Table of Contents
The average timeline for most no-fault divorces in Georgia is about 45 to 60 days. There is a mandatory 30-day waiting period after the petitioner files a Complaint. For fault divorces, the timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and can be anywhere between 6 months and a year.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Uncontested Divorce in Georgia?
An uncontested marriage dissolution in the state of Georgia can be granted after the mandatory waiting period of 30 days is over. Georgia divorce waiting period is set to give the defendant, a spouse who is served with divorce papers, a chance to provide the answer.
It is important to note that a 30-day divorce is rarely a reality for most couples. Even the simplest case with no property or children may take around 2 months to finalize due to court caseload.
The things you can do on your part to make sure the process is as fast as it can be is:
- Reach a full agreement concerning essential matters such as child custody and support, property division, and alimony.
- Provide correct and detailed information about all the parties to the case and your agreement in the forms.
- Follow the proper filing and serving processes, as well as arrange the hearing as soon as the waiting period is over.
How Long Does Online Divorce Take?
As online divorces are only available if your case is uncontested, they usually do not take too long to be finalized. The sooner you fill out a questionnaire, the sooner you will get your legal papers and will be able to start a marriage dissolution process. By using an online divorce service, you can receive your paperwork in 1 to 3 days depending on the complexity of your case and chosen delivery method.
Create a free account to check your eligibility for divorce. Preparing legal forms is never easy, but we can help you on every step of the process.
How Long Does Contested Divorce Take?
On average, a contested case lasts a minimum of 6 months and can exceed 1 year. The more disputes you and your spouse have left unresolved, the longer the divorce process in Georgia will take you.
Why Does It Take So Long to Finalize Contested Divorce?
Contested cases imply that a couple has serious disagreements that it cannot settle out of court and without legal assistance. Both parties have to hire lawyers to represent them in court, and it will take time to:
- Discuss the situation with a lawyer.
- Determine the realistic outcomes.
- Gather personal information and evidence.
- Make asset evaluations.
- Communicate with the other party to try and settle.
- Work on the paperwork and prepare for trials.
Besides, the court trials alone can last for months, depending on the gravity of the issue, caseload of the court, and the willingness of parties to cooperate. All of this makes contested dissolution an extremely long, painful, and costly venture.
How Long Does It Take to Be Served with Divorce Papers?
If you are the defendant, your spouse will have to serve you with papers within the nearest time after filing them. The faster they do it, the faster you will be able to provide the response. Overall, you will have 30 days to do it once you are given the paperwork.
How Long Does the Service Process Take?
- Location. If you and your spouse live in the same county, the service process will not take long. However, if you reside in different counties or even states, it will certainly take a while.
- Address of the defendant. Knowing exactly where the spouse lives is a very important factor, which influences the time of service. If the petitioner is not aware of the defendant’s current place of residence, he or she will have to take all the necessary actions to find it, which can be hard even with professional help.
How Long Does It Take to Answer the Service?
In the state of Georgia, the defendant is required to answer the paperwork within 30 days since he or she was served. Even if the answer is provided earlier, it is still necessary to wait until the mandatory waiting period passes.
