Georgia Divorce Lawyer

To file for divorce in Georgia, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for the previous six months, and the case is generally filed in the Superior Court of the county where the responding spouse lives, although exceptions may apply. Georgia allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce, and issues such as property division, alimony, child custody, and child support may be resolved by agreement, through mediation, or by the court. Kessler & Solomiany, LLC has focused exclusively on family law since 1991.

Experienced Divorce Attorneys Representing Clients Throughout Georgia

Divorce in Georgia is governed by statewide law, but where a case is filed, how local court procedures are handled, and the issues that ultimately determine the outcome can vary considerably from one divorce to another. From property division and alimony to child custody, business interests, and complex financial assets, decisions made during a divorce can affect a family for years after the final decree is entered.

Kessler & Solomiany, LLC has focused exclusively on family law since 1991. Based in Atlanta, our attorneys represent clients throughout Georgia, including individuals in smaller communities who seek experienced family law counsel for complex, high-asset, high-conflict, or otherwise challenging divorce matters.

Our Georgia divorce lawyers handle cases ranging from uncontested divorces resolved through agreement to complex litigation involving substantial marital estates, business ownership, executive compensation, custody disputes, and other significant family law issues. Whether you are preparing to file, have already been served, or need a clearer understanding of your options, our attorneys can help you evaluate the legal and practical decisions ahead.

Georgia Divorce Lawyer: Key Things to Know

If you are considering divorce in Georgia, understanding a few key legal requirements can help you make informed decisions before filing.

• At least one spouse must have lived in Georgia for six months immediately preceding the filing for divorce.
• Most divorce cases are filed in the Superior Court of the respondent’s county of residence.
• Georgia recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce.
• Georgia divides marital property equitably, which means fairly but not necessarily 50/50.
• Temporary court orders can address child custody, child support, alimony, use of the marital home, and other important issues while the case is pending.
• An uncontested divorce cannot be finalized until at least 31 days after the other spouse is served.
• Even relatively amicable divorces can involve significant legal and financial consequences, making experienced legal guidance valuable from the beginning.

Every divorce presents unique circumstances. Whether your case involves substantial marital assets, business ownership, complex custody issues, or a desire to reach an efficient resolution, understanding your legal rights early can help you avoid costly mistakes later in the process.

Why Experience Matters in a Georgia Divorce

Divorce affects nearly every aspect of your life, from your financial future to your relationship with your children. Decisions made early in the process can have lasting consequences, making knowledgeable legal guidance particularly important when significant financial, parental, or personal issues are involved.

At Kessler & Solomiany, we have represented clients throughout metro Atlanta and across Georgia in thousands of divorce and family law matters, ranging from straightforward uncontested divorces to complex, high-asset litigation. Over decades of practice, we have learned that effective representation often begins with careful planning long before the first court appearance.

When selecting a Georgia divorce attorney, consider whether the lawyer:

• Focuses primarily on family law
• Has substantial courtroom and negotiation experience
• Understands Georgia divorce law and local court procedures
• Has experience handling cases involving custody, business interests, executive compensation, or significant marital estates
• Provides realistic advice rather than simply telling you what you want to hear

Many people assume their divorce will remain amicable. While that is certainly possible, circumstances can change as financial issues, parenting schedules, retirement accounts, or the marital residence become part of the discussion. Having experienced counsel from the outset can help ensure that your interests remain protected regardless of how the case develops.

How Does the Divorce Process Work in Georgia?

Although every divorce follows its own path, most Georgia divorce cases involve several common stages. Understanding these stages can help you prepare for what may happen after a case is filed.

Residency and Venue

Before filing, it is important to determine whether Georgia’s residency requirements have been satisfied and which county is the proper venue for the case. Divorce actions are generally filed in the Superior Court of the county where the responding spouse resides, although exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances. The Georgia General Assembly provides access to Georgia statutes and other state legislative resources governing divorce and family law.

Filing the Complaint for Divorce

The divorce process formally begins when one spouse files a complaint for divorce in the appropriate Georgia Superior Court. The complaint identifies the grounds for divorce and the issues the filing spouse is asking the court to address.

Serving the Other Spouse

After filing, the other spouse must receive legal notice of the divorce through formal service or an acknowledged waiver of service. The responding spouse generally has 30 days after service to file an answer.

Standing Orders and Temporary Issues

Depending on the court, standing orders or other procedural requirements may take effect when a divorce case is filed. These orders may address conduct involving children, marital property, finances, or communication between the parties while the case is pending.

If immediate issues exist regarding child custody, parenting time, child support, alimony, payment of household expenses, or possession of the marital residence, either spouse may also request temporary relief from the court.

Financial Disclosures and Discovery

During a divorce, both parties may be required to provide detailed financial information. Discovery can involve written questions, requests for documents, subpoenas, depositions, business valuations, forensic accounting, and other methods of obtaining information relevant to the case.

Negotiation and Mediation

Many Georgia divorce cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation rather than trial. Reaching an agreement can allow spouses to maintain greater control over the outcome while potentially reducing the time, expense, and uncertainty associated with litigation.

Settlement or Trial

If the parties reach an agreement, their settlement can be submitted to the court for approval and incorporated into the final divorce decree. When disputed issues cannot be resolved, the remaining matters may proceed to trial, where evidence and testimony are presented before a final decision is entered.

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Georgia?

Georgia law recognizes 13 statutory grounds for divorce under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3. These include the no-fault ground that the marriage is irretrievably broken as well as several fault-based grounds.

No-Fault vs. Fault-Based Divorce in Georgia

Under Georgia’s no-fault ground, neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing. One spouse must maintain that the marriage is irretrievably broken with no reasonable hope of reconciliation.

Georgia also continues to recognize fault-based grounds, including adultery, desertion, and cruel treatment. Allegations involving marital misconduct may be relevant to other aspects of a divorce depending on the circumstances, including certain alimony, property, or custody issues.

Common Issues Addressed During a Georgia Divorce

Every divorce requires the resolution of legal, financial, or parental issues. Depending on your circumstances, your case may involve:

• Division of marital property and debt
• Child custody and parenting plans
• Child support
• Alimony
• Business valuation
• Retirement accounts
• Real estate
• High-net-worth assets
• Enforcement of prenuptial or postnuptial agreements

Our attorneys develop legal strategies tailored to the specific issues involved in each client’s case rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

How Is Property Divided in a Georgia Divorce?

Georgia follows the rule of equitable division. Marital property, which generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, is divided fairly based on the circumstances of the case. Fair does not necessarily mean equal.

Separate property, such as certain assets owned before the marriage or received individually by gift or inheritance, generally is not subject to equitable division. However, determining whether an asset remains separate can become complicated when property has been commingled, marital funds have been used, or an asset has increased in value during the marriage.

For divorces involving businesses, investment accounts, real estate, executive compensation, retirement assets, or substantial marital estates, properly identifying, tracing, and valuing property can become one of the most consequential parts of the case.

How Do Georgia’s 2026 Child Support Changes Affect Divorce?

Georgia’s child support guidelines changed in 2026 to account for parenting time when calculating support. As a result, decisions about parenting schedules and child support can be closely connected during a divorce involving minor children. The changes were enacted through Georgia Senate Bill 454, which revised O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15 and included provisions taking effect January 1, 2026.

Parents should consider the financial and practical consequences of a proposed parenting plan rather than treating custody and child support as completely separate issues. Our child support attorneys can help parents understand how Georgia’s guidelines may apply to their circumstances.

Where Is a Divorce Filed in Georgia?

Divorce cases in Georgia are handled by the state’s Superior Courts. In most cases, a divorce is filed in the county where the responding spouse resides, although Georgia law recognizes exceptions that can affect the proper venue.

Determining the correct county is important because filing in the wrong venue can create delays and additional legal issues. Georgia has 159 counties, and while state divorce law applies throughout Georgia, local court procedures, standing orders, filing practices, scheduling, and mediation requirements can vary. The Judicial Council of Georgia provides information and resources for Georgia’s court system.

Kessler & Solomiany represents clients in divorce and family law matters throughout Georgia. Our experience across different courts allows our attorneys to account for both statewide Georgia law and the local procedures that may affect how a particular case moves forward.

Does It Matter Which Georgia County Handles Your Divorce?

Yes. Georgia’s divorce statutes apply statewide, but individual Superior Courts may have their own local rules, standing orders, filing procedures, scheduling practices, and requirements for matters such as mediation or parenting education.

The appropriate county can also affect practical considerations such as where hearings occur, how quickly matters are scheduled, and which procedures must be completed before a case can move forward. An attorney familiar with Georgia family law and the court handling the case can help anticipate these procedural differences.

Types of Divorce Cases We Handle Throughout Georgia

Just as every marriage is unique, so is every divorce. Depending on the circumstances of your case, your divorce may involve:

• Contested divorce: Spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues, such as property division, child custody, child support, or alimony.
• Uncontested divorce: Both spouses agree on the major issues that must be resolved to end the marriage.
• Collaborative divorce: Both spouses and their respective attorneys commit to working toward a resolution outside of court.
• High-profile and high-asset divorce: Cases involving public figures, business owners, executives, or substantial marital estates that require discretion and detailed financial analysis.

Can You Hire an Atlanta Divorce Attorney if You Live Elsewhere in Georgia?

Yes. A divorce attorney does not necessarily need to maintain an office in the county where your divorce is filed to represent you in a Georgia family law matter. For clients facing complicated financial, custody, or litigation issues, the attorney’s experience with the issues involved in the case may be an important consideration when selecting counsel.

Kessler & Solomiany is based in Atlanta and represents clients throughout Georgia. We are often called upon to assist individuals in smaller cities and rural communities who are seeking a firm focused exclusively on family law, particularly when a divorce involves substantial assets, business interests, complex custody disputes, or other challenging issues.

Do You Have to Go to Court to Get Divorced in Georgia?

Not every Georgia divorce requires a contested trial. Many spouses are able to resolve some or all of their issues through direct negotiation, mediation, collaborative divorce, or a negotiated settlement between their attorneys.

Whether court appearances are necessary depends on the circumstances of the case, the county where the divorce is pending, and whether the spouses can reach an agreement. If unresolved issues remain, the court may ultimately need to decide them.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Georgia?

Georgia law establishes a minimum waiting period before an uncontested divorce can be finalized, but that does not mean every divorce will be completed within that timeframe. The actual length of a case depends on factors such as whether the divorce is contested, the complexity of the marital estate, custody disputes, discovery, expert evaluations, mediation, and the court’s schedule.

A relatively straightforward divorce in which both spouses have reached a complete agreement may move much more quickly than litigation involving substantial assets, business valuations, complex financial discovery, or disputed custody.

What to Bring to Your Initial Divorce Consultation

In Georgia, financial disclosure is an important part of many divorce cases. A domestic relations financial affidavit or similar financial documentation may require detailed information about income, assets, debts, liabilities, and monthly expenses.

Our attorneys regularly review financial affidavits in contested and high-asset divorces, and even seemingly minor inaccuracies can create problems later in a case.

To make the most of your consultation, consider gathering documents such as:

• Recent tax returns
• Pay stubs and other income information
• Bank and investment account statements
• Retirement account statements
• Mortgage and loan documents
• Business ownership or valuation information
• Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreement
• Any court papers you have already received

Before You File for Divorce: Preliminary Decisions

Divorce often requires families to support two households with financial resources that previously supported one. Before filing, it is important to consider both immediate needs and long-term goals involving housing, finances, children, property, and other responsibilities.

Complete transparency with your attorney is also essential. Understanding the full financial and personal picture allows your legal team to identify potential issues, evaluate realistic outcomes, and develop a strategy based on the circumstances of your case.

Why Choose Kessler & Solomiany for a Georgia Divorce?

Kessler & Solomiany, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the largest family law firms in the Southeast, with a team of approximately 30 dedicated family law professionals, including experienced divorce attorneys, paralegals, and legal staff. Our firm focuses exclusively on family law, allowing us to bring depth, precision, and consistency to the divorce and family law matters we handle.

We are often called upon to represent people in smaller cities and rural areas throughout Georgia who need experienced counsel for complex family law matters. Our statewide practice allows clients to access a team focused exclusively on divorce and family law regardless of whether they live in metro Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia.

Through decades of involvement in complex and high-conflict divorce matters, we have developed longstanding working relationships with respected financial experts, forensic accountants, business valuation professionals, and mental health specialists. This collaborative approach can be particularly valuable in high-asset, financially complex, and custody-driven cases.

• Focused experience in family law: Founded in 1991, our firm has handled thousands of divorce and family law cases, from straightforward uncontested divorces to complex high-asset disputes.
• National recognition: Members of our team have been recognized by respected legal publications and have served in leadership roles in family law organizations at the state and national levels.
• Personalized approach: We tailor our strategies to each client’s circumstances, whether resolution is pursued through negotiation, mediation, collaborative law, or litigation.
• High-profile and high-asset experience: Our attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving significant assets, business valuations, executive compensation, and complex custody disputes.
• Comprehensive support: Our team of attorneys, paralegals, and legal professionals provides support throughout every stage of a case.

Why Clients Throughout Georgia Trust Kessler & Solomiany

Over more than three decades, our attorneys have represented thousands of clients throughout Georgia while earning recognition from respected legal organizations and serving in leadership positions within the family law community.

Founding partner Randall M. Kessler and managing partner Marvin L. Solomiany have each served as Chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia, while Randall M. Kessler and Executive Partner Thad Woody have each served as Chair of the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association. Together with our team of experienced attorneys, they handle matters ranging from uncontested divorces to complex Georgia family law litigation.

Because divorce can involve financial professionals, custody evaluators, forensic accountants, business valuation experts, and mental health professionals, we regularly collaborate with specialists whose expertise can assist with complex issues when appropriate.

Meet Our Georgia Divorce Attorneys

At Kessler & Solomiany, LLC, our family law attorneys represent clients throughout Georgia in matters ranging from negotiated divorce settlements to complex financial and custody litigation.

Randall M. Kessler, Founding Partner: With more than 35 years of experience, Randall M. Kessler established Kessler & Solomiany in 1991 and is nationally recognized for his work in family law. He has frequently provided family law commentary to major national media outlets.

Marvin L. Solomiany, Managing Partner: Marvin L. Solomiany is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and a past Chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia. His practice includes complex divorce, custody, and high-asset family law matters.

They are supported by a team of attorneys with experience across a wide range of Georgia divorce and family law matters.

Meet the Rest of Our Team

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Your initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss your circumstances, understand your legal options, and begin developing a strategy that fits your goals.

Depending on your situation, the consultation may address:

• Whether you meet Georgia’s residency requirements
• Where your divorce should be filed
• Child custody and parenting concerns
• Division of marital property and debt
• Alimony or child support issues
• Business ownership or complex assets
• Immediate concerns requiring temporary court orders
• Potential timelines and next steps

Every consultation is confidential, and our attorneys provide straightforward guidance tailored to the specific facts of the case. Details on scheduling and fees are available before your consultation.

Divorce Questions Answered by Randy Kessler

Divorce often raises questions that do not have simple yes-or-no answers. Watch these short videos where Randy Kessler explains common legal issues, practical considerations, and misconceptions involving divorce and family law in Georgia.

Speak With a Georgia Divorce Lawyer Today

Divorce raises complex legal, financial, and personal questions that cannot always be answered through online research alone. At Kessler & Solomiany, our Georgia divorce attorneys provide guidance grounded in decades of family law practice. We help clients understand their options, anticipate potential challenges, and make informed decisions at every stage of the divorce process.

Our firm represents individuals throughout Georgia, handling matters ranging from uncontested divorces to complex, high-asset, financially sophisticated, and custody-driven cases. Whether you are considering divorce or are already involved in active proceedings, an experienced Georgia divorce lawyer can help you understand your rights and evaluate the decisions ahead.

To discuss your circumstances with our team, contact Kessler & Solomiany, LLC to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Georgia divorce attorney.