How Long Does Divorce Take In Georgia?

Divorce can be a difficult and complicated process, emotionally and legally. The time it takes to finalize a divorce varies depending on multiple factors such as the state laws and individual circumstances of each case. If you are living in Georgia and considering a divorce, one of your main concerns may be how long the process will take.

The truth is, there is no set timeframe for completing a divorce. While some cases may reach a resolution within a few months, others may drag out for years due to different factors that affect the proceedings.

Having an idea of what to expect in terms of timeline and process can help manage your expectations and plan for your future. Thus, this article aims to give you some general information and guidance about how long divorce typically takes in Georgia and some critical factors that can affect the duration of the process.

“The most substantial impact on the length of a divorce proceeding is the complexity of the issues involved.” -Maryland Wilson, Attorney at Law

Whether a contested or uncontested divorce, children custody, spousal support, property division, high net worth finances, and other disputes pose various challenges to settling a divorce case. Keep reading to learn more about the typical length of divorce in Georgia.

Understanding the Divorce Process in Georgia

Types of Divorce in Georgia

When considering a divorce in Georgia, it is important to familiarize yourself with the different types of divorce available. The most common type of divorce in Georgia is no-fault divorce, where neither spouse has to prove fault or wrongdoing on the part of the other spouse. In a contested divorce, one party argues that the other was at fault, and must provide evidence and witnesses to prove their case.

In addition to these two main types of divorce, there are also collaborative divorces, where both parties negotiate the terms of the divorce outside of court, and mediated divorces, which involve both spouses working with a neutral mediator to reach mutually beneficial decisions about property division, child custody, and more.

Steps Involved in Filing for Divorce in Georgia

If you decide to file for divorce in Georgia, you should be aware of the steps involved in the process:

• Gather information: Before filing for divorce, it’s essential to collect all relevant financial records, deeds, titles, and other documents related to your assets and debts.
• Petition: To start the process, one spouse typically files a “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage” with the county clerk. This outlines the reasons for the divorce and what they hope to gain from it.
• Serve papers: The other spouse must then be served with paperwork notifying them of the impending divorce.
• Response: The served spouse can either agree to the terms outlined in the petition or can file a written response disputing any aspects of the proposed settlement.
• Discovery: Both parties then exchange documents and information related to their finances, assets, and other relevant matters. This is usually done through written questions (interrogatories), depositions, or requests for production of documents.
• Negotiation: If both parties can agree on the terms of the divorce, they will negotiate a settlement that addresses issues like property division, alimony, child support, and more.
• Court Trial: If no agreement can be reached, the case may go to court trial where a judge will make all final decisions about how everything should be divided as well as any other matters regarding the children in the marriage such as custody and visitation rights

“The average time between filing for divorce and a hearing in Georgia is typically one to three months,” says attorney Jeanann Yountz. “However, if there are disputes over dividing up assets and debts, these cases can take many months or even years.”

The length of time it takes to finalize a divorce in Georgia varies depending on several factors:

• Type of divorce: No-fault divorces tend to move more quickly than contested or mediated cases.
• Complexity of assets: If the couple has a lot of assets (property, investment portfolios, etc.), it’s likely to take longer to divide them fairly.
• Agreement on major issues: If the spouses cannot agree on important issues like child custody, child support, alimony, or property division, the case may take much longer to resolve.

“Divorces with simpler issues generally resolve in six to nine months,” explains family law attorney Lila Bradley. “More complex cases can easily last eighteen months or more.”

While every divorce is unique, it’s a good idea to prepare for the process by gathering all necessary information and seeking out legal advice from an experienced attorney in Georgia.

Factors That Affect the Length of a Divorce

Presence of Children

The presence of children is one of the primary factors that affect the length of a divorce process in Georgia. The court’s priority, in this case, is to ensure that the best interests of the child are upheld throughout the proceedings. The court will consider various factors when determining custody and visitation rights, such as each parent’s ability to care for the child, the child’s academic record and health status, among others.

If both parents can come up with a mutually beneficial agreement regarding these issues, then the process can be relatively fast and easy. However, if there are disagreements or disputes between the parents related to the child’s welfare, the divorce process may take longer while the courts try to determine what would be in the best interest of the child. This could include appointing either a guardian ad litem or an attorney representing the child on their side during the proceeding(s).

Amount of Property and Assets Involved

The amount of property and assets involved in a divorce also plays a critical role in determining how long it takes to complete the process. Issues surrounding property and asset division can cause conflicts between spouses leading to prolonged legal battles which impacts the timelines.

Georgia follows “equitable distribution” rule, where the court tries to divide property and wealth fairly (not equally) based on several factors within the relationship. Unless there was a prenuptial agreement put into place before the marriage or the property falls under specific exceptions by law, all property acquired during the period of the marriage is subject to fair distribution between the spouses. Factors influencing equitability also require evaluating significant areas such as pension plans, investments, business ownerships etc., adding complexity and time to the process.

“Fighting over material possessions is one of the Most frequent Leading cases of divorces that increase court date numbers.”-P.Brooks

Each divorce and its timeline are unique and dependent upon various factors. While some may prefer a longer-term to work out intricate property arrangements or time-sharing arrangements with kids, others prefer an expedited process so as not to disrupt their family lives any more than necessary. The best way forward always starts by seeking legal assistance from professionals who can evaluate your specific scenario and help devise a plan customized accordingly.

Uncontested vs Contested Divorce: Which Takes Longer?

Defining Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce is a type of divorce where both spouses agree to the terms and conditions of their separation. This means that they have mutually agreed on how to divide assets, debts, and child custody arrangements. In Georgia, for an uncontested divorce, there must be no disputes between both spouses regarding property division or spousal support. An uncontested divorce in Georgia can only be filed if one of the spouses is a resident of Georgia.

Defining Contested Divorce

A contested divorce, on the other hand, happens when one spouse disagrees with some or all of the terms of the separation. Typically, contentious issues revolve around property division, alimony/spousal support, and child custody arrangements. When couples cannot reach an agreement on these matters, they need to hire attorneys to represent them in court proceedings. A contested divorce usually takes longer than an uncontested divorce since it requires hearings, discovery, mediation, negotiation, and possibly courtroom trials.

Factors That Affect the Length of an Uncontested Divorce

The process of getting an uncontested divorce in Georgia normally takes less time compared to a contested divorce. However, certain factors may affect its duration:

• Filing requirements: There are several documents that you need to submit before filing an uncontested divorce case. If any document is missing or incomplete, the process will take longer as the court will return your paperwork, which would cause further delays.
• Court procedure: Even though uncontested divorces do not require court appearances, judges still need to review the agreements signed by parties involved to approve the divorce. Sometimes, a judge may reject agreements if they do not comply with the law or are unfair to one of the spouses. In such cases, parties would need to renegotiate and amend their agreement before resubmitting them for approval.
• Court caseload: Court caseloads can impact the duration of an uncontested divorce. The courthouse might experience delays due to a backlog of cases waiting to be reviewed, approved, and filed. This could slow down the process of obtaining a final judgment, which is the last step in getting an uncontested divorce in Georgia.

Factors That Affect the Length of a Contested Divorce

A contested divorce’s length depends on several factors, including:

• The complexity of the case: If it is heavily disputed, then the court will require extensive hearings, evaluations, depositions, discovery, and mediation sessions that could lead to lengthy negotiations, settlement discussions, and eventually courtroom trials.
• Attorney representation: Parties involved in a contested divorce inevitably require legal representation to argue points on their behalf in court. Attorneys will charge clients based on hourly rates, leading to higher legal fees and costs as litigation becomes prolonged.
• Judge availability: Scheduling conflicts between judges, attorneys, and witnesses could delay court appearances, leading to extended durations of the case.

“A contested divorce can take anywhere from months to several years to resolve depending on how many issues there are to be resolved, whether there is strong disagreement between the two parties, and accessibility to the courts at any given time.” – Brian D. Perskin, New York Divorce Attorney

Getting a divorce, whether contested or uncontested, can be stressful and time-consuming. Knowing the various factors that influence the length of divorce proceedings in Georgia is crucial for parties involved. It helps them make informed decisions about how to proceed legally, either through court or directly using alternate dispute resolution approaches like mediation or collaborative law methods.

The Role of a Divorce Lawyer in Expediting the Process

Divorces can be time consuming, expensive and emotionally exhausting. They are often complicated, requiring an understanding of legal jargon and paperwork. Hiring a divorce lawyer in Georgia can help expedite the process by ensuring that all necessary requirements are met according to local laws.

Assistance with Paperwork

A lot of paperwork is involved in filing for divorce in Georgia. An experienced divorce attorney can help you navigate through this tedious process. They will ensure that all forms are correctly filled out, filed and served. When dealing with so many complex legal papers, it’s best to have a seasoned professional on your side to make sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

“A good attorney will handle the procedure of filing for divorce in Georgia, including making sure all necessary paperwork is properly drafted, completed, and filed on time.” – Attorney Robb A. Longman from RobbLongmanLaw.com

Mediation and Negotiation

In some cases, divorcing parties might be able to avoid going to court altogether if they come to an agreement through mediation. Mediation involves discussing things like child custody and division of assets with the help of a neutral third party mediator. Your attorney may suggest using negotiation to quickly resolve any issues you and your spouse are having difficulty coming to terms with.

“Working together amicably through mediation can result in faster settlement agreements and lower costs than prolonged litigation. Additionally, agreeing to mediation makes clear communication a priority while allowing spouses to cooperate more effectively.” – The Atlanta Family Law Group

Legal Representation in Court

Divorce proceedings in Georgia can be complex. If mediation or negotiation failed, and the case is going to court, it’s essential you have a lawyer who has experience practicing law in your local area. An experienced attorney will represent you in front of a judge, present evidence on your behalf and help protect your rights.

“An attorney provides each spouse with their own legal representation. Part of that representation includes thorough preparation and effective communication. Strategies are developed based on the unique circumstances of each case, ensuring an outcome that meets the client’s needs.” – The Law Office of Deidra Nuri

Expedited Divorce Process with a Lawyer

Hiring a divorce lawyer in Georgia can lower the amount of time required for finalizing a divorce substantially. A skilled attorney can expedite the process while still protecting their clients’ rights. They can do this by helping them understand the statutes governing divorce procedures in Georgia, assisting them with paperwork, negotiating directly with the other party, and working towards a quicker resolution without compromising fairness.

“A knowledgeable attorney understands all aspects of Georgia divorce laws and how to navigate divorce proceedings quickly and efficiently. By thoroughly understanding the situation from all angles, they can provide solid advice on how best to resolve the issues at hand which ensures their clients receive what is rightfully theirs.” – J. Kevin Tharpe, P.C.

“The right divorce lawyer eases the burden of divorce for his/her clients, making sure that not only is everything done correctly but also precisely as fast as possible.” – Daniel E. Thompson Jr., Esq. and Lindsay K. Dunn of Andersen, Tate, Carr, P.C.

Divorce is never easy and the duration of each case depends on its unique circumstances. However, hiring a lawyer who specializes in divorce proceedings can help expedite the process while ensuring that your rights are protected. By collaborating with an experienced attorney, both parties can bring an end to their marriage more quickly and efficiently so that they may move forward in life

Ways to Expedite the Divorce Process in Georgia

Agreeing on Key Issues with Your Spouse

One of the best and easiest ways to speed up the divorce process is by reaching an agreement on key issues with your spouse. These issues can include child custody, alimony, property division, and more. If you and your spouse are able to come to an understanding about these matters, it can save both of you time and money in legal fees.

If you’re having trouble coming to an agreement, consider seeking out a professional mediator or arbitrator who can help you resolve your differences amicably. This can be less expensive than going to court and can also expedite the divorce process.

Working with a Divorce Mediator

A divorce mediator is a neutral third party who works with couples to negotiate their divorce settlement. Mediators help divorcing couples keep communication lines open and facilitate discussions that lead to mutually beneficial solutions. Working with a mediator can be particularly helpful in expediting the divorce process if you and your spouse have children, as mediation can often lead to faster outcomes for child custody arrangements.

Additionally, working with a mediator can save you money in lawyer fees and other associated costs. In fact, according to a survey by the American Bar Association, using a mediator may reduce the cost of divorce by up to 50% when compared to a traditional litigated divorce.

“Mediation is where the real healing happens.” – Arianna Huffington

Many mediators charge by the hour and sessions tend to last around two hours each. The number of sessions will depend on how complex your divorce issues are, but most couples can expect to spend around 6-10 hours total in mediation before reaching a final settlement agreement. This can be significantly less than the time involved in a traditional divorce that requires court appearances, depositions and trial.

• Be sure to carefully research mediators before making a decision. Look for someone who has experience with cases similar to yours, is knowledgeable about your state’s laws and regulations, and has a track record of successful outcomes.
• It is also important that both you and your spouse are comfortable working with the mediator. If either of you feels uncomfortable or doesn’t trust the mediator, it may be difficult to reach an agreement.

There are several ways to expedite the divorce process in Georgia. By agreeing on key issues with your spouse and working with a divorce mediator, you can minimize the amount of time, money and stress associated with divorce proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions