How long does an uncontested divorce typically take in Georgia?
How Fast Can You Get a Divorce in Georgia?
Getting a divorce can be an emotionally draining experience, but it doesn’t have to drag on for months or even years. In Georgia, a divorce can be granted in as little as 31 days if the parties agree to an uncontested divorce and meet all necessary requirements.
Requirements for a Fast Divorce in Georgia
To get a fast divorce in Georgia, both parties must agree on all of the terms of the divorce, including child custody, visitation, child support, alimony, and property division. Additionally, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Georgia for at least six months before filing the divorce petition.
How to Start the Divorce Process in Georgia
The divorce process in Georgia begins with the filing of a divorce petition. Either spouse can file the petition, but it must be filed in the superior court of the county where the non-filing spouse resides. The filing spouse must also pay a filing fee to the court. Once the non-filing spouse receives the petition, they have 30 days to respond.
The Benefits of a Fast Divorce in Georgia
Aside from getting the divorce over with quickly, there are other benefits to a fast divorce in Georgia. For example, a shorter divorce process can save both parties a significant amount of money in legal fees and court costs. Additionally, a fast divorce can minimize the emotional toll that a prolonged divorce can take on both parties and any children involved.
Divorce Resources in Georgia
If you are currently going through a divorce in Georgia, there are several resources available to help you navigate the process. The Georgia Supreme Court provides a wealth of information on its website, including frequently asked questions and forms for filing various types of legal documents. Additionally, there are several online forums and support groups for those going through a divorce in Georgia.
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Divorce in Georgia?
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Divorce is unfortunately something that can affect many relationships, even if people have done their best to ensure that their unions remain successful. In the state of Georgia, the legal process that couples must undertake to dissolve their marriages is often understood to be lengthy and confusing. Fortunately, however, it is possible for those living in Georgia to finalize their divorce quite quickly if they follow the state’s legal requirements.
Couples seeking a divorce in Georgia must be residents of the state for at least six months before filing the necessary paperwork. When filing the complaint, applicants must do so in the county in which either spouse lives. Once the forms are filled out correctly and filed at the court clerk’s office, couples can expect to be notified of their court date within four to six weeks.
Prior to filing for divorce in Georgia, couples must also attend a counseling session with a marriage counselor chosen by the court. This requirement is put into place to attempt to save the marriage if at all possible, and the session must be completed within 15 to 30 days of filing the paperwork. If the couple chooses mediation or collaborative divorce instead of litigation, the process can move much more quickly.
If one spouse has already separated from the other for at least one year, it is possible to declare a marriage to be “irretrievably broken.” This is a quick way of dissolving the union without requiring both members of the couple to appear for court or attend counseling.
Once all the paperwork is filed correctly, and all the necessary steps are taken, many couples in Georgia are able to get a divorce within three to nine months. This includes time needed to finalize the financial aspects of the dissolution. Of course, this amount of time may change depending on the case, how cooperative each spouse is, and how quickly couples can agree on an arrangement that is beneficial to both parties.
In summary, getting a divorce in Georgia can take anywhere from three to nine months, depending on a variety of factors. By following the state’s legal requirements and actively participating in the dissolution proceedings, couples can ensure that their divorces are finalized as quickly as possible.