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The Georgia Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit — formally required under Uniform Superior Court Rule 24.2 — is a sworn, notarized financial statement that every party must file in any Georgia family law case involving child support, alimony, equitable division of property, modification of support, or attorney's fees. For Gwinnett County residents going through a divorce or custody proceeding, this is one of the most important documents you will sign.

What It Is

The Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit is the official form prescribed by Georgia's Uniform Superior Court Rules. It requires both spouses (or parents in custody cases) to provide a full, sworn disclosure of their financial circumstances, including:

Gross monthly income from all sources
Average monthly expenses (housing, utilities, transportation, food, insurance, etc.)
All assets (real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, vehicles)
All debts and obligations
Health, life, and disability insurance coverage
Payments to creditors
Names and years of birth of children for whom support is determined

When It's Required

Under Uniform Superior Court Rule 24.2, the financial affidavit must be served on the opposing party at least 5 days before any temporary or final hearing involving support, alimony, property division, or attorney's fees. It must also be served at least 5 days before mediation or other alternative dispute resolution. In emergency actions, it may be served on or before the date of the hearing unless the court orders otherwise.

If your case is filed with a complete separation agreement or consent order that resolves all issues except the divorce itself, financial affidavits are generally not required unless the court orders them.

Why Georgia Law Requires Notarization

The affidavit must be under oath. Uniform Superior Court Rule 24.2 states explicitly that the affidavit "shall be under oath" and the prescribed form includes a notarial certificate that reads:

"Sworn to and subscribed before me, this ________ day of ________, 20____."

This notarization requirement serves several important purposes:

Truthfulness under penalty of perjury. By swearing to the affidavit before a notary public, the affiant confirms that the financial information provided is true and accurate. Knowingly making a false statement constitutes perjury under O.C.G.A. § 16-10-70.
Full disclosure. The Georgia Supreme Court held in Tibbs v. Tibbs, 257 Ga. 370 (1987), that the purpose of Rule 24.2 is "to provide the trier of fact, judge or jury, with an organized summary of the contentions of each side regarding the financial status of the parties." The notarized oath underscores the seriousness of this disclosure obligation.
Cross-examination foundation. Because the affidavit is sworn testimony, a party can be cross-examined on its contents at trial.
Identity verification. The notary verifies the identity of the person signing the affidavit, preventing fraudulent submissions.

Important Privacy Protections

To protect sensitive information, Rule 24.2 requires that only the last four digits of Social Security numbers, tax identification numbers, and financial account numbers appear on the form. Birth dates are given by year only. On request and with good cause shown to the court, the entire affidavit may be sealed.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to serve the required financial affidavit can result in serious consequences, including contempt of court, a continuance of your hearing, and other sanctions deemed appropriate by the court.

Where to Find the Official Form

The official Georgia Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit form is available from the Georgia Division of Child Support Services. The full text of Uniform Superior Court Rule 24.2 can be reviewed at rulesofcivilprocedure.com.

Need this document notarized? Find a trusted notary in your area on Notary of Gwinnett.