Georgia Family Law Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Georgia family law attorneys who can guide you through Georgia’s equitable distribution framework. Whether you’re in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah, Macon, or anywhere in the state, we’ll match you with the right attorney — at no cost to get started.

At minimum, 30 days from service — Georgia’s waiting period under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3. Uncontested divorces typically finalize 31–90 days after filing. Contested cases generally take 6–18 months, longer in busy Atlanta-metro courts.

Yes. Georgia recognizes irretrievable breakdown as a no-fault ground under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3(13). Georgia also retains 12 fault grounds including adultery, cruel treatment, willful desertion for 1 year, habitual intoxication, and others — fault can affect alimony.

No mandatory pre-filing separation is required. Georgia requires only the 30-day post-service waiting period under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3 before the case can be heard.

Georgia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly — not necessarily equally — under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-13 considering each spouse’s contributions, future financial needs, conduct during the marriage, and other equitable factors. Separate property (premarital, gifts, inheritance) is exempt.

Georgia applies a best-interests standard under O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3 with 17 factors. A child age 14 or older has the right to elect which parent to live with, subject to the court’s finding that the choice is in the child’s best interest. Children 11–13 may state a preference that the court considers but is not bound by.

Georgia uses the Income Shares model under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15. Both parents’ adjusted gross incomes are applied to the basic child support obligation table and prorated, with adjustments for healthcare, childcare, parenting time, and other factors. Georgia uses a worksheet calculator.

Yes. Custody and child support can be modified on a material change in circumstances. Child support requires the change to be substantial. Alimony — periodic alimony can be modified on changed circumstances; lump-sum alimony cannot. Property division is final.

Why Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Georgia?

Georgia allows no-fault divorce on the ground that the marriage is irretrievably broken (O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3(13)) and retains 12 fault grounds (adultery, cruel treatment, desertion, etc.). Residency is 6 months in Georgia before filing (O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2), and there is a 30-day waiting period from service before the divorce can be heard. Georgia is an equitable distribution state under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-13 — judges have wide discretion to divide marital property fairly. Custody is decided under best-interests factors at O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3, with children 14+ allowed to elect their custodial parent. Georgia uses the Income Shares model under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15.

When Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Georgia?

Our network includes Georgia family law attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Family Law Cases in Georgia

From the moment you connect with a Georgia family law attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Underestimating fault grounds — adultery and desertion can bar alimony entirely

Hiding assets — Georgia’s domestic relations financial affidavits and discovery rules carry harsh sanctions for nondisclosure

Posting on social media — Georgia courts routinely admit it in custody and divorce

Communicating ex parte with the judge

Filing in Georgia when the child’s home state under UCCJEA is elsewhere

Missing the 6-month residency requirement under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2

Underestimating fault grounds — adultery and desertion can bar alimony entirely

Hiding assets — Georgia’s domestic relations financial affidavits and discovery rules carry harsh sanctions for nondisclosure

Posting on social media — Georgia courts routinely admit it in custody and divorce

Communicating ex parte with the judge

Filing in Georgia when the child’s home state under UCCJEA is elsewhere

Missing the 6-month residency requirement under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2

Common Georgia Family Law Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do Georgia Family Law Attorneys Cost?

Flat Fee

Most matters are billed as a flat fee per petition or filing — fee depends on case complexity.

Family law cases in Georgia are not handled on contingency. Georgia Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(d)(1) — patterned on ABA Model Rule 1.5(d) — prohibits contingent fees in domestic relations matters where the fee is contingent on securing a divorce or on the amount of alimony, support, or property settlement. Georgia family law attorneys charge hourly (billed against a retainer) or a flat fee for uncontested matters. Courts may award fees under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-2 based on relative financial circumstances.

What Can Your Georgia Family Law Compensation Include?

Property Division

Equitable distribution under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-13 — fair (not necessarily equal) division of marital property based on contributions, needs, and conduct.

Alimony

Awarded under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-1 et seq. — court discretion. Adultery or desertion that caused the separation can bar alimony.

Child Support

Income Shares under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15 with required worksheet calculator.

Custody and Parenting Time

Legal and physical custody decided under 17 best-interests factors in O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3, with the child age 14+ allowed to elect.

Attorney’s Fees

Georgia courts award fees in domestic relations cases under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-2 and § 9-15-14, based on financial resources and litigation conduct.

Protective Orders

Temporary Protective Orders under the Family Violence Act (O.C.G.A. § 19-13-1 et seq.) — ex parte and final orders up to 3 years.

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Georgia Family Law Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Georgia?

When Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Georgia?

Types of Family Law Cases in Georgia

Common Georgia Family Law Mistakes

How Much Do Georgia Family Law Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your Georgia Family Law Compensation Include?

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