Fayette County Court Records
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Fayette County lies in central Georgia, south of Atlanta, with its county seat in Fayetteville. The county's court system falls within the Griffin Judicial Circuit and includes five courts: Superior Court, State Court, Magistrate Court, Juvenile Court, and Probate Court. Each maintains its own records — case filings, dockets, orders, judgments, warrants, motions, and transcripts. Whether you need to look up a criminal charge, verify a civil judgment, get a marriage license, or research a probate matter, knowing where to go saves a great deal of time.
You can search Fayette County court records through a combination of online portals, in-person visits, and state-level tools. The Georgia Courts website is a useful centralized resource, and the E-Access Court Records portal lets you find case information from participating courts across the state. Fayette County also offers its own search tools through the Clerk of Courts office. For broader Georgia court information, GeorgiaStateCourts.us can help you locate publicly available case details. Records can also be obtained by visiting the appropriate clerk's office, mailing a written request, or submitting an open records request through the county.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Fayette County?
Several methods are available for searching Fayette County court records. The right approach depends on the type of case and the court that handled it.
Online Search Tools
The Fayette County Clerk of Courts provides an online services portal where you can search Superior Court and State Court records. The portal includes a property index search and links to case information. For real estate documents filed between 1978 and 1997, a separate historic name search is available. Statewide deed, lien, and UCC records can be searched through the GSCCCA search portal.
For cases handled through state-level systems, the researchGA portal gives you access to case information from courts using the Odyssey case management system. You can also submit electronic filings through the Odyssey eFileGA service.
In-Person Requests
You're welcome to search records at the Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours:
Fayette County Clerk of Courts
Address: 1 Center Drive, Suite A, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Phone: (770) 716-4290
Fax: (770) 716-4868
Staff can help you locate case files, pull copies, and certify documents. Bring a valid photo ID — it may be required to access certain records.
Mail Requests
If you prefer to request records by mail, include the full names of the parties, the case number (if you have it), a description of the documents you need, and a check or money order for the applicable fees. Send requests to:
Fayette County Clerk of Superior Court
P.O. Box 130
Fayetteville, GA 30214
Open Records Requests
For court-related documents that require a formal request, use the Fayette County open records request form. Under Georgia law, the county must respond within three business days.
Are Court Records Public in Fayette County?
Georgia's Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70 et seq.) creates a strong presumption that government records — including court documents — are open for public inspection. Anyone may request to see or obtain copies of court records without stating a reason. That said, several categories of records are exempt from disclosure under state law.
Records Generally Available to the Public
Most documents filed in Superior Court, State Court, Magistrate Court, and Probate Court are accessible. This includes civil complaints, answers, motions, orders, judgments, divorce decrees (excluding any sealed portions), criminal indictments, pleas, sentencing orders, probate petitions, and real estate filings.
Records That Are Restricted or Confidential
Georgia law restricts access to certain sensitive records. Categories typically exempt from public disclosure include:
- Juvenile Court records — Confidential under O.C.G.A. 15-11-700; access is limited to parties, their attorneys, and authorized agencies
- Adoption records — Sealed under O.C.G.A. 19-8-23; release requires a court order
- Sealed criminal records — Cases sealed or restricted by court order, including certain first offender completions
- Grand jury proceedings — Deliberations and testimony are confidential
- Mental health and substance abuse records — Protected by both state and federal law
- Victim information — Certain identifying details of crime victims may be redacted
- Firearms license applications — Concealed carry permit records are not subject to open records requests under O.C.G.A. 16-11-129
When a record contains both public and confidential information, the clerk's office will redact the exempt portions and provide the rest. Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar personal identifiers are routinely redacted from publicly available documents.
Copy and Certification Fees
The Fayette County Clerk of Courts charges fees outlined in the court fee schedule (revised July 1, 2024). Standard copy fees include:
- Uncertified copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copy (first page): $2.50
- Certified copy (each additional page): $0.50
Fees must generally be paid at the time of your request. Accepted payment methods vary by office but typically include cash, check, money order, and sometimes credit or debit cards.
Fayette County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Fayette County are divided among several courts depending on the seriousness of the offense.
Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over felonies — murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking, sexual offenses, and the like. The Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office prosecutes these cases. Superior Court also handles felony appeals from lower courts.
Fayette County Superior Court
Address: 1 Center Drive, Suite A, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Phone: (770) 716-4290
State Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, including DUI, simple assault, shoplifting, and traffic offenses that carry a possible jail sentence.
Fayette County State Court
Address: 1 Center Drive, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Phone: (770) 716-4220
Magistrate Court processes warrant applications, conducts preliminary and first appearance hearings, sets bond, and handles county ordinance violations.
Fayette County Magistrate Court
Address: 1 Center Drive, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Phone: (770) 716-4220
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Searching Criminal Records
Criminal case records from Superior Court and State Court can be searched through the Clerk of Courts' online services page by party name or case number. For statewide criminal history checks, the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) maintains records accessible through a formal request process under O.C.G.A. 35-3-34. Attorneys representing defendants may submit a written request to GCIC with the case style, case number, and full identifying details. The standard fee for a public criminal history check ranges from $15 to $20, depending on the method used.
Sheriff's Office Background Checks
The Fayette County Sheriff's Office Support Services Division offers criminal history background checks and fingerprinting services for local employment, licensing, and personal use. Contact the division directly for current fees and scheduling details.
Key Criminal Statutes
Criminal records restrictions in Georgia are set by O.C.G.A. 35-3-37, which limits how certain criminal history information can be shared. First offender records that have been discharged without a formal adjudication of guilt may be restricted from public access under O.C.G.A. 42-8-62.1. Sealed and expunged records are not available through standard public searches.
Fayette County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Fayette County is divided among Superior Court, State Court, and Magistrate Court based on the nature of the claim and the dollar amount at stake.
Superior Court handles civil cases involving equitable relief, property disputes, constitutional questions, and claims that exceed the lower courts' jurisdictional limits. The filing fee for a new civil action in Superior Court is $218.00 per the clerk's fee schedule. Additional fees apply for sheriff service of process ($50 per defendant), subpoenas ($5 filing plus $50 service), and other court actions.
State Court has concurrent jurisdiction with Superior Court over civil matters and handles tort claims, contract disputes, and counterclaims. It also adjudicates garnishment proceedings and certain Magistrate Court appeals.
Magistrate Court resolves civil disputes involving monetary claims under $15,000, including landlord-tenant dispossessory actions, small claims, and post-judgment garnishments. Filing fees are generally lower than in Superior Court — small claims and dispossessory filings typically range from $25 to $75 depending on the type of action.
How to Search Civil Records
Civil case records can be searched online through the clerk's online portal by entering a party name or case number. Real estate records — deeds, liens, and plats — are searchable through the Fayette County property index search and the statewide GSCCCA search portal. Effective January 1, 2025, self-filers of real estate documents in Georgia must e-file through the GSCCCA eFiling portal and complete identity verification.
Requesting Civil Records
To get copies of civil court filings, visit the Clerk of Courts office in person, mail a request, or in some cases use the online services page. You'll typically need to provide the case number, party names, and a description of the specific documents you want. Standard copy fees apply — uncertified copies are $1.00 per page; certified copies are $2.50 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.
Fayette County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Fayette County are handled primarily by Superior Court, with certain functions handled by Juvenile Court and Probate Court.
Divorce and Custody
Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce, alimony, child custody, child support modification, and legitimation proceedings. Divorce petitions are filed with the Clerk of Superior Court, and the filing fee is included in the standard $218.00 civil filing fee, plus service fees. Petitions for family violence protective orders carry no filing fee under Georgia law.
Divorce records — including final decrees and settlement agreements — are maintained by the Clerk of Courts. You can get copies in person or by mail from the clerk's office at 1 Center Drive, Fayetteville, GA 30214. Certified copies require the standard certification fee.
Juvenile Court
Fayette County Juvenile Court handles delinquency, dependency, Children in Need of Services (CHINS), and juvenile traffic offenses. It operates separately from the adult court system.
Fayette County Juvenile Court
Address: 90 J Commerce Drive, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Phone: (770) 460-2450
Fax: (770) 460-2454
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Court); 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Probation Office)
Presiding Judge: Stephen D. Ott
Judge: Natalie Ashman
Clerk: Katie Cunningham
Juvenile Court records are confidential under O.C.G.A. 15-11-700. Access is restricted to the parties, their legal counsel, and authorized government agencies — the general public cannot search or obtain juvenile case records without a court order. Additional information about the juvenile justice system is available through the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.
Adoption Records
Adoption cases are filed in Superior Court. All adoption records are sealed under O.C.G.A. 19-8-23, and access requires a court order regardless of how old the records are.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses in Fayette County are issued by the Probate Court. The fee is $76.00 without premarital counseling, or $36.00 if the couple presents a certificate from a certified six-hour premarital education program. Licenses are available through the Fayette County Probate Court marriage license office.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates are not maintained by Fayette County courts. Certified copies of Georgia vital records can be ordered through the Georgia Department of Public Health. Current state fees are $25.00 for a birth or death certificate and $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record. Marriage certificates are available from the Department of Public Health for a $10.00 search fee.
Fayette County Probate Court Records
The Fayette County Probate Court handles estate administration, probate of wills, appointment of guardians and conservators, involuntary commitment proceedings, marriage licenses, and firearms carry permits. The court also processes traffic citations issued outside municipal limits.
Fayette County Probate Court
Address: 1 Center Drive, Suite D, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Phone: (770) 716-4221
The Probate Court main page has additional information about court services and office hours.
Types of Probate Records
Records maintained by the Probate Court include:
- Petitions for probate of wills (solemn and common form)
- Letters of administration and letters testamentary
- Estate inventories and accountings
- Petitions for appointment of guardians and conservators
- Year's support applications
- Involuntary treatment petitions
- Marriage license applications and issued licenses
- Firearms license applications (restricted from public access)
Searching Probate Records
Probate records from Georgia counties (2006 to present) can be searched online through the Georgia Probate Records database, which indexes estate, guardianship, marriage, and will records. For older records or certified copies, you'll need to contact the Probate Court office directly, in person or by mail.
Probate Filing Fees
Filing fees for probate matters are set by state statute and the court's fee schedule. Based on the Fayette County fee schedule, selected probate-related fees include:
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Probate of will (petition) | $189.00 |
| Letters of administration | $189.00 |
| Guardianship/conservatorship petition | $179.00 |
| Year's support petition | $56.00 |
| Transfer from Superior Court | $223.00 |
| Certified copy | $2.50 first page + $0.50 each additional |
Confirm exact fees with the Probate Court before filing, as amounts may be updated periodically.
How to Request Probate Records
- Identify the case name, case number, or the decedent's name.
- Call the Probate Court at (770) 716-4221 to confirm availability and the cost of the records you need.
- Visit in person or send a written request by mail with a check or money order payable to the Fayette County Probate Court.
- For online searches, use the Georgia Probate Records database to find case index information.
- Certified copies require the standard certification fee in addition to per-page copy charges.
Probate Court staff can answer procedural questions but cannot provide legal advice. If you need help with estate planning, a guardianship application, or a contested probate matter, consulting a licensed attorney is advisable.