on your side can make a meaningful difference in protecting your rights, your finances, and your future.
We have seen firsthand that even the most difficult divorces can lead to stability and clarity when handled with sound legal strategy and steady support. To take the next step forward, contact Kessler & Solomiany, LLC. Click here to schedule a confidential consultation and speak with an experienced Atlanta divorce attorney.