Forsyth County Court Records
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Forsyth County, Georgia, is part of the Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit, with its courts centered in the city of Cumming. The county's court structure includes the Superior Court, State Court, Juvenile Court, Probate Court, Magistrate Court, and the Municipal Court of Cumming. The Forsyth County Clerk of Courts Office is the official recordkeeper for all Superior Court and State Court filings—including the Traffic Violations Bureau—and also maintains land and property records countywide. This guide walks through the practical steps for locating, searching, and requesting court records across each of Forsyth County's courts, along with applicable fees, contact information, and relevant Georgia statutes.
Court records in Georgia can be searched through a combination of official court resources, local clerk offices, and online databases. In Forsyth County, the Clerk of Court operates several digital tools for public case searches, and statewide resources hosted through GeorgiaStateCourts.us may help you locate publicly available court case information. The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority also maintains indexes for real estate, liens, and other recorded documents across all Georgia counties. You can also visit courthouse locations in person or submit written requests by mail.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Forsyth County?
Forsyth County offers several ways to find court case information—a statewide online search platform, an electronic certified copy system, in-person access at the Clerk's office, and mail requests.
Online Case Search
The main tool for looking up Forsyth County court cases is the reSearchGa Smart Search Record Tool, a statewide platform that covers participating Georgia counties. You'll need to register for an account before searching. Once registered, you can look up cases by case file number or the full names of the parties involved. The system also supports online document purchasing.
For property and land records, the Clerk's office provides a separate eSearch portal and a Property Index Search tool, both of which allow name-based searches of indexed records.
Certified copies of court documents can be purchased electronically through the GSCCCA eCertification portal, which delivers certified documents directly to your email. The GSCCCA also maintains statewide real estate indexes, UCC filings, lien indexes, and plat records.
In-Person Access
You can visit the Clerk of Courts office at the Forsyth County Courthouse during regular business hours:
Forsyth County Clerk of Court
101 East Courthouse Square, First Floor Suite 1007
Cumming, GA 30040
Phone: (770) 781-2120
Fax: (678) 807-1381
Email: clerkofcourt@forsythco.com
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Copy Fees
When requesting copies of court records, the following fees apply per O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77:
| Copy Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy | $2.50 for the first page, $0.50 each additional page |
| Non-standard copy (unscanned, odd-size, or records requiring staff assistance) | $1.00 per page |
Mail Requests
Written requests for court records should include the case number or party names, a description of the documents needed, and appropriate payment. Send mail requests to the Clerk of Court at 101 East Courthouse Square, First Floor Suite 1007, Cumming, GA 30040.
Are Court Records Public in Forsyth County?
Under the Georgia Open Records Act of 1959, members of the public have a right to inspect and copy most government records, including court records. Rule 21 of the Uniform Rules of the Superior Court further establishes that all court records are public and available for inspection unless access is specifically restricted.
Several categories of records have limited public access:
- Juvenile proceedings — Records from the Forsyth County Juvenile Court are generally confidential under Georgia law and not available for public inspection.
- Sealed records — A court may restrict access to records under Uniform Superior Court Rule 21 if it determines that the harm of disclosure outweighs the public interest. Sealed records remain partially accessible to authorized persons.
- Victim information in sexual offense cases — Per Georgia Code § 15-11-701, courts may seal civil records relating to victims of sexual offenses.
- Sensitive personal data — Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other protected identifying information may be redacted from publicly available records.
When records are sealed or restricted, interested parties may petition the court for access. You can request court records through the Clerk of Courts office or through the online tools described above.
Forsyth County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Forsyth County are heard in two courts. The Superior Court handles felonies, lesser-included offenses, and certain misdemeanors. The State Court presides over misdemeanor criminal and traffic cases. Both courts sit in the Forsyth County Courthouse, and all records from these courts are maintained by the Clerk of Court.
| Court | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Forsyth County Superior Court | 101 East Courthouse Square, Room 1007, Cumming, GA 30040 | (770) 781-2120 |
| State Court of Forsyth County | 101 East Courthouse Square, Room 1007, Cumming, GA 30040 | (770) 781-2120 |
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case information can be searched online through the reSearchGa platform by defendant name, case file number, approximate filing date, or litigant name. The daily docket published by Forsyth County Courts lists cases scheduled to be heard in the Superior and State Courts and is updated each day.
For in-person criminal record inquiries, contact the Clerk of Courts office at (770) 781-2120 or email clerkofcourt@forsythco.com.
Criminal History and Background Checks
The Permits and Ordinance Unit of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office handles criminal history information, maintains arrest records, and processes background checks. To request a criminal history record, you'll need to:
- Visit the Permits and Ordinance Unit in person during business hours
- Provide a valid government-issued photo ID
- Supply the subject's name, date of birth, gender, and Social Security number (for name-based requests)
- Pay the applicable fee
Fees for criminal history checks:
- Employment, adoption, real estate license, and personal use purposes: $15 per copy
- All other purposes: $20 or more
Fingerprint-based criminal history requests require a separate appointment with the Ordinance Unit.
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
100 East Courthouse Square
Cumming, GA 30040
Phone: (770) 781-2105
The Georgia Department of Public Health's Vital Records Unit and the Georgia Crime Information Center are additional statewide resources for criminal history information, though the Sheriff's Office is the primary local point of contact.
Forsyth County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Forsyth County are distributed across multiple courts depending on the dollar amount and nature of the claim. The Superior Court has general jurisdiction over civil matters including equity cases, title to real property, and domestic relations. The Magistrate Court handles civil claims of $15,000 or less, distress warrants, dispossessory writs (evictions), and county ordinance violations.
Obtaining Civil Records from Superior and State Courts
Civil court records from the Superior Court and State Court can be searched online through the reSearchGa case search tool by entering the party name, case number, case status, or date of filing. Copies can be purchased electronically through the GSCCCA eCertification portal or requested in person or by mail from the Clerk of Courts office.
The Forsyth County eSearch portal provides separate access to indexed land records, property records, and other documents filed with the Clerk.
Magistrate Court Civil Cases
The Forsyth County Magistrate Court handles small claims, evictions, and related civil disputes. The court now accepts online filings for certain case types. In-person inquiries and filings should go to:
Forsyth County Magistrate Court
1090 Tribble Gap Road
Cumming, GA 30040
Phone: (770) 781-2211
Fax: (770) 844-7581
The Magistrate Court operates under the Uniform Magistrate Court Rules, which govern procedures for small claims, dispossessory actions, and other civil matters within the court's jurisdiction.
Restrictions on Civil Records
Not all civil records are freely accessible. Under Uniform Superior Court Rule 21, a court may restrict access to civil records if disclosure would cause harm that outweighs the public interest. Records involving sexual offense victims may also be sealed under Georgia Code § 15-11-701. If you need access to restricted civil records, you may need to petition the court.
Civil Process and Service Fees
The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Civil Process Unit handles service of civil papers throughout the county. Service fees are established by O.C.G.A. § 15-16-21(b)(12). All requests for service must include a completed Sheriff's Entry of Service Form, which should be sent to:
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Civil Unit
100 East Courthouse Square, Suite 135
Cumming, GA 30040
Forsyth County Family Court Records
Forsyth County does not operate a standalone family court. Instead, the Family Court Division of the Superior Court hears all domestic relations cases—child custody, child support, domestic violence, paternity, legitimation, and divorce proceedings. The Clerk of Court maintains all records from these proceedings.
Searching Family Court Records
Family court case information can be searched through the reSearchGa Smart Search Record Tool by entering party names or case numbers. You can also review records in person at the Clerk of Courts office at 101 East Courthouse Square, Suite 1007, Cumming, GA 30040, during business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM).
Family court records are generally public, though certain records may be sealed by court order when privacy or safety concerns arise—particularly in cases involving domestic violence or minors.
Divorce Records
Divorce records from cases filed in Forsyth County are maintained by the Clerk of Court. You can search them through the reSearchGa platform or request them in person or by mail. Include the names of both spouses, the approximate filing date, and the case number if you have it.
In-person and mail requests should go to:
Forsyth County Clerk of Court
101 East Courthouse Square, First Floor Suite 1007
Cumming, GA 30040
Phone: (770) 781-2120
Email: clerkofcourt@forsythco.com
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and marriage records in Forsyth County are maintained by the Probate Court. The standard marriage license fee is $56, payable by cash, check, or credit/debit card (a 4.7% convenience fee applies to card transactions). The fee drops to $16 if you present a court form certifying that the couple completed pre-marital counseling. Both applicants must appear at the Probate Court Clerk's Office with a valid photo ID and the confirmation number from the online application.
Copies of marriage certificates can be requested in writing or in person from the Probate Court. Contact the office at (770) 781-2140 or email probatevital@forsythco.com for request forms.
Forsyth County Probate Court
100 West Courthouse Square, Suite 008
Cumming, GA 30040
Phone: (770) 781-2140
Fax: (770) 886-2839
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are issued locally through the Forsyth County Probate Court and statewide through the Georgia Department of Public Health Vital Records Unit. Only individuals with a direct and tangible interest—registrants, primary immediate family members, or legal representatives—may request certified copies. A valid photo ID is required.
Local fees at the Forsyth County Probate Court are $25 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy purchased at the same time for the same person. Requests can be made in person or in writing to the Probate Court. Eligible parties may also use the state's Birth Record Request Form or Death Record Request Form and submit applications to:
State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (404) 679-4702
Forsyth County Probate Court Records
The Probate Court of Forsyth County holds exclusive original jurisdiction over the probate of wills, administration of estates, appointment of guardians for minors and incapacitated adults, and appointment of conservators. As an Article 6 expanded jurisdiction Probate Court, appeals from this court go directly to the Georgia Supreme Court or the Georgia Court of Appeals rather than to the Superior Court.
Location and Hours
Forsyth County Probate Court
100 West Courthouse Square, Suite 008
Cumming, GA 30040
Phone: (770) 781-2140
Fax: (770) 886-2839
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Accessing Probate Records
Probate case information can be searched through the reSearchGa platform. You can also visit the Probate Court office or the Clerk of Courts office during business hours to review records in person. Copies of probate documents requested online or by mail are billed at $1.00 per page plus applicable postage. In-person copies follow the standard fee schedule of $0.50 per page for uncertified copies.
Types of Probate Cases
Cases handled by the Forsyth County Probate Court include:
- Probate of wills and estate administration
- Guardianships of minors and incapacitated adults
- Conservatorships for minors and incapacitated adults
- Involuntary commitments
- Trusts (exclusive jurisdiction)
- Powers of attorney (concurrent jurisdiction with Circuit Courts)
- Firearms license applications
- Marriage licenses
- Birth and death certificates
- Passport applications
The Probate Court also issues orders to apprehend individuals for mental health evaluations. These orders are carried out by the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office warrant division, which can be reached at (770) 781-3066.
Probate records are generally accessible to the public. If you're researching estate matters, guardianships, or other probate filings, contact the Probate Court directly at (770) 781-2140 or email probatevital@forsythco.com for guidance on obtaining specific records and applicable fees.