No Fault Divorce

What Is a No Fault Divorce? What Is a Fault Divorce? Misconceptions About No Fault Divorce

What Is a No Fault Divorce?

A “no-fault” divorce means one spouse must simply state a belief that the marriage is over, or “irretrievably broken.” Essentially, a no-fault divorce law gives either party the freedom to sue for divorce with only the claim of “irreconcilable differences.” Born from these laws was the concept of unilateral divorce; either spouse feeling the urge to end the marriage can do so and is free to leave. Most divorces in Georgia are no-fault divorces.

A no fault divorce is filed with the court on the basis of irreconcilable differences between the spouses, rather than fault grounds, such as adultery, habitual intoxication, or desertion. A common misperception is that this means there was no marital misconduct on the part of either of the parties, or that issues pertaining to the marriage and divorce are uncontested.

At Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor, our Georgia no fault divorce lawyers have been handling these types of cases for three decades. Our experience is that while fault may not be stated as a reason for the divorce, it can still have an impact on your divorce proceedings.
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What Is a Fault Divorce?

A “fault” divorce means a spouse can allege that the other spouse caused the breakdown of the marriage. There are 12 fault grounds for fault divorce including:

  1. Intermarriage by persons within the prohibited degrees of consanguinity or affinity
  2. Mental incapacity at the time of marriage
  3. Impotency at the time of marriage
  4. Duress, or fraud, or forced menace in obtaining the marriage
  5. Pregnancy of the wife by a man other than the husband, at the time of the marriage, unknown to the husband
  6. Adultery including heterosexual and homosexual relations between one spouse and another individual
  7. Willful and continued desertion for one year
  8. Imprisonment for a term of two years or longer
  9. Habitual intoxication only referred to alcoholic beverages
  10. Cruel treatment which consists of willful infliction of pain, bodily or mental upon the complaining party
  11. Incurable mental illness
  12. Habitual drug addiction which consists of addiction to any controlled substances including narcotic drugs, marijuana, stimulant drugs
    13. depressant drugs, or hallucinogenic drugs.

Misconceptions About No Fault Divorce

Marital property, asset, and debt division

Marital property, asset, and debt division

The breakup of a marriage is never easy, and negotiations over how to divide property and assets you have accumulated together as a couple can be particularly contentious.

PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS

Child custody and time sharing arrangements

Child custody and time sharing arrangements

In an initial custody dispute between the parents over the custody of a minor child, the sole question to be determined is what is in the best interests of the child.

child custody

Child support payments

Child support payments

Our child support calculator is a free tool for parents trying to determine how much they might have to pay in child support.

Child Support Calculator

Spousal support and maintenance

Spousal support and maintenance

Post-divorce spousal support, which is often referred to as "alimony" or "separate maintenance," can be awarded for a number of reasons.

alimony payments

Payment of attorneys fees by either party

Payment of attorneys fees by either party

Each case is different and varies in costs. However, there are ways to help afford the cost of divorce in Georgia.

cost of divorce in georgia

Our Divorce Attorneys Can Help Protect You

In Georgia no fault divorce cases, it is still important to have a strong legal advocate on your side to ensure your interests are protected. Reach out and contact Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor today to see how we can assist you.

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Additional No Fault Divorce Resources

22 Nov, 2024

The Difference Between Fault and No Fault Divorce In GA

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"Divorce isn't just a heart-wrenching decision—it's a financial minefield. Choosing between fault and no-fault divorce in Georgia could shape your future in ways you never imagined. Ready to explore?"As they sit across from each other at the kitchen table, the weight of their years together hangs heavy in the air.…

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27 Mar, 2024

Challenging Popular Misconceptions of ‘No Fault’ Divorce

by Stearns Montgomery and Proctor
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In family law, the concept of 'no fault' divorce has sparked widespread misunderstandings, often clouding the realities of legal dissolution. This blog post aims to discuss into the intricacies of 'no fault' divorce, shedding light on its true meaning and unraveling the misconceptions that surround it. By exploring the specific…

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14 Sep, 2011

The Difference Between Fault and No-Fault Divorce

by Mary Stearns-Montgomery
in Divorce

When a couple or an individual is considering ending their marriage the reason for the divorce may be simple or complicated. You might be wondering if you have to disclose the reason for the divorce when filing in the state of Georgia. The answer is no, in Georgia there are…

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