The cost of divorce in Atlanta can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands depending on how complex and contested your case is. This guide breaks down the Atlanta divorce filing fee, typical attorney and mediation costs, and what to expect for uncontested and contested cases. You’ll also learn how asset division and custody disputes influence the total cost—and how Divorce.com helps Georgia couples file faster and more affordably.

Average Divorce Costs in Atlanta

Atlanta Divorce Filing Fee

In Fulton County and neighboring metro counties (DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett), the divorce filing fee usually ranges from $220 to $265, depending on local surcharges and sheriff service fees.

• Sheriff service of process: about $50.

• Publication service (if spouse cannot be located): $80–$120.

• Respondent answer fee: generally included or nominal.

Fee waivers are available for those with financial hardship—ask the Superior Court Clerk for an Affidavit of Indigence.

Atlanta Divorce Attorney Cost

Attorney rates in the Atlanta metro are generally $300–$500 per hour, depending on the lawyer’s experience and the county where the case is filed.

• Retainers: typically $4,000–$8,000 for contested matters.

• Flat-fee uncontested cases: sometimes available for $1,000–$2,500.

Cost-saving tips

• Choose limited-scope representation for only what you need.

• Stay organized with documents to reduce billable time.

• Resolve as many issues as possible before filing.

Atlanta Uncontested Divorce Cost

If both spouses agree on all terms—including property division, custody, and support—you can complete an uncontested divorce for $500–$2,000, plus the filing fee.

These cases usually take 1–3 months, depending on the court’s schedule.
Divorce.com simplifies this process with guided Georgia-specific forms and filing instructions, saving couples time and costly legal fees.

Atlanta Divorce Mediation Cost

Mediation is one of the most effective ways to resolve disagreements in Georgia.
Typical Atlanta divorce mediation cost:

• Hourly rate: $150–$350 per hour per party.

• Half-day sessions: $600–$1,000 per person.

• Full-day sessions: $1,200–$2,000 per person.

Most couples spend $3,000–$7,000 total, depending on the number of sessions. Fulton and DeKalb counties often require mediation before trial for child-related issues.

Atlanta Contested Divorce Cost

When spouses disagree on assets, support, or custody, costs escalate quickly.
A contested divorce in Atlanta can cost $12,000–$30,000+, with major drivers including:

• Discovery and depositions

• Multiple hearings

• Expert witnesses or forensic accountants

• Custody evaluations or guardian ad litem appointments

Litigation takes time—expect six months to more than a year for full resolution.

Atlanta Asset Division Cost

Georgia is an equitable distribution state, which means marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally.

Typical Atlanta asset division costs include:

• Real estate appraisals: $400–$1,200 each

• Business valuations: $5,000–$12,000+

• QDROs (retirement accounts): $300–$600 per plan

• Forensic accounting: $200–$400 per hour

Simpler cases stay low-cost when both parties agree on values and ownership.

Atlanta Custody Dispute Cost

Custody disputes can dramatically increase expenses.
Parents may need:

• Guardian ad litem or custody evaluator: $2,000–$6,000+

• Therapist or parenting coordinator involvement: $1,000–$3,000+

• Additional mediation sessions: $500–$1,000 each

Judges in Georgia emphasize shared parenting plans, and couples who cooperate early spend far less than those who litigate custody in court.

Divorce.com vs. Traditional Divorce in Atlanta

Typical Atlanta Divorce Budget

FAQs

Can I file for divorce in Atlanta without a lawyer?
Yes. Georgia allows self-representation. Divorce.com helps you prepare and file Georgia-specific forms correctly.

What is the waiting period for divorce in Georgia?
Georgia requires a 30-day waiting period after filing before the court can finalize your divorce.

Do both spouses pay filing fees?
Only the petitioner pays when filing. The respondent may pay small administrative fees if submitting counterclaims.

Is mediation required in Fulton County?
Yes, most Atlanta-area courts require mediation before trial in cases involving children or contested assets.

What is the cheapest way to divorce in Atlanta?
An uncontested online divorce through Divorce.com is the most cost-effective option—often under $1,000 total.

The Bottom Line

The average cost of divorce in Atlanta depends on your level of conflict and how efficiently issues are resolved. Couples who reach early agreements can finish for under $2,000, while fully contested cases can reach $30,000+.

With Divorce.com, Atlanta residents can file online, access flat-fee legal support, and complete the process faster—with no hidden hourly surprises.

👉 Start your Atlanta divorce online today at Divorce.com and move forward with confidence.