Georgia Divorce Cost Estimator
Estimate your total cost of divorce in Georgia using verified state data. Filing fees, attorney rates, child support, and alimony, all in one place.
Georgia divorces typically cost 42% less than the national average of $12,900.
Divorce in Georgia
- Property system
- Equitable distribution
- Filing fee
- $200 - $300
- Waiting period
- 30 days
- Residency requirement
- 180 days
- Uncontested cost range
- $1,500 - $4,000
- Attorney hourly rate
- $200/hr - $400/hr
Divorce Cost Estimator in Georgia: What You Should Know
Georgia's contested divorces are most expensive in the Atlanta metro area, where attorney rates run $200 to $400 per hour and Fulton County family court has significant backlogs. Georgia's allowance of fault-based divorce grounds means that adultery, abandonment, and cruelty allegations are still litigated in Georgia courts. Each adds attorney time and cost compared to pure no-fault states. Georgia's 30-day waiting period for uncontested divorces makes it one of the faster states for straightforward agreed cases. Business valuation disputes are a particularly expensive feature of Georgia divorces in the business-rich Atlanta economy.
Where will you file, and what type of divorce are you expecting?
Locked to Georgia on this page.
Divorce Cost in Georgia - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does divorce cost in Georgia?
An uncontested divorce in Georgia typically runs $1,500 - $4,000, while a contested divorce ranges from $11,000 - $38,000. Your actual cost depends on whether you and your spouse agree on the major terms, how complex your assets are, and whether children are involved. The calculator on this page gives you a personalized estimate based on your situation.
What is the filing fee for divorce in Georgia?
The court filing fee for divorce in Georgia is $200 - $300. Add about $50 for serving papers on your spouse, plus a typical county clerk surcharge of around $20. Filing fees vary by county, so check with your local court for the exact amount. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford to pay.
How long does divorce take in Georgia?
An uncontested divorce in Georgia usually takes about 3 months from filing to final judgment, while contested cases average around 12 months. Georgia requires a mandatory waiting period of 30 days after filing before a divorce can be finalized. You also need to meet a residency requirement of 180 days before filing.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Georgia?
No, Georgia allows you to file for divorce without a lawyer (called pro se filing). For uncontested divorces with no children and few shared assets, many people file successfully on their own. If your case involves children, retirement accounts, real estate, a business, or any disagreement, hiring an attorney is strongly worth considering. Georgia attorneys typically charge $200/hr - $400/hr.
How is property divided in a Georgia divorce?
Georgia follows equitable distribution, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly based on the circumstances, not always equally. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property (assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance) usually stays with the original owner. Retirement accounts, real estate, business interests, and pensions often need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide, which typically costs $500 to $1,500 in Georgia.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.