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Ending a marriage is a big step, and you don't have to figure it out alone. Our Atlanta divorce attorneys at Modern Family Law help you end your marriage under Georgia law, from filing your complaint to signing the final decree. We guide you through every part of the divorce process, and your first consultation is free.
Most Atlanta divorces are heard in Fulton County Superior Court, though some east Atlanta cases go to DeKalb County. Georgia allows a no-fault divorce when the marriage is irretrievably broken, so you don't have to prove wrongdoing to get divorced.
Divorce affects your home, your finances and your children all at once. Our Atlanta divorce attorneys explain each decision in plain language, so you can move forward with a plan instead of guesswork.
Schedule a Free ConsultationHow your divorce moves forward depends on how much you and your spouse agree on.
If you and your spouse agree on every issue, we can prepare your settlement agreement and final papers and make sure they're complete. Georgia can grant the divorce once 31 days have passed after service.
If you agree on some issues but not all, negotiation or mediation can help you reach a full agreement without a trial. You keep control of the outcome, and most Atlanta divorces settle this way.
When you can't agree, a Fulton County judge decides the open issues. Georgia also lets either spouse ask for a jury to decide property division and alimony, though custody is always decided by a judge.
Estimate what your case may cost with our Georgia attorney fees calculator.
Most Atlanta divorces are filed in the Fulton County Superior Court Family Division at the Lewis R. Slaton Courthouse, 136 Pryor Street SW. If your spouse lives in DeKalb County, you may file in DeKalb County Superior Court at 556 N. McDonough Street in Decatur. In Georgia, a divorce is usually filed in the county where your spouse lives.
At least one spouse must have lived in Georgia for six months before filing. Fulton County issues an Automatic Domestic Standing Order when the case is filed, and parents of minor children must complete a parenting seminar.
Most Georgia divorces follow the same basic steps.
One spouse files the complaint and has it served. The other spouse has 30 days to file an answer.
The Fulton County standing order sets rules for both spouses while the case is open. If needed, the court can set temporary custody, support and use of the home.
Both spouses disclose income, assets and debts, usually through a domestic relations financial affidavit.
Many Atlanta divorces settle through negotiation or mediation instead of a trial.
The judge signs the final judgment and decree, along with any parenting plan and child support order.
Many Atlanta families have stock options, restricted stock, bonuses or a closely held business. These assets need to be identified, valued and divided carefully, and we coordinate with financial experts when the numbers are complex.
Our Atlanta divorce attorneys will listen to your goals and give you a clear plan. Schedule your free consultation to get started.
We explain every step and every number in plain language, so you always know where your case stands and can make decisions with confidence.
Our Atlanta family law attorneys represent clients throughout the greater Atlanta metro area, including Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Decatur, Marietta, Alpharetta, Roswell and surrounding communities.
Frequently asked questions
An uncontested Georgia divorce can be finalized after a 31-day waiting period that starts when your spouse is served. Contested cases in Fulton County often take several months to more than a year.
Most Atlanta divorces are filed in Fulton County Superior Court at 136 Pryor Street SW. If your spouse lives in DeKalb County, you may file in DeKalb County Superior Court in Decatur.
At least one spouse must have lived in Georgia for six months before the divorce is filed.
Georgia allows no-fault divorce when the marriage is irretrievably broken. It also keeps 12 fault grounds, such as adultery and desertion, which can affect alimony.
Yes, for some issues. Either spouse can ask for a jury to decide property division and alimony. A judge always decides child custody.
Yes. Fulton County requires parents with minor children to complete a parenting seminar during the divorce.
Our Calculators
We’re not fans of surprises and we suspect you aren’t either. We built these divorce calculators just for you, so you know what to expect every step of the way.
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