How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Georgia?

Georgia has a lower divorce rate when compared to the national average, but it’s still a prevalent issue that impacts many families. In addition to shouldering the emotional stress of separating from your partner and the added responsibility of navigating the legal process, you also have to deal with the financial cost of a divorce. That said, you’re probably wondering: how much does a divorce cost in Georgia?

It’s difficult to estimate an exact cost for divorce cases because every situation is so unique. That said, it can be helpful to examine some of the factors that may impact the cost of a divorce in Georgia.

Cost Factors for Divorces in Georgia

It’s essential to examine the details of your marriage to determine the potential cost of a divorce. Typically, longer marriages lead to more complicated divorces, which tend to be more expensive as well. Some matters that can affect how much a divorce costs in Georgia include:

• Both spouses’ financial situations. When getting divorced, you and your spouse must share all financial information so that you both have a complete picture of your situation. The court may order spousal support, also known as alimony, if one spouse earns significantly more.
• Your assets and debts. There are approximately 4,150,138 households in Georgia, with married couples making up the majority of homeowners in the state. In Cobb County alone, 51 percent of the population is married. When these couples separate, they must make decisions about what happens to their home and any other shared property. Along a similar vein, any shared debts must also be divided.
• If you have children. Sometimes, divorces don’t just affect the spouses themselves. Approximately 5 percent of households in Cobb County include children under the age of five, and about 21.9 percent include minors under the age of 18. When parents separate, part of settling the divorce involves determining child custody and parenting time as well as child support.
• Whether or not you hire a divorce lawyer. While you’re not obligated to hire a divorce lawyer, it can be highly beneficial to have a legal professional on your side who understands Georgia divorce laws. While this is an additional cost, the decision can ultimately help you achieve greater financial security in the long run.

Each of these details can make a divorce case more complex, which ultimately makes it more expensive. That said, it’s crucial to do everything correctly the first time; otherwise, you may harm yourself down the road.

The Other Costs of a Divorce

The cost of divorce encompasses more than just the financial expenses. Beyond finances, divorces can take a huge toll on people’s emotional and mental well-being. Issues can arise from even a seemingly straightforward divorce where both spouses want to agree. Handling all this on your own can be a huge burden, which is why it’s advised to work with a legal professional who is familiar with Georgia divorce laws.

If you’re seeking legal representation for a divorce in Georgia, look no further than Young Law Firm, LLC. As a Georgia local, our founding attorney, Diana Whipkey Young, is dedicated to helping her community, and she has the skills and resources to do so. In fact, she was nominated and accepted by the Marietta Daily Journal as one of the American Institute of Criminal Law’s Top 10 Criminal Law Attorneys in Georgia.

With decades of experience representing Georgia residents under our belt, we’re confident that Young Law Firm, LLC can help you through your divorce. Whether you need a simple question answered or you’re seeking hands-on representation, you can count on us to deliver.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorced in Georgia?

A: It’s challenging to say exactly how much a divorce may cost without knowing more details about your situation. For instance, a straightforward, uncontested divorce is likely to be less expensive than a complicated high asset divorce. Additionally, whether or not you have children, real estate, and other shared assets can significantly impact the cost.

Q: Do I Have to Hire a Divorce Lawyer to Get Divorced in Georgia?

A: You’re not required to work with a divorce attorney to file for divorce in Georgia. Many couples feel confident that they can reach an agreement and finalize their settlement independently. That said, challenges can arise at every corner during divorce cases.

A divorce attorney in Georgia can keep you on track when disputes threaten to derail the progress you’ve made. Moreover, they can negotiate deals on your behalf and represent you in court if it comes down to it.

Q: How Long Does It Typically Take to Get Divorced in Georgia?

A: The time it takes to get divorced depends on the details of your case. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect longer marriages to involve more shared assets, which then take longer to separate. That said, it ultimately depends on how quickly you and your spouse can agree on all matters that must be squared away before the divorce. So long as you can work together, you can typically expect the process to go more quickly.

Q: Is Georgia a 50/50 Divorce State?

A: Some states split marital assets and debts down the middle in a divorce, leaving each spouse with half of everything. Georgia, however, is not considered a 50/50 divorce state. Instead, it’s what’s known as an equitable distribution state. This means that property is divided equitably, based on the situation, rather than equally, regardless of the circumstances.

Hire a Divorce Lawyer to Help Settle Your Family Matters in Georgia

Seeking legal representation for a divorce can feel like a big step, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. Our team at Young Law Firm, LLC, is ready to assess your situation and help you finalize a fair divorce settlement.

Attorney Young has over four decades of experience navigating family legal matters, and she’s ready to help you, too. Simply reach out to get started. Contact our office at 770-824-9553 to schedule a complimentary 30-minute appointment with a trusted Georgia divorce attorney.