A Divorce Timeline in Georgia

No one, not even a skilled Georgia divorce lawyer, can tell how the duration of a divorce is on a whim. They would need to know some details, such as the circumstances of the case, to give a rough estimate. These factors include the types of divorce (fault or no-fault divorce), the value of marital property, child custody disputes, cooperation between the parties, etc. These factors affect the duration of every stage of the divorce process and, ultimately, the entire process. Below is a breakdown of the steps involved in a divorce, which will affect the divorce timelines.

Filing and Serving 

Either of the divorcing parties must initiate the process by filing a petition, making them the petitioner in the case and the other party the respondent. After filing, you serve the respondents, who have 30 days to respond. At this stage, the difference between uncontested and contested divorce stands out. A Georgia divorce lawyer can help ensure the petition’s contents are pre-agreed upon in an uncontested case, allowing the court to ratify the agreement if it’s properly drafted. This streamlined approach can enable both parties to complete the process in as little as 50 to 60 days.

Involving a Georgia divorce lawyer in drafting the petition is critical to ensure it passes the test. 

Discovery Phase

The discovery phase is more like the scoping phase. At this stage, your lawyers and your soon-to-be ex-partner’s lawyers get to weigh the weight of the other side’s case. It entails exchanging evidence in each side’s possession, such as financial documents, property valuations, medical records, abuse documentation, etc. Witness testimonies may also be included in this phase. 

This phase can take weeks for the not-so-complex cases and months for the more complex cases. Your lawyer should be able to give you estimated timelines based on their judgment of the situation. 

Negotiations and Mediation

All civil cases have a negotiation phase, which allows the feuding parties to reach a consensus and avoid going to trial, saving time and money. After the discovery phase, each side will have a rough idea of the weight of the other side’s case, which helps guide the negotiations. 

The majority of divorce cases are resolved at this stage. Where the parties can’t agree, the court may involve a mediator, an independent third party that helps them iron out the contentious issues. Like other stages, the faster you can iron out your differences and reach a consensus, the sooner you will settle. 

The Trial Phase

Less than 10 percent of divorce cases make it to trial, and for a good reason: most people want to avoid the high cost of litigation, the emotional toll going to trial inflicts on all parties involved, and the uncertainty of the outcomes. 

The negotiation and mediation phases allow both parties some control of the situation and the outcomes. At trial, you leave everything to the jury and the judge, which can result in huge surprises. 

Like other phases, several factors will affect the duration of the trial phase, including the complexity of the case, the volume of evidence filed, and the court’s schedule. 

Final Words

Divorce is never an easy journey, and the timeline can vary greatly depending on each case’s unique circumstances. Understanding the steps involved—from filing and serving the petition to navigating the discovery phase, negotiations, and potentially a trial—can help you prepare for what lies ahead.

Whether you are dealing with a straightforward, uncontested divorce or facing a more complex contested case, involving a skilled Georgia divorce lawyer is crucial. Their expertise can guide you through each phase, helping you avoid delays and achieve a fair resolution.

By staying informed and seeking professional support, you can explore the process with greater confidence, ultimately paving the way for a new chapter in your life. While the timeline may seem daunting, remember that every step brings you closer to closure and the opportunity for a fresh start.