Strength and Solutions for Divorce and Custody Issues

It's normally better for all involved to settle disputes amicably. The other spouse or parent is more likely to abide by the terms, and the process will be less expensive and less stressful than fighting it out in court.

But arriving at a good settlement means negotiating from a position of strength, and if matters do escalate to litigation, you want to know your lawyer can protect you and your children.

Free Family Law Consultation
The law firm of Smart & Harris represents men and women in the Savannah area and surrounding counties of Georgia, including military personnel of Fort Stewart and their civilian spouses. Contact us today to schedule a confidential meeting.

Divorce and Property Division

Georgia law calls for equitable distribution of marital assets, which is not necessarily a 50-50 split. Property acquired or appreciated in value during the marriage is equally divided, but gifts, inheritance and assets owned before marriage may or may not be. Mr. Harris is skilled at sorting out joint versus separate property, and accurately valuing those assets. He then steers clients to creative solutions and trade-offs regarding:

• The house (possession, equity and the mortgage)
• A closely held business
• Retirement assets and other investments
• Cars, pets and household furnishings
• Debts
• Alimony (if applicable)

We represent clients in contested divorce (through mediation, negotiation or divorce court), uncontested divorce, and the special issues of military divorce. We also draft, review or litigate prenuptial agreements.

Child Custody and Adoption Issues

Our philosophy is to start with the best interests of the child and work backward from there. Steve Harris is skilled at helping parents see the big picture and committing to a practical arrangement. The key is a parenting plan that is detailed enough to spell out roles and expectations, but flexible enough to mesh with the realities of work schedules, the child's activities and new love interests as time goes on.

But circumstances change. We represent clients in modifications of the custody agreement: petitions for primary or sole custody, parent relocation across Georgia or out of state, a teenager who wants to live with the other parent, or adjustment of child support.

We also handle:

• Formal stepparent adoption to establish all the rights and obligations of a natural parent
• Petitions for adoption or custody by a grandparent or relative when the parent has died, abandoned the child, or is unfit for custody because of addiction or abuse

Experience Counts

Steve Harris is a proven trial lawyer with 35 years of experience who understands Georgia family law. He is creative, compassionate and loyal to his clients' best interests. Call our Savannah office at (912)-662-5520, Brunswick office at (912) 262-9464 for a free initial consultation, or contact us online.

Source: www.smartandharris.com