Paulding County Court Records Search
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Paulding County, located in northwest Georgia with its county seat in Dallas, operates a multi-court judicial system that processes criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. All major courts are housed within the Paulding County Justice Center at 280 Constitution Boulevard, making it a single destination for most record requests. The Clerk of Superior Court serves as the primary custodian of court files, managing civil and criminal case records, real estate documents, and jury system operations across both the Superior Court and the State Court. Separate clerks manage Magistrate Court, Probate Court, and Juvenile Court records within the same complex.
Georgia court records can be located through a combination of official clerk offices, in-person public access, and electronic tools. The Paulding County Clerk of Courts case search portal allows online searches of Superior Court and State Court cases, while statewide resources such as the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) index real estate filings, liens, and other recorded documents. GeorgiaStateCourts.us may also assist users in identifying publicly available case information across courts statewide.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Paulding County?
Paulding County provides multiple search methods depending on the type of record and the court that handled the case.
Online Case Search
The Clerk of Superior Court maintains a web case management portal where users can search both civil and criminal cases from the Superior Court and State Court. To look up a case:
- Navigate to the case search portal.
- For criminal cases, enter the defendant’s last name followed by a comma and first name (e.g., Doe, John), or use the case number format with dashes and six digits (e.g., 21-CR-000001).
- Click the green plus sign next to any returned case to view all associated pleadings and documents.
Additional online resources include:
- GSCCCA Search — for real estate indexes, lien records, UCC filings, and notary searches
- GSCCCA eCertification Portal — for requesting digital certified copies of court documents
- Georgia Judicial Gateway E-Access — a statewide portal where users can search case records after creating an account and selecting “Paulding Superior”
- Georgia Probate Records search — for estate-related records
In-Person Requests
All major courts are located within the Paulding County Justice Center:
| Court | Room | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Court / State Court Clerk | Room 1023 | (770) 443-7527 |
| Magistrate Court | Room 1109, First Floor | (770) 443-7533 |
| Probate Court | Room 2009 | (770) 443-7541 |
| Juvenile Court | Room 2106 | (770) 443-7532 |
| State Court | Room 3132 | (770) 443-7536 |
Address for all courts:
280 Constitution Boulevard, Dallas, GA 30132
Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Probate Court closes at 4:00 PM)
Copy Fees (Clerk of Superior Court — effective July 1, 2025):
- Standard/uncertified copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $2.50 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
Mail Requests
Written record requests can be sent to the appropriate clerk’s office at 280 Constitution Boulevard, Dallas, GA 30132. Include the case number or party names, the specific documents requested, your contact information, and any applicable fees by money order. The Clerk’s office or Sheriff’s Office may require a public records request submission in writing.
Are Court Records Public in Paulding County?
Court records in Paulding County are presumed open to the public under Georgia’s Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This statute requires government agencies, including courts, to allow public inspection and copying of records upon request. The Act applies broadly to civil filings, criminal case documents, real estate records, and other judicial files maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court and other court offices.
Members of the public can inspect records in person at the clerk’s office or request copies online. However, the Open Records Act does include several categories of exempt records.
Records that may be sealed or restricted include:
- Law enforcement records related to pending investigations
- Jury composition data and certain jury deliberation materials
- Individual motor vehicle accident reports
- Juvenile court records, which are confidential by statute
- Records sealed by court order
- Adoption records
- Certain details involving minors in family law cases
When third parties request certified copies of marriage applications, personal information such as birth dates and the mother’s maiden name is redacted from the copy. Expunged or sealed criminal records are not accessible to the general public.
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34) also places specific restrictions on criminal history records. Public access to criminal history information is generally limited to felony conviction records under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34(d.2). Access to non-conviction data typically requires the signed consent of the individual whose record is being sought.
Paulding County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Paulding County are handled across multiple courts depending on severity. The Superior Court has jurisdiction over all felony matters and serious criminal cases, while the State Court presides over misdemeanors and traffic-related criminal offenses. The Magistrate Court issues arrest warrants and conducts probable cause hearings but does not determine guilt or innocence except in county ordinance violations. Certain cities within the county, such as the City of Dallas, maintain Municipal Courts for city ordinance violations and traffic infractions.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case information from the Superior Court and State Court can be searched through the Clerk of Courts online portal. Users can search by defendant name or case number to view charges, trial outcomes, pleadings, and sentencing information.
For traffic citations handled in State Court, tickets can be paid online through the PayYourTix portal using a driver’s license number and last name.
Obtaining Criminal History Records
The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office is the primary local source for criminal history checks. To obtain a record:
- Visit the Sheriff’s Office at 180 Constitution Boulevard, Dallas, GA 30132.
- Present valid identification (Driver’s License, Georgia Photo ID, or Social Security Card).
- Complete a consent form.
- Pay the applicable fee:
- $10 if you live or work in Paulding County
- $20 if you reside outside the county
- Payment accepted: cash only
For employer-initiated background checks, the employee must appear in person at the Sheriff’s Office to complete the consent form. The fee is $10 per employee (cash only), and results are typically available while the employee waits.
Statewide and Federal Criminal Background Checks
The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), a division of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, maintains a centralized criminal records database. Fingerprint-based background checks can be processed through the Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS). To schedule an in-person record inspection at GCIC, call (404) 244-2639.
For national criminal history reports, contact the FBI’s Identity History Summary service at (304) 625-5590.
Access Restrictions
Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, public access to criminal records is limited to felony conviction data. Records that have been sealed or expunged are not available to the public. Juvenile criminal records carry heightened confidentiality protections.
Paulding County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Paulding County are distributed among three courts based on the dollar amount in dispute and the nature of the claim:
| Court | Civil Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| Superior Court | Unlimited civil jurisdiction; equity cases; appeals |
| State Court | Civil cases concurrent with Superior Court; no equity jurisdiction |
| Magistrate Court | Claims up to $15,000; garnishments; dispossessory actions; small claims |
The Clerk of Superior Court maintains civil case files for both the Superior Court and the State Court. Civil records typically include complaints, answers, motions, discovery filed with the court, court orders, judgments, and post-judgment filings.
Online Access
Civil case records can be searched through the web case management portal. The GSCCCA provides additional search capabilities for real estate filings, liens, and other recorded documents related to civil proceedings.
E-Filing
Civil case filings are mandatory through electronic submission. Civil cases in Superior Court and State Court must be e-filed through Peach Court. Criminal filings use the EZ-File platform.
Magistrate Court Fees
The Magistrate Court publishes a detailed fee schedule:
- Statement of claim / garnishment / personal property foreclosure: $102 (includes service on one defendant; $50 each additional)
- Dispossessory action: $77 (includes service on one defendant; $25 each additional)
- Interrogatories filing fee: $10
- Fi. Fa. issuance: $4 (plus $25 for Superior Court recording)
- Pre-warrant applications: $20
- Copies: $0.50 per page; certified copies $2.50 first page, $0.50 each additional
- Transfer to State/Superior Court: $215
Magistrate Court accepts cash and check only for all filings. An ATM is available on the second floor of the Justice Center.
The Paulding County Board of Tax Assessors maintains property assessment records, and the office provides an online property search tool for accessing parcel data, valuations, and ownership information.
Paulding County Family Court Records
Paulding County does not operate a standalone family court. Family law matters are handled by the Superior Court, the Juvenile Court, and to some extent the Probate Court, depending on the proceeding.
Divorce Records
Divorce cases are filed in and maintained by the Superior Court. The Clerk of Superior Court manages all divorce files, which include the petition, temporary orders, settlement agreements, final decrees, and any custody or support provisions. Divorce records are accessible to the public under the Open Records Act, although details involving minors may be restricted.
To obtain divorce records:
- In person: Visit the Clerk’s office at 280 Constitution Blvd., Room 1023, Dallas, GA 30132, with valid ID.
- By mail: Send a written request to the Clerk of Superior Court with both parties’ names, approximate dates, and case number if known, along with applicable fees.
- Online: Search through the GSCCCA or the Clerk’s case search portal.
The Georgia Office of Vital Records also maintains divorce verification records.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued and maintained by the Paulding County Probate Court. The court maintains marriage records dating back to 1833. Copies can be obtained:
- In person at the Probate Court (Room 2009)
- By mail — include a money order payable to Paulding County Probate Court and a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Online — additional processing fees apply for online orders
Marriage Record Fees:
- Certified copies of marriage license or application: $10 each
- Certificate suitable for framing: $10
- Plain (uncertified) copy: $1 each
When a third party requests copies, birth dates and the mother’s maiden name are redacted from the application. Only the bride or groom can receive unredacted certified copies of the marriage application.
Marriage records can also be obtained from the Georgia Department of Public Health through the Vital Records request portal.
Child Custody, Support, and Domestic Violence
Custody, child support, and domestic violence protective order cases filed through Superior Court are maintained by the Clerk’s office. Juvenile Court handles dependency and delinquency proceedings at:
Paulding County Juvenile Court
Address: 280 Constitution Boulevard, Room 2106, Dallas, GA 30132
Phone: (770) 443-7532
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – Noon, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Juvenile records are confidential under Georgia law and are not available for public inspection.
Birth and Death Records
The Paulding County Probate Court Vital Records Office issues certified copies of birth and death certificates for events that occurred in Georgia. Access is restricted to the individual named on the record, immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives. All requests require valid identification.
- First certified copy: $25
- Each additional copy (same person, same request): $5
- Payment: cash or money order only
Request forms for birth certificates and death certificates are available for download. Mail requests should be sent to: 280 Constitution Blvd., Room 2009, Dallas, GA 30132, with a money order and a copy of your ID. Records can also be requested online through the Georgia Department of Public Health Vital Records portal.
Paulding County Probate Court Records
The Paulding County Probate Court holds exclusive jurisdiction over the administration of estates, probate of wills, year’s support applications, and the establishment of permanent guardianships and conservatorships for both minors and adults. The court also processes temporary guardianships of minors.
Probate Court Contact Information
Paulding County Probate Court
Address: 280 Constitution Boulevard, Room 2009, Dallas, GA 30132
Phone: (770) 443-7541
Fax: (770) 443-7631
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Types of Records Maintained
- Wills admitted to probate
- Estate administration files, including letters testamentary, inventories, accountings, and distributions
- Year’s support petitions and awards
- Guardianship and conservatorship appointments for adults and minors
- Annual guardian and conservator reports
Searching Probate Records
Estate records can be searched and viewed through the Georgia Probate Records online database. In-person searches and requests can be made at the Probate Court office during business hours. Georgia Probate Standard Forms, required for most filings, are available through gaprobate.gov and at the court office.
Costs
Filing fees vary depending on the type of petition and may include filing surcharges, guardian ad litem fees, copy fees, publication fees, and service fees. The Probate Court recommends calling (770) 443-7541 for a cost estimate specific to your matter before filing.
Public Access and Restrictions
Most probate records — including estate inventories, wills, and distribution orders — are open for public inspection. However, records involving incapacitated adults, minors, mental health proceedings, and sealed cases may be restricted. The court strongly recommends consulting with an attorney before initiating probate proceedings, noting that while standard forms are used, they can be complex to complete correctly. The Paulding County Bar can assist with attorney referrals.
Informational pamphlets published by the court and available at the office or online cover topics including the duties of personal representatives, what to do when a loved one dies, and handbooks for guardians and conservators of adults and minors.