How to Do Your Own Divorce Paperwork in Georgia for Free
It's a common misconception that you need a lawyer to get divorced. While it is necessary to have a lawyer if you and your spouse are arguing about the terms of the divorce, especially if children are involved, it's only a matter of paperwork if a husband and wife both wish for a divorce and agree on the grounds. This is called an uncontested divorce and is the simplest way to divorce in Georgia. Though there is a fee associated with filing the divorce forms, you can have these waived if you're experiencing financial hardship.
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Instructions
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Make decisions with your spouse about such things as the grounds for divorce, alimony and an equitable division of assets before filing for divorce. Having these matters settled eliminates problems down the road.
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Visit your local Georgia county superior court to obtain a Complaint for Divorce form (see Resources for superior courts by county). Fill out the form, providing your own information as the plaintiff or petitioner, meaning that you're the one initiating the divorce, and your spouse's information as the defendant or respondent.
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Make three copies of the paperwork: one for yourself, one to file with the clerk at the superior court and one for your spouse. Filing with the clerk has a fee attached, but you can file for a waiver due to financial hardship. The clerk will decide if you qualify for free filing.
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Have your spouse served with the divorce papers by the sheriff, or, if both of you wish, you can serve the papers and have your spouse legally acknowledge receipt by signing the papers indicating such.
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Tips & Warnings
Your divorce will be final 31 days after your spouse has been served, as long as he doesn't suddenly contest the divorce.
There are 13 grounds for divorce in Georgia, including irreconcilable differences.
References
Resources
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