The myth that causes delays
“Uncontested is uncontested, our forms will be the same.”
Mostly true, not always. Same-sex couples often have extra documents and histories that a generic packet does not capture. When those details are missing, judges send packets back for corrections and your calm timeline slips.
You do not need drama, you need precision that matches your family.
Where same-sex divorces quietly go wrong
Donor and clinic records
If you built your family with a donor or through a clinic, the paper trail matters. Judges want to see parental rights clearly grounded in law, not just good intentions.
- Confirm whether there is a written donor agreement.
- Note who has legal parent status now, through marriage at birth, paternity acknowledgment, or adoption.
- Avoid vague language about “future contact” or “rights,” keep the order focused on current legal parents and the parenting plan.
Second-parent or stepparent adoption status
When only one parent is on the original birth certificate, the other may have obtained rights later by adoption. Your packet should reference the adoption order and attach it when required. Skipping this creates confusion at schools and doctors’ offices later.
Birth certificate versus legal rights
A name on a certificate is not always the full story. Put the legal basis for parentage into your findings section so the parenting plan and child support terms sit on solid ground.
Property and titles with creative ownership
Same-sex couples often used workarounds before marriage equality, for example one name on a deed or title while both paid. Spell out the equity story and the transfer steps so the division is enforceable, not sentimental.
Retirement, life insurance, and beneficiaries
Long-standing beneficiary designations are easy to miss. Specify who will draft the QDRO, the valuation date, and who pays plan fees. Update life insurance beneficiaries if support is secured that way.
Privacy, social media, and safety
Add a social media clause and a short privacy section. Outing details, donor information, or clinic paperwork on social platforms can create real harm. Use a takedown window and fee shifting for willful violations.
Parenting plan details judges expect
Friendly parents still need structure. Courts in Georgia, including Richmond, Columbia, and Burke, approve plans that are specific and enforceable.
- Weekly schedule that fits school and work realities
- Exchange rules with time, place, short grace, and make-up time
- Holiday and break rotation with start and end times
- Travel notice and access to passports or vital documents
- Decision-making with a tie-breaker arrangement for medical, education, and activities
- Expenses for kids: insurance, uncovered medical using a simple 30 and 30 rhythm, and a clear method for activity costs
If relocation is even a possibility, include notice rules and a long-distance plan that preserves real parenting time.
Child support that works and passes review
Support belongs to the child, not the adults. Attach the Georgia Child Support Worksheet, list the payment method, and set a due date.
- Credit the health insurance premium to the parent who pays it.
- Use the 30 and 30 rule for uncovered medical, submit within 30 days, reimburse within 30 days.
- If you deviate, write a short reason that shows the result is still in the child’s best interest.
House, car, credit, and the traps no one sees
The home
“Refinance when able” is not a plan. Use a date to apply, a date to close, monthly status updates, and an automatic sale fallback if the loan is denied or the deadline passes. Include agent selection, list price method, scheduled reductions, and access for photos or showings.
Vehicles
If one spouse keeps the car, set the title transfer date, loan assumption or payoff plan, insurance carrier and minimums, and who handles tags and ad valorem tax. Proof uploads stop confusion.
Proof and enforcement
Goodwill fades when bills hit. Add monthly statement uploads during transition, quick mediation for routine disputes, and fee shifting for willful nonpayment.
Language that protects privacy and dignity
A short clause can prevent big problems.
- No posting private documents, donor details, or clinic records.
- No disparagement, no tagging extended family into conflict.
- Takedown within a defined window if a mistake happens.
Clarity keeps the case peaceful and keeps children out of adult issues.
How we keep same-sex cases calm and fast
For uncontested clients, our office:
- Confirms the legal parent framework and references adoption or other orders where needed
- Builds a clear parenting plan and attaches the Child Support Worksheet
- Writes precise refinance and sale fallback terms that protect credit
- Maps title, loan, and beneficiary changes so assets actually transfer
- Packages everything in a county-compliant format judges can approve without a hearing in many cases
When your packet is clean and the court is satisfied, many uncontested matters can be presented for approval about 30 days after signatures.
Professional bottom line
Same peace, different pitfalls. With the right documents and the right language, your uncontested same-sex divorce can finish quietly, on time, and with the protections your family deserves.
Closing message
If you want a respectful, county-ready same-sex divorce that avoids paperwork traps, Catherine Verdery Ryan, Attorney at Law, is ready to help. We prepare judge-ready packets for Richmond, Columbia, and Burke counties.
Visit catherineryanlawyer.com to file once and finish cleanly.