GEORGIA CONTESTED DIVORCE

Divorce is the legal termination of a marriage, and in Georgia the process begins by filing a Complaint for Divorce in the county where either spouse has lived for at least six months. At least one spouse must meet Georgia’s residency requirement before filing. The divorce petition outlines the grounds for divorce and addresses critical issues such as child custody and visitation, child support, property division, and alimony. After filing, the other spouse must be formally served and given time to respond—30 days for Georgia residents, 60 days for U.S. residents living outside Georgia, and 90 days for spouses overseas. If no response is filed, the court may proceed with a default divorce, provided service was properly completed.

Georgia law also requires a mandatory 30-day waiting period after filing, often referred to as a “cooling-off” period. During this time and beyond, divorcing spouses participate in discovery, exchanging information about income, assets, debts, and other relevant matters through written questions, document requests, and, in some cases, depositions. Once discovery is complete, many couples attempt to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation. If an agreement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge hears evidence and testimony before issuing rulings on custody, support, property division, and spousal support.

When filing for divorce in Georgia, spouses must select one of thirteen statutory grounds. These include both fault-based grounds—such as adultery, cruelty, desertion, habitual intoxication, or drug addiction—as well as no-fault divorce based on the marriage being “irretrievably broken.” While many divorces proceed under the no-fault option, fault grounds may influence alimony or overall case strategy. Once the judge issues a final divorce decree, the decision is legally binding. Appeals are possible, but typically only when there has been a legal error or judicial misconduct.

Because Georgia divorce involves strict procedures and life-changing decisions, having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference. Jaffe Family Law proudly serves clients throughout the entire state of Georgia. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, our experienced Georgia divorce attorneys work to protect your rights, streamline the process, and pursue practical solutions tailored to your goals. Contact Jaffe Family Law today to schedule a FREE confidential consultation and take the first step toward a more secure future.

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READ MORE ABOUT GEORGIA ALIMONY AND SPOUSAL SUPPORT HERE
READ MORE ABOUT GEORGIA DIVISION OF PROPERTY HERE

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