Divorce Process in Gwinnett County | Step-by-Step Timeline

Divorce takes time. Some cases end fast. Others move slowly. The steps are the same, but the pace changes for everyone.

If you live in Gwinnett County, knowing the timeline helps you plan. Attorney Dan Palumbo, an experienced Gwinnett divorce lawyer, helps clients handle each stage with care. Here’s what you can expect from start to finish.

Starting the Process: Filing Begins the Clock

A divorce starts when you file a Petition for Divorce at the Gwinnett County Superior Court. This date marks the official start of your case. Everything after that — service, mediation, and hearings — follows this timeline.

The court reviews your paperwork, collects a filing fee, and gives you a case number. Once accepted, your case enters the system.

A Gwinnett divorce lawyer can check your forms before filing. This small step prevents delays later.

Step 1: Meeting The Residency Rule

To file in Gwinnett County, one spouse must live in Georgia for at least six months. If both of you live here, the case is filed where either spouse resides.

You can show proof of residence through a lease, license, or voter registration. If you’ve just moved, wait until you meet the rule. Filing too early can cause dismissal. Waiting saves time and frustration.

Step 2: Serving Your Spouse

After filing, your spouse must get official notice of the divorce. This step is called service of process.

In Gwinnett County, service can happen in three ways:

The Sheriff’s Office delivers the papers.
A private process server delivers them.
Your spouse signs an Acknowledgment of Service.

After service, your spouse has thirty days to respond. If they don’t, you can ask for a default judgment. The judge still reviews everything before approving it.

This part often feels slow, but it’s required for fairness.

Step 3: Contested Or Uncontested Divorce

There are two types of divorce.

An uncontested divorce means both sides agree on property, custody, and support. These usually finish in about two months.

A contested divorce means there is disagreement on one or more issues. These take longer and often need mediation or hearings.

Even when things start to get tense, many couples reach an agreement halfway through. Mediation helps make that possible.

Step 4: The Thirty-Day Response Period

Once your spouse is served, a thirty-day clock starts. They can file a response, disagree with your petition, or file their own claims.

If they reply, the following steps include scheduling mediation or a hearing. If not, your lawyer can move forward with a default process.

This waiting time gives you space to collect paperwork — income records, bills, and bank statements. Being organized keeps your case moving.

Step 5: Temporary Hearings

Sometimes, couples need temporary orders before the divorce is final. These cover short-term issues like:

Who stays in the house
How child support is handled
Temporary custody and visitation

The judge may schedule this hearing within weeks after filing. The orders remain in place until the case ends. Temporary decisions keep things stable while everything else gets worked out.

Step 6: Discovery And Financial Exchange

The next stage is discovery. Both sides share financial and personal records. You might exchange tax returns, pay stubs, or property details.

Discovery usually takes one to three months. If someone doesn’t respond, the court can step in.

Honesty during this phase helps prevent future disputes. The more complete your records, the smoother the case becomes.

Step 7: Mediation And Settlement

Mediation helps both sides talk through disagreements. It’s often required before a trial can happen.

A neutral mediator listens to both sides and guides the discussion. Many couples reach complete agreement here. It’s faster, less stressful, and less expensive than going to trial.

If both parties agree, the mediator writes a settlement. The judge reviews and signs it. That becomes part of your final order.

If no agreement is reached, the court sets a pre-trial meeting.

If you’re unsure how to prepare, you can contact attorney Dan Palumbo, a trusted Gwinnett divorce lawyer.

Call 470-275-1500

Email dan@palumbolawga.com

Visit https://palumbolawga.com/

Step 8: Pre-Trial Review and Scheduling

If mediation doesn’t work, the judge holds a pre-trial conference. This meeting identifies which issues remain unresolved. Each side must list its evidence and witnesses.

Because the court manages many cases, trial dates might take time. Staying patient and organized helps prevent delays.

Step 9: Trial And Final Judgment

Few divorces go to trial. When they do, both sides present evidence to a judge. Witnesses may testify. Each lawyer gives closing arguments.

After reviewing the case, the judge signs the Final Judgment and Decree of Divorce. This order ends the marriage and explains how property, custody, and support are divided.

The clerk records the order. Certified copies are then given to both parties.

Step 10: The Thirty-Day Appeal Period

After the final decree, there’s a thirty-day period to file an appeal. If no appeal is made, the divorce becomes final.

This time allows either side to review the outcome or correct errors. Once it passes, you can begin post-divorce updates.

Step 11: After The Divorce

When your case closes, update your records. It’s easy to forget, but it matters.

Update your name on ID, bank accounts, and social records.
Change beneficiaries on insurance and retirement plans.
Review your will and estate plans.
Keep certified copies of your decree.

These small tasks protect you legally and financially. They also help create a sense of closure.

Step 12: Why Timelines Differ

No two divorces move at the same speed. Many factors affect timing:

How much do spouses disagree
How quickly are papers exchanged
Whether children are involved
How busy the court calendar is

The more cooperation there is, the faster the case moves. Missing forms and late responses often cause delays. Staying active in your case helps avoid them.

Step 13: Working With a Local Lawyer

A local lawyer understands how the Gwinnett County court system works. Judges have routines and preferences. Knowing them helps cases move more efficiently.

Attorney Dan Palumbo has represented many clients in the area. He provides steady, realistic guidance through every step.

If you want to understand where you stand in the Gwinnett County divorce timeline, reach out today.

Step 14: Life After Divorce

Once your decree is signed, life starts to feel different. Routines shift, and paperwork settles. It may take time to adjust, but the structure returns soon.

Divorce ends one chapter and opens another. The process may be tiring, but each stage brings you closer to balance and peace.

The divorce process in Gwinnett County has a clear structure. Filing, service, mediation, and final judgment all follow a pattern. The timing may vary, but the steps stay steady.

Working with a local lawyer helps you stay focused and informed.

For help from start to finish: