In Georgia, the grounds for divorce can be broadly categorized into fault-based and no-fault grounds. The primary no-fault ground is an "irretrievable breakdown" of the marriage, which implies that the marriage is beyond repair and there's no hope of reconciliation. Fault-based grounds include adultery, desertion, cruelty, habitual intoxication or drug addiction, mental incapacity at the time of marriage, impotency at the time of marriage, force or fraud in obtaining the marriage, conviction of a crime of moral turpitude with imprisonment of two years or more, and habitual drunkenness.

The duration of a divorce in Georgia varies depending on whether it is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all terms, can be finalized as quickly as 31 days after filing. However, a contested divorce, where the parties have disagreements on key issues, can take several months to years, depending on the complexity of the case, the chances of settlement between the parties, and the court's schedule.

A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more key aspects of their divorce, such as child custody, property division, or alimony, requiring court intervention to resolve these disputes. In contrast, an uncontested divorce is where both spouses reach a mutual agreement on all significant issues related to the dissolution of their marriage, allowing for a more streamlined and typically quicker legal process. The choice between contested and uncontested divorce significantly impacts the duration, cost, and overall complexity of the divorce proceedings.

In Georgia, property division during a divorce follows the principle of “equitable distribution,” which means that marital assets and debts are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers various factors, such as each spouse's financial contributions, earning capacity, and the duration of the marriage, to determine a fair division. This approach allows for flexibility and fairness in dividing assets and debts, taking into account the unique circumstances of each case.

In Georgia, alimony may be awarded based on a court's consideration of several factors, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse's financial resources, age, and physical and emotional condition, and the standard of living established during the marriage. The court also considers the contributing spouse's ability to pay and the recipient spouse's financial needs, ensuring that the alimony awarded is fair and equitable.

While it is not legally required to have a lawyer for a divorce in Georgia, it is highly recommended, especially in cases involving complex issues like property division, child custody, or alimony. A lawyer can provide valuable guidance, ensure your rights are protected, and help navigate the complexities of the legal system.

The divorce process in Georgia begins with one spouse filing a complaint for divorce in the county where the other spouse resides. This is followed by serving the complaint to the other spouse, who then has 30 days to respond. The process involves various stages including negotiation, mediation, and potentially a court trial, especially in contested cases, to resolve issues such as asset division, custody, and support.

In a Georgia divorce, retirement accounts are considered marital property if they were accrued or contributed to during the marriage and are subject to equitable distribution. The division of these accounts is based on the value accumulated during the marriage, and it may involve complex financial evaluations and use of mechanisms like Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for proper allocation.

In Georgia, child custody decisions are made based on the best interests of the child, considering factors like the child's relationship with each parent, the child's home, school, and community life, and the mental and physical health of all parties. Child support is calculated using the Georgia Child Support Guidelines, which consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and other relevant expenses to ensure a fair support arrangement.