How do I Get a Divorce in Dougherty County, Georgia?

Follow the proper procedure to get a divorce in Dougherty County.

If you or your spouse has been a resident of Dougherty County, Georgia, for six months or more and you wish to end your marriage, you must go through official legal channels. Whether you are represented by an attorney or you are filing the papers yourself, you must go through the same process, which must be completed in full before you are allowed to remarry.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Consult an attorney. Even if you are moving forward without representation, it is a good idea to at least talk to an experienced divorce lawyer so you know what to expect and do not make any moves that will be detrimental to the proceedings.

2. Fill out the "Complaint of Divorce" form. This can be obtained as part of a packet from the Dougherty County clerk's office. First, you will state how long you and your spouse have lived in Georgia, the date of marriage and the date of separation. You will also list the number of children, their place(s) of residence and anyone else with claims to their custody. Finally, you will list the grounds for divorce (irretrievably broken is the most common) and the terms of settlement.

3. Fill out a verification form and sign it in the presence of a notary. This will be given to the court to verify the accuracy of the complaint.

4. Complete the rest of the forms in the packet. These include a financial affidavit, a separation agreement, consent to try within 31 days, acknowledgment of service and final order.

5. Provide financial documents within 30 days. These include federal and Georgia tax returns for the past three years, 12 months of pay stubs and a personal financial statement showing all assets and liabilities.

6. Pay the fee. Dougherty County requires an $80 fee to be collected upon submission of the divorce packet unless you file a "Poverty Affidavit," stating that you are suffering from financial hardship.

7. Attend the required divorce seminar. You and your spouse must both attend this seminar within 31 days of submitting your packet before the court will grant you a divorce. You can obtain a list of the seminar providers, locations and fees at the Dougherty County Clerk of the Superior Court's Office.

8. Obtain the final judgment. You will only be required to attend a hearing at the Dougherty County courthouse if there are contested matters relating to the divorce, or if the judge has questions about any of your documents. You will receive the final judgment by mail. Once the judge has signed the final judgment, your divorce is official.

References

• The Official Albany & Dougherty County Website