The Law Office of Russell H. Hippe, LLC

Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit

In any divorce action where child support or alimony is sought, and in any action for modification of child support or periodic alimony, or if there is any request for attorney's fees, per Uniform Superior Court Rule 24.2, the parties have to complete and file a Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit (“DRFA”). This affidavit must be filed with the clerk of court and served upon the opposing party at least fifteen (15) days before any temporary or final hearing. If child support is in issue, proposed child support worksheets must be filed and served as well.

The DRFA is a critical document. It is a sworn financial statement and must be completely truthful and accurate. Mr. Hippe or you Atlanta divorce attorney will counsel you on how to complete it properly. It will show monthly income from all sources as well as all assets, both separate and marital, all debts, and all monthly expenses.

Atlanta Divorce Attorney Russell Hippe has his clients prepare the DRFA in an Excel spreadsheet template to make it as easy to complete as it possibly can be. He goes over all of this carefully with his client before the DRFA is filed or produced in discovery. However, the client has to do the tedious detail. The DFRA has to be perfectly accurate. This document will be used throughout the case to establish spousal or child support, either temporary or permanent, and it will bear upon property and debt division as well. It can and should be updated anytime your financial situation changes (you get a raise or lose a job).

Relevant Authority

Court relied on husbands DRFA in setting husband's gross monthly income for purposes of establishing child support. Walton v. Walton, 285 Ga. 706 (2009).

Fifteen (15) day rules set forth in U.S.C.R. 24.2 is "directory only" and a failure to comply with this rule does not mean a late filed financial affidavit or worksheet should be excluded from evidence at a hearing. Hendry v. Hendry, 292 Ga. 1 (2012).

Husband estopped from complaining on appeal about the trial court's use of his wages from a W–2 form in calculating child support because the wage amount was “the same as that provided by Husband in his domestic relations financial affidavit”. Simmons v. Simmons, 288 Ga. 670, 672, 706 S.E.2d 456 (2011)

Client Reviews
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“Thanks so much Mr. Hippe for a great job. Mr. Hippe helped me with a problem with the mother of my child, who would not respect my visitation. He filed the contempt and took care of the situation before the judge in Douglas County, securing a clear order than she cannot interfere with my visitation ever again. Thanks again!” L.R. Atlanta, Georgia
★★★★★
“My experience with Russell Hippe has been wonderful. The first time I called him, I was in a panic not knowing what to do. He was able to see me the very next day. Two days later he filed my divorce. It has been a long road to freedom but he was available every step of the way and his conservative billing style was much appreciated. He is truly a trust worthy attorney. I will definitely recommend him to others seeking a divorce.” M.G. Atlanta, Georgia
★★★★★
“Mr. Russell Hippe is a fantastic lawyer. He took charge of my case involving my step children and helped my wife get custody at a contested hearing. Thanks to him my family is far better off. The children are much happier and are excelling. I can give him the highest, best recommendation as family and trial lawyer.” J.P. Atlanta, Georgia
★★★★★
“I can give Mr. Russell Hippe the highest recommendation. He took my divorce case, did not push me into filing, but once I decided to file, he did a great job. My wife hired a top, super expensive divorce firm, but Mr. Hippe was better, in my view. He handled discovery and depositions skillfully and managed to get the case settled on terms favorable to me. He was fair in his billing, and I know he saved me a lot of money.” S.A. Atlanta, Georgia
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