Family Law Attorney Based In Watkinsville, GA
Boggs, Cowan & Fargione represents individuals and families in family law matters throughout Oconee County and Georgia.
Awards & Recognition
Helping Families in Watkinsville, Athens, Clarke County and Oconee County Navigate Divorce and Custody Matters
When your family is going through something difficult, you need more than legal advice. You need a steady hand and a clear path forward.
Trusted in Georgia’s Legal Community
Recognized across Georgia and trusted to guide families through complex and personal legal matters.
Family Law Services We Provide
Family law encompasses a wide range of legal issues that arise from marriage, parenthood, and family relationships. Our attorneys handle the following matters:
Divorce
Georgia follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided in a manner the court determines to be fair. We represent clients in both contested and uncontested divorces, addressing property division, spousal support, and all related issues.
Child Custody
Georgia custody decisions are guided by the best interests of the child. We represent parents in custody disputes, parenting plan negotiations, and modification proceedings.
Child Support
Georgia uses an income shares model to calculate child support. We assist clients in establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders to reflect the actual needs of the child and the circumstances of both parents.
Legitimation
In Georgia, an unmarried father has no automatic legal rights to his child, even if listed on the birth certificate. Legitimation is the legal process through which a father establishes parental rights, including the ability to seek custody or visitation. We represent fathers pursuing this process in Georgia courts.
Modifications
Circumstances change after court orders are entered. We represent clients seeking to modify existing custody, support, or other family law orders when a substantial change in circumstances warrants review.
Protective Orders
Protective orders can be an important tool for individuals facing domestic violence or harassment. We assist clients in seeking protective orders and represent those named in protective order proceedings.
Adoption
We assist families with stepparent adoptions, relative adoptions, and other adoption matters, guiding them through Georgia's legal requirements.
Family Law Cases in Watkinsville, Athens, Clarke County and Oconee County
Family law cases in this area are typically handled in local Superior Courts. Each court has its own procedures and expectations. Having an attorney familiar with the local system can make a meaningful difference in how your case moves forward.
• Oconee County Superior Court
• Clarke County Superior Court
What Sets Our Approach Apart
Family law is not just legal; it is personal. The way a case is approached and communicated to a client matters as much as the legal strategy itself.
Direct Access to Your Attorney. Clients at Boggs, Cowan & Fargione work directly with an attorney throughout their case. We maintain a selective caseload to make that possible.
Trial-Ready Preparation. Not every family law case resolves without court involvement. We prepare each case as if it may go before a judge, which also tends to strengthen the negotiation process.
Honest Communication. We provide straightforward assessments of your situation, the likely issues in your case, and realistic expectations. We do not offer false assurances.
Statewide Georgia Practice. While we are based in Watkinsville and serve the Oconee County and Athens communities, we represent clients in family law matters throughout the state.
Partner Al Fargione brings experience in civil and family litigation across Georgia's courts and holds advanced credentials including a J.D. and an LL.M. Founding attorney Lucas Cowan has handled contested litigation in Georgia's Superior and State Courts since entering private practice in 2019. Both Mr. Fargione and partner Lucas Boggs have been recognized as Super Lawyers Rising Stars.
Contact a Family Law Attorney in Watkinsville, GA
Whether you are facing a divorce, navigating a custody dispute, or dealing with another family law issue, having clear legal guidance can help you make informed decisions about your future. Boggs, Cowan & Fargione offers free consultations to individuals throughout Oconee County and Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
You are not required to have an attorney, but family law matters often involve complex legal standards, procedural requirements, and long-term consequences that are difficult to navigate without guidance. An attorney can help you understand the law, protect your rights, and avoid missteps that may be difficult to undo.
The timeline depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce — where the parties agree on all issues — can be finalized relatively quickly. Contested divorces, where the parties dispute property, custody, or other issues, may take significantly longer and in some cases proceed to trial.
Often, yes. Negotiation and mediation can resolve many issues in divorce and custody cases. However, when parties cannot reach agreement, or when there are urgent matters such as custody disputes involving the safety of a child, court involvement may be necessary. We are prepared for both paths.
Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about a child's life — education, healthcare, religious upbringing. Physical custody refers to where the child primarily lives. Georgia courts may award joint or sole custody of either type, depending on the circumstances and the best interests of the child.
Yes, in some situations. Georgia courts may modify custody, support, and other family law orders when a party demonstrates a substantial change in circumstances. The standard and process for modification varies depending on the type of order involved.