[GA] How do I serve papers if the divorce is uncontested?
I have to serve my ex-husband, and it's uncontested. He has agreed to the acknowledgement of service, but I'm not sure exactly what the steps are.
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I’m so sorry about this situation! I want to address your situation with a detailed response, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask because this law stuff can get complicated.
Once you’ve got the signed and notarized acknowledgment, file it with the clerk in your county. This proves to the court that he received the papers and waives formal service. Since the court already gave you extra time, don’t let that deadline pass because filing this quickly keeps everything on track.
Since he’s agreed to sign the Acknowledgment of Service form, that’s huge. This means you don’t need to pay a sheriff or process server. All you need to do is send him the form (by mail or however you two usually communicate), have him sign it in front of a notary, and return it to you. Once you get that back, you file it with the court.
If this is Georgia, you’ll need to file a few things with the court to finalize the divorce: your settlement agreement (if you have one), a Final Judgment and Decree, and possibly a Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit. If you’ve already done most of this, great. If not, this is the next step once the acknowledgment is in.
Sometimes clerks in Georgia can be super helpful if you’re doing this pro se (without a lawyer). Give the clerk a quick call and confirm you’re not missing anything before the judge signs off. In some counties, the judge will just review and sign the final decree without a hearing if everything’s agreed on.
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I have to serve my ex-husband, and it's uncontested. He has agreed to the acknowledgement of service, but I'm not sure exactly what the steps are.
Lexi, Chatbot
I understand that you're looking for guidance on serving your ex-husband for an uncontested divorce. Have you already prepared the necessary legal documents for the divorce process?
Yes.
Lexi, Chatbot
Have you confirmed the specific requirements for serving legal documents in your state or jurisdiction?
Yes unless it's an acknowledgement of service form it would have to be served by a sheriff or private servicer.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the Family Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with serving your ex-husband.
No. It's completely uncontested just have to file the steps.
Am I able to ask my question?
Legal Eagle
I'm sorry for the delay. My system is having trouble loading your responses, but I promise I haven't left.
What state is this in again?
Wait so I am talking with the lawyer?
It's fine if there's a delay I just don't know what's happening.
Georgia.
Legal Eagle
Correct- I am a licensed attorney.
Do you two have a marital settlement agreement you've signed?
We live in separate counties and he's 4-ish hours away. The court granted me extra time because he wasn't served properly.
I have the divorce papers printed out. It's uncontested, there's really nothing left to do but finalize but I was just at court for a no service.
Legal Eagle
Ok! I just need a little time to draft up a high-quality answer. I'll be with you as soon as possible. It won't be terribly long, ok?
Thank you!
Legal Eagle
I’m so sorry about this situation! I want to address your situation with a detailed response, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask because this law stuff can get complicated.
Once you’ve got the signed and notarized acknowledgment, file it with the clerk in your county. This proves to the court that he received the papers and waives formal service. Since the court already gave you extra time, don’t let that deadline pass because filing this quickly keeps everything on track.
Since he’s agreed to sign the Acknowledgment of Service form, that’s huge. This means you don’t need to pay a sheriff or process server. All you need to do is send him the form (by mail or however you two usually communicate), have him sign it in front of a notary, and return it to you. Once you get that back, you file it with the court.
If this is Georgia, you’ll need to file a few things with the court to finalize the divorce: your settlement agreement (if you have one), a Final Judgment and Decree, and possibly a Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit. If you’ve already done most of this, great. If not, this is the next step once the acknowledgment is in.
Sometimes clerks in Georgia can be super helpful if you’re doing this pro se (without a lawyer). Give the clerk a quick call and confirm you’re not missing anything before the judge signs off. In some counties, the judge will just review and sign the final decree without a hearing if everything’s agreed on.
Would he file the form or would I?
Legal Eagle
Either of you can do it!
And would he be able to file it in his county or would this also be with Gwinnett (where I filed)?
Legal Eagle
So you keep it in Gwinnett—you don’t want two cases at once.
Am I able to send him the form so he can get it notarized and then he email it back to me so I can file in Gwinnett?
Legal Eagle
Yes, DEFINITELY YOU CAN. Yes, that’s exactly right! You can send him the form, he can get it notarized, and then email or mail it back to you. Once you have it, you can file it in Gwinnett County. This way, everything stays on track with your original filing location. Let me know if you need any more help!
Thank you so much, we now have a plan.
Legal Eagle
For sure! Were there any details I missed? Were there any concerns you still needed to be addressed?
Now it’s just figuring out logistics. Thank you!
Legal Eagle
Sure! I hope I’ve provided the information you were seeking. If you need more help, please let me know so I can continue to assist you.
Legal Eagle
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