FAQ

For a marriage in Georgia to be valid, there must be parties able to contract, an actual contract and consummation according to law.

Parties able to contract means that the persons are of:

A. Age of consent: must be at least 16 years old, or if younger have parental consent. The age limit does not apply ifthere is proof that the female is pregnant, or both parties are parents of a living child born out of wedlock, then they may marry regardless of age;

B. Proper relationship; may not be related to the prospective spouse within a prohibited degree;

C. Previous marriage dissolved.

Actual Contract: Law of contracts controls. The parties must voluntarily consent without fraud or duress. Contract does not have to be in writing.

Consummation according to law. For ceremonial or formal marriage, consummation is accomplished either by:

A. Obtaining a marriage license and the performance of a ceremony by a minister or other person authorized to join persons in matrimony, or

B. By an actual agreement in words of present tense to be man and wife with the intention of assuming a marital relationship. (Sexual intercourse is not essential to the consummation of a valid ceremonial marriage).

COMMON LAW MARRIAGE: No common law marriage can be entered into in Georgia after January 1, 1997, but common law marriage entered into prior to that date will be recognized.

Common law marriages are created by the three mentioned essentials including a present intent to marry, in addition must be consummated by cohabitation. Cohabitation in this sense implies marital intercourse.

All elements must exist at simultaneously in orderfor valid marriage to exist.

Yes. An invalid marriage may become a common law marriage if it occurred prior to 1997. A marriage based on fraud, duress or non-age becomes valid if a child is born.

An invalid marriage is said to be “void”. An annulment of marriage is a judicial declaration that the marital status is invalid from its intended inception. lfthe marriage was valid at its inception it will only be dissolved by divorce even if the marriage was of short duration.

In Georgia, “legally separated” is not a status that is recognized by law. A person is either married or not married. A person that is married butwho is living apart from their spouse may file an action for ”separate maintenance" in situations where the filing spouse seeks an award of spousal support, child support, child custody, visitation or exclusive use of the marital residence or other property during the period of separation. The procedures for obtaining separate maintenance are similar to the procedures for filing for a divorce. The primary difference in that in an action for separate maintenance a divorce is neither sought nor granted. The parties remain married until either one file to obtain a divorce. An action for separate maintenance may be filed regardless of how long the parties have resided in Georgia.

Any person who is married according to law and has been domiciled in the state of Georgia for six months before the filing date is able to file for divorce.

Yes. During the period of time following the filing of the divorce but before the divorce is granted, the courts have authority to award temporary child custody, visitation rights and may rder a party to pay support. The Court may also order a party to vacate the marital residence during this period.

Yes. During the period of time following the filing of the divorce but before the divorce is granted, the courts have authority to award temporary child custody, visitation rights and may rder a party to pay support. The Court may also order a party to vacate the marital residence during this period.

Yes. An agreement that is properly pepared and that includes all the provisions required by law may be approved by the court and incorporated or made a part of the parties’ divorce.

Yes. In certain circumstances a person may be entitled to go back to court to seek a modification of child custody if the circumstances have changed that affect the best interest of the child. A person may also seek a modification of child support if the parties' financial circumstance has materially changed since the date of the final divorce.

Yes. in a divorce or modification of custody action if a child of the parties has reached the age of 14 then that child may elect which parent the child will primarily reside with. The child’s election is controlling unless the parent chosen is determined to be unfit. The wishes of children that are between the ages of 11 and 14 may be considered but are not controlling.

As in every area of law this foregoing information is general and is subject exceptions based on the specific facts of the case. It is not intended to substitute for the advice of counsel in any way.