Government
Pro Se Self Help
It is always better to be represented by a lawyer with the expertise and training to protect your interests in any legal matter. (If you are in need of legal assistance, please contact the Houston County Bar Association.)
*NOTE: The following is simply a list of the basic requirements for filing a divorce in Georgia. This list is in no way intended to be legal advice or a substitution for legal advice. The documents listed are the minimum requirements for filing a divorce. Each case is different and often additional documents may be required. Please refer to the Official Code of Georgia to ensure that you have included all required documents.
**NOTE: Each document must be completed correctly and thoroughly. Fill out these forms to the best of your ability. Do NOT submit blank forms. Incomplete forms, as well as forms that are improperly filled out, may delay the grant of your divorce. Neither the Court nor any courthouse staff is permitted to provide any assistance to you in completing these documents. If you feel that you need further assistance in completing your divorce, you are strongly encouraged to obtain legal counsel.
***NOTE: The Clerk's office accepts Cash, Money Order or Credit/Debit Card from Pro Se parties.
Pro Se Filers need to be at the Clerk’s Office by 4:15.
Passport Applicants must be in office by 4:15.
Please submit single-sided paperwork. Paperwork printed in 2-sided will NOT be accepted.
Click here to download the current Standing Order: Domestic Relations Actions.
Please follow along with this checklist to make sure you have completed all corresponding forms listed below. A divorce action in Georgia needs to contain the following:
Divorce with No Minor Children
- Complaint for Uncontested Divorce with Verification
or Complaint for Contested Divorce with Verification Service on Defendant and Consent to Trial* - Acknowledgment of Service, Waiver of Venue, and Consent to Trial*
- Settlement Agreement
- Final Decree (only need if uncontested)
- Report of Divorce, Annulment or Dissolution of Marriage
Divorce with Minor Children
- Complaint for Uncontested Divorce with attached Visitation Schedule** and Verification
or Complaint for Contested Divorce with attached Visitation Schedule** and Verification - Acknowledgment of Service, Waiver of Venue, and Consent to Trial*
- Settlement Agreement
- Child Support Worksheets (for assistance, please contact the Child Support Worksheet Helpline)
- Financial Affidavit (uncontested divorces need both parties’ financial affidavits)
- Final Decree (only need if uncontested)
- Child Support Order Addendum
- Parenting Plan
- Income Deduction Order (only if you wish to have child support payments taken directly from the other side’s pay check)
- Report of Divorce, Annulment or Dissolution of Marriage
- Divorcing parents seminar certificate of completion (below are links to some approved courses):
* Perfecting Service on the Defendant:
- If your divorce is contested and you know where the Defendant lives, you will need to call the clerk’s office to have him/her served through the Sheriff’s Office.
- If you do NOT know where the Defendant lives, you will need to serve him/her by Publication. Complete and attach the Divorce Motion for Publication Form.
** The visitation schedule provided is optional. If you choose to follow the provided visitation schedule, attach it to your settlement agreement.
Note: "Uncontested" means both parties are in agreement as to ALL matters.
Other Self Help Forms
- Affidavit (generic)
- Answer (generic)
- Change of Custody - Contested
- Change of Custody - Uncontested
- Child Support Modification
- Complaint for Modification of Visitation Rights
- Complaint for Custody Third Party
- Contempt Action Child Support
- Contempt Action
- Dismissal Form
- Legitimation
- Motion for Contempt
- Name Change - Adult
- Name Change - Minor Child
- Paternity
- Pauper Affidavit Civil
- Petition for Family Violence Protective Order
- Petition for Emergency Return of Child
- Petition for Judicial Review/Appeal from Magistrate Court | Filing Fee: $218.00
- Petition for Stalking Protective Order
- Dating Violence Petition Supreme Court
- Dating Violence Ex Parte Protective Order Supreme Court
- Dating Violence Twelve Month Protective Order Supreme Court