📍 Georgia · 2026

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Georgia?

Real numbers for Georgia — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.

✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026

Filing Fee
$210
Court filing cost
Attorney Rate
$260/hr
Avg in Georgia
Uncontested
$4,500
Avg total cost
Contested
$19,000
Avg total cost
Waiting Period
30 days
Mandatory minimum
Property Law
Equitable Split
equitable state

📜 What to Expect When You File in Georgia

Divorce procedure varies by state in the details, but the overall arc in Georgia looks like this:

  1. Petition filed. One spouse submits the paperwork to open the case, paying the court's filing fee at this step.
  2. Spouse notified. The responding spouse must be formally served and given a legal window to reply.
  3. Assets and income disclosed. Both spouses share a full financial picture — this stage is where attorney and appraisal fees often start piling on.
  4. Negotiation phase. Whether through direct talks or a mediator, this is where most divorces actually get resolved.
  5. Decree issued. With terms finalized — by agreement or court order — the judge signs the divorce into effect.

Treat this as a general framework rather than Georgia-specific legal guidance — a licensed attorney or your local courthouse self-help center can confirm exact requirements for your case.

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Divorce Costs in Georgia: The Full Breakdown

The cost of divorce in Georgia ranges from roughly $2,700 for a simple uncontested case to $30,400 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.

Georgia has a 30-day waiting period. Fault grounds including adultery can affect alimony awards.

Divorce TypeLow EstimateTypicalHigh Estimate
Uncontested, no children$210$885$4,500
Uncontested with children$2,700$4,500$6,750
Contested, no trial$10,450$19,000$30,400
Contested, goes to trial$30,400$36,100$50,000+
Savings going uncontestedUp to $14,500 per spouse
The most important number The difference between uncontested and contested in Georgia is approximately $14,500 per spouse. That is money that stays in your family rather than going to attorneys.

⚖️ Georgia Filing Fees by County

The court filing fee in Georgia is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.

Filing fee note: $210 statewide average

Fulton County (Atlanta)$224
Gwinnett$210
Cobb$215
DeKalb$210
Chatham (Savannah)$210

💼 Attorney Fees in Georgia

Divorce attorney hourly rates in Georgia average $260 per hour.

How to Reduce Your Divorce Costs in Georgia

📊 Typical Cost Example in Georgia

An Atlanta couple with no children who have agreed on property division would spend $220 in filing fees plus $1,500–$3,500 in attorney costs — total around $1,800–$4,000 for an uncontested divorce. Fulton County contested divorces with significant assets routinely exceed $30,000 per party.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Georgia Divorce Costs

How much does a divorce cost in Georgia?

An uncontested divorce in Georgia typically costs $4,500–$6,750 including the $210 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $19,000–$30,400 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.

What are the grounds for divorce in Georgia?

Georgia recognizes 13 divorce grounds including no-fault 'irretrievable breakdown.' Fault grounds include adultery, desertion, cruel treatment, habitual intoxication, and mental incapacity.

Does adultery affect alimony in Georgia?

Yes — significantly. A spouse who committed adultery is barred from receiving alimony in Georgia courts. This makes fault a real financial factor, unlike in many other states.

How long does a divorce take in Georgia?

Georgia has a 30-day waiting period after filing. Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 45–90 days. Contested divorces take 6 months to 2+ years.

What is the filing fee for divorce in Georgia?

Filing fees vary by county and typically range from $200–$250. Most counties charge around $220.

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Filing fees based on Georgia court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.