Divorce Information

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Can I File a Divorce Without an Attorney?

Yes, you can file a divorce without the assistance of an attorney. The Clerk's office does not provide any forms to file your own divorce, however, you can download forms from http://www.lawhelp.org/documents/clusters/GA/271/English/Index.shtml.

If you choose to file a divorce Pro Se (that is, without an attorney), the paperwork must be completed, including notarization, before you come to the office. The filing fee for an uncontested divorce is $205.00. If service through the Sheriff's office is necessary, there is an additional $50.00 fee. NO PERSONAL CHECKS ARE ACCEPTED.

Forms provided by the Clerk's office at no charge are Statistical forms for Vital Records (pdf) , Standing Order of Clayton County Superior Court (pdf), Order for Publication (pdf) , and Notice of Publication (pdf).

Uncontested Divorce

• Signed complaint for divorce
• Plaintiff's verification, with signature notarized
• Defendant's acknowledgment of service, with signature notarized
• If defendant does not live in Clayton County, a waiver of venue, with signature notarized
• Consent to try in 31 days, with plaintiff's & defendant's signatures notarized
• Separation Agreement, with plaintiff's & defendant's signatures notarized
• Final Decree for Judge to sign

• Vital Records Report
• Domestic Case Initiation Form *
• Domestic Case Disposition Form *
• $205.00 filing fee; No Personal Checks
  
  
• IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN FROM THE MARRIAGE:
  Domestic Financial Affidavit & Child Support Worksheet
  
  Divorcing Parents Seminar proof of attendance

Contested Divorce

• Signed complaint for divorce
• Plaintiff's Verification, with signature notarized
• Final Decree for Judge to sign
• Copy of complaint to have served on defendant, if address is located in Clayton County
• Standing Order
• Vital Records Report
• Original Summons backing
• Copy of Summons backing
• Sheriff's Entry of Service
• Domestic Case Initiation Form *
• Domestic Case Disposition Form *
• $205.00 filing fee; & $50.00 Sheriff's Service Fee
  - Total of $255.00 No Personal Checks

• IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN FROM THE MARRIAGE:
  Domestic Financial Affidavit & Child Support Worksheet
  
  Divorcing Parents Seminar proof of attendance

Divorce by Publication

• Signed complaint for divorce
• Plaintiff's verification, with signature notarized
• Affidavit of Diligent Search, with signature notarized
• Last known address of defendant
• Copy of complaint to mail to last known address of defendant
• Final Decree for Judge to sign
• Notice of Publication to run in the local newspaper
• Vital Records Report
• Original Summons backing
• Copy of Summons backing
• Order for Service by Publication for Judge to sign
• Domestic Case Initiation Form *
• Domestic Case Disposition Form *
• $205 filing fee; No Personal Checks

* These forms are also available in our office for a cost of .50 each.

Where Can I Get the Forms to Fill Out?

Clayton Family Law Information Program Forms
The Family Law Information Program has made available forms for those wishing to represent themselves in a divorce case. These forms can be found at http://www.lawhelp.org/documents/clusters/GA/271/English/Index.shtml.