How do you get a contested divorce in Georgia?

A contested divorce is a lawsuit like any other. The process involves pleadings (complaint and answer), discovery, motions, often a temporary hearing, mediation, and potentially a trial. Domestic trials are usually before the judge.

How long does a contested divorce take in GA?

How Long Does Contested Divorce Take? On average, a contested case lasts a minimum of 6 months and can exceed 1 year. The more disputes you and your spouse have left unresolved, the longer the divorce process in Georgia will take you.

How much does a contested divorce cost in Georgia?

The Average Cost of Contested Divorce in Georgia In Georgia, divorce lawyers charge starting from $200 and up to $600 per hour. The price for attorney’s services will differ from county to county, and depends on experience, reputation, and success of the professional you are hiring.

How do you get a divorce if the other party refuses in Georgia?

You have the option of hiring an attorney to fight the divorce action. However, if you do not respond to the divorce pleadings or hire an attorney to fight the divorce, the court may grant the divorce based on your spouse’s requested terms.

How long can a spouse drag out a divorce in Georgia?

If you’re wondering how long your spouse can drag out the divorce, the honest answer is “it depends.” Typically, a contested divorce in Georgia can last for 6 months to many years. We wish we could tell you otherwise, but it’s important to understand the worst-case scenario in your case. Don’t be discouraged, though.

Do you have to be separated for a year to get a divorce in GA?

In Georgia, you don’t have to be separated for any specific period of time. You can decide you want a divorce on Monday and file your case on Tuesday. However, Georgia does have a minimum waiting period of 45 days before a divorce can be granted, with some exceptions that allow it to be done after 31 days.

Can a spouse kick you out of the house in Georgia?

Under Georgia law, both spouses have equal right to access the marital home until a judge has entered an order for exclusive possession. The can be in the form of a Temporary Protective Order if the wife has proper grounds to file for a protective order.

What is the process of contested divorce?

Different stages of a contested divorce

1. Meeting With an Attorney. This is an important part as it decides the course of action in your case.
2. Either spouse File a petition for divorce.
3. Appearance and Reconciliation.
4. Reply/counter reply from the respondent spouse.
5. Discovery.
6. Settlement.
7. Trial.
8. Orders/Decree.

Does Georgia have a homewrecker law?

Georgia does NOT have a homewrecker law. Although Georgia used to recognize alienation of affection as a tort, the state legislature repealed the law that allows action involving alienation of affection in 1979.

What is abandonment in a marriage in GA?

In Georgia, abandonment is defined as the continued and willful desertion of one spouse for at least one year. A spouse is considered to have committed marital abandonment if they unilaterally decide to physically leave the marital home and reside in a different place than their partner.

How much time does it take for contested divorce?

In general, a Contested divorce takes up to 3-5 years for the final decision of the court.