{"id":372732,"date":"2016-09-13T13:13:12","date_gmt":"2016-09-13T18:13:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-divorce-process.html"},"modified":"2025-02-25T12:04:17","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T17:04:17","slug":"georgia-divorce-process","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-divorce-process.html","title":{"rendered":"How To File for Divorce in Georgia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To File for Divorce in Georgia<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Getting divorced is not as easy as getting married. If you’re considering divorce, you should learn about Georgia’s divorce laws<\/a>. Even if you’ve been through a divorce, it doesn’t necessarily make it easier.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we’ll explain how the Georgia divorce process works. We’ll also discuss how the Georgia courts handle such issues as alimony, child custody, and property division. If you still have questions about your divorce case, consult a skilled family law attorney<\/a> in Georgia.<\/p>\r\n

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Georgia<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The divorce process in Georgia depends on whether your case is uncontested or contested. In an uncontested divorce<\/a>, you and your spouse agree to the divorce terms. You can submit a copy of your divorce settlement agreement to the court for approval. Once the judge approves your agreement, they can issue your dissolution of marriage (divorce decree).<\/p>\r\n

If you’re fortunate, the Georgia courts may issue your decree of divorce<\/a> within a month or so. There is a 31-day mandatory waiting period between the filing date and your final court order.<\/p>\r\n

You’ll file a contested divorce if you and your spouse disagree on any legal issues. A contested divorce almost always takes more time than an uncontested divorce action. They also cost more money. You may need to hire experts and court reporters for depositions. You may also need to pay to see a mediator<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

The most critical issues in a contested divorce include:<\/p>\r\n