Uncontested Divorce in Georgia: Cost, Timeline, and Process (2026 Guide)
An uncontested divorce is often described as the “easiest” way to dissolve a marriage — but in Georgia, that simplicity depends on whether you qualify, how prepared you are, and whether the process is handled correctly from the start.
This guide is designed for people who are already considering divorce and want clear answers to three critical questions:
- How much does an uncontested divorce really cost in Georgia?
- How long does it take from filing to final decree?
- What does the process actually look like — step by step?
If you and your spouse are largely in agreement and want to avoid unnecessary conflict, court appearances, and unpredictable legal bills, this guide will help you decide whether an uncontested divorce is the right path.
What Is an Uncontested Divorce in Georgia?
An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree in advance on all major issues, including:
- Division of assets and debts
- Child custody and parenting time (if applicable)
- Child support
- Alimony (if any)
Because there are no unresolved disputes for a judge to decide, the case proceeds without litigation, discovery, or trial. That difference alone dramatically affects cost, timeline, and stress.
However, not every “amicable” divorce actually qualifies as uncontested — which is where many people run into trouble.
Who Qualifies for an Uncontested Divorce in Georgia?
You may qualify for an uncontested divorce in Georgia if you and your spouse agree on all legal terms, are willing to sign a settlement agreement, and do not intend to litigate any unresolved issues in court. You generally qualify for an uncontested divorce if all of the following are true:
- Both spouses agree the marriage should end
- All financial terms are resolved before filing
- Parenting issues (if any) are fully agreed upon
- Neither spouse plans to contest the settlement in court
Importantly, you do not need to agree on everything emotionally — you need agreement on the legal terms.
Common situations that still qualify
- One spouse is more eager to move forward than the other
- The marriage is short or long
- Assets are modest or significant
- One spouse will keep the marital home
Situations that usually do not qualify (yet)
- Disputes over custody or parenting time
- Disagreement about asset division
- One spouse refusing to sign settlement documents
In some cases, couples begin with a contested filing and later convert to uncontested once agreements are reached. That option can significantly reduce cost and delay if handled correctly.
How Much Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Georgia?
The cost of an uncontested divorce varies widely depending on how the case is handled.
Flat-fee uncontested divorce
With a flat-fee structure, you know the total cost before the case begins. This typically includes:
- Preparation and filing of all required documents
- Settlement agreement drafting
- Court coordination through final decree
Flat-fee pricing eliminates hourly billing uncertainty and allows couples to plan financially from the outset.
Hourly or piecemeal approaches
Some couples attempt to save money by:
- Paying hourly attorneys
- Mixing DIY forms with limited legal help
This often leads to:
- Rejected filings
- Delays
- Additional fees to fix mistakes
What starts as a “cheap” approach can quickly become more expensive than a properly handled flat-fee case. If cost predictability matters to you, a flat-fee uncontested divorce can provide clarity before anything is filed.
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Georgia?
While Georgia law requires a minimum 30-day waiting period, most uncontested divorces take longer due to document preparation and court review. A realistic timeline looks like this:
Typical Uncontested Divorce Timeline in Georgia
- Document preparation:3–10 days
- Filing & service:Within the first week
- Mandatory waiting period:31 days
- Judge review:2–4 weeks
- Final decree issued:Approximately Day 45–60
This timeline assumes all paperwork is prepared correctly at the outset and no revisions are required by the court. Timelines may vary based on court scheduling, county procedures, and case complexity.
The Uncontested Divorce Process: What Actually Happens
While every case is unique, the uncontested divorce process in Georgia generally follows these steps:
1. Agreement is finalized before filing
All terms are resolved in writing before anything is submitted to the court.
2. Divorce paperwork is prepared and filed
This includes:
- Petition for divorce
- Settlement agreement
- Parenting plan and child support worksheets (if applicable)
Accuracy at this stage is critical. Errors can delay the case or require refiling.
3. Service and acknowledgment
The non-filing spouse formally acknowledges service or is properly served.
4. Waiting period
The statutory 30-day waiting period begins once the case is filed.
5. Final decree
After review, the judge signs the final decree — often without requiring either spouse to appear in court. When handled correctly, most uncontested divorces in Georgia can be completed without either spouse ever stepping into a courtroom.
What an Uncontested Divorce Helps You Avoid
One of the biggest benefits of an uncontested divorce is what doesn’t happen:
- No discovery requests
- No depositions
- No trial preparation
- No repeated court appearances
- No escalating hourly legal bills
For many families, avoiding these stressors is just as important as saving money.
When an Uncontested Divorce May Not Be the Right Choice
An uncontested divorce is not appropriate in every situation. It may not be the right fit if:
- There is domestic violence or coercion
- One spouse is hiding assets
- There is a significant power imbalance
- Custody disputes cannot be resolved
In those cases, contested representation may be necessary to protect your rights and interests.
Making the Right Decision Moving Forward
An uncontested divorce can offer a faster, more affordable, and less adversarial path forward — but only when it’s handled properly from the beginning.
Understanding:
- whether you qualify
- what the process truly involves
- and how costs are structured
allows you to move forward with clarity instead of uncertainty.
If you’re considering an uncontested divorce in Georgia and want to understand whether this approach fits your situation, the next step is confirming eligibility and process — before filing anything with the court.
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule a call with Flat Fee Family Law.com to see if you qualify for an uncontested divorce and learn how a flat-fee process can help you move forward with confidence.
