When you’re facing a divorce in Georgia, one pressing question often on your mind is: “How long will this take?” At BruegelPC, we’ve helped countless clients navigate through this difficult process and understand it’s not a one-size-fits-all timeline. With years of experience, we know the ins and outs of Georgia’s divorce proceedings and can guide you through every step. Let us walk you through what factors impact the duration, and how our expert team can help streamline your journey to a new beginning.
As stated by Georgia Legal Aid, a divorce in Georgia takes at least 31 days from filing if uncontested. Contested divorces can take several months to years. The time varies based on complexity and court schedules (GeorgiaLegalAid.org).
Average Time for Divorce in Georgia
The average time for a divorce in Georgia ranges from 31 days to several months, influenced by case complexity, party cooperation, and court workload.
Essentially, if both people agree on everything in a divorce, like splitting assets and child custody, it usually wraps up pretty fast, often within a few months. But if they can’t agree and need the court to decide, it can take much longer, sometimes over a year.
Broadly speaking, how long it takes also depends on how busy the courts are and how smoothly the legal process goes. Anyone looking to divorce in Georgia should talk to a good lawyer to know their rights and options and to get through the process as smoothly as possible.
Factors Affecting Divorce Duration
Divorce duration can be influenced by diverse factors such as asset complexity, custody disputes, and cooperation levels between the parties involved.
To cut a long story short, several factors can influence how long a divorce takes, including the couple’s finances, whether they have children, how much they argue, and their willingness to cooperate.
Financial issues, such as splitting assets and debts, can stretch out the process, especially if the couple disagrees. Arguments over property division or spousal support can cause delays.
Couples with children face additional complications, like deciding on custody and visitation. Disagreements about parenting plans or child support can slow things down.
At its simplest, high levels of conflict between the spouses can also lengthen the divorce. If they argue a lot or don’t cooperate, the negotiations and court battles can drag on.
The willingness of both partners to work together is very important. If both are committed to a quick and friendly settlement, the divorce will likely be faster. But if one or both partners refuse to compromise, it can take much longer.
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorces
As previously stated uncontested divorces bypass court entirely, showcasing harmony in separation.
In a basic sense, this can make the process faster and cheaper. But in a contested divorce, the couple can’t agree on the terms, so they have to go to court for a judge to decide.
In other words, this makes the process take longer, be more stressful, and cost more.
Georgia Divorce Process Steps
Referring back to our earlier statement in Georgia, the divorce process requires a mandatory waiting period and specific steps, such as filing a complaint and attending court hearings, before a marriage can be legally dissolved.
Essentially, the first step in getting a divorce is for one spouse to file a divorce petition at the courthouse in the county where either spouse lives. This petition needs to explain why they are asking for a divorce, such as due to cheating, abandonment, or not being able to get along.
After the petition is filed, the other spouse must be given a copy and has the chance to respond. If both spouses agree on the terms of the divorce, they can create a settlement that details how they will split their belongings, debts, and responsibilities for any children.
If they can’t agree, the case will go to trial. At the trial, a judge will listen to both sides and then decide the terms of the divorce. Both spouses can present evidence and tell their side of the story.
Once the trial is over, the judge will issue a final divorce decree. This document legally ends the marriage and spells out how things like property and debts will be divided, as well as any arrangements for child custody and support.
When the final decree is issued, both spouses are officially divorced and can remarry if they want. It’s important for both spouses to think carefully about their choices and get legal advice to protect their rights during the divorce process.
Speeding Up the Divorce Process
Adding to what was earlier stated mutual agreement on key issues like custody, support, and property division can significantly accelerate the divorce process.
Largely talking openly and honestly with your spouse can help settle disagreements faster.
Hiring a good divorce lawyer can speed things up by helping you with the legal stuff and paperwork. Working with someone who knows divorce laws well can help you avoid delays and problems.
It’s important to stay organized and respond quickly throughout the process. Give all the needed documents and information to your lawyer and the court on time to keep things moving. Dealing with issues right away can help avoid delays and make the process smoother.
Also, think about using methods like mediation or collaborative law to solve problems outside of court. These options can save time and money compared to regular court battles.
Lastly, take care of yourself emotionally during this tough time. Get support from friends, family, or a therapist to help you get through the divorce with a clear mind. By looking after yourself, you can handle the stress and emotions that come with a divorce better.
My Concluding Remarks
Adding to what was earlier stated in Georgia, the duration of a divorce process varies depending on various factors such as the complexity of the case and court backlog.
What BruegelPC is recommending to get is, on average, an uncontested divorce can take as little as 31 days, while a contested divorce may take several months or even years to reach a resolution. It is very important for individuals seeking a divorce in Georgia to consult with a family law attorney to understand the specific timelines and requirements for their case.