Georgia Divorce Records

Getting Georgia divorce records can seem confusing, but understanding the process makes it much easier. Whether you need a certified copy for legal purposes, remarriage, or personal records, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining divorce records in Georgia.

Georgia divorce records are important legal documents that prove a marriage has been legally ended. These records are maintained by different offices depending on what type of document you need and when the divorce occurred. Understanding where to go and what to bring can save you time and frustration.

Types of Divorce Records

There are three main types of divorce-related documents you can obtain in Georgia, each serving different purposes and available from different locations.

Divorce verification

A divorce verification is a simple document that proves two people are legally divorced. It shows the names of both parties, the date the divorce was granted, and where it took place. The state office of vital records maintains these records for divorces that happened between June 1952 and August 1996.

Divorce decree

A divorce decree contains the complete final judgment of the divorce case. This document includes important details like alimony agreements, asset division, child support arrangements, and visitation schedules. The clerk of the superior court in the county where the divorce was granted keeps these records.

Divorce case files

Divorce case files contain all the paperwork from the entire divorce process, including the original petition, court motions, legal papers, and every document used during the case. These detailed files are helpful if you need to challenge or appeal any part of the divorce judgment.

Where to Get Georgia Divorce Records

The location where you can obtain your divorce records depends on what type of document you need and when the divorce occurred.

State office of vital records

The Georgia Department of Public Health's state office of vital records handles divorce verifications for divorces that occurred between June 1952 and August 1996. This office also maintains birth and death certificates and marriage records from this same period.

For divorce verifications from this office, you'll need to complete a request form and pay the required fees. They charge $10 for each certified copy of a divorce verification and $5 for each additional copy.

Superior court clerk offices

For divorce decrees and complete case files, you must contact the clerk of the superior court in the county where the divorce was granted. Each county has different requirements and fees, so it's important to contact the specific court directly.

The superior court is also where you'll need to go for divorce verifications if the divorce occurred before 1952 or after 1996, since these aren't maintained by the state office.

Probate court records

While probate court primarily handles marriage certificates and other family matters, they may have some historical divorce information, especially for older cases. If you're having trouble locating records, the probate court in the county where the divorce occurred might be able to help direct you to the right office.

How to Request Georgia Divorce Records

The process for obtaining divorce records varies depending on which office maintains the documents you need.

Requesting from the state office of vital records

To get a divorce verification from the state office, you'll need to:

1. Complete the request for the search of the divorce verification form
2. Provide a valid photo ID or a copy of your ID
3. Include payment by money order or certified check
4. Submit your request by mail or in person

By mail: Send your completed form, ID copy, and payment to: State Office of Vital Records 1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30349

Mail requests typically take 8-10 weeks to process. In-person requests can often be completed the same day.

In person: Visit the state office of vital records or any county vital records office with your completed form, photo ID, and applicable fee.

Requesting from the county superior courts

Each county has its own process for requesting divorce decrees and case files. Generally, you'll need to:

1. Contact the clerk of the superior court in the county where the divorce was granted
2. Provide information about the case (names, approximate date, case number if known)
3. Present valid identification
4. Pay the required fees (varies by county)

Some larger counties like Fulton County have online portals for certain records, but divorce decrees and case files typically must be requested in person or by mail.

Required Documents and Identification

To obtain any type of divorce record in Georgia, you'll need to provide proper identification. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Georgia driver's license (unexpired or expired for not more than one year)
• Driver's license from another state (unexpired)
• Georgia identification card (unexpired or expired for not more than one year)
• Official identification card from another state (unexpired)
• Unexpired U.S. passport
• Military identification or veteran's identification
• Debit card with picture (for some locations)

You'll also need to provide information about the divorce, including:

• Full names of both parties
• Date of divorce (or approximate date)
• County where the divorce was granted
• Case number (if available)

Fees And Payment Methods

Costs for Georgia divorce records vary depending on the type of document and where you obtain it.

Accepted payment methods

• Money order (accepted everywhere)
• Certified check (accepted everywhere)
• Cashier's check (most counties)
• Cash (in-person requests only)
• Credit/debit cards (in-person requests, some locations)

Always check with the specific county clerk's office for their current fees and accepted payment methods.

Processing Times And Expedited Options

Processing times vary significantly depending on how and where you submit your request.

Expedited services

Some counties offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Online vendors like VitalChek and other authorized services may also provide faster turnaround times, though they typically charge higher fees.

Who Can Obtain Divorce Records

Georgia divorce records are generally considered public records, which means any member of the public can request them. However, there are some important considerations:

• You must provide valid identification when making any request
• Some counties may have additional restrictions
• Certain sensitive information in divorce case files may be sealed by court order
• Personal information like Social Security numbers may be redacted from public copies

Online Access And Digital Records

Currently, there is no statewide online portal for requesting Georgia divorce records. However, some options are available:

Limited online access

• Some counties offer online record searches (though not necessarily full documents)
• The state office of vital records website allows you to download request forms
• Third-party vendors may offer online ordering services for some records

County-specific systems

Larger counties may have their own online systems:

• DeKalb County offers online marriage record searches and some divorce information
• Fulton County has online portals for various court records
• Other counties are gradually implementing digital systems

Tips For Successful Record Requests

To ensure your request is processed smoothly, follow these important steps:

• Gather as much information as possible about the divorce before requesting
• Determine which type of document you actually need for your purpose
• Verify the correct office to contact based on divorce date and location
• Check current fees and accepted payment methods
• Double-check all information on request forms for accuracy
• Include copies of required identification with your request
• Use the correct payment method for the specific office
• Keep copies of everything you submit for your records

Don't call immediately if processing takes the expected time, but contact the office if you haven't heard back within the stated timeframe. Be prepared to provide additional information if requested by the office.

Obtaining Georgia divorce records requires understanding which office maintains the specific type of document you need and following the proper procedures for your situation. Whether you need a simple divorce verification from the state office of vital records or a complete case file from the county where the divorce was granted, knowing the requirements and having the right information will make the process much smoother.

Remember that processing times can vary significantly, so plan ahead if you need the records for a specific deadline. With proper preparation and the right approach, you can successfully obtain the Georgia divorce records you need for legal, personal, or administrative purposes.