Georgia Divorce Records: Official Certificates, Decrees, and Search Options
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Divorce records document the lawful dissolution of a marriage and serve as essential proof for remarriage, name changes, immigration purposes, and ancestral research. Access procedures to these records vary by state. In Georgia, individuals can obtain copies of divorce records from the superior courts. Moreover, the Georgia Department of Public Health can verify a divorce.
Data pulled from the Georgia Courts' Caseload Dashboard reveals 41,140 Dissolution/Divorce/Separate Maintenance/Alimony cases filed in 2023. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the state's divorce rate stood at 2.2 per 1,000 population in 2023, contrasting with the marriage rate of 5.9 per 1,000 people.
Official Types of Divorce Documentation in Georgia
Georgia classifies divorce documentation into three kinds: divorce decree, divorce case file, and divorce verification. Divorce decrees are the official judgments that finalize marriage dissolutions, while the case files are the documents filed during case proceedings, which include all pleadings and evidence. Meanwhile, a divorce verification confirms the occurrence of a divorce. The following table details the types of divorce records, their custodians, and their contents:
|
Document Type |
Issued By |
Purpose |
Contains |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Divorce Verification |
Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records |
Confirmation of a divorce event |
Names of parties, date of divorce, and county of divorce |
|
Divorce Decree |
Superior Court Clerk |
Final judgment that establishes the divorce terms |
Custody arrangements, property division, alimony, and child support |
|
Divorce Case File |
Superior Court Clerk |
Comprehensive case history |
Pleadings, motions, evidence, transcripts, etc. |
Public Access and Confidentiality of Georgia Divorce Records
Georgia classifies most divorce records as public documents, allowing broad access under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A.§ 50-18-70). The public, including third parties, may access decrees and case files from the superior court clerks. However, the Open Records Act exempts confidential information, like a Social Security number. Additionally, a court order may redact or seal details involving minors, financial settlements, or sensitive health information to protect a person's privacy.
Requesters may verify divorces through the Georgia Department of Public Health at 2600 Skyland Drive, Atlanta, GA 30319. However, they must show a direct and tangible interest (being a party to the divorce, an attorney, or a government agency) to access this service.
What Information Do Georgia Divorce Records Include?
Georgia divorce records contain detailed information about a divorce proceeding, with specific contents varying by document type and court. Examples include
- Full names of both parties
- Date of the divorce decree
- The county of filing and the filing date
- Case number
- Grounds for divorce (e.g., irreconcilable differences)
- Judicial orders on asset division, spousal support, and child custody or visitation.
- Witness testimonies
- Attorney details
Notably, records created before 1952 may not include extensive information.
Procedures for Locating Divorce Records in Georgia
Georgia divorce records are available through various sources, including the superior courts, the Georgia Department of Public Health - Vital Records Office, and the Georgia Archives. Requests can generally be made by mail, in person, or via an online portal. The following table summarizes these record sources and the information they offer:
|
Record Source |
Office or Platform |
Years Covered |
Access Type |
Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Vital Records Division |
Georgia Department of Public Health |
1952-present |
Verification letter |
$10 |
|
Judiciary Portal |
Varies by county |
Online case search |
Free or per-page for copies | |
|
County Clerks |
Local Superior Courts |
All years |
In-person/mail request |
Varies (Certified copies generally cost for the first page plus 50 cents for each additional page) |
|
State Archives |
Georgia Archives |
Pre-1952 |
Manual search |
25 cents to $1 per page, at a minimum |
How to Request Certified Copies of Divorce Records in Georgia
Certified copies of divorce records bear official seals and signatures that confirm their authenticity. They are used for legal purposes, such as securing alimony or child support orders and proving single status for remarriage.
Georgia offers certified copies of divorce records through the superior court clerks. Requesters may follow the steps below to request a certified copy:
- Identify the Court Where the Parties Finalized the Divorce: Superior court clerks in the county where the divorce was filed hold divorce decrees and files.
- Contact the Clerk's Office: Individuals may visit the office during regular business hours or call for guidance. Through the applicable clerk's office, they can confirm accepted payment methods (like cash, check, or card) and determine if expedited options are available.
- Provide Details for the Search: Requesters will need to submit the full names of both parties, the approximate divorce date, the county, or the case number (if known) to find the record. Mail requests require a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Pay for the Copy: Courts usually charge $2.50 per certified document.
The table below summarizes the process for requesting certified copies of divorce records in the State of Georgia.
|
Copy Type |
Where to Request |
Who Can Order |
Legal Use |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Certified Divorce Decree |
County Clerk/Superior Court |
Anyone |
Enforcement, remarriage, immigration, etc. |
|
Certified Divorce Case File |
County Clerk/Superior Court |
Anyone |
Case research, appeals, and background checks |
Why Search for Divorce Records in Georgia?
Individuals may look up Georgia divorce records for legal, administrative, and other purposes, including for
- Immigration or benefits applications
- Genealogical or ancestral research
- Background or marital history checks for prospective employees, tenants, or borrowers
- Updating government documents, like Social Security or driver's license records
How Long Are Divorce Records Kept in Georgia?
The Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedules of Georgia mandate permanent retention for divorce decrees and case files maintained by superior court clerks. Older records, especially those before 1952, are moved to the Georgia Archives after 70 years of preservation.