Georgia · Divorce and family law

Georgia Divorce Waiting Period, Residency, and Child Support Rules

For a no-fault divorce, a decree generally cannot be entered until at least 30 days after service. Court scheduling may create a later practical hearing date.

4 rules checked against governing sourcesSources checked through Jun 14, 2026Inspect the coverage gate

Answer first, sources attached

Four state rules to check first

The filing timeline and support method can change by state and by the facts. Start with the governing reference points, then confirm the current court procedure.

Timeline

Waiting period and finality

For a no-fault divorce, a decree generally cannot be entered until at least 30 days after service. Court scheduling may create a later practical hearing date.

O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3(13); Ga. Unif. Sup. Ct. R. 24.6

Verified Jun 14, 2026 · Next review by Jun 1, 2027

Filing jurisdiction

Residency requirement

6 months bona fide GA residence immediately before filing. Military on a U.S. installation in GA for 1 year may file. Venue: county where respondent resides.

O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2

Verified Jun 16, 2026 · Next review by Jun 16, 2027

Adjustments and inputs

Child support methodology

O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15(b)(1) (Income Shares — joint income); § 19-6-15(g) (Parenting Time Adjustment formula, applied per (b)(5.1)); § 19-6-15(f)(3) + (f)(3.1) (SSA Title II / VA disability credits, applied per (b)(10)); § 19-6-15(i.1) (Low-Income Adjustment mechanic) + § 19-6-15(p) (Low-Income Adjustment Table); SB 454 enrolled, eff. 1/1/2026

Ga. SB 454 (2024), Ga. L. 2024, Act 618, codifying O.C.G.A. Sec. 19-6-15 effective 2026-01-01.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

What changes the answer

The statewide rule is the starting point

  • Service and filing postureA waiting period may run from filing, service, appearance, or another event.
  • County and venueState residency and the correct county are separate questions.
  • Parenting time and incomeSupport calculations can turn on custody time, income definitions, credits, and deviations.
  • Current forms and local rulesCourt forms, scheduling, and required disclosures can change the practical workflow.

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This page reports source-linked state rules and review dates. It does not calculate a deadline, determine eligibility, select a procedure, value a claim, or apply law to an individual situation. Verify the cited authority, local procedure, and current law before relying on a rule.