Let’s say you and your spouse have decided to split up, but there’s no fighting. You agree on who gets what, you’re on the same page about the kids, and things are civil. It might feel like the hard part is over—and in many ways, it is.
So the next question is usually:
“Do we really need a lawyer?”
It’s a fair question. After all, uncontested divorce means no arguing in court, right?
Well… yes. But that doesn’t mean you should go it alone.
Uncontested Doesn’t Mean Simple
An uncontested divorce means both parties agree on the terms of the divorce:
- Who gets what
- How custody will work
- What happens with child support or alimony
- How debts and property will be divided
But agreeing is just the beginning. The real challenge? Making sure it’s all written correctly—and legally valid under Georgia law.
It’s Not Just Paperwork—It’s the Future
Online divorce templates and downloadable forms can seem like a fast fix. But here’s the problem:
- They’re generic. Georgia has county-specific rules, especially in places like Richmond, Columbia, and Burke.
- They miss critical clauses. What if someone can’t refinance the house? What if a vehicle’s title doesn’t get transferred?
- They don’t catch your blind spots. You don’t know what you don’t know—and when it comes to divorce, what you miss could cost you later.
Example: We’ve seen cases where one spouse stayed on a car loan for years after the divorce—because the agreement didn’t say what to do if the other person couldn’t refinance. That’s a detail an online form won’t flag.
Mistakes Can Lead to Big Problems
Without legal help, people often face:
- Delays because paperwork is incomplete or filed incorrectly
- Rejections by the court due to formatting or missing local forms
- Future financial messes because key protections were left out
- Custody confusion because the parenting plan wasn’t detailed enough
And if you have kids? That adds multiple pages of required documents, including:
- A Parenting Plan
- A Child Support Worksheet
- County-specific forms that change depending on where you live
Here’s What a Lawyer Actually Does
When you hire a lawyer for an uncontested divorce, you’re not hiring them to “fight.” You’re hiring them to:
1. Make sure the documents are correct and complete
2. Customize the agreement to fit your situation
3. Catch mistakes before the court does
4. Help you avoid going to court altogether
5. Protect you from future legal and financial risks
It’s less about arguing—and more about protecting your peace.
A Small Investment Now Can Save You Big Later
Many people turn to lawyers after their DIY divorce falls apart:
- “My ex never refinanced and now my credit’s ruined.”
- “I thought the custody agreement covered holidays—it didn’t.”
- “The judge rejected my filing and I had no idea why.”
That’s when the fix costs more than getting it done right the first time.
Let’s Help You Close This Chapter—Correctly
If you and your spouse are working together, that’s great. We love helping couples who want to keep things peaceful and simple. But don’t let simplicity turn into regret.
Catherine Ryan, Attorney at Law, is here to make sure your uncontested divorce is clean, complete, and final—just the way it should be.
Click here to schedule your consultation
No court drama. No legal confusion. Just a fresh start—done right.