What Happens After I Hire a Divorce Lawyer in Georgia? A Step-by-Step Guide

"I've never been through this before. I don't know what to expect."

If you've recently hired a divorce attorney—or you're considering filing for divorce—you're not alone. We hear that exact statement almost every week.

For most people, divorce is unfamiliar territory. Movies and television make it seem like someone hires a lawyer on Monday and is standing in front of a judge by Friday. In reality, there is a lot of important work that happens behind the scenes before your case ever reaches a courtroom.

At Dallas & Gracey, we believe our clients should understand what to expect. While every divorce is different, this guide walks you through the early stages of a typical Georgia divorce so you'll know what's happening and why.

Step 1: You Contact Our Office

Most of our clients begin by calling our office.

During that first phone call, we'll gather some basic information about your situation and schedule a consultation with Cheryl.

This isn't where legal advice is given. Instead, it's simply the first step in determining whether we can help you and getting you on the schedule.

Step 2: Your Consultation

During your consultation, you'll meet with Cheryl to discuss your case.

She'll listen to your situation, answer your questions, explain the divorce process, and discuss what options may be available based on your circumstances.

You'll also have an opportunity to discuss attorney's fees and decide whether you'd like Dallas & Gracey to represent you.

Some clients hire us that day.

Others go home, think things over, and return later to begin their case.

Either approach is perfectly normal.

Step 3: Signing the Fee Agreement

Once you decide to hire our office, you'll sign a Fee Agreement.

This officially begins our attorney-client relationship.

Many clients think the next step is immediately filing paperwork with the courthouse.

Actually, that's where a significant amount of work begins behind the scenes.

Step 4: We Build Your File

One of the first things we do is create and organize your case.

That includes setting up both your digital file and your physical file.

We carefully enter your information into our case management system, create the appropriate folders, calendar important dates, and make sure everything is organized correctly from the very beginning.

Good organization early in the case helps us work more efficiently throughout your divorce.

At this stage, we also begin preparing many of the standard documents your case will require.

Step 5: Cheryl Begins Drafting Your Case

Once your file has been organized, Cheryl begins preparing the legal documents.

If you're filing for divorce, she'll draft the Complaint.

If your spouse has already filed against you, she'll prepare your Answer and any additional pleadings that may be necessary.

Sometimes we prepare an initial draft before Cheryl reviews it. This allows her to focus on the legal strategy while making the drafting process more efficient.

After Cheryl completes the documents, they're sent to you for review.

Step 6: You Review and Approve the Documents

Before anything is filed with the court, we want to make sure everything is accurate.

You'll receive the documents to review carefully.

If corrections are needed, we'll make them.

Once you're satisfied that everything is correct, you'll sign the documents and return them to our office.

Your approval is an important part of the process.

Step 7: We File Your Divorce

After the documents have been approved and signed, our office files the necessary paperwork with the appropriate courthouse.

At this stage, filing fees are paid, your case receives a civil action number, and your divorce officially begins.

Although this may seem like a major milestone—and it is—there are still several important steps before your spouse is required to respond.

Step 8: Service of Process

Once your case has been filed, the court arranges for your spouse (called the Respondent) to be served with the divorce papers.

Most of the time, this is handled by the Sheriff's Office.

One of the most common questions we receive is:

"When will they be served?"

The honest answer is...

We don't know unless we utilize a private process server.

Sometimes service happens the very next day.

Sometimes it takes several weeks.

Occasionally it takes even longer.

The timing depends on the Sheriff's Office and whether the Respondent can be located. Unfortunately, neither you nor our office controls when service occurs.

Once service has been completed, we receive the Sheriff's Entry of Service showing when your spouse was officially served.

We then file that document with the court.

Step 9: Waiting for the Response

After your spouse has been served, they generally have 30 days to file a formal Answer with the court.

During those 30 days, several things may happen.

They may:

• Hire an attorney.

• Meet with several attorneys before deciding who to hire.

• File an Answer on their own.

• Attempt to negotiate.

• Decide not to respond at all.

Many clients become anxious during this period because it feels like nothing is happening.

In reality, this waiting period is a normal part of nearly every divorce case.

Step 10: The Other Side Responds

Eventually, the Respondent—or their attorney—typically files an Answer.

If they hire an attorney, you'll often see something called an Entry of Appearance (EOA).

An Entry of Appearance simply lets everyone know that an attorney now represents the Respondent.

The Answer tells the court which allegations they agree with and which they dispute.

Sometimes they also file a Counterclaim asking the court for specific relief of their own.

Step 11: Temporary Hearings (Sometimes)

Not every divorce requires a Temporary Hearing.

However, if important issues need immediate attention before the divorce is finalized, the court may schedule one.

Temporary Hearings address issues such as:

• Temporary child custody

• Parenting time

• Child support

• Temporary alimony

• Who remains in the marital residence

• Payment of household bills

• Attorney's fees

These are temporary decisions designed to help both parties while the divorce is pending.

They're not necessarily the final outcome of your case.

Step 12: Financial Affidavits

If your case involves a Temporary Hearing, you'll usually be required to complete a Financial Affidavit.

This document provides the court with information about your income, expenses, assets, and debts.

We'll also might ask you for supporting documents such as:

• Recent pay stubs

• Tax returns

• Bank statements

• Retirement account statements

• Loan information

• Monthly bills

One of the best ways you can help your case move efficiently is by providing requested documents promptly.

The sooner we receive complete information, the sooner we can prepare your case.

What Happens After That?

Once the early stages are complete, every case begins to take its own path.

Your case may involve:

• Discovery

• Mediation

• Settlement negotiations

• Additional hearings

• Trial

Many cases settle before trial.

Others require the court to make the final decisions.

The path your case takes depends on the issues involved and whether the parties are able to reach agreements along the way.

A Few Things We Want Every Client to Know

Every Divorce Is Different

Friends and family often compare divorce stories.

Try not to.

Every judge is different.

Every county is different.

Every opposing attorney is different.

Every family is different.

Just because someone else's divorce took six months—or two years—doesn't mean yours will follow the same timeline.

Sometimes Waiting Is Part of the Process

There will be periods where it feels like nothing is happening.

That doesn't necessarily mean nothing is happening.

Much of the work in a divorce occurs behind the scenes through reviewing documents, preparing pleadings, communicating with opposing counsel, planning strategy, and meeting court deadlines.

A quiet case is not always a stalled case.

Trust the Process

We know divorce can be stressful.

Our goal is to guide you through the process one step at a time while keeping you informed along the way.

We'll let you know when we need information from you, when documents require your review, and when important developments occur.

Until then, try not to let periods of waiting create unnecessary anxiety.

Much of a successful divorce case comes from careful preparation—not rushing the process.

Need Help Filing for Divorce?

Whether you're just beginning to consider divorce or you're ready to move forward, Dallas & Gracey represents clients throughout Augusta, Thomson, and the surrounding Georgia communities.

If you're thinking about filing for divorce, give our office a call. We'll be happy to answer your initial questions and help you understand what the next steps may look like for your situation.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every divorce case is unique, and the process may vary depending on the facts of your case, the county where your case is filed, and orders entered by the court.