Divorce Lawyer in Johns Creek & North Atlanta

An uncontested divorce means both spouses have reached agreement on every issue that needs to be resolved: property division, debt allocation, spousal support, child custody, child support, and parenting time. Because the terms are settled in advance, the case moves more quickly through the court system and costs less than a contested matter.

At Tannen Law Group, uncontested divorces are handled on a flat-fee basis so you know the total cost before the engagement begins. The fee range reflects case complexity, including whether there are minor children, significant assets, multiple properties, or retirement accounts that require QDRO preparation. Georgia requires a 31-day waiting period after filing before the court can grant the divorce, and the final step depends on the county. See the uncontested divorce page for the full nine-step process.

An uncontested divorce is not just filling out forms. The settlement agreement governs your rights and obligations for years after the divorce is final. Vague terms produce future disputes. Provisions that ignore tax consequences create a fair-looking split that is actually unfair after taxes. Retirement account language that does not address QDROs leaves the non-employee spouse without enforceable rights. We draft the agreement to cover every issue thoroughly because property division terms cannot be revisited later except in cases of fraud. Getting it right the first time is not optional.

Get a Flat-Fee Uncontested Divorce Quote

A contested divorce arises when spouses disagree on one or more issues. The case begins with formal service of the complaint and summons. The respondent then has 30 days to file an answer. After that, the case moves through discovery, motions, mediation, and in some cases trial. Most contested divorces in Fulton, Gwinnett, and Forsyth Counties run 6 to 12 months depending on the complexity of the issues, the discovery required, and the court’s calendar.

Representation in a contested matter begins with a retainer, with hourly billing subtracted from the retainer. See pricing and fees for current rates. The total cost depends on what the case actually requires. Contested custody, complex property issues, extended discovery, expert witnesses, or a multi-day trial all add cost. Cooperation between the parties, organized records, willingness to mediate, and realistic expectations all reduce cost.

The vast majority of contested cases settle before trial. That does not mean preparation is wasted. Preparation is what creates a strong settlement. Opposing counsel and the other party behave differently when they know the case is ready for trial. Tannen Law Group prepares every contested case thoroughly because that preparation is what produces strong settlements.

Talk to a Contested Divorce Attorney

If your spouse filed first, you are the Respondent. You have 30 days from the date you were served to file your Answer with the Superior Court. You have full rights to contest every issue, and the Complaint your spouse filed is an opening position, not a final order. Call (470) 560-7798 today to find out your exact deadline and what protects your position.

Read the Full Guide for Respondents

Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested determines the timeline, the cost, the level of conflict, and the range of possible outcomes. The distinction is straightforward in principle and consequential in practice.

An uncontested divorce means both spouses have reached agreement on every issue that must be resolved: custody, parenting time, property division, spousal support, child support, and debt allocation. While the process is more streamlined, it is not just paperwork. At Tannen Law Group, we guide you through the issues, help you think through terms you may not have considered, and draft a customized settlement agreement that fits your family’s situation. Once finalized and signed, the agreement is submitted to the court. Georgia requires a 31-day waiting period after filing, and the final step depends on the county.

A contested divorce means the spouses disagree on one or more issues that must be resolved before the case can be finalized. The process begins with formal service, followed by a 30-day response period, and includes discovery, temporary hearings if needed, and mediation, which is ordered in most family law cases in our area before a trial date is set. If the case does not settle, it proceeds to trial where a judge decides the outstanding issues. Contested divorces typically run 6 to 12 months in Fulton, Gwinnett, and Forsyth Counties, depending on complexity and court scheduling.

The vast majority of contested divorces settle before trial. Even in a case that starts contested, preparation drives favorable outcomes. An attorney who prepares every case as if it will go to trial shifts the dynamic at the negotiation table. The other side knows a cooperative settlement and a judge’s order are both real possibilities.

Tannen Law Group regularly practices in three county court systems, each with its own characteristics.

Fulton County Superior Court is one of the busiest in Georgia. Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, and Sandy Springs residents file in Fulton. Contested cases typically run 6 to 12 months. Uncontested cases typically include a brief Zoom hearing of around 15 to 20 minutes to finalize the divorce after the 31-day waiting period.

Gwinnett County Superior Court handles a high volume of family law cases. Duluth, Suwanee, Norcross, Buford, Lawrenceville, Sugar Hill, Peachtree Corners, and Berkeley Lake residents file in Gwinnett. Contested cases typically run 6 to 12 months.

Forsyth County Superior Court serves an expanding population and a fast-growing demographic, including residents with Cumming, Alpharetta, Suwanee, and Duluth addresses. Contested cases typically resolve in 6 to 12 months.

Tannen Law Group serves Fulton, Gwinnett, and Forsyth Counties from our Johns Creek office, with attorneys appearing in Superior Court across all three jurisdictions.

Find Out What Divorce Will Look Like in Your Case

Every divorce is different. We assess your assets, your custody situation, and your goals, then explain a realistic timeline, cost range, and approach for your specific case.

(470) 560-7798 | Schedule online

No obligation. Honest assessment. Takes 30 minutes.

Every client receives the same commitment to preparation, communication, and honest advice. The level of work, strategy, and resources devoted to a case is calibrated to its complexity and the issues involved.

That means an honest assessment in the consultation. If your case is straightforward and a flat-fee uncontested divorce is the right path, we tell you. If your case has issues that require contested representation, we explain why and what that looks like. If we think you do not need a lawyer at all for what you are facing, we tell you that too.

Meet the Tannen Law Group Team

We work with families managing real financial constraints during divorce. Payment plans are available for clients who need them. The consultation is the right place to discuss what is workable for your situation.