Where and When to File for Divorce

You can get divorced in the state of Georgia by filing a complaint in the Superior Court of the county in which your spouse lives. You can file for divorce in the county in which you lived during your marriage, if your spouse left that county within the last six months before you file. If you and your spouse can agree, however, you can simple file for divorce in the county in which you live. Additionally, you are not eligible to file for a Georgia divorce unless at least one spouse has lived there for at least six months, or Georgia was where you last lived together as a married couple.

Before you file for divorce, if possible, you should spend some time getting your affairs in order, particularly from a financial perspective. For instance, you should open a separate bank account if you don’t have one already. You also should gather all relevant financial information for your records, including paycheck stubs, income tax returns, deeds to property, credit card statements, mortgage statements, bankruptcy paperwork, pension or retirement account statements, student loan statements, and any other paperwork that relates to your property or debts. These steps will help you ensure that you cover all important matters related to your divorce, and, if you choose to hire an attorney, it will give him or her the information necessary to properly handle your case.

While not possible in all cases, it also can be useful to sit down with your spouse prior to your divorce and try to work out as many issues as you can. Reaching an agreement, particularly on issues related to your children, can help move your divorce along and help both of you move on with your lives. In the event you cannot reach agreement on one or more issues, however, the court will make decisions on those issues.

If you considering filing for divorce, the Shaw Law Firm, LLC, can help you. We will evaluate your situation and advise you about the available options in your case. Contact us or call today to learn how Shaw Law can work with you to achieve the best outcome possible for you and your children.

Scott Shaw is founder and principle of Shaw Law Firm LLC, founded in 1995 and dedicated solely to divorce, family law and child custody matters that must be addressed and decided in the state of Georgia. Shaw Law Firm serves the greater Metro Atlanta area, particularly the counties of Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth, Paulding, Henry, Fayette, Coweta, Newton, Walton, Bartow and Douglas. Schedule a consultation today at 770-594-8309.