Rated 4, 9 (8) · One source suggests that a contested divorce in Georgia can take six months to a year or even longer to resolve. Unfortunately, there's no exact timeline for a contested divorce. It could easily take six months, a year, or even longer. Rather than rushing the process, it's usually better to focus on ensuring the best possible timeframe.
Those preparing for contested divorces may want to explore other options to expedite the process if the schedule is important to them. 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 low-level approach to conflict works to minimize fighting and maximize productivity. The length of a contested divorce in Georgia can vary widely. On the shorter end, a contested divorce can take about six months if disputes are resolved relatively quickly. However, it's not uncommon for contentious divorces to last a year or longer, especially if the case involves complex issues, such as high-value assets or contentious battles for custody.
In extreme cases, where disputes are deeply rooted and require a lengthy trial, the divorce process can extend up to three years. This extended deadline underscores the importance of seeking an early resolution to avoid protracted legal battles. A contested divorce is a lawsuit like any other. The process includes allegations (complaint and response), discovery, motions, often a temporary hearing, mediation and, possibly, a trial.
National trials are usually held before the judge. Only a judge can determine custody. However, either party can request that a jury make a decision about alimony or the division of property. In the case of an uncontested divorce, once all the documentation has been submitted correctly, the judge can sign the judgment in a few weeks or a few months.
Each party will present their arguments and the court or jury will make their decision on (a) the granting of the divorce and (b) the details of ownership, custody and financial support. If the divorce is contested, the judge will have to review all the evidence and arguments from the trial before signing a judgment, which can take weeks or months. Initial divorce documentation submitted to the courts generally proposes an estate division agreement and custody arrangements if there are children in the family. The 30-day waiting period in the Georgia divorce process begins when the application for divorce is officially notified to the other spouse.
If you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement on the terms of your divorce, a judge will decide your case. One spouse must file a divorce petition with the Clerk of the Superior Court in their county or in their spouse's county. In an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all important issues, the process can be relatively quick and often concluded within 45 days to a few months. You can contact the High Court where your divorce was initiated to request temporary orders.
In a contentious divorce, the process begins in a similar way to an uncontested divorce, when one spouse files a petition. Contentious divorces occur when spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues, such as the division of property, child custody, or alimony. An uncontested divorce, in which the parties agree on how to resolve all of the major issues of the divorce, can be granted 31 days after the defendant has received the request for divorce. If the case eventually comes to trial, the judge will issue a divorce decree that will tell you how to divide your assets, structure your child custody schedule, and other important issues.
