Madison Family Law Attorney
If you live in Madison or elsewhere in Morgan County and are dealing with a divorce, custody dispute, or child support issue, your case will be filed with the Morgan County Clerk of Superior Court on Hancock Street. Samuel Thomas Law is based in Athens and represents Morgan County clients. Attorney Samuel E. Thomas handles each case personally, from the first consultation through the final order.
Family Law in the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit
Madison is the county seat of Morgan County. Family law cases for Morgan County residents are filed in the Superior Court of Morgan County, part of the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit. The Ocmulgee Circuit is large, covering eight Middle Georgia counties: Baldwin, Greene, Hancock, Jasper, Jones, Morgan, Putnam, and Wilkinson. It has its own forms, checklists, and standing order.
The Clerk of Superior and Juvenile Courts is at 384 Hancock Street, Madison, GA 30650 (phone 706-342-3605). The clerk keeps the court file, and we handle the filings for you.
The Ocmulgee Circuit Standing Order
In the Ocmulgee Circuit, the person filing a divorce must attach the circuit’s standing order to the complaint and serve it on the other spouse. The standing order sets ground rules both parties must follow while the case is pending. If you have been served, read it carefully and talk with a lawyer before making changes to finances, property, or the children’s living arrangements.
Family Law Matters We Handle
- Divorce, contested and uncontested
- Child custody and visitation, including relocation
- Child support, including how support is calculated and modifications
- Spousal support and alimony
- Property and asset division, including family businesses and retirement accounts
- Paternity and legitimation and fathers’ rights
- Grandparent rights
- Contempt actions to enforce existing orders
- Prenuptial agreements
- Adoption
Parents Must Complete a Seminar
Under the circuit’s divorce checklist, both parents in a divorce involving children must complete the Seminar for Divorcing Parents before the final decree is entered. You will also need a parenting plan; our parenting plan guide explains what it covers.
Communities We Serve in Morgan County
Besides Madison, we represent clients from Rutledge, Bostwick, and Buckhead in Morgan County. Note that the city of Madison is in Morgan County, not Madison County; if you live in Madison County, see our Danielsville page.
About Attorney Samuel E. Thomas
Samuel E. Thomas is a fourth-generation Athens business owner, a University of Georgia graduate, and a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law. He is admitted to practice in all Georgia Superior Courts, including the court that hears Madison cases. Read more about our firm.
Madison Family Law FAQ
Does it matter that Morgan County is in a different circuit than Athens?
Yes. The Ocmulgee Circuit uses its own standing order, forms, and checklists, which differ from those in Athens-Clarke County. We follow the Ocmulgee requirements for Morgan County cases.
Can we avoid a trial?
Often, yes. Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation, and if you and your spouse agree on everything, an uncontested divorce is usually fastest.
I was just served with divorce papers. What should I do first?
Note the service date, read the standing order that came with the complaint, and get legal advice before moving money or property. See what to do when you’re served.
Talk With a Madison Family Law Attorney
Call us at 706-546-0999 or book a consultation online. You can also send us a message using the form below.
Our Office
Samuel Thomas Law, LLC
585 Research Drive, Suite A
Athens, GA 30605
Phone: 706-546-0999
Email: customerservice@samuelthomaslaw.com