A Dedicated Gwinnett County Divorce Lawyer Striving To Minimize The Impact Divorce Has On Your Life

Last updated on August 25, 2026

Ending a marriage can be an intense, emotionally draining experience, even when spouses agree that divorce is their best option. From determining custody arrangements and dividing property to establishing parenting guidelines, there are so many issues that you’ll need to address before you can move on to your next stage in life.

Handling these tasks without professional assistance can have long-term negative consequences. Our divorce attorneys at The Hicks Law Group, PC, are committed to helping you minimize the impact that your family law issue has on your loved ones. Lawyer Jeff Hicks leverages decades of legal experience to identify positive solutions for sensitive divorce concerns.

Helping You Resolve Complicated Divorce Matters In Gwinnett County

Whether you are contemplating a contested or uncontested Georgia divorce, Jeff is qualified to help you. He uses his substantial understanding of state divorce laws and proceedings to streamline this process.

Jeff draws on decades of family law experience when he advises you on your best options regarding these complicated divorce matters:

• Child custody and parenting rights for minor children
• Financial orders
• Property and asset division

When you work with Jeff, you can rely on him to pursue the most cost-effective approach possible. While most divorce matters can be resolved through negotiation, this is not always the case. A seasoned litigator, he is always ready to support your side in court.

What Are The Grounds For Divorce In Georgia?

Unlike many other states, Georgia recognizes several fault grounds, in addition to the no-fault ground of an irretrievably broken marriage.

Examples include:

• Adultery: Voluntary sexual intercourse with an outside party
• Desertion: Willful, continuous abandonment for a year or more
• Habitual intoxication: Continuous, excessive substance use (alcohol or drugs) negatively impacting marriage
• Cruelty: Willful infliction of pain, bodily or mental, endangering the other spouse’s life, limbs or health

Understanding Georgia’s divorce grounds can help you and your lawyer determine the best approach for your specific situation.

Understanding Contested And Uncontested Divorce In Georgia

When navigating the dissolution of a marriage in Georgia, your legal proceeding will follow one of two primary paths: uncontested or contested. The distinction between these two options dictates your timeline, financial investment, privacy and overall level of control over the outcome.

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses reach a complete agreement on every legal aspect of their separation prior to filing. In Georgia, this requires total consensus on marital property division, debt allocation, alimony, child custody and child support calculations.

Both parties sign a comprehensive marital settlement agreement, allowing the court to finalize the divorce after Georgia’s mandatory 31-day waiting period. Because there are no disputed issues for a judge to resolve, this path is faster, less costly and keeps personal details out of public court proceedings.

Meanwhile, a contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more critical issues. Even a single unresolved term – such as refinancing deadlines for the family home or holiday parenting schedules – shifts the case into contested territory.

Contested divorces require formal court intervention, which often includes financial discovery, depositions, temporary hearings and court-ordered mediation. If negotiations stall, a Georgia Superior Court judge makes final, binding rulings regarding your assets, finances and parental rights. Consequently, contested litigation takes significantly longer and carries higher legal expenses.

How To Know Which Option Is Right For You

Determining the right approach depends on your relationship dynamic, financial transparency and ability to compromise. An uncontested divorce may be right for you if:

• You and your spouse maintain open, respectful communication.
• Both parties have provided full, transparent financial disclosures.
• You already agree on parenting plans, asset division and spousal support.
• Your priority is a swift, cost-effective and private resolution.

However, a contested divorce may be necessary if:

• You suspect your spouse is hiding assets or misrepresenting income.
• There is a significant power imbalance, high conflict or a history of domestic issues.
• You disagree fundamentally on child custody, decision-making authority or relocation.
• One party refuses to negotiate in good faith or accept equitable terms.

Whether your case requires collaborative drafting or aggressive litigation, consulting an experienced Georgia divorce attorney can be helpful for this process.

How Long Does Divorce Take In Georgia?

Divorce timelines in Georgia can vary depending on several factors. In a typical, uncontested divorce, where spouses agree on all major issues, such as property division, child custody (if applicable) and alimony, the process can be resolved in as little as six months to a year. However, this time frame can easily stretch out over years if any disputes cannot be resolved.

Disagreements are the main culprit for delays. These can arise over various aspects of the divorce settlement, including the equitable distribution of marital assets (houses, cars and retirement accounts), child custody schedules (visitation rights and decision-making authority) and spousal support (alimony). The more complex the financial situation or the more contentious the child custody arrangements, the longer it will take to reach an agreement. Mediation or court appearances may become necessary in these cases, further extending the timeline.

While some may be tempted to forgo legal counsel to expedite the process, this often backfires. Our experienced divorce lawyer can navigate the legal intricacies of divorce, ensuring a fair and comprehensive settlement that protects your interests. He can also effectively manage communication and negotiations, potentially saving time and emotional distress in the long run.

Assisting You With Post-Judgment Modifications

No matter how well-crafted a divorce agreement is, unexpected circumstances can make it difficult to follow the terms of your custody or support agreement.

Jeff regularly advocates for clients in post-divorce matters that include:

• Relocations
• Modifications to child support orders
• Modifications to child custody orders
• Modification of other divorce and custody matters for minor children

Jeff also represents parents seeking enforcement orders for custody and support violations.

Answers To Common Questions About Georgia Divorce

As you can see, getting a divorce in Georgia is often more complicated than most people imagine. To help you understand the process better, below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions clients have. Whether you are considering divorce or are already in the midst of the process, they can provide clarity and guidance.

Is Georgia a “no-fault” divorce state?

Yes, Georgia is a “no-fault” divorce state. This means that either party can file for divorce without having to prove that the other spouse did something wrong. The most common ground for a no-fault divorce in Georgia is that the marriage is irretrievably broken, which essentially means there are irreconcilable differences that the spouses cannot resolve.

How much will a divorce cost in Georgia?

The cost of divorce in Georgia can vary widely depending on several factors, including whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. On average, an uncontested divorce can cost between $300 and $3,000, while a contested divorce can range from $15,000 to $30,000 or more. Additional costs can include filing fees, attorney fees and expenses associated with mediation or expert witnesses.

What happens if my spouse doesn’t want a divorce?

Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence. If your spouse refuses or resists the divorce, you can still proceed with the process. In Georgia, if one spouse files for divorce and the other spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers or respond to the petition, the court may grant a default judgment.

This means that the divorce can proceed without the other spouse’s participation, but the court must ensure your spouse is properly notified before moving forward. While this may delay the divorce process, it will not ultimately prevent you from legally severing your marital ties.

You Do Not Need To Face Divorce Alone. Contact Us.

No matter where you are in the divorce process, Jeff is ready to help. Reach The Hicks Law Group, PC, in Lawrenceville via our contact form or call us at 678-894-9097 to arrange your consultation.

We accept payment by check and credit card through LawPay. We also accept cash, and we strive to provide experienced representation at affordable rates.