Divorce Attorneys Serving Georgia & Metro Area

Responsive Divorce Representation In & Out of the Courtroom

In the State of Georgia, most marriages begin with high expectations, these often fall short and couples feel that their only remaining option is to get a divorce. Because this decision is never easy, you need someone on your side who can walk with you throughout this process.

You need a Douglas County divorce lawyer who understands Georgia State Divorce Laws and how each county (Fulon, Douglas, and other Georgia Metro counties). We believe the Howard Law Group can help. With over a decade of experience, and being a former prosecutor, we understand the process of a divorce.

A skilled Dallas divorce attorney responsive to your needs can make all the difference. Our firm is here to listen, to mitigate the effects of the divorce process, and to bring you through one of life's most challenging periods. Simultaneously, we are experienced, hard-fighting litigators experienced in West Georgia family law courts. When needed, we will pursue justice in the courtroom to ensure your rights are protected.

Going through divorce? Get the compassionate representation you deserve by contacting us today. 

Protecting Your Rights & Your Future

With many years of combined experience, you can trust that Howard Law Group will provide you the guidance and support you need. We understand the issues you are facing and can deliver unparalleled legal representation to ensure your rights are not sacrificed.

We have successfully represented clients dealing with all of the following:

• Domestic violence
• Divorce
• Property division
• Spousal support
• Child custody
• Debt division

Our firm can help you address the tough questions associated with divorce and the issues that go along with it. We pride ourselves on being responsive to our clients and have earned a reputation for success in and out of the courtroom.

What is the Difference Between an Annulment and Divorce?

Annulment of marriage is a judicial declaration that the marital state is invalid from its intended inception. If the marriage is invalid, it may be collaterally attacked and declared void in any appropriate court or proceeding where the validity of the marriage is properly in issue, either before or after the death of the parties to the marriage.

Georgia law provides that the statutory procedure for annulment of marriage is available for any marriage which is now or hereafter declared void by law. Generally, marriage is declared void by law are marriages of persons unable to contract or unwilling to contract or fraudulently induced to contract (OCGA 19-4-1, 19-3-5). The one exception is an invalid marriage because of fraud, duress, or non-age where child is born or to be born as a result of the union of the parties. If this is a case the only available remedy is divorce (Wallace v. Wallace 221 Ga. 510 (1965)).

If the grounds for annulment are the same as grounds for divorce, Georgia law provides parties to invalid marriages have the option of filing a petition for annulment or petition for divorce. However, the remedy of annulment, which implies an invalid marriage, and that of divorce, implying a valid marriage, would seem to be mutually exclusive with different objectives. The key issue on whether or not there is a granting of an annulment or a divorce is whether there can be a judgment decree for divorce and alimony. An annulment will not support alimony, but a divorce based on lack of understanding or duress will also prevent alimony.

The procedure for annulment is filing a petition by the party seeking the annulment or by the next friend in the case of minors or persons of unsound mind. Georgia law provides that all matters of residence, jurisdiction, service procedure, pleading and practice shall be the same as now or hereafter provided by law for obtaining a divorce, with the exception the decree of annulment may be ordered at any time in open court or in chambers, when personal service is had at least 30 days beforehand and no contest or answer is filed (OCGA 19-4-4).