Persons considering ending their marriage through the divorce process may also consider marriage counseling, legal separation (in states that recognize such a status), annulment (in limited circumstances), and living apart. Each of these alternatives may have financial and other consequences.
In Georgia, individuals contemplating divorce have several alternatives to consider. Marriage counseling is often a first step for couples trying to resolve their issues before deciding to end their marriage. Legal separation, however, is not formally recognized in Georgia as it is in some other states. Instead, couples may file for a separate maintenance action, which is similar to legal separation and allows them to live apart and resolve issues such as alimony and child support without officially terminating the marriage. Annulment is another option but is only available under specific circumstances, such as cases of fraud, bigamy, underage marriage, or mental incapacity at the time of marriage. Living apart without any legal action is also possible, but it may have implications for property division and other legal rights. Each of these alternatives can have significant financial and legal consequences, and it is advisable to consult with an attorney to understand the implications fully.