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# Gina Smalley

Marietta & Cobb County Family Law Attorney

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/blog/)
- [Adopting a Stepchild in Georgia: Rights, Responsibilities, and the Legal Process](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2026/01/adopting-a-stepchild-in-georgia-rights-responsibilities-and-the-legal-process/) - For many blended families, a step-parent isn’t “just” a step-parent. You may be the person helping with homework, attending school events, and providing daily care and stability.
- [The Role of Business Valuation in your Divorce](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2024/06/the-role-of-business-valuation-in-your-divorce/) - Having a privately held or family-operated business can add an extra layer of difficulty to any divorce process. Who has the rights to the business? Was the business a partnership or did one spouse own the business? There are three options when settling on a small business valuation. One, the couple can decide on their
- [Are You a Step-Parent Who Wants to Adopt a Step-Child?](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2025/11/are-you-a-step-parent-who-wants-to-adopt-a-step-child/) - Blending families can be a wonderful thing. If you’re a step-parent, you probably already share daily life, responsibilities, and a loving bond with your step-child. But what if you want to take that bond one step further by legally adopting them?
- [How to Navigate the Holidays with Kids After Divorce](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2025/12/how-to-navigate-the-holidays-with-kids-after-divorce/) - Navigating the holiday season after divorce can be challenging for parents and children. Balancing custody arrangements, travel plans, and emotional expectations often requires careful planning and clear communication. By being proactive, you can avoid a lot of conflict and help your children enjoy a positive and stable holiday.
- [How can Child Custody & Visitation be Modified in Georgia?](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2024/04/how-can-child-custody-visitation-be-modified-in-georgia/) - Child Custody can be a hot topic in regards to family law and for good reason. So many factors and judgments go into Child Custody that it can often be overwhelming. Let's walk through some of the details surrounding child custody and how it can be modified. Two Types of Custody Legal Custody - Legal
- [3 steps to take to legally change your gender in Georgia](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2024/09/3-steps-to-take-to-legally-change-your-gender-in-georgia/) - 3 steps to take to legally change your gender in Georgia Gina Smalley https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2024/09/3-steps-to-take-to-legally-change-your-gender-in-georgia/
- [We are proud to offer our services to the LGBT community!](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2024/10/we-are-proud-to-offer-our-services-to-the-lgbt-community/) - We are proud to offer our services to the LGBT community! Gina Smalley https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2024/10/we-are-proud-to-offer-our-services-to-the-lgbt-community/
- [The adoption process for step-parents](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2024/11/the-adoption-process-for-step-parents/) - Adopting a step-child is a beautiful way to bring strength and connection to a blended family. The process to make this connection official through legal action involves many pieces and requirements. Before taking any legal actions, consider your relationship with your step-child, and ensure you meet all the requirements and expectations. Let’s start with the
- [Divorce & Conflict](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2024/11/divorce-conflict/) - Divorce & Conflict: How Working with an Experienced Family Lawyer Can Save You Time, Money, and StressThe Law Office of Gina Smalley – Serving Marietta, Cobb County, and Surrounding Areas Divorce is often one of the most difficult and emotional challenges a person can face. In the midst of the emotional turmoil, it can be
- [5 tips on social media use during a divorce](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2024/12/5-tips-on-social-media-use-during-a-divorce/) - Social media is a powerful tool that can be used for good (or evil). In today’s world, it's common for most to share every detail about your life with the world. So how does this mentality affect those going through a divorce? The truth is, that social media can be used as evidence in court
- [Co-parenting across the nation](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2025/01/co-parenting-across-the-nation/) - Co-Parenting across the nation occurs when a divorced couple, with children, live in separate states (or sometimes countries). While co-parenting across the nation can (and will) present its challenges, it can be done successfully. In this blog post, we will dive into the challenges that may arise, and discuss strategies for success. Remember, at the
- [5 Things To Do Before Filing For Divorce](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2025/02/5-things-to-do-before-filing-for-divorce/) - Divorce has a reputation for being drawn-out and messy, but just a little forward planning can make the process so much smoother. While there are many things to think about before filing for divorce, focusing on the most important can save you time, money, and stress. Taking the following five actions will not only simplify
- [How Can a Prenuptial Agreement Protect You?](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2025/03/how-can-a-prenuptial-agreement-protect-you/) - A prenuptial agreement (also known as a prenup) is a contract a couple enters into before getting married. This legal agreement details how personal assets, debts, and other financial matters are handled throughout the marriage. It also covers what will happen in case of divorce or one partner’s death. A well-structured prenuptial agreement can protect
- [How to Co-Parent with Someone Who Has Narcissistic Tendencies](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2025/04/how-to-co-parent-with-someone-who-has-narcissistic-tendencies/) - Parenting can be a lot of hard work and co-parenting can be even more of a challenge. Deciding where your child is spending birthdays and holidays can be difficult for even the most amicable parents. But if you’re trying to co-parent with a narcissist, being a good parent can feel almost impossible. How to Tell
- [Do Mothers Always Get Primary Custody?](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2025/05/do-mothers-always-get-primary-custody/) - When parents separate or get divorced, one of the most important and emotionally-charged decisions they need to make is about child custody. A lot of people believe that mothers are most likely to get primary custody of the children, but is this true? This article breaks down how custody decisions are made, the factors that
- [What is a Parenting Plan and Why Do You Need One?](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2025/06/what-is-a-parenting-plan-and-why-do-you-need-one/) - Whether you’re navigating through a separation, divorce, or just trying to figure out how to co-parent effectively, one of the most powerful tools you can take advantage of is a solid parenting plan. It’s a practical way to reduce confusion, set clear expectations, and put your child’s needs first. What Exactly is a Parenting Plan?
- [Adult Adoption: What is it and How Can it Benefit You?](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2025/07/adult-adoption-what-is-it-and-how-can-it-benefit-you/) - Many people think you can only adopt children or teenagers, but this isn’t true. In the United States, you can also adopt adults. Adult adoption is an excellent solution when you want to establish a strong legal bond with someone, whether or not you’re biologically related. It can provide a powerful sense of belonging and
- [Top 5 Benefits of Hiring a Divorce Attorney](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2025/08/top-5-benefits-of-hiring-a-divorce-attorney/) - Going through a divorce is rarely easy. The process often stirs up a range of emotions, from anxiety and uncertainty to frustration and grief. With your finances, future, and possibly your children at stake, making the right decisions becomes crucial. One of the most important choices you need to make at this difficult time is
- [How to legally change your name in Georgia](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2025/09/how-to-legally-change-your-name-in-georgia/) - If you’re thinking about legally changing your name in the state of Georgia, it’s important you understand the legal procedures and requirements involved. Whether the change is due to marriage, divorce, gender identity, or another reason, there’s a specific process you must follow. Requirements In order to legally change your name in Georgia, you must
- [Divorce Doesn’t Have to Be Scary](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2025/10/divorce-doesnt-have-to-be-scary/) - Halloween is the season of spooky decorations, eerie costumes, and jump scares. But for many people, the idea of divorce feels far scarier than any haunted house or ghost story. The truth is, divorce—just like Halloween—often seems frightening because of the unknown. Once the lights come on and you see things clearly, it becomes much
- [5 Ways to Prepare for Divorce](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2024/03/5-ways-to-prepare-for-divorce/) - After many sleepless nights, stress and anxiety, you decide it is time to get a divorce. But where do you even begin? Divorce can be one of the most overwhelming things you will go through so getting prepared can help ease the process and help get you through to the finish line. Here are 5
- [Custody of Children](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2017/07/custody-of-children/) - Divorce is hard. No matter the circumstances. When children are involved, it is even more difficult. If you are contemplating a divorce or a divorce has been filed against you and you have children with your spouse, you may be wondering how custody is determined. There is no simple answer; each matter is as unique
- [How Aggressive of a Divorce Lawyer Do I Need?](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2023/09/how-aggressive-of-a-divorce-lawyer-do-i-need/) - When you're facing a divorce, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing a lawyer. You want someone who is experienced, knowledgeable, and will fight for your best interests. But you also don't want someone who will be unnecessarily aggressive or drive up your legal fees. So, how do you know how aggressive
- [Mediation](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2019/09/mediation/) - Often, in cases involving children, emotions are on high. For parents, children are the highest priority when a marriage is dissolving. I am often asked how to best protect and shield children from the rigors and emotional upheaval that comes with divorce. The answer is simple. Maintain a healthy and supportive relationship with the child's
- [termination-and-dependency-matters](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2017/08/termination-and-dependency-matters/) - In Georgia, the Juvenile Courts have jurisdiction to hear matters of both Dependency and Termination. In a Dependency case, the Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) or, sometimes, a private individual, alleges that a child is deprived by his or her parents. There are a myriad of different reasons that Dependency is alleged, but
- [Children Born Outside of a Marriage](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2017/07/children-born-outside-of-a-marriage/) - In the State of Georgia, a child born out of wedlock is the legal child of the mother ONLY. Oftentimes, parents are instructed by hospital administrators to execute an Administrative Legitimation. Some parents believe that both parents gain rights to the child by signing this document. Unfortunately, this is a common misperception. Children born to
- [Guardian Ad Litem](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2017/06/guardian-ad-litem/) - Sometimes, in custody cases, a Guardian Ad Litem will be appointed to represent the best interest of the child (or children) that are the subject of the dispute. In Latin, the phrase "ad litem" means "for purposes of litigation only." A guardian ad litem is an individual, usually an attorney, appointed by the courts to
- [Courts Reopening and 2020 Year End Review](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2020/12/courts-reopening-and-2020-year-end/) - Since our last post, much has changed! For the most part, courts are re-opened statewide. Many courts are conducting the majority of hearings virtually, but a few are holding in-person proceedings. Although it has been challenging to learn new technology, at The Law office of Gina Smalley, we have adapted to the ever-changing technology demands
- [Divorce and COVID-19](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/2020/03/divorce-and-covid-19/) - As most people are well aware, the Center for Disease Control and several branches of the government have recommended a quarantine for Americans in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. May people wonder what this means for those who need or want legal assistance with divorces, adoptions, legitimations, and other family law matters.

## Pages

- [Home Second](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/) - MARIETTA FAMILY LAW AND DIVORCE ATTORNEY Put Experience On Your Side At the Law Office Of Gina Smalley, LLC, our team specializes in navigating the complex and emotional terrain of divorce proceedings in Georgia courts. With a strong focus on minimizing conflict and promoting amicable resolutions, we advocate for negotiation and collaborative divorce methods whenever
- [Cobb County Child Custody Lawyer](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/child-custody/) - Experienced and Thoughtful Child Custody Lawyer in Marietta As a parent, your most prized possession is your children. One of the most common concerns expressed by divorcing mothers and fathers is how their divorce will impact their relationship with their child. At the Law Office Of Gina Smalley, our Cobb County child custody attorney helps
- [LGBT Family Law](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/lgbt-family-law/) - LGBTQ+ Family Law Attorney in Cobb County, GeorgiaFamily law issues are never easy, but for LGBTQ+ individuals and families, the legal process can come with extra layers of stress and uncertainty.Whether you are dealing with divorce, custody, adoption, or parenting rights, you deserve an attorney who understands both Georgia family law and the practical issues
- [Adult Adoption Attorney](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/adult-adoption/) - Adult Adoption Attorney for Cobb, Paulding, Cherokee and Douglas County Georgia Secure Your Family’s Future with Adult Adoption:At The Law Office of Gina Smalley, we are a compassionate adult adoption attorneys located in Marietta, Georgia dedicated to serving Cobb County and Paulding County communities. Our firm can help any adult (over the age of 18) can
- [High Asset Divorce](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/high-asset-divorce/) - High Asset Divorce Attorney in Marietta, Georgia Safeguard your financial future with the Law Office of Gina Smalley. Schedule a Confidential Consultation Complex Divorces Require Skilled Representation In Georgia, marital property includes assets acquired during the marriage and is typically subject to equitable division during a divorce. This means the division is not necessarily equal
- [Gina Smalley](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/attorney-profile/) - Attorney ProfileGina Smalley was born in Hamilton, New Jersey but moved with her family to Georgia at a young age. Gina graduated from the University of Georgia in 2002 with concurrent degrees in English and Psychology. In college, Gina was an active member of the Literary Society and co-authored a small student newspaper.Prior to pursuing
- [Alimony & Maintenance](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/alimony-maintenance/) - Experienced Alimony Attorney Serving Marietta & Cobb County Alimony (often called separate maintenance) can be a touchy subject in a divorce. It takes an experienced lawyer to protect your interests, making sure that the amounts agreed on in negotiation or ordered by the court are in your best interests.Our focus is on protecting our clients’
- [Fathers Rights & Legitimation](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/fathers-rights/) - Helping Fathers With Legitimation Issues in Metro Atlanta, Georgia What are my rights? This is a question that we often hear from fathers. In most divorce situations, fathers worry that they will not get the time with their children that they once had. They worry that they will have to pay huge amounts of child
- [Cobb County Divorce Lawyer](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/divorce/) - High Asset Divorce And Collaborative Law Attorney Serving Metro Georgia Area A divorce can be an emotional and stressful time, full of unpleasant surprises and frustrating delays, but having the right lawyer can make the process move more smoothly — reducing the financial and emotional costs for you and your children. At The Law Office
- [Cobb County Family Law](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/family-law/) - Cobb County Family Law AttorneyDivorce, Child Custody, Asset DivisionLocated in Marietta, Georgia, our law firm — Law Office Of Gina Smalley, LLC — represents clients in all areas of family law, including divorce, modification, custody, child support, legitimation, contempt, grandparents’ rights, third party custody and adoption.Contact our Marietta family law office online today to schedule
- [Domestic Partnerships](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/domestic-partnerships/) - Domestic Partnerships in Georgia Welcome to our comprehensive guide on domestic partnerships in Georgia. Whether you are a same-sex or opposite-sex couple, this article aims to provide you with valuable information regarding domestic partnership law in the state. We’ll explore the legal rights and obligations associated with domestic partnerships and offer guidance for couples seeking
- [Contact](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/contact/) - Contact Talk With An Attorney About The Legal Matters That Affect You When you face a legal problem, talking with a lawyer as soon as possible is critical to your success. To contact the Law Office Of Gina Smalley, call 770 794 4460. You may also complete the online contact form below. Address 1337 Canton
- [Adoption](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/adoption/) - Step-Parent Adoptions: Sometimes, a step-parent is the only parental figure a child knows. At the Law Office of Gina Smalley, we help families come together in situations where a step-parent has become a parental figure in a child’s life. For a step-parent to legally adopt a step-child, the following must apply:The step-parent is married to
- [Prenuptial Agreements](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/prenuptial-agreements/) - Prenuptial Agreements in GeorgiaProtecting Your Assets from Before the MarriagePrenuptial agreements (technically called “ante-nuptial agreements”) are intended to protect the assets from one or both spouses entering into a marriage. Prenuptial agreements are commonly misunderstood, so let’s start out by talking a little bit about what they are NOT.A premarital agreement is NOT something reserved
- [Civil Litigation](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/civil-litigation/) - At the Law Office Of Gina Smalley, LLC we can help with most general civil matters, including Simple Wills, Contract Disputes, Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs), and collection of judgments. Temporary Protective Orders: A Temporary Protective Order (TPO) is a short term restraining order designed to protect adults and/or children from abuse and/or harassment. Sometimes, TPOs are
- [Juvenile Courts](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/juvenile-courts/) - HELPING CLIENTS IN JUVENILE COURTDependency Proceedings and Petitions to Terminate Parental RightsWhen child abuse or neglect is alleged, parents oftentimes are approached by DFCS. Once DFCS becomes involved, parents often struggle to maintain their full parental rights. These parents face many different requirements that can put their relationships with their children in jeopardy. They are
- [The Divorce Process](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/divorce-process/) - The Divorce Process in Georgia Does it Matter Which Spouse Files First? In a word, no. If you receive a petition for dissolution for divorce (ie are “served with divorce papers”) you need to respond in Georgia within 30 days. If you are the spouse who is actually filing for divorce, you need to serve
- [Our Team](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/staff/) - Gina Smalley Attorney Gina Smalley was born in Hamilton, New Jersey but moved with her family to Georgia at a young age. Gina graduated from the University of Georgia in 2002 with concurrent degrees in English and Psychology. In college, Gina was an active member of the Literary Society and co-authored a small student newspaper.
- [Legitimation and Paternity](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/legitimation-and-paternity/) - Legitimation and Paternity: Welcome to the Law Office of Gina Smalley, one of the highest rated family law firms serving the Marietta, Georgia community.Having a child out of wedlock can be an emotional challenge as well as a complicated process legally. We understand that issues related to legitimization and paternity can be emotionally charged and
- [Child Support in Georgia](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/child-support-in-georgia/) - Child Support for High-Income Families in Cobb CountyChild support in Georgia is governed by statutory guidelines designed to promote fairness, predictability, and financial stability for children. For high-earning parents and families with substantial assets, however, child support calculations involve additional layers of complexity that require careful legal analysis.Georgia’s current child support framework now provides structured
- [Divorce & Asset Division FAQ](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/divorce-asset-division-faq-2/) - Divorce & Asset Division FAQ – Marietta & Cobb County Family Law Attorney Divorce is never easy, especially when it comes to dividing the life you’ve built together. At The Law Office of Gina Smalley, we know how stressful and confusing this process can be. That’s why we’re here to provide clarity, support, and experienced
- [Practice Areas](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/practice-areas/) - Additional Areas of LawIn addition to our family law practice, we also offer legal assistance to clients who need help resolving civil litigation and juvenile court matters. Call 770-794-4460 or Email Today
- [](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/995-2/) - Cobb County Family Law Attorney Divorce, Child Custody, Asset Division Located in East Cobb, Georgia, our law firm — Law office of Gina Smalley, LLC — represents clients in all areas of family law, including divorce, modification, custody, child support, legitimation, contempt, grandparents’ rights, third party custody and adoption. We also handle some civil litigation,
- [Other Areas](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/other-areas/) - At the Law Office of Gina Smalley, LLC we can help with most general civil matters, including Simple Wills, Contract Disputes, Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs), and collection of judgments.Temporary Protective Orders: A Temporary Protective Order (TPO) is a short term restraining order designed to protect adults and/or children from abuse and/or harassment. Sometimes, TPOs are abused
- [Same-Sex Adoption](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/same-sex-adoption/) - Adoption Solutions For Same-Sex Couples In Georgia For same sex couples throughout Georgia, there are options for growing their families through adoption. At The Law Office of Gina Smalley, we provide legal strategies for completing these adoptions efficiently. Our attorney carries the legal burden throughout the process, so that you can focus on the personal
- [Mother’s Rights](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/mothers-rights/) - HELPING MOTHERS NAVIGATE THE CUSTODY PROCESS Whether a child custody dispute is wrapped up in a divorce or other type of litigation, Mothers need to be prepared. While Mothers are sometimes favored over Fathers, this old adage is rapidly disappearing. There are several factors that are considered when courts determine proper custodial arrangements. Some of
- [Thank You](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/thanks/) - Thank You. We have recevied your email. Thank you for your email. Someone from our office will return contact as soon as possible. Call 770-794-4460 or Email Today
- [Se Habla Español](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/abogada-divorcio/) - Abogada de divorcio información próximamente Preguntas? Llama y pregunta por Claudia Call 770-794-4460 or Email Today
- [Estate Planning](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/estate-planning/) - Atlanta Area Estate Planning Attorney No one likes to think about dying, but it will happen to us all. In order to be sure that your family, loved ones and assets are protected and in order to ensure that your wishes are honored after your death, you should create a Last Will & Testament. In
- [Reviews from Past Family Law Clients](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/reviews/) - We Can Help You Too "Went above and Beyond what she Charged" “Along with being an amazing attorney, her services are fairly priced and she will never charge you more than what is needed. To be honest, she probably went above and beyond what she charged… Choosing an attorney is hard, you are trusting them
- [Step-Parent Adoption](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/step-parent-adoption/) - LEGAL SOLUTIONS IN STEPPARENT ADOPTION In many families, a stepmother or stepfather is the closest thing the child knows to a mother or father. That person has played the role of parent to the child, often for most of his or her life. Stepparent adoptions provide a way for the stepparent to formalize that relationship.

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- [Blog](https://ginasmalleyattorney.com/category/blog/) - Your blog category
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