Georgia Divorce Timeline: Petition to Judgment

Understanding the Georgia divorce timeline is essential for anyone navigating the dissolution of marriage process. Whether you're pursuing an uncontested divorce that could be finalized in as little as 31 days or preparing for a contested case that may extend for 6 to 18 months or longer, knowing what to expect at each stage helps you plan effectively and avoid costly delays.

Uncontested Divorce: Georgia's Fast Track (31-90 Days)

When both spouses agree on all terms—including property division, spousal support, and parenting arrangements—Georgia's uncontested divorce process is your quickest option. According to USCR 24.6, the Georgia divorce timeline for uncontested cases works as follows:

• Day 31: The earliest a judge can grant a no-fault divorce if both parties sign a written consent or acknowledgment of service. Georgia law requires at least 30 days after service to allow for the statutory waiting period under OCGA § 19-5-3(13).
• Day 46: If your spouse does not file an answer within 30 days, the court can proceed by default and enter a decree on day 46 or later, assuming all other requirements are met.
• Typical completion: Most uncontested divorces in Georgia are finalized within 1 to 3 months from the filing date, depending on county court calendars and how quickly you prepare required documents like the Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit (DRFA) and settlement agreement.

Filing in Georgia Superior Court requires completion of the complaint, summons, verification, and financial disclosure forms. Many counties now mandate e-filing through Odyssey eFileGA, which streamlines the process and ensures faster processing times.

Default Divorce: When One Spouse Doesn't Respond (46-90 Days)

If your spouse is served but fails to file an answer within the required 30 days, you can proceed with a default divorce. Under OCGA § 9-11-12(a), the response deadline is strictly 30 days from the date of valid service. The Georgia divorce timeline for default cases includes:

• 30-day response window: After proper service, your spouse has 30 days to file an answer or counterclaim.
• Day 46 earliest decree: USCR 24.6 allows the court to enter a final decree on day 46 for personally served cases where no answer was filed.
• Service by publication (day 61): If you cannot locate your spouse and the court authorizes service by publication (four weekly publications in the county legal organ), the earliest hearing is day 61 after the first publication.

Default divorces still require that you meet all procedural requirements, including proving your case to the judge's satisfaction even without the other party's participation. You'll need to submit a proposed Final Judgment and Decree along with any required attachments such as parenting plans and child support worksheets.

Contested Divorce: The Longer Road (6-18+ Months)

When spouses cannot agree on one or more issues—such as custody, property division, or support—the Georgia divorce timeline extends significantly. Understanding the divorce process helps you prepare for what lies ahead. Contested cases typically unfold in these phases:

1. Temporary orders (30-60 days): Either party may request a temporary hearing to establish interim custody, child support, spousal support, and exclusive use of the marital home. Under USCR 24.2, each party must serve sworn financial affidavits and child support worksheets at least five days before the hearing.
2. Discovery and mediation (3-8 months): Formal discovery includes interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and depositions. Many Georgia counties require court-connected mediation under the Court-Connected ADR Act before a final trial is scheduled.
3. Trial preparation and hearing (9-15 months): If mediation fails to resolve all issues, the case proceeds to trial. USCR 24.7 prohibits entry of a divorce decree until all contestable issues are fully resolved.
4. Highly contested cases (18-36+ months): Complex property disputes, business valuations, custody evaluations, and appeals can extend the Georgia divorce timeline to two or even three years in some counties with heavy dockets.

Contested divorces involve substantial attorney's fees, expert costs, and court expenses. However, Georgia law allows courts to award temporary attorney's fees under OCGA § 19-6-2 to help level the playing field when one spouse has significantly greater financial resources.

For those facing an extended divorce timeline in Georgia, Divorce AI can provide personalized guidance to keep your plans on track.

Key Deadlines That Impact Your Georgia Divorce Timeline

Georgia divorce law includes several critical deadlines and requirements that directly affect how long your case will take:

• 180-day residency requirement: At least one spouse must have been a bona fide Georgia resident for six months before filing, as required by OCGA § 19-5-2.
• 30-day answer deadline: The respondent has exactly 30 days from valid service to file an answer or counterclaim.
• 30-day no-fault waiting period: For divorces based on "irretrievably broken" grounds, the court cannot grant a divorce until at least 30 days after service or acknowledgment. While awaiting Georgia's mandatory waiting period, an online divorce planner can help you use that time to organize finances and documents.
• Parenting seminar: Many Georgia circuits require attendance at a court-approved parenting seminar (typically 4 hours) for cases involving minor children under USCR 24.8, and judges may withhold the final decree until this requirement is satisfied.
• Financial disclosure deadlines: Counties like Fulton have mandatory discovery rules requiring early exchange of DRFAs, tax returns, pay stubs, and account statements.

Calculate Your Georgia Divorce Costs

While the Georgia divorce timeline varies, so do the associated costs. Use our free calculator to estimate your divorce expenses based on whether your case is uncontested or contested, and whether you have minor children. Filing fees in Georgia range from $218 to $223 depending on the county (Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Chatham are among the highest), plus additional costs for service, mediation, and legal representation if needed.

Practical Tips to Minimize Delays in Your Georgia Divorce Timeline

• Use acknowledgment of service: If your spouse is cooperative, have them sign a notarized acknowledgment of service to waive formal process service and accelerate the timeline to day 31 instead of day 46.
• Complete financial disclosure early: Gather your DRFA, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements before filing to avoid delays in temporary or final hearings.
• Consider mediation: Even if not court-ordered, voluntary mediation can help resolve disputes faster and cheaper than litigation, potentially saving months on the Georgia divorce timeline.
• Attend parenting seminar promptly: Register for your county's required seminar as soon as you file your case to avoid last-minute delays before your final hearing.
• Respond to discovery requests on time: Failure to comply with discovery deadlines can result in sanctions, delays, and additional attorney's fees.

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Divorce Timelines

What is the fastest you can get divorced in Georgia? The absolute minimum is 31 days from service if both parties agree in writing and the judge grants the divorce on day 31 under USCR 24.6.

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Georgia? Typically 1 to 3 months from filing to final decree, assuming no delays in completing required paperwork and court scheduling.

What if my spouse won't sign the divorce papers? You can proceed by default if your spouse is properly served but doesn't respond within 30 days, with a final decree possible on day 46 or later.

Does Georgia require a separation period before divorce? No, Georgia does not require a physical separation period. However, there is a mandatory 30-day waiting period before a no-fault divorce can be granted.

How long do contested divorces take in Georgia? Most contested cases take between 6 and 18 months, but highly complex cases involving business valuations, custody disputes, or extensive discovery can extend to 2-3 years.