Divorce & Family Law in Georgia

Georgia is a no-fault and fault divorce state, with 13 recognized grounds for divorce including the no-fault "irretrievable breakdown." The filing fee is $215, one of the more affordable in the nation. Uncontested divorces cost $4,000-$7,000, while contested divorces average $13,000 and can reach $42,000 in metro Atlanta. Georgia has specific county requirements — Fulton and DeKalb counties (Atlanta) have mandatory mediation in contested cases. Child support follows Income Shares calculations considering both parents' gross income. Alimony in Georgia considers 11 statutory factors with no formula or duration guidelines. Georgia allows equitable division of separate property in some circumstances, unlike most equitable distribution states. Atlanta family law attorneys charge $300-$550/hr, while rural Georgia attorneys range from $175-$300/hr. Georgia does not recognize legal separation, though couples can obtain separate maintenance orders.