My Forsyth _ Spring 2023

The Amicable Divorce Process
By Tracy Ann Moore-Grant
THE AMICABLE DIVORCE PROCESS IS AN EFFICIENT AND CIVILIZED ALTERNATIVE TO
LITIGATION, BASED ON A STRUCTURED, PROBLEM-SOLVING APPROACH.
1. SELECT ATTORNEYS
a. Each spouse selects an Amicable Divorce Network
Attorney and establishes an attorney-client relationship.
Clients will receive personalized, confidential advice from
seasoned lawyers who are committed to an amicable
resolution to the divorce.
2. COMMIT TO THE PROCESS
a. Each party mutually agrees to commit to the Amicable Divorce
Process, which provides a step-by-step roadmap for the
divorce. The divorce is not filed with the court until all issues
are resolved. There is no destructive and costly litigation.
3. ESTABLISH RULES
a. Similar to the standard order issued by most judges,
each parties voluntarily commit to follow certain rules
that reduce stress and uncertainty, such as refraining
from making any unilateral changes related to children
or unusual financial transactions.
4. IDENTIFY ISSUES AND EXPERTS
a. The parties and attorneys identify and focus on issues
that are more important to them and begin to discuss
solutions. If needed, other Network professionals are utilized,
such as mental health, financial and real estate experts.
5. DISCLOSE FINANCES
a. In a guided process, the parties exchange financial
Affidavits and documents by which they disclose all
assets and liabilities. If child support or alimony is at
issue, sources and explanations of income are included.
6. NEGOTIATE AND MEDIATE
a. The divorce is resolved through fully informed, good
faith negotiation. Settlement efforts may be facilitated
by a Network mediator. If mediation is unsuccessful, a
Network arbitrator makes final and binding decisions.
The case never goes to court.
7. DRAFT AND SIGN DOCUMENTS
a. The attorneys draft final legal documents tailored to
conform with state law and local court rules. With all
terms settled, the attorneys file the divorce, and a
judge signs the divorce decree.
8. START THE REST OF YOUR LIFE
a. Your divorce is complete, having never set foot in a
courtroom.
Start the rest of your life knowing that you chose a
healthier way to divorce.
TRACY ANN MOORE-GRANT has been practicing family
law in North Georgia since 2002. She is a partner at
Patterson Moore Butler in Cumming, Georgia and is also
a mediator, arbitrator and guardian ad litem. You can get
more information on her firm’s website at
www.PattersonMooreButler.com or directly
at the Amicable Divorce Network website at
www.AmicableDivorceNetwork.com
16 MYFORSYTHMAG.COM SPRING 2023