Family Law

This collection of definitions will help clarify some unique characteristics to the Georgia Divorce laws, process and paperwork which is filed with the court.

Filing Party Title:

Petitioner

The spouse who will initiate the Divorce by filing the required paperwork with the court.

Non-Filing Party Title:

Respondent

The spouse who does not initiate the Divorce with the court.

Court Name:

In the Superior Court of _____________ County, Georgia

The proper name of the court in which a Divorce is filed in the state of Georgia. Each jurisdictional court typically has a domestic relations or a family law department or division.

Child Support Enforcement Website:

http://www.cse.dhr.state.ga.us/

The state run office devoted to enforcing existing child support orders and collecting any past due child support.

Document Introduction:

In Re the Marriage of:

The lead-in verbiage used in the legal caption or header of the documents filed with the court. The introduction typically prefaces both spouse?s names.

Initial Divorce Document:

Petition for Divorce

The title and name of the legal document that will initiate the Georgia Divorce process. The filing spouse is also required to provide the non-filing spouse a copy of this document.

Final Divorce Document:

Final Judgment and Decree

The title and name of the legal document that will finalize the Georgia Divorce process. This document will be signed by the judge, master, or referee of the court to declare your marriage officially terminated.

Clerk?s Office Name:

County Clerk?s Office of the Superior Court

The office of the clerk that will facilitate the Divorce process. This is the title you would address letters to or ask for when contacting the courthouse.

Legal Separation:

There are legal provisions in Georgia for an action for separate maintenance for spouses who are living separately, but not divorcing. The factors and conditions are the same as those listed below under Alimony/Maintenance/Spousal Support. [Code of Georgia Annotated; 19-6-10].

Property Distribution:

Equitable Distribution

The applicable Georgia law that will dictate how property and debt is to be divided upon Divorce.

SOURCE FOR POST: DivorceSupport.com