What Is a Status Conference in a Divorce?

Crystal Wright | August 12, 2026 | Divorce

When you file for divorce in Georgia, your case doesn’t go straight to a courtroom. Before anything is decided, the court needs to get a clear picture of where both sides stand, which is where a status conference comes in. It’s a scheduled hearing to check on the progress of your case and ensure things are moving in the right direction.

You might not know what to expect from this part of the process if this is your first time going through a divorce. Below, we’ll walk through what a status conference involves and the role it can play in your overall case.

What Happens During a Status Conference

A status conference is not a trial, meaning no one presents evidence or makes arguments before a jury. Instead, it’s a structured meeting in which both parties appear before a judge or judicial officer to review the case’s progress. Attorneys for each side are typically present as well.

The purpose of the hearing is to ensure both parties are meeting required deadlines, exchanging financial information, and working toward resolving the issues in their case. If disputes have arisen over matters such as temporary custody arrangements or shared bills, the status conference gives both sides a chance to raise those concerns with the court.

In some Georgia family courts, the judicial officer may also suggest mediation during the conference. Many counties have mediators on-site, and if both sides are open to it, they may be able to resolve certain issues on the spot rather than waiting for a later hearing.

The Status Conference Timeline

Georgia courts, particularly in larger counties like Fulton County, often schedule multiple status conferences throughout the life of a divorce case.

The general timeline looks like this:

The first conference is typically held about 30 days after the divorce complaint is filed. At this stage, both parties must exchange mandatory discovery documents, including a Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit. This is meant to give each side a clear picture of the other’s financial situation early in the process.
A second conference is usually scheduled around the 60-day mark. By this point, the court expects the parties to have begun mediation. In Fulton County, you may be able to pursue free alternative dispute resolution services provided by the court.
A third conference is held approximately 120 days after the complaint is filed. If the parties have not reached an agreement on all remaining issues by this point, the court will likely set the case for a formal trial.

Not every Georgia court follows the same structure, so it helps to check the local rules in your jurisdiction.

How to Prepare for a Status Conference

Going into a status conference unprepared can slow your case down and create problems you didn’t need.

Here are a few steps that can help:

Complete all required documents ahead of time, most importantly, your financial affidavit.
Go over your case with your attorney beforehand so you know what issues the judicial officer is likely to address.
Be ready to discuss any temporary arrangements that may need the court’s attention, such as who is covering household expenses.
Keep your composure during the conference and focus on the issues the court is asking about.

If no real disputes remain and both sides have already worked through their issues, you and your spouse can jointly ask the court to waive a scheduled status conference. Your attorney can advise you on whether that makes sense in your situation.

Contact Our Lawrenceville Divorce Lawyers at Crystal Wright Law, LLC for a Free Consultation

Status conferences may seem like a small part of the divorce process, but how you handle them can shape the direction of your entire case. Falling behind on deadlines and showing up unprepared can put you at a disadvantage when it comes time to resolve your case in full.

A family law attorney who regularly handles Georgia divorces will know what the court expects at each stage. Contact a Lawrenceville divorce attorney at Crystal Wright Law, LLC today to learn more and schedule a free initial consultation.

We have offices in Atlanta and Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Crystal Wright Law – Atlanta Office
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