Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia

Divorce & Child Support

I have been married for 21 years with 3 children ages 17, 15 and 12. I want to file for divorce, however my financial situation is what is holding me back. My husband and I both work and just barely pay the bills due to some financial mismanagement over the years on his part. (He was in charge of the money) My husband refuses to leave and if we did divorce he says that there would be no money left for him to pay child support. Would a judge demand that he pay child support and force him to also get a second job? I would have to get a second job.....would he be ordered to do the same? Would I also be entitled to stay in the home with my 3 children? He has said that I can leave and find another place to live. It would be much more difficult for all 4 of us to find another place to live at this time. Thank you!


Asked on 4/02/08, 7:48 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

Re: Divorce & Child Support

No one can force someone to work, and you can't plan on completely relying on someone else, so you do need to think about your own resources. The first step however is to stop listening to your spouse and see a lawyer to assess your options. Be aware that divorce is very inexpensive if you work things out with a spouse, and very expensive if you don't, so start saving a significant sum to use towards a lawyer to protect your interests and do not put any funds into any joint accounts. Again, step one is to talk to a lawyer.

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Answered on 4/02/08, 8:05 am
SHERRY RAGOLE RAGOLE & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Re: Divorce & Child Support

Please do not rely on the individual who you are at odds with (your spouse) to find the answers/make suggestions that serve your best interest. When children are involved, the court focuses on what is in their best interest, not what the parents think they can do. Once you are working with an attorney, you will have a better idea of how all of the relevant circumstances are evaluated and acted upon by the court.

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Answered on 4/02/08, 2:34 pm


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