Atlanta Divorce Lawyer
Experienced Divorce Attorneys Serving Atlanta, Georgia Families
Whether the decision to divorce comes from you or your spouse, it is 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. 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.
Atlanta Divorce Lawyer: Key Things to Know
If you are considering divorce in Georgia, understanding a few key legal requirements can help you make informed decisions before filing.
- At least one spouse must have lived in Georgia for six months before filing for divorce.
- Most divorce cases are filed in the Superior Court of the defendant’s county of residence.
- Georgia recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce.
- Temporary court orders can address child custody, child support, alimony, use of the marital home, and other important issues while the case is pending.
- Even relatively amicable divorces can involve significant legal and financial consequences, making experienced legal guidance valuable from the beginning.
Every divorce presents unique circumstances. Whether your case involves substantial marital assets, business ownership, complex custody issues, or a desire to reach an efficient resolution, understanding your legal rights early can help you avoid costly mistakes later in the process.
Why Experience Matters in a Georgia Divorce
Divorce affects nearly every aspect of your life, from your financial future to your relationship with your children. Decisions made early in the process often have lasting consequences, making experienced legal guidance one of the most important investments you can make.
At Kessler & Solomiany, we have represented clients throughout metro Atlanta in thousands of divorce matters ranging from straightforward uncontested divorces to complex, high-asset litigation. Over decades of practice, we have learned that successful outcomes often begin with careful planning long before the first court appearance.
When selecting a divorce attorney, consider whether the lawyer:
- Focuses primarily on family law
- Has substantial courtroom and negotiation experience
- Understands Georgia divorce law and local court procedures
- Has experience handling cases involving custody, business interests, executive compensation, or significant marital estates
- Provides realistic advice rather than simply telling you what you want to hear
Many people assume their divorce will remain amicable. While that is certainly possible, circumstances often change as financial issues, parenting schedules, retirement accounts, or the marital residence become part of the discussion. Having experienced counsel from the outset helps ensure that your interests remain protected regardless of how the case develops.
How the Divorce Process Works in Georgia
Many clients come to us before filing because they simply want to understand what happens next. While every divorce follows its own path, most Georgia divorce cases include several common stages.
Filing the Petition
The divorce process begins when one spouse files a complaint for divorce in the appropriate Georgia Superior Court. The petition identifies the grounds for divorce and outlines the issues that must ultimately be resolved.
Serving the Other Spouse
After filing, the other spouse must receive legal notice of the divorce through formal service or an acknowledged waiver of service.
Temporary Orders
If immediate issues exist regarding child custody, parenting time, child support, alimony, payment of household expenses, or possession of the marital residence, either spouse may request a temporary hearing. Temporary orders remain in effect until the divorce is finalized or modified by the court.
Discovery
During discovery, both parties exchange financial information and other evidence relevant to the case. Depending on the complexity of the divorce, discovery may involve document requests, written questions, subpoenas, business valuations, depositions, or forensic accounting.
Negotiation or Mediation
Many Georgia divorce cases resolve through negotiated settlement or mediation rather than trial. Reaching an agreement often allows families to reduce costs, maintain greater privacy, and retain more control over the outcome.
Trial
When spouses cannot resolve disputed issues, a judge will decide the remaining matters after hearing testimony and reviewing the evidence presented by both parties.
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.
Fault-based grounds for divorce, such as cruelty or adultery, still exist in Georgia. If a divorce is sought due to a spouse’s adultery or another fault-based ground, a judge may grant it on those grounds, but this typically occurs after a lengthy discovery process where the evidence necessary to establish such grounds is obtained.
Issues like adultery and abuse can still significantly impact your case, particularly in the division of marital property, alimony, and child custody. For example, adultery can eliminate the possibility of receiving alimony, and accusations of child or spousal abuse can heavily influence custody determinations.
Common Issues Addressed During Divorce
Every divorce requires legal resolution of one or more important issues. Depending on your circumstances, your case may involve:
- Division of marital property and debt
- Child custody and parenting plans
- Child support
- Alimony
- Business valuation
- Retirement accounts
- Real estate
- High-net-worth assets
- Enforcement of prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
Our attorneys develop legal strategies tailored to the specific issues involved in each client’s case rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Types of Divorce Cases We Handle in Atlanta
Just as every marriage is unique, so is every divorce. Depending on the circumstances of your case, your divorce may involve:
- Contested divorce: 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 divorce: Both spouses agree on all key issues related to their separation without needing to go to trial.
- Collaborative divorce: 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 or a similar document. This affidavit is a sworn statement detailing your income, assets, debts, liabilities, monthly expenses, and other pertinent financial details.
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 one of the most important documents 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.
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. You may not receive all the relief you desire. However, you will not receive what you do not request. Finding this balance is one of the most important aspects to understand during your divorce.
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.
- Focused experience 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.
- National recognition: Our team has been honored in respected publications including The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers.
- Personalized approach: We tailor our strategies to your unique needs, whether through collaborative negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
- High-profile and high-asset experience: Our attorneys have extensive experience in complex cases involving significant assets, business valuations, and intricate custody disputes.
- Comprehensive support: With a team of attorneys, paralegals, and legal professionals, we provide support throughout every stage of your case.
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.
Why Clients Trust Kessler & Solomiany
Family law has been the exclusive focus of Kessler & Solomiany since the firm was founded in 1991. Over more than three decades, our attorneys have represented thousands of clients throughout Georgia while earning recognition from respected legal organizations and serving in leadership positions within the family law community.
Founding partner Randall M. Kessler previously served as Chair of the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association, while Marvin L. Solomiany is a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist through the State Bar of Georgia. Together with our team of experienced attorneys, we routinely handle matters ranging from uncontested divorces to some of Georgia’s most complex family law litigation.
Because divorce often involves financial professionals, custody evaluators, forensic accountants, business valuation experts, and mental health professionals, we regularly collaborate with respected specialists whose expertise helps strengthen our clients’ cases when appropriate.
Meet Our Atlanta Divorce Attorneys
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.
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. He is frequently featured in outlets like CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times for his insights on high-profile divorce cases.
Marvin L. Solomiany, Partner: Marvin L. Solomiany, a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist by the Georgia Bar, brings over 20 years of experience in complex divorce, custody, and high-asset cases.
Supported by a talented team of attorneys, Kessler & Solomiany, LLC offers comprehensive expertise across all facets of family law, from collaborative resolutions to courtroom advocacy.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Your initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss your circumstances, understand your legal options, and begin developing a strategy that fits your goals.
Depending on your situation, we may discuss:
- Whether you meet Georgia’s residency requirements
- Child custody and parenting concerns
- Division of marital property and debt
- Alimony or child support issues
- Business ownership or complex assets
- Immediate concerns requiring temporary court orders
- Potential timelines and next steps
Every consultation is confidential, and our attorneys provide straightforward guidance tailored to the specific facts of your case.
Divorce Questions Answered by Randy Kessler
Divorce often raises questions that do not have simple yes-or-no answers.
Watch these short videos where Randy Kessler explains common legal issues,
practical considerations, and misconceptions about divorce and family law.
Can You Empty a Joint Bank Account?
Money & Property
Can You Remove Property Before Your Spouse Gets Home?
Money & Property
Can You Legally Read Your Spouse’s Email?
Privacy
Should You Post Your Spouse’s Texts?
Social Media
Can Grandparents Get Visitation Rights?
Children & Custody
One of the Best Ways to Bond With Your Kids
Parenting
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. The other 12 fault grounds, including adultery or cruelty, require evidence of misconduct.
Yes. At least one spouse must have resided in Georgia for at least six months before filing for divorce.
The petitioner must file a complaint for divorce with the appropriate Superior Court. The complaint identifies the parties, the grounds for divorce, and the issues the court may need to decide.
An uncontested divorce may move relatively quickly, while contested divorces involving custody, support, alimony, or property division can take months or longer. The timeline depends on the complexity of the issues and the court’s schedule.
An uncontested divorce involves mutual agreement on all terms, including custody, support, alimony, and property division. A contested divorce requires negotiation, mediation, or court intervention to resolve disputed issues.
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 may be filed in the plaintiff’s county of residence, subject to certain exceptions.
If you have been served with a divorce complaint, you typically have 30 days to file a written answer. Your answer is your opportunity to respond to each claim, and you may also file a counterclaim if you are seeking relief from the court.
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 while the divorce is pending.
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 can be influential but remains subject to the court’s review.
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. Schedule a confidential consultation and speak with an experienced Atlanta divorce attorney.