Frequently Asked Questions

Five Things YOU NEED TO KNOW When Hiring A Lawyer

How much will this cost?

The total cost will be determined by many factors, including time spent in preparation, the opposition and their lawyer’s decisions. Many lawyers run up costs and hours by doing, what is at times unnecessary, legal work. Ms. Ryan guarantees that this will not happen in her practice. Ms. Ryan will do everything to make the process as smooth, straightforward and organized as possible in order to reduce your cost to the best of her ability.

How long will my divorce take?

Time spent on a case depends on a variety of factors, including the opposition and their lawyer’s decisions. It also depends on the willingness of both parties to negotiate and the complexity of the issues. Ms. Ryan is committed to resolving your issues as quickly and painlessly as possible while getting the results you need in order for you to move forward with your life. Ms. Ryan is committed to keeping the process moving forward while operating within the willingness of both parties to negotiate.

What are my chances of winning?

This will depend on what occurs during the litigation process, which is why choosing a good attorney is so important. Working with a specialist such as Ms. Ryan will maximize your chances for success, while ensuring that you are informed as to the proper process and procedures.

Will I have to go to court?

It is always possible for the parties to settle without any need for a court hearing or trial. If a settlement cannot be reached initially, a brief hearing may be all that is necessary. However, if additional hearings or a trial is necessary, Ms. Ryan will aggressively represent you and completely prepare you and your case for any court appearances.

I am stressed, concerned and do not understand the process of my case.
How can you help me?

Ms. Ryan, as a specialist, is here to minimize your stress and cost at all times. The process of your case will be explained to you thoroughly. Ms. Ryan will at all times be available to her clients. Ms. Ryan genuinely cares about her clients and due to her 30 years of experience will help put your mind at ease and sees this as an essential part of her job as your attorney.

Can I collect child support if I am not married to my baby’s father?

In order to collect child support from a man who was not your husband nine months before the birth at the time of the child’s birth, you must prove paternity in the court. Proving paternity allows you to collect child support, but does not give the biological father custody rights. Ms. Ryan can guide you through the process of filing for paternity.

What is the difference between paternity and legitimation?

In Georgia, paternity means establishing the biological father of the baby. It allows the mother to collect child support but does not grant custody rights to the father. To establish custody rights, the biological father must either marry the mother of his child or complete a process called legitimation. This process involves filing a Petition for Legitimation in Superior Court in the county where the biological mother lives. If the mother contests the order of legitimation, but only under specific conditions. Ms. Ryan represents both mothers and fathers in paternity and legitimation cases.

More Questions?

Divorce and family matters raise many concerns. You can count on attorney Catherine Ryan for straight answers and skilled legal advocacy on your behalf. To arrange an initial phone consultation, call our Augusta law office at 706-251-7612 or contact us online. Everything you ask or discuss with our lawyer and staff is kept strictly confidential.

We only practice in the state of Georgia.