Family Law

Family Law

Family law issues are extremely stressful.  Even the most uncontested matters can make a person feel lost. Our goal at Dixon and Lasseter, Attorneys at Law, P.C. is to help guide clients through the dark times and into the light, no matter the issue. We help clients successfully navigate complex personal cases often involving a combination of some of the following issues: contested divorces involving equitable property distribution, child custody, child support, spousal support (alimony), and retirement division.  In addition to assisting with the initial filings of some of these issues, we can also help modify an existing decree when circumstances have substantially changed.

When you are facing a complex personal situation like a divorce, you are already dealing with enough.  Don't lose sleep wondering if you have the right legal team on your side to help you get the results you need when the stakes are high. Allow us to represent you and treat your family as we would treat our own.

When facing a family law case of any kind, you deserve a competent, loyal family law attorney on your side. Our team of legal professionals takes pride in ensuring that we alongside you each step of the way, helping you evaluate the best strategy for ensuring that your rights (and desires) are upheld.

Explore Different Kinds of Family Law Cases

Divorce

If you are contemplating filing for divorce, or if your spouse has already filed against you, don't wait to get help.  The decisions made in the very beginning of a divorce are lasting.  Let our team help you protect your rights, your property, and your future.

Child Custody

There is little to nothing in life more important than quality time with our children.  Child custody is an often heavily disputed issue in divorce.  Additionally, circumstances can change over time, resulting in the need to modify an existing custody determination.  We can help you explain to the court those circumstances that are in the best interest of your child.

Child Support

Child support is intended to ensure the health and welfare of Georgia's children.  However, it is a system that is often abused.  We are ready to help you understand and assert the proper amount of child support that should be paid by or to you, and remedy any issues you may encounter after a support order is established.

Alimony

Spousal Support, also known as Alimony, is very fact-dependent, so it varies from case to case.  Ultimately, Alimony is based upon a determination of need and ability to pay.  Allow our team to help you show the judge what is fair and what is needed by intimately understanding the facts of your case and aggressively advocating on your behalf.

Division of Property

Georgia is an “equitable distribution” state, meaning that property is not necessarily “split down the middle.”  Instead, the court looks at what is fair or “equitable” with respect to dividing the marital property, including your house, car, money, debts, retirement, etc.  Let us help you determine which property qualifies as “marital property,” and work to show the court what is fair.

Understand Your Options

If you are considering a divorce, it is always a good idea to meet with an experienced Georgia family lawyer to explore your options.  It is so important that your attorney know and understand the inner workings of the local court system and how individual judges feel and think about certain issues.  

Choose Carefully

It is so important that you trust your family lawyer.  However, it's even more important that you feel comfortable talking with your family lawyer.  You need to have that “warm and fuzzy feeling” when you first meet with them.  That's why we insist on an initial consultation prior to hiring us.  It's a big decision, and you need a test drive.

How much is it to retain your firm for my family law case?

No two family law cases are completely alike. Our fees depend upon the type of family law case, and whether or not the case is contested, and they are individualized for each case after an initial consultation.  We charge a flat fee for uncontested divorce cases, meaning that you make a one time payment that doesn't change.  For contested cases, we charge flat fees based upon various stages of the litigation and tasks that must be completed.  This provides our clients with a good expectation of the overall cost of the litigation, and prevents the client from receiving unexpected bills.  Contact us to learn more about the litigation process and our fees for each stage of the litigation.

Is Mediation Required For All Divorce Cases?

Often, mediation is court-mandated in contested divorces prior to the final divorce proceeding. This is yet another step to increase the number of efficient and non-contentious divorce cases.

Should I use forms that I found online for my uncontested divorce?

Once a divorce decree is finalized by the judge, both ex-spouses must comply fully with the agreement. Modifications can only be made if there is a material change in circumstances. In child custody agreements, the change must also be in the best interest of the child.

How is Child Support Calculated?

Child support is calculated in the state of Georgia by factoring in the Basic Child Support Obligation. This is based on what the Georgia Legislature has determined two parents making the combined total income would likely spend on the number of children those parents have together. Then, that obligation is divided amongst the parents in proportion to their gross income. The final step is the addition of health insurance and child care costs as possible deviations.