top of page
Search

The Stages of a Divorce Case

Updated: Jul 17, 2021


Divorce cases in Georgia are handled by Superior Courts and go through a series of steps or stages. This blog post is to familiarize you with the stages most divorce cases go through so you will know what to expect.


1 Petition: This is the initial pleading that starts the divorce case. It is filed with the Court

and served on your soon-to-be-ex-spouse. Service can be by a sheriff's deputy, a private process server, publication in a newspaper (if your spouse has disappeared and can't be found), or by your spouse acknowledging service.


2. Answer: Once your spouse has been served, they have 30 days to file an Answer to your Petition. They can also Counterclaim for divorce, alleging their own grounds for divorce.


3. Discovery: This stage is when the parties exchange documents (often financial records) and answer each other's questions to develop the facts and evidence relevant to the case. You may also need to file motions and conduct hearings during this step to force a recalcitrant spouse to divulge information they would rather keep secret.


4. Mediation: This stage, which is sometimes optional, is when the parties either meet for formal mediation with a professional mediator who attempts to help you resolve the case in a mutually (dis)agreeable manner. Most divorce cases are settled through mediation or through direct negotiation between the parties and their counsel.


5. Trial: This is the last step of the case in which the Court makes its final determination regarding child custody and visitation, child support, the division of marital assets and debts and alimony.


These steps are not necessarily in order and some steps can be repeated. Other steps, such as arbitration, might be necessary in your case, but these are the basic steps of the vast majority of divorce cases. Of course, every case is different, so please consult your Chain Breaker attorney for the specific steps that your case is likely to go through.


Chain Breaker Law Firm is a Law Firm located in Georgia. You can read more of our articles or follow us on our social media sites at www.chainbreakerlaw.com





181 views0 comments

Comments


Past Articles

0 DAYS TO THE EVENT
When most people think about putting the legal issues they face, they have very important decisions to make and questions that want answered. In this webinar we will answers some questions that you have regarding Georgia law, specifically to you situation.
When
Jul 24, 2021, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM EDT
Can you make it?
Details

Weekly Virtual
Q&A's

eCover450.png

Get Your Turnkey Solution For Overcoming Divorce With Our Top Selling eBook

Defeating Divorce Secret

Click TheButton to Claim Your Copy

MH900430977.JPG

If you cannot escape the fear of walking away without giving your relationship your all, going the extra mile before moving ahead with a divorce, this eBook may change the way you approach your relationship and possibly cave your marriage.

Would you like to join an exclusive group of people in the know of the rule of a successful relationship, and which most people do not know about?

You can with 

Defeating Divorce Secret

"Defeating Divorce Secret literally changed our relationship. After reading this eBook I knew exactly how to communicate with my partner to fastrack my relationship in ways that saved my relationship."

GREAT Reads
Books & Articles

Host A Topic
Q&A's

Family at a Beach

Georgia Attorney

Free Family Law Consultion
(470) 309-1441

Matthew Michaud, Esq.

bottom of page