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
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Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.