Bartow County Court Records Search
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Bartow County, with its county seat in Cartersville, sits in the foothills of northwest Georgia and operates a trial court system that spans four county-level courts and six municipal courts. The Clerk of Superior Court, under the leadership of Josh Biddy, is responsible for maintaining civil and criminal case records as well as real estate documents filed within the Superior Court’s jurisdiction. Meanwhile, the Magistrate Court, Juvenile Court, and Probate Court each retain records specific to their dockets. Whether you need a felony case disposition, a small claims judgment, a marriage certificate, or probate documents related to a decedent’s estate, knowing which Bartow County office holds the file — and how to access it — is the key to an efficient search.
Court records across Georgia can be located through a combination of county clerk offices, in-person visits to courthouses, public-access terminals, and web-based databases. The statewide judicial website GeorgiaStateCourts.us may assist users in finding publicly available court case information from circuits and counties throughout the state. At the county level, Bartow County participates in statewide electronic systems that make many records searchable remotely, while each clerk’s office also accepts walk-in and written requests for documents that may not be available online.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Bartow County?
Bartow County is part of Georgia’s Cherokee Judicial Circuit. The county’s trial courts include the Superior Court, Magistrate Court, Probate Court, and Juvenile Court, along with municipal courts in six cities. The table below identifies the primary courts and their contact details.
| Court | Address | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bartow County Superior Court | 135 W. Cherokee Ave., Suite 233, Cartersville, GA 30120 | (770) 387-5025 | (770) 606-2389 |
| Bartow County Magistrate Court | 112 W. Cherokee Ave., Suite 101, Cartersville, GA 30120 | (770) 387-5070 | (770) 387-5073 |
| Probate Court of Bartow County | 135 W. Cherokee Ave., Suite 243A, Cartersville, GA 30120 | (770) 387-5075 | (770) 387-5074 |
| Bartow County Juvenile Court | 135 W. Cherokee Ave., Suite 333, Cartersville, GA 30120 | (770) 387-5039 | (770) 387-5044 |
Municipal courts are located in Adairsville ((770) 773-3451 ext. 102), Cartersville ((770) 607-6307), Emerson ((770) 386-8366), Euharlee ((770) 386-1542 ext. 2009), Kingston ((770) 336-5905), and White ((770) 382-5466). These courts handle ordinance violations and traffic offenses within their respective city limits.
All county courts operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding recognized county holidays. The Probate Court closes from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. on the first and second Thursday of every month for traffic arraignment sessions held at the Bartow County Annex Building at 112 W. Cherokee Avenue.
Online Search Options
Bartow County court records are accessible through several electronic platforms:
- re:SearchGA — The re:SearchGA portal allows users to search court case records across participating Georgia counties, including Bartow. Users must create an account to conduct searches.
- GSCCCA eCertification Portal — The Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority eCertification Portal enables users to request certified digital copies of court documents and real estate recordings from Bartow County electronically.
- GSCCCA Search — The GSCCCA search tools provide indexes for real estate records, UCC filings, liens, and plats recorded in Bartow County.
- Georgia Judicial Gateway E-Access — The E-Access page on the Georgia Courts website directs users to providers offering court record searches statewide.
In-Person Searches
Walk-in visitors can search court records at the Clerk of Superior Court’s office in Suite 233 of the Frank Moore Administration and Judicial Building at 135 W. Cherokee Avenue. Self-service public terminals are available during office hours at no charge for index searches. Copies carry the fees described below.
Requests by Mail
Written requests should be addressed to the appropriate clerk’s office. Each request must include the full names of the parties involved, the case number if known, the type of record being sought, a valid government-issued identification, and a check or money order payable to the relevant clerk for any applicable fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
Are Court Records Public in Bartow County?
Georgia law establishes a strong presumption in favor of public access to government records, including court documents. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.) requires that records prepared and maintained by government agencies — courts included — be open to public inspection, viewing, and copying. Agencies must respond to open records requests within three business days.
Court records filed in Bartow County are generally available for public inspection unless a specific exemption applies. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, certain categories of records are exempt from mandatory disclosure:
- Records sealed by court order
- Records exempted by federal statute
- Records whose disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Law enforcement records related to pending investigations or prosecutions
- Jury list information beyond what is publicly available
- Confidential evaluations for governmental appointments
Records Restricted by Subject Matter
Beyond the Open Records Act’s general exemptions, several types of court records in Bartow County carry specific confidentiality protections under Georgia law:
- Juvenile court records — Proceedings and files maintained by the Bartow County Juvenile Court are confidential under O.C.G.A. § 15-11-700 et seq. and are not available for public inspection.
- Adoption records — Finalized adoption files are sealed and can only be accessed by court order or through Georgia’s adoption reunion registry under limited statutory circumstances (O.C.G.A. § 19-8-23).
- Domestic violence and victim/witness information — Identifying details of victims and witnesses may be restricted.
- Mental health records — Records from involuntary commitment proceedings in Probate Court are confidential.
- Child custody and visitation records — Portions of these records may be restricted to protect the interests of minor children.
Redaction Requirements
Under Uniform Superior Court Rule 21, filers bear responsibility for redacting Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive personal identifiers from documents before submitting them to the court. The Clerk of Superior Court is not obligated to screen every filing for confidential content but will act to restrict access when such material is identified. Any party may file a motion to limit access to specific information within a court file.
For questions about Bartow County’s open records procedures generally, the county maintains an online open records request portal and a dedicated phone line at (770) 387-5030.
Bartow County Criminal Court Records
Felony criminal matters in Bartow County are prosecuted in the Superior Court, while the Magistrate Court handles warrant applications, bond hearings, and preliminary hearings. Municipal courts within the county process city ordinance violations and certain traffic offenses. The Clerk of Superior Court serves as the record custodian for all felony and Superior Court-level criminal filings, including indictments, plea agreements, sentencing orders, motions, and appellate transcripts.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal case records can be located through several methods:
- Online: Use the re:SearchGA portal to search by defendant name or case number. The GSCCCA eCertification Portal can be used to request certified digital copies of criminal court documents from the Bartow County Superior Court.
- In Person: Visit the Civil and Criminal Division of the Clerk of Superior Court at 135 W. Cherokee Avenue, Suite 233, Cartersville, GA 30120. Public terminals are available for self-service index searches. Staff can assist with locating specific case files.
- By Mail: Send a written request to the Clerk of Superior Court with the defendant’s full name, case number (if available), valid government-issued ID, and payment for copy fees.
Arrest Records and the Sheriff’s Office
The Bartow County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and detention records. The Sheriff’s Office provides an online inmate inquiry tool where the public can search for individuals currently held in the Bartow County Detention Center by name, subject number, or booking number. Results typically display charges, bond amounts, and booking dates.
Open records requests to the Sheriff’s Office for items such as incident reports, E-911 audio recordings, CAD reports, inmate files, visitation logs, and phone call recordings must be submitted in writing to:
Bartow County Sheriff’s Office — Records Division
Address: 104 Zena Drive, Cartersville, GA 30121
Email: records@bartow.org
Fax: (678) 721-3221
The Records Division responds within three business days. For questions, contact Lieutenant Tim Hovers or Records Custodian Rose Ann Howren through the main office line.
Criminal History Background Checks
The Clerk of Superior Court does not conduct criminal background checks. Statewide criminal history reports are maintained by the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) within the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. GCIC offers both name-based and fingerprint-based background checks for a fee.
Record Restriction
Eligible individuals in Georgia may petition for record restriction (the state’s equivalent of expungement) under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. First Offender Act dispositions (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60 et seq.) may affect how completed sentences appear in criminal history databases. Restricted records are removed from GCIC’s public criminal history system, though the underlying court file may remain in a limited-access form at the Clerk’s office.
Bartow County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Bartow County are heard by the Superior Court and the Magistrate Court, depending on the nature of the claim and the relief sought. The Superior Court has general jurisdiction over civil actions involving any dollar amount, equity claims, real property disputes, and appeals from lower courts. The Magistrate Court handles small claims of $15,000 or less, dispossessory (landlord-tenant) actions, garnishments, and personal property foreclosures.
Civil Filing Fees — Clerk of Superior Court
The Clerk of Superior Court publishes an official fee schedule (effective July 1, 2024). Key civil fees include:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| General civil filing | $215.00 |
| Sheriff’s service | $50.00 |
| Trade name registration | $172.00 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $2.50 |
| Uncertified copy (each additional page) | $0.50 |
| Transcript for appeal to Supreme/Court of Appeals | $35.00 (plus $1.00 per page for preparation) |
Payment for civil filings is accepted in cash or money order. Notary fees and trade name registrations may also be paid by check.
Magistrate Court Filing Fees
The Magistrate Court fee sheet lists the following costs:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Statement of claim (small claims) | $98.00 |
| Second defendant at different address | $50.00 |
| Second service on defendant | $50.00 |
| Dispossessory proceeding | $73.00 |
| Online filing through nCourt.com (small claims) | $118.00 |
| Online filing through nCourt.com (dispossessory) | $93.00 |
| Garnishment | $98.00 |
| Foreclosure | $98.00 |
| Warrant application | $20.00 |
| Certified copies | $5.00 |
| Subpoena | $1.00 |
| Fi. Fa. (Magistrate Court) | $4.00 |
| Fi. Fa. recording in Superior Court | $5.00 |
E-Filing
Civil and criminal cases in Bartow County Superior Court can be filed electronically through PeachCourt, the state-approved e-filing platform. Mandatory e-filing is now in effect for the Bartow County Superior Court, with limited exceptions available.
Obtaining Civil Records
Copies of civil case documents can be obtained in person at the Clerk of Superior Court’s office, by mail, or electronically through the GSCCCA eCertification Portal. For Magistrate Court civil records, contact the Magistrate Court Clerk at (770) 387-5070 or visit the office at 112 W. Cherokee Avenue, Suite 101.
Real Estate and Property Records
The Real Estate Division of the Clerk of Superior Court records and maintains deeds, security deeds, plats, liens, UCC filings, and related documents. In-person searches are available during regular office hours. The GSCCCA online search tools provide electronic access to Bartow County real estate indexes, and the Georgia Department of Revenue offers a guide on how to search property records online. Recording fees for real estate documents are generally $25.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, with certain variations depending on document type. A late filing penalty of $500.00 applies to deeds under power filed more than 120 days after sale, as required by O.C.G.A. § 44-14-60.
Bartow County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Bartow County — including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, legitimation, name changes, adoption, and domestic violence matters — are heard by the Superior Court. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains all family law case files. The Bartow County Probate Court handles marriage licenses and maintains marriage records.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Petitions for divorce and all associated filings (temporary orders, settlement agreements, parenting plans, final decrees) are part of the Superior Court record. These documents are generally open to public inspection, though financial discovery materials may be subject to protective orders. Certified copies of divorce decrees can be requested from the Clerk of Superior Court at (770) 387-5025 or obtained digitally through the eCertification Portal. Requesters should bring valid government-issued identification and be prepared to pay copy fees ($2.50 for the first certified page, $0.50 for each additional page). The filing fee for a divorce action in Superior Court is $215.00 plus service costs.
Marriage Licenses and Records
Marriage licenses in Bartow County are issued by the Probate Court. Both applicants must appear in person at the Probate Court office in Suite 243A of the courthouse at 135 W. Cherokee Avenue with valid government-issued identification. Georgia does not impose a waiting period or blood test requirement. Couples who complete a qualifying premarital counseling course receive a reduced license fee. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available from the Probate Court; the source page indicates a fee of $10.00 per copy. Copies can also be ordered online through the Bartow County Probate Court’s web page.
Adoption and Juvenile Records
Adoption records are sealed upon finalization under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 19-8-23) and are not available for public access. Juvenile Court proceedings in Bartow County are also confidential. Neither adoption nor juvenile records can be obtained without a court order, except through narrowly defined statutory channels such as Georgia’s adoption reunion registry.
Domestic Violence Protective Orders
Petitions for temporary protective orders under Georgia’s Family Violence Act (O.C.G.A. § 19-13-1 et seq.) may be filed through the Superior Court. The court can issue an ex parte temporary protective order on an expedited basis, with a full hearing scheduled within the statutory timeframe. These case files are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court. Certain victim-identifying information within these records may be restricted from public disclosure.
Birth and Death Records
The Bartow County Probate Court maintains vital records, including birth and death certificates, for the county. Since November 2007, it has been possible to obtain certificates registered in other Georgia counties through the Bartow County Probate Court as well. Birth certificates cost $25.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy. Georgia law limits access to birth certificates to qualified persons, including parents, spouses, children, siblings, and grandparents, and proof of relationship is required. The Georgia Department of Public Health provides additional information about the Bartow County Vital Records Office.
Bartow County Probate Court Records
The Probate Court of Bartow County holds exclusive jurisdiction over the probate of wills, estate administration, applications for year’s support, and temporary and permanent guardianships of both minors and adults. The court also administers misdemeanor traffic cases and issues marriage licenses, weapons carry licenses, and fireworks permits. All probate matters are handled by appointment after filing.
Probate Court of Bartow County
Judge: W. Blake Scoggins
Chief Clerk: Ashleigh Bohn
Address: 135 W. Cherokee Ave., Suite 243A, Cartersville, GA 30120
Phone: (770) 387-5075
Fax: (770) 387-5074
Email: bohna@bartowcountyga.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed on county holidays; closed 12:00–1:15 p.m. on the first and second Thursday of each month)
Types of Probate Records
Probate files in Bartow County typically contain petitions for probate of wills, letters testamentary, letters of administration, inventories, annual and final returns, year’s support applications, guardianship petitions, guardian reports, and court orders. The court also maintains records for weapons carry license applications and misdemeanor traffic arraignments.
Filing and Searching Probate Records
Filing fees are associated with all petitions and are due at the time of filing. The Probate Court staff cannot advise filers on which petition to file or how to complete forms, as this constitutes legal advice. However, the court provides a helpful booklet titled What to Do When a Loved One Dies that answers common questions about estate administration. Standardized probate forms are available through the Georgia Probate Standard Forms page maintained by the Supreme Court of Georgia. Additional resources and guidance are available through the Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia.
To search for existing probate records, visit the Probate Court in person during office hours. Staff can locate files by the name of the decedent, ward, or petitioner. Certified copies of probate documents are available at the standard copy fee. For estates involving real property, certified copies of probate orders and estate deeds may need to be recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court’s Real Estate Division to establish chain of title, and those recordings are searchable through the GSCCCA’s online index.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
The Probate Court has jurisdiction over guardianships for both minors and incapacitated adults. Georgia’s guardianship statutes are codified in O.C.G.A. Title 29. Petitions, evaluations, guardian plans, annual returns, and court orders are maintained in the Probate Court file. While most guardianship records are accessible to the public, medical evaluations and certain sensitive financial information may be shielded by court order. An instructional video on how to complete an annual return is available online for appointed guardians and conservators.