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. 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. A divorce in Georgia can take anywhere from 31 days to several years, depending on the type of divorce and other factors. If both spouses are willing to cooperate in their divorce, the resolution usually takes between six months and a year. If one or both of the spouses are in conflict, resolving the divorce may take several years.
Most disagreements stem from disputes related to money, property, child custody, court delays, custody evaluations, asset valuation, and delays caused by the slow response of a spouse. Mediation services can help keep this process civil and resolve the divorce more quickly. 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 a contentious divorce 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 your 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 length of a contested divorce in Georgia can vary widely. In the short term, 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 custody battles.
In extreme cases, when disputes are deep-seated 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. If you qualify, the divorce process requires filing appropriate documentation with the superior court in your home county. The Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court will process your petition and the formal divorce documents will be delivered to your spouse.
Understanding the differences between these types and their respective deadlines can help people better prepare for what lies ahead in the divorce process. Under Georgia state statutes, there is a mandatory waiting period that applies when someone files for divorce. If all the documentation is in order and there are no problems, the judge can grant a divorce, usually without the need for a court hearing. However, their desire for a simplified divorce may be at odds with the level of conflict they have with their spouse.
Divorce can be a long and challenging process, but being informed about the factors that influence your schedule can help you approach it with greater clarity and preparation. If the divorce is contested, a judge will have to review all of the evidence and arguments from the trial before signing a judgment, which can take weeks or months. Once your divorce decree has been granted (finalized), any changes to your settlement agreement will be made through a formal motion of amendment. A contested divorce where there is disagreement between the parties over how to resolve the divorce will take longer. In Georgia, a divorce can be finalized in as little as 31 days due to the mandatory 30-day waiting period, which is one of the shortest in the United States.
When it comes to the timeline for a divorce in Georgia, several key factors can significantly affect the length of the process. At this point, with the temporary orders in place, the terms of your personal life are set as you resolve your divorce. Each of these stages plays a crucial role in the divorce process, helping to ensure that the final outcome is fair and in accordance with Georgia law. In the case of an uncontested divorce, once all the documentation has been submitted correctly, a judge can sign the judgment in a few weeks or a few months.
