Georgia DIY Divorce Checklist (2026) — Printable Step-by-Step
Georgia-Specific Reminders: File in the DEFENDANT'S county. Use diy.georgiacourts.gov for forms. Both parties must exchange Financial Affidavits. Check county parenting seminar requirements.
Before You File
Confirm Eligibility
- Plaintiff has been a Georgia resident for 6 months
- Determined correct county to file in (defendant's county)
- Decided on grounds: irretrievable breakdown (recommended) or fault
- Visited diy.georgiacourts.gov and completed the interview
Gather Financial Documents
- Mortgage statement (if applicable)
- Vehicle titles and loan statements
- Bank account statements (last 3 months)
- Investment account statements
- Retirement account statements
- Pay stubs (last 3 months) for both spouses
- Most recent tax returns
- List of all debts with balances
Key Decisions
- Agreed on property and debt division
- Agreed on what to do with the home (keep/sell/defer)
- Agreed on alimony (or waiver)
- Agreed on retirement account division
- If children: agreed on custody, visitation, and child support
Filing
- Generated forms at diy.georgiacourts.gov
- Completed Complaint for Divorce (no blanks)
- Completed Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit
- Filed at Clerk of Superior Court in correct county
- Paid filing fee ($215–$230) OR submitted Affidavit of Indigence
- Received file-stamped copies with case number
- Noted filing date: ___________
Service
- Spouse signed Acknowledgment of Service (waives 30-day window)
- OR: Sheriff served spouse — noted service date: ___________
- 30-day response deadline: ___________
- Proof of service filed with court
During the Response Period
- Spouse's Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit completed and exchanged
- Parenting seminar completed (if county requires and children involved)
- Parenting seminar certificate filed with court
- Drafted Settlement Agreement covering all property, debt, alimony
- Both spouses signed and notarized Settlement Agreement
- Drafted Parenting Plan (if children) — generated via diy.georgiacourts.gov
- Completed Child Support Worksheet (if children)
- Prepared Income Withholding Order (if children)
- Prepared Final Decree of Divorce (complete except judge's signature)
Final Hearing
- Scheduled final hearing with court
- Prepared residency proof
- Brought all documents to hearing
- Judge signed Final Decree of Divorce
After the Divorce
- Filed signed Final Decree with Clerk
- Obtained 3–5 certified copies
- If children: sent Income Withholding Order to employer
- Home: refinancing started (if one spouse keeping)
- Home: Quit Claim Deed signed, notarized, recorded with county Clerk
- Vehicle titles transferred at Georgia Motor Vehicle Division
- Bank accounts separated
- Joint credit cards closed or transferred
- QDRO filed with plan administrator (if applicable)
- Social Security card updated (SSA office)
- Georgia driver's license updated (Georgia DDS)
- Life insurance and retirement beneficiaries updated
- Will updated
Quick Reference
| Item | Your Info |
|---|---|
| Case number | |
| Filing date | |
| Service date | |
| 30-day deadline | |
| Final hearing date | |
| Divorce final date |
Last reviewed: March 2026
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.