At Ball Family Law we represent our clients in several types of cases, below is a list of our specific areas of practice with which our attorneys have expertise.
Divorce/Separate Maintenance/Annulment
Child Custody and Visitation
Modification of Child Custody, Visitation, Child Support, and Alimony
Domestic Adoption
Contempt of Court Order/s
Equitable Division of Marital Assets and Liabilities
Alimony
Child Support
Legitimization/ Paternity
Protective Orders
Alternate Dispute Resolution
We provide our clients with the most straightforward, sensible advice possible during this complex and often lengthy process. Each and every divorce is different and some are more complicated than others. Our attorneys are skilled in the areas of litigation, settlement, and mediation so no matter what path your case takes our attorneys will be prepared to provide you with the best legal advice possible. (Back to Top)
Our firm understands that the best interest of the children always comes first and will try to resolve any custody or visitation disputes that you may have in a timely manner. (Back to Top)
Under Georgia law child support, visitation, and child custody may be modified. Several factors can affect the court’s decision to modify child support and custody including but not limited to a substantial change in financial status of one or both parents or a material change in the conditions directly affecting the welfare of the child/ren. (Back to Top)
Adoption under Georgia law is driven by statute. Ball Family Law is experienced in pursuing relative adoptions, stepparent adoptions, third party adoptions, termination of parental rights, relinquishment of parental rights, and guardianship for relatives.
Adoption is frequently an emotional event for all concerned. Ball Family Law is caring and compassionate in the process, but also well-versed in contested adoptions where the termination of parental rights is challenged. We are committed to bringing about an outcome that is in the best interest of a child. (Back to Top)
The terms of any court order must be obeyed. If not, it is a contempt of court. A contempt action seeks compliance with a court order and a judge is authorized to award attorney fees for a willful contempt. (Back to Top)
Although the state of Georgia is an “equitable division” state this does not necessarily mean that you and your spouse will half all of the marital assets and/or debts. Our attorneys have experience handling simple or high asset cases which often may require business valuations, property appraisals, and financial planning. (Back to Top)
Many factors can affect a court’s decision to award alimony including the length of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, the ability of the parties to find employment, and the standard of living during the marriage. Our attorneys are experienced in handling alimony and child support issues whether during mediation or in court. (Back to Top)
Because Georgia law regarding child support changed in 2007, many individuals are not familiar with the new calculations. The new guidelines take into account the income of both parents in regards to their children’s financial support. Our attorneys can help you during an often confusing process of filling out the worksheet required for cases involving child support. (Back to Top)
We understand that legitimization can be a necessary component of many child support and child custody cases involving children born out of wedlock and our firm has experience dealing with cases that require legitimization. (Back to Top)
Our firm understands that cases involving domestic violence require subtly and discretion and our attorneys are here to help during these sensitive cases. Temporary Protective Orders can prohibit the offending party from contacting or harassing you. If a false claim has been filed by your spouse against you, our firm also has experience in aiding you with these types of cases.(Back to Top)
Our attorneys have extensive experience in the area of resolving issues through mediation. Often times, many courts may require mediation during a divorce proceeding.
Patricia Ball is trained and qualified to mediate and arbitrate domestic relations cases. Mediation is an informal process to try to settle cases by agreement. The mediator is skilled in the art of negotiation, so even if the parties are far apart on the issues, mediation can still be successful. Georgia courts require parties to mediate domestic relations cases prior to a final order.
Arbitration, on the other hand, is more like court, although there are significant benefits to arbitration. It is not in a court house; it is a private proceeding that does not expose sensitive or highly emotional issues to the viewing public. It also preserves privacy about conduct and financial issues. It is like court in that the arbitrator makes the final decision based on the facts and evidence and argument presented. This includes decisions about child custody, as the Arbitration Code in Georgia permits arbitrators to make child custody decisions. After the evidence is closed, the arbitrator will issue a written decision and it is binding upon the parties once confirmed by the trial judge. There are very few legal grounds to appeal an arbitration decision. Patricia Ball has been a lawyer in good standing in Georgia since 1991. With nearly three decades of experience, she has the legal acumen, thoughtful demeanor, and good judgment to decide cases wisely.(Back to Top)