The trap: “It all looks fine…”
You kept it civil, you agreed on the big stuff, and the draft feels tidy. But friendly divorces often hide silent problems—phrases that sound reasonable and later explode into credit issues, parenting fights, and do-overs. Here are the seven red flags we fix most often in Georgia, plus the safer direction to take.
1) “Refinance when able”
Why it’s risky: No deadline, no proof, no next step if the lender says no. Your names stay tied to the same mortgage and one late payment dings both scores.
Better direction: A firm apply-by date, a close-by date, monthly status updates, and an automatic sale fallback if the deadline is missed or the loan is denied.
2) House plan with no sale roadmap
Why it’s risky: Even with a fallback, the sale stalls without rules.
Better direction: Listing date, how the agent is chosen, pricing method (CMA/appraisal), scheduled price reductions, access for photos/showings, and who pays prep costs.
3) Car without title/loan/insurance steps
Why it’s risky: “She keeps the SUV, he’ll pay for now” leaves title and loan in the wrong name and insurance mismatched.
Better direction: Title transfer date, loan assumption or payoff plan, insurance carrier and minimums, proof deadlines, and who handles tags/ad valorem.
4) “We’ll split debts fairly”
Why it’s risky: Collectors chase the name on the account, not the word “fair.”
Better direction: List each creditor, balance, payer, start date, and how proof of payment is shared until the debt is closed.
5) Vague parenting plan (“we’ll work it out”)
Why it’s risky: Drift happens. Missed weekends, late exchanges, and rising resentment.
Better direction: Weekly schedule with exact exchange times/locations, late grace and make-up time, holiday rotation, travel notice, and who handles school/activities during each parent’s time.
6) No Georgia Child Support Worksheet
Why it’s risky: Courts expect the worksheet; missing math slows or sinks approval.
Better direction: Attach the Georgia Child Support Worksheet, specify payment method and due date, health insurance details, and a clear reason if you deviate.
7) No proof or enforcement plan
Why it’s risky: Goodwill fades when bills hit. Without a process, small issues become big fights.
Better direction: Simple monthly statement uploads during transitions, a quick mediation step for routine disputes, and fee-shifting for willful nonpayment.
Why this matters even when you’re friendly
Clarity is kindness. Specifics protect your peace, your credit, and your timeline. Judges in Richmond, Columbia, and Burke counties approve orders that are clear and enforceable, not poetic. When the packet is precise—and the court is satisfied—many uncontested cases can be presented for approval about 30 days after signatures.
How we keep “friendly” from becoming “expensive”
- Tighten vague lines into terms a judge can enforce
- Add refinance deadlines with a real sale plan
- Map titles, loans, and insurance so assets actually transfer
- Build a parenting plan that fits real life
- Attach the worksheet and clean up support language
- Add proof-and-enforcement so you don’t live on screenshots and texts
Result: you file once, finish cleanly, and stay out of court.
Professional bottom line
If even one of these red flags is in your draft, do not sign yet. Fix the language now and your uncontested divorce will stay calm, quick, and final.
Closing message
Want a second set of eyes before you ink the page? Catherine Verdery Ryan, Attorney at Law, reviews and prepares county-ready agreements that protect your peace from the fine print.
Visit catherineryanlawyer.com to finalize with confidence.