Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and requirements change frequently. Always verify with your local court before filing.
Divorce in Georgia
Open-data reference.
Filing a divorce in Georgia costs $200–$225 - among the more affordable of the 10 states we track. The typical timeline is Uncontested: 31 days minimum (after service). Contested: 6 months-2 years., and a mandatory waiting period of 31 days applies before the court can finalize the matter.
No-fault (marriage irretrievably broken) or 13 fault grounds
What This Means for Your Divorce Filing in Georgia
Filing for divorce in Georgia costs $200–$225 at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. Fulton County ~$225. Most counties $200-$225. Fee waivers via In Forma Pauperis. Beyond the filing fee, a mandatory waiting period of 31 days applies before the court can finalize the matter, and the typical case timeline is Uncontested: 31 days minimum (after service). Contested: 6 months-2 years.. County-level surcharges and service-of-process fees can add to that total; see our court fee waiver guide for who qualifies to file without paying.
Procedurally, Georgia lays out 6 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 5 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: One spouse must have been a Georgia resident for 6 months. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - No-fault (marriage irretrievably broken) or 13 fault grounds (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
Fulton County ~$225. Most counties $200-$225. Fee waivers via In Forma Pauperis.
How Georgia compares to other states
Georgia ranks #9 of 10 states for divorce filing cost. Each bar is a state's upper-bound divorce filing fee, from $225 (NC) to $435 (CA); Georgia is highlighted at $225.
Source: state court filing-fee schedules (upper-bound fee per state). Verify current amounts with the relevant court. How we calculate this ranking →
Key Requirements
- File Petition for Divorce in Superior Court
- Serve spouse (31-day response period)
- Final hearing after 31-day period
- Settlement agreement for uncontested
- Child custody/support plan if applicable
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
File Petition for Divorce in Superior Court
- 2
Serve spouse (sheriff or process server)
- 3
Spouse has 30 days to answer
- 4
Wait 31 days after service
- 5
Final hearing (uncontested) or trial (contested)
- 6
Judge enters Final Judgment of Divorce
Important Notes
Georgia is an equitable distribution state. Uncontested divorce is significantly faster.
Grounds / Eligibility
No-fault (marriage irretrievably broken) or 13 fault grounds
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- $200–$225
- Residency
- One spouse must have been a Georgia resident for 6 months
- Waiting Period
- 31 days
- Typical Timeline
- Uncontested: 31 days minimum (after service). Contested: 6 months-2 years.
Official Resources
Other Civil Processes in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Georgia?
The filing fee for divorce in Georgia is $200–$225. Fulton County ~$225. Most counties $200-$225. Fee waivers via In Forma Pauperis.
How long does divorce take in Georgia?
Uncontested: 31 days minimum (after service). Contested: 6 months-2 years.
Do I need a lawyer for divorce in Georgia?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for divorce in Georgia, but legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available, see lawhelp.org for Georgia resources.
Is there a waiting period for divorce in Georgia?
Georgia requires a mandatory waiting period of 31 days before the process can be finalized.
What are the residency requirements for divorce in Georgia?
One spouse must have been a Georgia resident for 6 months
What documents are needed for divorce in Georgia?
Key requirements include: File Petition for Divorce in Superior Court; Serve spouse (31-day response period); Final hearing after 31-day period.
Where does this data come from?
This information is sourced from Georgia court websites, legal aid organizations, and public court fee schedules, last verified 2026-03. See our methodology for full sourcing details.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |