Georgia DIY Divorce: A Complete Guide

Georgia provides accessible DIY divorce options for couples who agree on all issues. With statewide pro se forms, electronic filing through Odyssey eFileGA, and a straightforward 30-day waiting period, uncontested divorces can be finalized in as little as 45-90 days. This guide covers residency requirements, the uncontested process, filing fees, and court-mandated programs.

Uncontested Divorce Process

Georgia's uncontested divorce is the most common DIY path. Under USCR 24.6, when both spouses agree on all issues—property division, debts, support, and custody—the court can enter a final decree without a trial.

Requirements for uncontested divorce:

• Both spouses agree the marriage is "irretrievably broken"
• Complete agreement on property, debts, and support
• If children are involved, a signed Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheet
• Both parties sign a Settlement Agreement

The earliest hearing date depends on how service is completed: day 31 with written acknowledgment of service, day 46 if no answer is filed (default), or day 61 for service by publication.

Default Divorce Option

If your spouse doesn't respond within 30 days after being served, you can proceed with a default divorce. Under USCR 24.6, the court can enter a decree as early as day 46 after service. This option works well when your spouse is cooperative but simply doesn't want to participate in the paperwork.

Note that with default, you'll still need to provide the court with proposed orders on all issues (property, support, custody if applicable).

E-Filing Through Odyssey eFileGA

Georgia offers electronic filing through the Odyssey eFileGA portal. Many counties require e-filing, while others accept it voluntarily.

To e-file your divorce:

• Create an Odyssey eFileGA account
• Select Superior Court and your county
• Upload completed PDF forms
• Pay filing fees electronically
• E-serve registered users or arrange traditional service

Some counties, like Cobb, use PeachCourt instead. Always check your county clerk's website for specific e-filing requirements.

Statewide Pro Se Forms

The Georgia Judicial Council provides free statewide divorce form packets for self-represented litigants. Packets are available for divorces with or without minor children.

Key forms include:

• Complaint for Divorce
• Summons
• Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit (DRFA)
• Acknowledgment of Service
• Settlement Agreement
• Parenting Plan (if children involved)
• Child Support Worksheet and Schedules
• Final Judgment and Decree

Residency Requirements

Under OCGA § 19-5-2, the filing spouse must have been a bona fide Georgia resident for at least six months before filing. You file in the county where the respondent (defendant) lives.

Military personnel stationed in Georgia for one year on a U.S. Army post or military reservation may file in any adjacent county.

Filing Fees

Filing fees vary by county:

• Fulton County: $223
• Gwinnett County: $220
• Cobb County: $218
• Chatham County: $218

Additional costs include sheriff's service (typically $50 in-county) and any e-file convenience fees. If you cannot afford fees, ask the clerk about poverty/indigency affidavits for fee waivers.

Waiting Period and Timeline

Georgia requires a 30-day waiting period from service before a no-fault divorce can be granted under OCGA § 19-5-3(13). For a complete breakdown, see our Georgia divorce timeline.

Typical timelines:

• Uncontested (no children): 45-90 days
• Uncontested (with children): 60-120 days (parenting seminar may be required)
• Contested with custody: 6-18 months

Court-Mandated Programs

Under USCR 24.8, many Georgia circuits require a parenting seminar (up to four hours) for divorces involving minor children. Judges may withhold the final decree until completion.

Most contested cases are also referred to mediation before trial under the Georgia Court-Connected ADR Act. A small ADR surcharge (up to $10) is included in filing fees.

Estimate Your Georgia Divorce Costs

Use our calculator to estimate your total Georgia divorce costs. For a complete document checklist, see our Georgia divorce filing checklist.