Is Counseling Required to Divorce in Georgia?

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Marriage counseling can be helpful to some couples attempting to reconcile and avoid divorce. In Georgia, while a couple may choose to voluntarily attend counseling, state law does not require it as a prerequisite to divorce. However, once a divorce has been filed, the court can order the couple to work with a mediator in an attempt to come to an agreement on the major issues related to their divorce.

Counseling Not Required

Georgia law provides a no-fault option for divorce. This means that one spouse can obtain a divorce over the protest of the other spouse by simply attesting that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." For that reason, counseling aimed at saving the marriage is never required. However, if the couple has children under the age of 18, the parents are required to attend parenting classes to minimize disruption of the children's lives during and after the divorce. Further, mediation may be ordered to encourage settlement and avoid trial on issues related to property division, child custody and support, and spousal support.