Henry County Court Records Search
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Henry County is located in the Flint Judicial Circuit in central Georgia, with its county seat in McDonough. The county operates six categories of trial-level courts: Superior Court, State Court, Magistrate Court, Probate Court, Juvenile Court, and several municipal courts. Each court generates and preserves case records pertinent to its jurisdiction. The Clerk of Superior Court serves as the primary record custodian for superior court filings, while each additional court maintains its own records through its respective clerk’s office. Court records in Henry County encompass pleadings, complaints, judgments, orders, transcripts, dockets, exhibits, and other materials connected to cases adjudicated within the county.
Individuals seeking Georgia court case information can search through official clerk offices, courthouse public access terminals, and several online tools. The Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts maintains statewide resources, and GeorgiaStateCourts.us can assist in locating publicly available court case data. Henry County courts also operate their own docket search portals and participate in the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority’s electronic records systems, giving the public multiple pathways to locate case information.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Henry County?
The approach for finding a case depends on which court handled the matter and whether you need basic docket information or copies of filed documents.
Online Docket Searches (Free)
Several Henry County courts offer free online docket search tools:
- Superior Court: A docket search portal is available on the Henry County Superior Court website under “Quick Links”. It contains cases from 1998 to the present and can be searched by party name, associated party, or case number.
- State Court: The Henry County State Court website provides a docket search link for looking up criminal and civil cases by name or case number.
- Magistrate Court: The Magistrate Court Docket Search allows free searches by party name or case number. After passing a security check and accepting a disclaimer, users can search by selecting “Party Name” and entering at least a last name.
These free docket tools display basic case index information—docket entries, hearing dates, case status—but generally do not allow downloading or printing of actual case documents.
Statewide E-Access
The e-Access court records portal highlighted by the Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts provides access to superior and state court cases across Georgia, including Henry County. User registration is required, and fees may apply for document access.
Obtaining Document Copies
To obtain actual copies of court documents from the Superior Court Clerk’s office, two primary methods are available:
- Uncertified copies at no cost online: Access uncertified copies through the Clerk’s ePortal. Account creation is required.
- Certified copies online: The eCertification portal operated by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) allows registered users to purchase electronically certified documents from the Henry County Superior Court.
- By mail: Submit a completed Records Request Form to the Clerk’s office. Call (770) 288-8022 first to confirm document availability and obtain a fee estimate.
- In person: Visit the Clerk’s office during business hours, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Henry County Superior Court Clerk’s Office
Address: 1 Courthouse Square, 1st Floor, McDonough, GA 30253-3220
Phone: (770) 288-8022
Fax: (770) 898-7573
When requesting records, provide the names of parties associated with the case, a general time range for when the case was filed, and the case number if known. Cases older than 20 years may require one to three business days for retrieval.
Copy Fees (Superior Court)
| Copy Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified, no assistance required | $0.50 per page |
| Uncertified, with clerk assistance | $1.00 per page |
| Certified/exemplified, first page | $2.50 |
| Certified/exemplified, each additional page | $0.50 |
Are Court Records Public in Henry County?
Henry County court records are open to the public under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.), which guarantees the right of any person to inspect and copy records maintained by government agencies in connection with the transaction of public business. O.C.G.A. § 50-18-91 specifically defines “court record” as any document, paper, letter, book, tape, or similar material made or maintained in connection with a court’s adjudicative role.
Certain categories of records are restricted from public release:
- Jury list data
- Personally identifying information, including Social Security numbers, debit and credit card numbers, and financial account data
- Expunged or sealed records
- Protective orders (certain components)
- Juvenile delinquency files
- Records prohibited from disclosure by federal or state statute
Adoption records are treated as sealed records of the court. To obtain any filings related to an adoption case, a court order from a judge is required to unseal the file.
Georgia law also restricts access to comprehensive criminal history information under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34. While the general public cannot obtain a person’s full criminal history record, O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34(d.2) permits access to in-state felony conviction records through a state-maintained search tool.
The Clerk’s office staff can assist with determining whether a particular record is publicly accessible. Most information maintained by the office is public record, and anyone may visit to research documents during regular hours.
Henry County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Henry County are adjudicated across multiple courts depending on the severity of the offense. The Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over felony jury trials, including capital cases. The State Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, including DUI, simple battery, criminal trespass, and traffic citations. The Magistrate Court issues arrest and search warrants and conducts preliminary hearings. Municipal courts handle ordinance violations and certain misdemeanors within their city limits.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal docket information can be searched online through the Superior Court and State Court docket search tools on their respective websites. The Magistrate Court docket search also includes criminal preliminary matters. For document copies, use the Clerk’s ePortal (uncertified) or the eCertification portal (certified).
Arrest Records
Local law enforcement agencies maintain arrest records. Requests for incident reports or arrest data typically require a name, case number, or incident date. Agencies may charge duplication fees and may provide online request forms. The Henry County Police Department offers fingerprinting services for individuals seeking their own criminal history through the Georgia Crime Information Center. Fingerprint-based background checks cover Georgia and federal criminal history.
Statewide Felony Conviction Search
The Georgia Technology Authority maintains a Felon Search website that allows public access to Georgia felony conviction records, including those from Henry County. A transaction fee applies. Additional information about criminal history record requests is available through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s FAQ page.
State Court Location
Henry County State Court
Address: 1 Judicial Center, Suite 120, McDonough, GA 30253
Phone: (770) 288-7800
Fax: (770) 288-7776
Criminal documents may be filed electronically through PeachCourt, though this does not include traffic citations.
Henry County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Henry County is divided among the Superior Court, State Court, and Magistrate Court based on the nature and value of the claim.
The Superior Court has general civil jurisdiction and exclusive authority over cases involving title to land, equity, and appeals from lower courts. The State Court hears general civil cases including medical malpractice, wrongful death, serious personal injury, product liability, and breach of contract. The Magistrate Court handles civil claims of up to $15,000, including dispossessory (eviction) proceedings, small claims, and garnishment actions.
How to Obtain Civil Court Records
Civil records from the Superior Court can be accessed through the same methods outlined in the case lookup section—ePortal for uncertified copies, eCertification for certified copies, mail requests using the Records Request Form, or in-person visits. For State Court civil records, contact the State Court Clerk at (770) 288-7800. Magistrate Court records can be requested by contacting the court at (770) 288-7700 or visiting 44 John Frank Ward Boulevard, Suite 260, McDonough.
Superior Court Civil Filing Fees
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| General civil action | $218.00 |
| Contempt | $58.00 |
| Modification | $218.00 |
| Petition for review | $218.00 |
| Transfer from Magistrate Court | $184.00 |
| Transfer from Probate Court | $175.00 |
| Subpoena | $5.00 |
| Sheriff’s entry of service | $50.00 per packet |
The complete civil cost schedule is available on the Henry County government website.
Property records, which often intersect with civil litigation, are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court’s Real Estate Division. Deed and land records can be searched through the GSCCCA’s Consolidated Real Estate Index (records from 1990 to present) and the Clerk’s own Land Records Search System (records dating to the 1930s). The Real Estate Division can be reached at (770) 288-8060 or superiorcourtrealestate@co.henry.ga.us.
Henry County Family Court Records
The Superior Court exercises exclusive original jurisdiction over family law matters in Henry County, including divorce, annulment, legal separation, legitimation, child custody, child support, alimony, paternity, adoption, and temporary protective orders. Family case records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court.
Accessing Family Case Records
Family case records can be requested through the same channels as other superior court records: in person at the Clerk’s office, by mail using the Records Request Form, online through the ePortal (uncertified), or via the eCertification portal (certified). Certain family records may be withheld from public view to protect sensitive information, particularly records involving minors and domestic violence victims. Adoption records are sealed and require a judicial order to access.
Filing Fees for Family Matters
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce / annulment / separation | $218.00 |
| Legitimation | $218.00 |
| Adoption | $218.00 |
| Name change | $218.00 |
| Child support | No filing fee |
| Alimony | No filing fee |
| Temporary protective order (TPO) | No filing fee |
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Henry County are issued and recorded by the Henry County Probate Court. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained through three methods:
- In person: Schedule an appointment at the Probate Court. Provide a spouse’s full name at the time of marriage and the marriage date.
- By mail: Complete the Marriage Certificate Request Form and mail it with fee payment and a self-addressed envelope to: Henry County Probate Court, Attn: Vital Records, 99 Sims Street, McDonough, GA 30253.
- Online: Use the Probate Court’s online ordering site.
Each certified copy costs $10.00. Anyone may order a copy as long as the marriage license was issued in Henry County.
The Georgia State Vital Records Office provides marriage applications and certificates from June 1952 through August 1996. Marriage applications are only available to spouses. Marriage verifications are available for marriages occurring on or after January 1, 2014.
Birth and Death Records
The Henry County Probate Court also issues birth and death certificates. Requests are accepted in person (walk-ins now accepted from 8:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.–4:15 p.m., Monday–Friday), by mail using the Birth or Death Certificate Request Form, or through the court’s online ordering site.
Birth certificates may only be released to the record subject, spouse, child, parent, grandparent, adult sibling, legal guardian, or legal representative. Death certificates are available to the adult child, parent, living spouse, adult sibling, next of kin, legal guardian, or legal representative. A valid ID and proper documentation are required.
| Record | First Copy | Additional Copies (same order) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | $25.00 | $5.00 each |
| Death certificate | $25.00 | $5.00 each |
The Georgia Vital Records Office maintains birth records from January 1919 to the present ($25.00 first copy; $10.00 each additional).
Henry County Probate Court
Address: 99 Sims Street, McDonough, GA 30253
Phone: (770) 288-7600
Probate Fax: (770) 288-7616
Vital Records Fax: (770) 288-7562
Henry County Probate Court Records
The Henry County Probate Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over probate matters, including estates of deceased persons, wills, guardianships and conservatorships of incapacitated adults, temporary guardianships of minors, involuntary hospitalizations, involuntary treatment for substance abuse, and issuance of gun permits. The court also manages vital records and marriage licenses.
Searching Probate Records
The Probate Court Records Room at 99 Sims Street is open to the public for in-person research during weekday hours of 8:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.–4:15 p.m. Copies can be made for $1.00 per page.
Newer estate cases can also be searched online at GeorgiaProbateRecords.com, which provides access to recorded marriage licenses, traffic dockets, guardianship petitions, and estate case information. A $10.00 fee applies for this service.
For out-of-town researchers, Probate Court staff can perform simple estate document searches from the Records Room for a $10.00 fee.
Selected Estate Filing Fees
| Petition Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Petition for temporary letters of administration | $190.00 |
| Petition to probate will in common form | $205.00 |
| Petition to probate will in solemn form | $205.00 |
| Petition for letters of administration | $205.00 |
| Petition for year’s support | $205.00 |
| Petition for order declaring no administration necessary | $205.00 |
| Petition for discharge of personal representative | $190.00 |
| Petition for leave to sell property | $190.00 |
| Caveat, objection, or response | $75.00 |
| Inventory or annual return (estate with assets) | $40.00 |
| Will filed for safekeeping | $15.00 |
| Creditor’s claim | $15.00 |
| Notice of appeal | $30.00 |
Additional costs for publication ($30–$120 depending on type), service on heirs ($2–$50 depending on location), guardian ad litem appointment ($100), and copy fees ($1.00 per page for served parties) may apply. As of January 1, 2025, the $2.00 per page recording fee has been eliminated. The full estate fees schedule is published on the Probate Court’s website.
Payment methods at the Probate Court include cash, money order, and certified check. Contact the court at (770) 288-7600 for guidance on specific filing requirements, required forms, and total anticipated costs for a given probate matter.