Georgia Divorce Without Children (2026) — File It Yourself
No children means no custody arrangement, no child support, and no parenting plan — just ending the marriage and dividing what you own and owe. Georgia makes this process straightforward, fast, and affordable.
Disclaimer: General legal information, not legal advice. Consult a Georgia family law attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
Two Types of Divorce Without Children
Uncontested (Both Cooperating)
Both spouses agree on all terms. One files as plaintiff, the other is served or signs an Acknowledgment of Service. The fastest and most affordable path.
Default (Spouse Unresponsive)
You file and serve your spouse, but they don't respond within 30 days. Court proceeds without them.
Residency
Plaintiff must be a Georgia resident for 6 months before filing. File in the county where the defendant lives.
The Forms You Need
Best source: diy.georgiacourts.gov — generates completed forms based on your interview answers.
Alternative: georgialegalaid.org
Core forms for divorce without children:
- Complaint for Divorce — starts the case
- Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit — mandatory financial disclosure for both parties
- Settlement Agreement — spells out all agreed property and debt division
- Final Decree of Divorce — judge signs this
Financial Disclosure — Required in Georgia
Georgia requires both parties to complete and exchange a Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit in all divorce cases. This form details:
- Monthly income and expenses
- Assets (real property, vehicles, accounts, retirement)
- Liabilities (mortgage, loans, credit cards)
This is not optional — courts expect it as part of the case file.
Property Division
Georgia is an equitable distribution state. Courts divide marital property fairly — typically starting near equal but adjustable based on circumstances.
In an agreed divorce, you set the terms. Courts generally approve any reasonable voluntary agreement.
What Your Settlement Agreement Must Cover
Assets:
- Real estate (address, legal description, what happens to it)
- Vehicles (year, make, model, VIN, who keeps, who pays the loan)
- Bank and investment accounts (institution, account type, last 4 digits)
- Retirement accounts (QDRO required for employer plans)
- Valuable personal property
Debts:
- Mortgage (and refinancing requirement if one spouse keeps the home)
- Vehicle loans
- Credit card balances (specify each card)
- Any other marital debt
Alimony: Georgia allows alimony. In an agreed divorce, you can waive it entirely or agree to any amount and duration. Include a clear alimony waiver in your Settlement Agreement if neither spouse wants it.
Be specific. Vague language — "husband gets the car" — creates enforcement problems. Use VINs, account numbers, and full property descriptions.
Step-by-Step: Uncontested Georgia Divorce Without Children
Step 1
Confirm residency. Visit diy.georgiacourts.gov and complete the interview to generate your forms.
Step 2
Complete your Complaint for Divorce and Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit.
Step 3
File at the Clerk of Superior Court in the defendant's county. Pay $215–$230 filing fee.
Step 4
Serve your spouse via sheriff (~$50) or have them sign an Acknowledgment of Service (free).
Step 5
Wait 30 days (or get your spouse to sign the Acknowledgment waiving the response period).
Step 6
Draft and finalize your Settlement Agreement. Both spouses sign.
Step 7
Contact the court to schedule a final hearing.
Step 8
Attend final hearing with all documents. Judge signs Final Decree of Divorce.
Step 9
File signed Decree. Get certified copies. Done.
Timeline and Cost
| Scenario | Minimum | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Agreed, no children, no property | 31+ days | 6–8 weeks |
| Agreed, no children, with property | 31+ days | 8–10 weeks |
| Default divorce | 31+ days | 2–3 months |
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Filing fee | $215–$230 |
| Sheriff service (if needed) | ~$50 |
| Certified copies | $2.50–$5/page |
| Total DIY | $220–$310 |
Georgia's costs are among the lowest of any state for DIY divorce.
FAQ
Do I have to go to court? Yes — Georgia requires a brief final hearing. Typically 10–20 minutes for uncontested cases.
Can we waive the 30-day response period? Yes. If your spouse signs an Acknowledgment of Service, they waive their 30-day response window and the case can move forward immediately.
Can I get divorced on fault grounds without a lawyer? Technically yes, but fault grounds are more complex and can affect property and alimony. If fault is relevant to your case, consider an attorney consultation.
What if we own a car together but agree who gets it? Specify it in your Settlement Agreement with the VIN. After the divorce, transfer the title at a Georgia DMV customer service center.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.