Post updated 12/10/2025
When you are facing divorce, one of the most pressing questions is often, “What will this actually cost me?” In 2026, the answer depends on several key factors, especially whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, how many issues are disputed, and whether children or complex financial matters are involved.
Attorney fees, filing costs, and local court procedures can differ slightly across counties like Fulton, Forsyth, Cherokee, Gwinnett, and other Georgia counties, so working with a firm that understands how these local systems operate can make a significant difference.
At Hastings Shadmehry Family Law, we serve clients across North Metro Atlanta, offering clear legal guidance, fair cost expectations, and a strong focus on resolution. Whether you are in the early stages of considering a divorce or already facing difficult legal decisions, we help you understand what to expect, financially and emotionally, every step of the way.
Here is what to know about the typical cost of divorce in Georgia in 2026, and how various factors, from court fees to custody disputes, can influence your total expenses.
How Much Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Georgia (2026)?
For couples who can agree on all key matters, like property division, custody, and support, an uncontested divorce is often the most affordable and efficient way to move forward. In Georgia, the total cost for an uncontested divorce typically falls between 300 and $5,000, depending on whether lawyers are retained and how much legal assistance is involved.
At the lower end, individuals who choose to handle their own divorce may only pay the court filing fee, which ranges from $200 to $225, depending on the county. However, this do it yourself route carries a number of risks, from improperly completed paperwork to overlooked legal requirements that could delay the process or create future complications and lawsuits.
Hiring an attorney, especially one experienced in Georgia family law, provides much needed clarity and protection. Attorney assisted uncontested divorces generally cost between $2,500 and $5,000, with pricing based on the case’s complexity and the attorney’s level of involvement. This investment often pays for itself by avoiding long term issues that can stem from rushed or incomplete agreements.
Hastings Shadmehry Family Law offers streamlined, supportive legal services for clients throughout North Atlanta’s suburbs, including Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Cumming, and surrounding communities. Our team helps clients complete uncontested divorces with accuracy and care, minimizing stress, controlling costs, and keeping the process on track.
Is Hiring an Attorney for an Uncontested Divorce Worth It?
Even when the process seems simple, it is easy to make costly mistakes without proper guidance. Here are a few reasons why hiring an attorney, even for an uncontested divorce, is a smart decision:
1. Ensuring Accurate Child Support
Georgia uses a detailed formula to calculate child support based on income, parenting time, and other variables. Without a clear understanding of the rules, parents may end up overpaying, underpaying, or creating an agreement the court will not approve. An attorney helps ensure the support amount is fair and legally sound.
2. Building a Complete Custody Plan
Parenting agreements that seem fine at first can quickly unravel without built in safeguards for holidays, decision making, and conflict resolution. A lawyer can help draft a parenting plan that not only satisfies legal standards but also anticipates real world needs.
3. Dividing Property and Debt Correctly
Misclassifying marital versus separate property or unevenly distributing debts can trigger major financial problems down the road. An experienced attorney will guide you through asset and liability division in a way that aligns with Georgia law and protects your long term interests.
4. Avoiding Procedural Mistakes
Filing for divorce involves more than just filling out forms, it is a formal legal process with specific requirements. Errors in filing or missing documentation can delay your case or even result in dismissal. A lawyer helps ensure everything is filed correctly and on time.
5. Preventing Future Legal Disputes
Many people who file uncontested divorces without help end up back in court months or years later, whether it is to fix unclear terms, dispute a support amount, or revisit custody issues. A professionally drafted agreement minimizes the likelihood of future litigation and gives both parties a stable foundation for moving forward.
Ultimately, working with a trusted legal team like Hastings Shadmehry Family Law allows clients to complete their uncontested divorce with peace of mind, knowing everything is handled thoroughly, correctly, and with their best interests at the center.
How Much Does a Contested Divorce Cost in Georgia?
When couples disagree on major issues, such as custody, property division, or alimony, the divorce becomes contested. In Georgia, the cost of a contested divorce typically ranges from 10,000 to $20,000 or more, with high conflict or complex cases exceeding $50,000 to $200,000.
The primary driver of cost is attorney time. Contested cases require more filings, court appearances, negotiations, and possibly a trial. Attorneys in Georgia generally charge between $250 and $500 per hour depending on experience, and the longer the case drags on, the more legal time is billed.
Additional expenses include:
- Court filing fees: around $200 to $225 depending on length and complexity of the case
- Mediation: $3,000 to $8,000 if required or chosen voluntarily
- Expert witnesses: financial, psychological, and other experts can cost hundreds of dollars per hour
- Guardian ad Litem (if custody is contested): a $2,000 to $3,500 retainer and an hourly rate of $200 to $400
- Parenting seminar fees: typically $30 to $75 per parent
If the case involves significant assets, business valuation, or complex custody disputes, total costs rise quickly. Hastings Shadmehry Family Law works with clients to set realistic expectations, control costs where possible, and avoid unnecessary court battles when strategic negotiation is more effective.
What Does Divorce Mediation Cost in Georgia?
What Does Divorce Mediation Cost in Georgia?Mediation is a common, and often cost saving, step in contested divorce cases. In Georgia, the cost of divorce mediation typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, usually split between both parties.
There are two main types of mediation:
1. Private Mediation
Private mediators charge hourly rates of $150 to $300, with total fees depending on the number of sessions needed. A half day mediation may cost around $1,500, while a full day could exceed $3,000. Complex cases may require multiple sessions, increasing the total.
2. Court Ordered Mediation
Some Georgia courts provide low cost or sliding scale mediation through approved programs. For example, Fulton County charges $115 per party for court ordered mediation. These sessions are usually shorter and focused on custody or financial issues.
Why Mediation Matters
Although it is an added cost, mediation often reduces overall divorce expenses by avoiding prolonged litigation. Many couples resolve major disputes during mediation, which can eliminate the need for a trial and save thousands in legal fees.
How Much Does a Guardian ad Litem Cost in Georgia?
When custody is contested, Georgia courts may appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to represent the best interests of the child. While essential in high conflict cases, a GAL adds a notable cost to the divorce process.
Typical Guardian ad Litem Costs
- Hourly rate: $200 to $400
- Fee retainer: $2,000 to $3,500 or more
GALs are usually paid a retainer upfront, which is drawn from as they investigate and report on custody matters. If the case requires extensive interviews, home visits, or court appearances, costs can exceed the initial retainer, especially in long or complex disputes.
What a GAL Does
A GAL serves as the child’s advocate, conducting interviews with parents, children, teachers, and other involved parties. They may visit homes, review records, and observe interactions before submitting a recommendation to the judge regarding custody, visitation, and other parental responsibilities.
Why GAL Fees Are Worth Considering Early
Though GAL services increase overall divorce costs, they can prevent longer term conflicts and reduce the need for future custody litigation. Judges often rely heavily on GAL recommendations when determining parenting plans, making their role a crucial part of any contested case.
Court Filing Fees and Additional Court Costs in Georgia (2026)
Every divorce in Georgia, whether contested or uncontested, begins with a court filing, and that filing comes with a price. While the filing fee is relatively modest compared to legal fees, it is a required cost that all parties must plan for.
What Are the Filing Fees for Divorce in Georgia?
Court filing fees in Georgia generally range from $200 to $225, depending on the county. Here is a quick look at some typical examples:
- Fulton County: $223
- Gwinnett County: $220
- Cobb County: $215
- Clayton County: $223
These fees cover the basic petition for divorce and are paid to the Superior Court Clerk to officially open the case.
Additional Court Related Expenses in a Divorce
In addition to the filing fee, divorcing spouses may encounter a few other court related costs:
- Service of process: if your spouse needs to be formally served with papers, expect to pay $50 to $100, depending on whether you use the sheriff or a private process server
- Motions and hearings: additional filings, like motions for temporary custody or support, often come with extra fees, usually $20 to $100 per motion
- Certified copies: if you need a certified copy of your final divorce decree, most counties charge $10 to $20 for official documentation
These smaller costs can add up, especially in more complex or drawn out cases, but they are generally predictable and can be budgeted for early in the process.
An Example of How Much a Divorce Can Cost in Georgia
To better understand the financial realities of divorce in Georgia, it helps to look at an example that reflects a typical yet moderately complex case involving child custody, a few contested issues, and some outside professional support.
The Situation
A married couple living in North Fulton County has two children and a jointly owned home. They agree on some issues, like splitting the house sale proceeds, but disagree on child custody and certain financial matters. Both spouses hire attorneys, and the court eventually appoints a Guardian ad Litem (GAL). Mediation is attempted before trial.
Breakdown of Costs
Here is what each party may expect to spend:
- Attorney retainer: $5,000 to $15,000 per spouse (potentially higher based on the complexity of the case, billed hourly and higher if the case drags on past six to eight months)
- Court filing and service fees: around $225 to file plus $50 to $100 for service
- Mediation (shared cost): $1,500 to $3,000 (assuming one to two sessions with a private mediator)
- Guardian ad Litem: $2,500 to $5,000 (split between parties, depending on duration of the investigation)
- Parenting seminar: $30 to $75 per parent (court mandated co parenting course)
- Miscellaneous motions and hearings: $300 to $600 (costs for motions regarding custody or support adjustments)
Estimated Total Cost
When all is said and done, each party could spend between $8,000 and $18,000 or more depending on complexity and how efficiently issues are resolved. If additional complexities arise, such as business ownership, out of state assets, or child relocation requests, costs can increase significantly.
Why It Matters
This example highlights why it is so critical to work with an experienced family law attorney early in the process. Missed filing deadlines, poorly drafted custody agreements, or unchallenged asset evaluations can lead to long term financial and emotional consequences. The team at Hastings Shadmehry Family Law not only guides you through each step but actively works to keep the case on track, minimizing delays, avoiding unnecessary conflict, and ultimately helping you protect your future.
Final Thoughts: Making Informed Divorce Decisions in Georgia
The cost of divorce in Georgia in 2026 can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for a do it yourself uncontested case to tens of thousands in a contested matter involving attorneys, mediators, and court appointed experts. Whether your situation is amicable or complex, understanding the potential expenses upfront allows you to make strategic, informed decisions from day one.
But just as important as cost is value. A well handled divorce agreement can prevent costly future disputes, protect your parental rights, and support your financial stability for years to come.
At Hastings Shadmehry Family Law, we understand how personal and overwhelming this process can feel. Our team brings calm, clarity, and commitment to every case, guiding clients across Alpharetta, Cumming, Johns Creek, and the surrounding communities with personalized legal support that is both compassionate and effective.
If you are considering divorce, you do not have to navigate it alone. Reach out today to schedule a confidential consultation and get the guidance you deserve from a firm that puts your future first.
