Georgia Divorce Checklist

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Prepared: 5/20/2026

Data updated: 3/1/2026

Estimated Timeline

31-45 days for uncontested divorces with a signed Consent to Trial in 31 Days; 46 days minimum without consent; 3-6 months for straightforward contested cases; 12-24 months or longer for complex contested divorces involving custody disputes, significant assets, or trial in Georgia Superior Court

Documents to Gather

Certified Marriage Certificate
Birth Certificates for Minor Children
Valid Georgia Photo ID
Social Security Cards
Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
Prior Court Orders(if applicable)
Property Deeds and Vehicle Titles
Insurance Policies

Financial Documents

Last 3 Years of Federal and State Tax Returns
Last 6 Months of Pay Stubs
Bank Statements for All Accounts
Retirement and Investment Account Statements
Mortgage Statements and Property Tax Records
Credit Card and Loan Statements
Business Financial Records(if applicable)
Social Security Statements(if applicable)

Key Steps

1. Before Filing

Verify Georgia Residency Requirements
Determine Proper Venue and Court
Gather Personal and Financial Records
Assess Grounds for Divorce
Consider Safety Planning if Domestic Violence Is Present

2. Filing Process

Prepare and File the Complaint for Divorce
Prepare Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheet (If Children Involved)
Complete the Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit (DRFA)
Prepare the Settlement Agreement (If Uncontested)

3. After Filing

Serve Your Spouse with the Divorce Papers
Wait for Respondent's Answer
Complete the Discovery Process (If Contested)
Attend Mandatory Parenting Seminar (If Minor Children Involved)
Participate in Mediation (If Ordered or Required by Local Rule)
Request Temporary Orders (If Needed)
Attend Final Hearing and Obtain the Divorce Decree

Key Deadlines

Residency requirement must be met before filing6 months of bona fide Georgia residency

Respondent must file Answer to Complaint30 days after service

Mandatory waiting period (no-fault ground)30 days after service on respondent

DRFA due before temporary hearing15 days before any temporary hearing

DRFA due before mediation session10 days before mediation

Response to discovery requests30 days from date of service (45 days if served with complaint)

Service by publication response period60 days from first publication date

Parenting seminar completion30 days from standing order (varies by county)

Quick Reference

To file for divorce in Georgia, you must first establish bona fide residency in the state for at least six consecutive months under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2. File a Complaint for Divorce (with or without minor children version) in the Superior Court of the county where your spouse resides, paying a $213.00 filing fee. Serve your spouse via sheriff, private process server, or signed Acknowledgment of Service. The respondent has 30 days to file an Answer under O.C.G.A. § 9-11-12(a). Georgia requires a 30-day waiting period from service for no-fault divorces under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3(13). Both parties must complete a Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit disclosing all income, expenses, assets, and debts per Uniform Superior Court Rule 24.2. If minor children are involved, you must file a Parenting Plan, Child Support Worksheet, and both parents must attend a court-approved parenting seminar under Rule 24.8. Contested cases may require mediation under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1(b). An uncontested divorce with consent can be finalized in as few as 31 days; contested cases typically take 6-24 months.