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Ending a marriage is a big step, and you don't have to figure it out alone. Our Savannah divorce attorneys at Modern Family Law help you end your marriage under Georgia law, from the first filing to the final decree. We handle every stage of the divorce process, and your first consultation is free.
Savannah divorces are heard in Chatham County Superior Court, where most contested cases must go to mediation before trial. Georgia also allows a no-fault divorce when the marriage is irretrievably broken, so you don't have to prove wrongdoing.
Our Savannah divorce attorneys explain each decision in plain language, so you understand your options for your home, your finances and your children.
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 everything, we can draft your settlement agreement and final papers. Georgia can grant the divorce once 31 days have passed after service.
In Chatham County, contested domestic cases are generally referred to mediation through the county's Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution unless the court grants an exemption. Many Savannah couples settle there and avoid a trial.
If mediation doesn't resolve everything, a Chatham County judge decides the open issues. Either spouse can also ask for a jury to decide property division and alimony.
Plan your budget with our Georgia divorce cost calculator.
Savannah divorces are filed in Chatham County Superior Court at 133 Montgomery Street. Chatham County is the only county in Georgia's Eastern Judicial Circuit. If your spouse lives in Richmond Hill or Rincon, the case may belong in Bryan or Effingham County instead, because Georgia divorces are usually filed where the other spouse lives.
At least one spouse must have lived in Georgia for six months before filing. Service members who have lived on a Georgia military installation for a year may also file in a county next to that installation.
Most Georgia divorces follow the same basic steps.
One spouse files the complaint and has it served. The other spouse has 30 days to answer.
If needed, the court can set temporary custody, support and use of the home while the case is open.
Both spouses disclose income, assets and debts.
Contested Chatham County cases generally must mediate early in the case unless they're exempt.
The judge signs the final judgment and decree, along with any parenting plan and child support order.
Many Savannah families serve at Hunter Army Airfield or Fort Stewart. Military divorce raises extra issues, such as dividing military retired pay, keeping TRICARE eligibility in mind and protecting a deployed spouse's right to delay the case. Our military divorce attorneys handle these cases regularly.
Our Savannah divorce attorneys will listen to your goals and give you a clear plan. Schedule a free divorce consultation today.
We explain every step in plain language, so you always know where your case stands and can make decisions with confidence.
Our Savannah family law attorneys represent clients throughout the greater Savannah metro area, including Chatham, Bryan, Effingham and surrounding communities.
Frequently asked questions
Savannah divorces are filed in Chatham County Superior Court at 133 Montgomery Street. If your spouse lives in another county, the case is usually filed there.
Contested domestic cases in Chatham County are generally referred to mediation unless the court grants an exemption.
An uncontested Georgia divorce can be finalized after a 31-day waiting period from service. Contested cases often take several months or longer.
Yes, in many cases. A service member who has lived on a Georgia military installation for one year can file in a county next to that installation.
It isn't required, but a lawyer can make sure your settlement covers everything, including military benefits, so the court will approve it.
Yes, but federal law lets a deployed service member ask the court to pause the case for a period.
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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