Marietta Divorce Lawyer
Divorce is rarely simple, but it doesn't have to be chaotic. We give you a clear plan, steady guidance, and serious advocacy — so you can protect your finances, your children, and your future.
How Better Law handles your Georgia divorce
Whether your divorce is amicable or hard-fought, our boutique Marietta firm meets you where you are. We handle property division, custody, child support, and alimony as one coordinated strategy — not a stack of disconnected fights — and you work directly with your attorney from start to finish.
Grounds for divorce in Georgia
Georgia is a no-fault state under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3: you can divorce simply because the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” with no need to prove wrongdoing. Georgia also recognizes fault grounds — including adultery, desertion, cruel treatment, habitual intoxication, and felony conviction — which can influence alimony and how property is divided.
Contested vs. uncontested divorce
An uncontested divorce — where you and your spouse agree on property, custody, support, and alimony — is faster, less expensive, and less stressful. A contested divorce means resolving those disagreements through negotiation, mediation, or, when necessary, trial. We pursue settlement where it serves you and are fully prepared for the courtroom where it doesn’t.
What the Georgia divorce process looks like
To file in Georgia, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months. One spouse files a petition in the county Superior Court — for our clients, often the Cobb County Superior Court in Marietta — and serves the other. Georgia law requires a minimum 30-day waiting period after service before a divorce can be finalized. From there the case moves through discovery, negotiation, and mediation, to a final agreement or, if needed, trial.
How property, support, and custody are decided
Georgia divides marital property by equitable division — fairly, though not always 50/50. Alimony is not automatic; courts weigh the factors in O.C.G.A. § 19-6-5, such as the length of the marriage and each spouse’s needs and resources. Custody follows the child’s best interests under O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3, and child support is set by Georgia’s income-shares guidelines.
How to protect yourself before you file
A little preparation goes a long way: gather and safeguard key financial documents (tax returns, bank and retirement statements, deeds), make a full inventory of assets and debts and note which are marital versus separate, and be mindful on social media — posts can become evidence. We’ll help you take the right protective steps for your situation.
Questions & answers
Divorce: common questions
How long does a divorce take in Georgia?
Georgia requires a minimum 30-day waiting period after your spouse is served before a divorce can be finalized. A truly uncontested divorce may wrap up in a couple of months; a contested case involving custody or property typically takes several months to a year or more.
What are the grounds for divorce in Georgia?
Georgia is a no-fault state under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3 — you can divorce because the marriage is 'irretrievably broken.' Fault grounds such as adultery, desertion, and cruel treatment also exist and can affect alimony and property division.
How is property divided in a Georgia divorce?
Georgia is an equitable-division state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on the circumstances — which may or may not be an even split. Property owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance is generally separate.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Cobb County?
Court filing fees in Cobb County generally run about $215–$225, plus service fees, with hardship waivers sometimes available. The total cost of your divorce depends mostly on whether it's contested — we give you an honest estimate up front.
Do I have to go to court to get divorced in Georgia?
Often, no. Many Georgia divorces are resolved by a written settlement agreement without a trial. Court becomes necessary mainly when spouses can't agree on custody or finances — and we're fully prepared to advocate for you there.
What are Georgia's residency requirements for divorce?
At least one spouse must have been a Georgia resident for six months before filing. The case is generally filed in the county where the responding spouse lives.
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