Just because things are calm doesn’t mean you can afford to be careless.
An uncontested divorce sounds easy, right? You both agree. There’s no yelling, no big fight. Maybe you’ve even seen a few online forms and thought, “We can do this ourselves.”
But here’s the truth: uncontested does not mean uncomplicated. And it definitely doesn’t mean you should skip legal help.
Let’s break down why going it alone could cost you more than you think.
What Does “Uncontested” Actually Mean in Georgia?
An uncontested divorce in Georgia simply means both spouses agree on all the major terms, including:
- Child custody and parenting time
- Child support
- Alimony (or no alimony)
- Division of assets and debts
- Who keeps what (house, car, bank accounts, etc.)
But agreeing doesn’t mean everything is automatically handled properly. The court still requires official paperwork that follows Georgia law—and every county has its own rules.
Online Templates Can’t Replace Legal Precision
You’ve probably seen ads for $99 divorce kits or AI-generated legal forms. They promise speed and simplicity—but often leave out county-specific requirements or critical legal protections.
Take Richmond, Columbia, or Burke County, for example. Each has its own process for filing, hearings, and final judgment requirements. Miss one step or file in the wrong format, and your divorce can be delayed—or worse, dismissed.
And don’t forget: if children are involved, Georgia’s uncontested divorce process includes 8+ forms that must be completed correctly.
One Mistake Could Haunt You Financially
Let’s say your ex gets the car, and you both agree she’ll take over the payments. Sounds fair, right?
But if your name stays on the loan, you’re still financially responsible. If she misses a payment, it hits your credit—not hers.
A good attorney would include a refinance requirement with a backup clause (like selling the car or house if refinance fails within a year). Online templates don’t catch that.
Think You’re Saving Money? Not If You Mess It Up
Many people skip hiring a lawyer to save money—but that can backfire fast. Here’s how:
- ❌ Mistakes = extra court dates
- ❌ Wrong forms = delays
- ❌ Missing clauses = future legal battles
- ❌ DIY errors = higher costs later
On the flip side, a legally reviewed uncontested divorce usually doesn’t even require a court appearance. Just two quick office visits—or even notarized forms—can get the job done right.
What Does It Cost?
For a full uncontested divorce with children in Georgia:
- $2,500 (includes 8 documents, 7+ hours of work, legal review)
- $1,500 without children (5 documents, 4+ hours of legal prep)
That includes:
- All required filings
- County-specific procedures
- Protection of your rights
- Legal backup if changes arise
Revisions beyond typos may result in hourly fees, but that’s better than ending up back in court because of a vague or invalid agreement.
Protect Your Peace—Not Just Your Pockets
Choosing an uncontested divorce isn’t giving up. It’s making a smart, strategic decision. You’re focused on resolution, not revenge—and that’s something to be proud of.
But peace still deserves protection. Get your paperwork right. Make sure your agreement is enforceable. Don’t hand your future over to an online form.
Need Help With an Uncontested Divorce in Georgia?
If you’re in Richmond, Columbia, Burke, Augusta, Evans, or Martinez—Catherine Verdery Ryan, Attorney at Law is here to help. Get certainty, clarity, and confidence.