What to expect when filing for divorce in Georgia, part 2

Even if you have been through a divorce before, you may not know everything about filing for divorce in the Peach State. While this previous post provides some valuable insight into the filing process and divorce time frames, you may have additional questions before taking the first step to end your marriage.

Often, Georgians who want to divorce their spouses wonder how much divorce costs. They also wonder if going to court is necessary to end a marriage. While every divorce is different, the answers to these questions may give you some peace of mind.

How much does a divorce cost?

The cost of a divorce in Georgia varies wildly based on a number of factors. If you and your spouse want to pursue an uncontested divorce without the assistance of legal counsel, you can expect to pay around $200. If your divorce turns into a protracted court battle, you may pay thousands of dollars in legal fees and associated costs, however.

To save money, you may want to consider divorce mediation. With this approach to divorce, you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse work together to find solutions to property division, child custody and other divorce-related matters. While you may still pay for an attorney and mediator, mediation is often considerably less expensive than a court fight.

Do you have to go to court?

If you have a contested divorce, you probably have to go to court and present your case before a judge or jury. For uncontested divorces, your attorney may be able to file a motion for judgment on pleadings, which leads to the finalization of your divorce without your appearance. Only attorneys may file this motion, though.

By resolving most or all issues during mediation or otherwise outside of court, you may lower your chances of having to appear in person to finalize your divorce. Ultimately, the fewer disagreements you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse have, the greater your likelihood of both saving money and staying out of the courtroom.