In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all terms, including the division of assets, custody, and maintenance. This type of divorce is usually faster and more cost-effective, since there is no need for a lengthy court battle. After a waiting period of 31 days, an uncontested divorce can be finalized within 45 to 60 days, although court schedules may cause slight delays. The length of a divorce can vary greatly and depends on numerous factors, such as the complexity of the case and the level of cooperation between the spouses.
On average, an uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms can take as little as 31 days. This process is often faster because it involves less paperwork and fewer court appearances. Theoretically, it's possible to get a divorce in Georgia in as little as 31 days. The reality of an uncontested divorce in Georgia is six months to a year from filing to receiving the final judgment.
A contested divorce in Georgia can range from six months to several years. Our approach to conflict reduction works to minimize fighting and maximize productivity. The time it will take for your divorce to be processed may vary depending on the details of your case. For one thing, state law requires a waiting period of just 31 days in uncontested divorces, meaning that a divorce could be final about a month after everything has been filed.
On the other hand, divorces are rarely finalized within a month, and any problems during the process can delay the completion by several months. Article 19-5-3 of the Official Code of Georgia allows a judge to issue a divorce decree 31 days after the divorce request. You must cite an irreparable breakdown of the marriage as a reason for divorce, and you must resolve all outstanding issues. However, solving problems can take months or more.
Once you have resolved your issues, you submit your agreements to the court along with your divorce petition. Working with a local attorney familiar with divorce in Georgia and specific court procedures can help avoid procedural errors that cause delays. In Georgia, the length of divorce proceedings varies greatly and depends on factors such as the type of uncontested or contested divorce, the complexity of the assets, and the fact that there are children involved. Divorce in Georgia follows an established sequence of steps, each of which affects the overall schedule based on the cooperation of both parties and the court's schedule.
There is a formal petition for divorce that must be completed and filed with the Superior Court of the county where you live. Conversely, a contested divorce, where spouses cannot agree on key issues such as property division, child custody, or spousal support, can take much longer. Any couple seeking a divorce must decide how they will divide their assets and whether one spouse will receive ongoing financial support. At this point, with temporary orders in place, the terms of your personal life are set as you settle your divorce. Sometimes it is necessary to hire professionals to discover assets that a spouse has hidden or transferred in anticipation of a divorce.
If the judge's review raises no problem, the court could issue a divorce decree within a month or two...
