There are two ways to divorce in Georgia — through the Civil Registry or through a court. Which one applies to you depends on whether you and your spouse agree.
1. Divorce at the Civil Registry
If both spouses agree to the divorce and there is no dispute about children or property, the divorce can be registered with the Civil Registry through the Public Service Hall. This is the fastest and least expensive route.
2. Divorce through the court
If one spouse does not agree to the divorce, or there is a dispute about the child's residence, alimony or property, the court decides. In family disputes the court may refer the parties to mediation.
Children and alimony
Parents agree between themselves where the child will live and how the other parent will keep in contact; if they cannot agree, the court decides in the child's best interests. Parents must support their minor children; the amount of alimony is set by agreement or by the court.
Division of property
Property acquired during the marriage is the spouses' joint property and is, as a rule, divided equally unless a marriage contract says otherwise. Property owned before the marriage, gifts and inheritance remain each spouse's personal property.
Documents to prepare
- ID documents of both spouses
- Marriage certificate
- Children's birth certificates
- Property documents (registry extracts, contracts)
- Marriage contract, if any
If one spouse is a foreign national or the marriage was registered abroad, additional rules may apply — get advice before you start.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.
