Whitfield County Court Records Search
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Whitfield County is located in northwest Georgia with its county seat in Dalton. The county’s judicial system operates through several distinct courts — Superior Court, Magistrate Court, Probate Court, Juvenile Court, and municipal courts in Dalton, Tunnel Hill, Varnell, and Cohutta. All county-level courts are housed at or near the Whitfield County Courthouse at 205 North Selvidge Street in Dalton. The Clerk of Superior Court serves as the primary custodian of criminal and civil case records, real estate filings, and other official documents, while the Probate Court independently manages estate, guardianship, marriage, and certain traffic-related records.
Individuals looking for Georgia court records can access information through clerk offices, courthouse visits, and a range of online tools. The Georgia Judicial Council’s E-Access to Court Records portal directs users to county-specific search systems, and GeorgiaStateCourts.us may assist in locating publicly available case information across the state. Whitfield County also maintains its own dedicated search platforms for Superior Court, Magistrate Court, and Probate Court records, each discussed in detail below.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Whitfield County?
Whitfield County provides both online and in-person options for looking up court cases, with different tools depending on which court handled the matter.
Online Search Tools
- Clerk of Superior Court Record Search — Search civil, criminal, and real estate records maintained by the Superior Court Clerk. An additional index and deed search for records from 1970 and prior is also available.
- Magistrate Court Records Web Search — Search Magistrate Court case records including civil claims, dispossessory actions, and garnishments. For search instructions, the court provides a Records Web Search Instructions guide.
- Probate Court Online Records Search — All public civil records from the Probate Court are available free online. Estate records from May 2023 forward can also be searched through the Georgia Probate Records portal.
- E-Access to Court Records — The statewide portal links to PeachCourt for Whitfield Superior Court, where registered users can access case filings.
In-Person Searches
All county courts are located at the Whitfield County Courthouse:
Whitfield County Courthouse
Address: 205 N. Selvidge Street, Dalton, GA 30720
| Court | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Superior Court | (706) 275-7450 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Criminal Division | (706) 275-7490 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Civil Division | (706) 275-7480 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Magistrate Court | (706) 278-5052 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Probate Court (Suite G) | (706) 275-7400 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Juvenile Court | (706) 278-6558 | Contact for hours |
Mail Requests
Written requests can be submitted by downloading the Open Records Request Form from the Whitfield County website, completing it, and mailing it to the appropriate court office. Include a check or money order to cover any applicable copy fees.
Copy and Certification Fees (Superior Court — effective July 1, 2024)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (no assistance required) | $0.50/page |
| Uncertified copy (assistance required) | $1.00/page |
| Certified or exemplified copy, first page | $2.50 |
| Each additional page | $0.50 |
| Oversize copy (larger than 8½" x 14") | $2.00/page |
| Computer printout | $2.50/page |
| Faxed or electronic copy, first page | $2.50 |
| Each additional page | $1.00 |
Are Court Records Public in Whitfield County?
Court records in Whitfield County are generally accessible to the public. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.) establishes the public’s right to inspect and copy government records, including court files. The Uniform Rules for the Superior Courts of Georgia provide additional guidance on access procedures specific to court records.
Publicly Accessible Records
Most criminal case files, civil case documents, real estate recordings, probate filings, and marriage records are available for public inspection. The Clerk of Superior Court’s online search tools provide remote access to many of these records.
Records That Are Restricted or Exempt
Federal and Georgia state statutes exempt certain categories from public disclosure:
- Juvenile court records
- Sealed and expunged records
- Records related to ongoing law enforcement or judicial investigations whose disclosure could compromise the proceedings
- Certain family law records involving adoption, guardianship, child custody and support, and domestic violence, where privacy protections apply
- Victim and witness identifying information
- Criminal records beyond felony convictions (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34 limits public access to criminal history records, generally restricting access to felony conviction data without the subject’s consent)
Records custodians may also redact sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers and financial account details before releasing copies to the public.
Whitfield County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Whitfield County are prosecuted in the Superior Court for felonies and serious offenses. The Magistrate Court handles warrant applications and preliminary hearings but does not conduct criminal trials. The Probate Court may hear certain misdemeanor and traffic cases unless a jury trial is requested. Municipal courts within the county process city ordinance violations and some preliminary criminal matters.
Searching Criminal Court Records
The Clerk of Superior Court’s criminal division maintains all criminal case files resulting from Superior Court proceedings. Records can be accessed through:
- The online Clerk of Court record search
- The statewide E-Access portal via PeachCourt (registration required)
- In-person or phone requests to the Criminal Division at (706) 275-7490
Criminal fines and restitution can be paid through the Clerk’s online payment portal.
Sheriff’s Office Records
The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and warrants. Record requests can be made by:
- Visiting the Sheriff’s Office at 805 Professional Blvd., Dalton, GA 30720
- Calling (706) 278-1233
- Emailing wcso@whitfieldcountyga.com
- Mailing a completed Open Records Request Form with applicable fees
The Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch can be reached at (706) 370-4900.
The Dalton Police Department also processes requests for police reports and criminal records from incidents within city limits.
Statewide Criminal Background Checks
For formal criminal history records beyond county-level case files, the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) within the Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains the state’s central criminal records repository. Fingerprint-based background checks can be processed through the Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS). The Georgia Department of Corrections offender search allows the public to look up individuals incarcerated or under state supervision.
The Clerk of Superior Court also publishes an Active Sex Offender List for Whitfield County.
Whitfield County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Whitfield County are divided among the Superior Court, Magistrate Court, and Probate Court depending on the nature and value of the claim.
Superior Court — General Civil Jurisdiction
The Superior Court handles civil cases including personal injury claims, business litigation, contract disputes, property matters, condemnation proceedings, and appeals from lower courts. The civil division of the Clerk’s Office can be reached at (706) 275-7480.
Filing fees effective July 1, 2024 for Superior Court civil cases:
- Civil petition, modification, or garnishment: $215.00 (includes law library and ADR fees)
- Family violence petition: $58.00
- Incoming transfer from Magistrate Court: $188.00 minus fee already transferred
- Appeal from lower court: $215.00
- Tax assessment appeal: $25.00
Civil case e-filing is available through the GSCCCA Electronic Filing portal. The Clerk’s court costs schedule provides a comprehensive breakdown of all fees.
Magistrate Court — Small Claims and Landlord-Tenant
The Magistrate Court handles civil claims up to $15,000, dispossessory (eviction) actions, garnishments, and personal property foreclosures. Key filing fees:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Statement of claim | $47.00 |
| Dispossessory warrant and summons | $47.00 |
| Garnishment affidavit | $47.00 |
| Service on first defendant (civil/garnishment) | $50.00 |
| Service on first defendant (dispossessory) | $25.00 |
| Warrant application fee | $20.00 |
| Copy | $1.00 |
| Certified copy | $2.50 |
Claims can be filed online through TurboCourt, and landlord-tenant claims have a separate online filing option. The Magistrate Court also provides a Civil E-Filing portal and publishes garnishment filing procedures and a Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook.
Magistrate Court records can be searched through the Records Web Search tool. For technical support, call (877) 837-0547.
Whitfield County Family Court Records
Whitfield County does not maintain a standalone family court. Family law cases are handled within the Family Law Division of the Superior Court, with the Juvenile Court addressing matters involving minors.
Types of Family Law Proceedings
The Superior Court has jurisdiction over divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, paternity, spousal support, domestic violence protective orders, and adoption. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains all related case files and manages child support collection and disbursement, with online payment options available.
Confidentiality Restrictions
Family court records carry heightened privacy protections under Georgia law. Adoption records, guardianship proceedings involving minors, child custody evaluations, and domestic violence victim information are generally restricted from public access. Only involved parties, legal representatives, authorized government officials, or persons with a valid subpoena may access these records.
Family case records can be searched through the Clerk’s online record search or by contacting the Civil Division at (706) 275-7480.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Whitfield County Probate Court. Applications are accepted Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (not on Wednesdays due to traffic court). Both parties must appear in person with valid identification.
Marriage License Fees:
- Without premarital education: $77.00
- With proof of 6 hours of premarital education: $37.00
- Marriage record search: $10.00
- Certified copy of marriage certificate: $10.00
- Miscellaneous copies: $1.00 per page
- No personal checks accepted
Certified marriage certificates can also be ordered online, and an online marriage application is available. A Certificate of Premarital Education form is available on the Probate Court’s website.
Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court and can be obtained by visiting, calling, or mailing a request to the Clerk’s office.
Birth and Death Records
Vital records are maintained separately from court files. The Whitfield County Vital Records Office handles birth and death certificates:
Whitfield County Vital Records Office
Address: 800 Professional Blvd., Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: (706) 272-0827
Under Georgia law, birth records are confidential for 100 years and death records for 75 years from the date of the event. During the restricted period, access is limited to immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with a court order. Certified copies can also be ordered through the Georgia Department of Public Health’s ROVER (Request Official Vital Event Record) online system or by submitting a Request for Search of Marriage Form for marriage-related vital records.
Whitfield County Probate Court Records
The Whitfield County Probate Court exercises exclusive original jurisdiction over the probate of wills, administration of estates, appointment of guardians and conservators, and involuntary evaluations of adults. The court also handles certain misdemeanor and traffic cases and issues weapons carry permits.
Probate Court Contact Information
Whitfield County Probate Court
Address: 205 N. Selvidge Street, Suite G, Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: (706) 275-7400
Fax: (706) 281-1735
Judge: Sheri Blevins
Chief Clerk: Samantha Splawn
Types of Probate Records
The court maintains records for estate administration, probate of wills, guardianships, conservatorships, trust administration, and name changes. Georgia Standard Probate Forms, required for most filings, are available from gaprobate.gov and at the court office. The Probate Court provides several downloadable forms on its website, including:
- Asset Management Plan (Adult)
- Asset Management Plan (Minor)
- Personal Status Report with Affidavit
- Annual Return — Conservator
- Annual Return — Personal Representative
- Inventory — Decedent’s Estate
Petitioners for guardianship or conservatorship of an incapacitated adult or a minor must submit to a criminal background check.
Searching Probate Records
All public civil records from the Probate Court are available free online. Estate information from May 2023 onward can also be searched through the Georgia Probate Records portal by name and date of death.
Probate Record Fees
- Estate record search: $10.00 per estate
- Miscellaneous copies: $1.00 per page
- Claims: $10.00 per claim
Filing fees vary by petition type and may include filing surcharges, guardian ad litem fees, publication costs, and service fees. A 2025 schedule of costs and fees is posted on the Probate Court’s website. Court costs are due at the time of filing. All filings must be typed or legibly printed in blue or black ink on 8.5 x 11 white paper — illegible documents will not be accepted.
Written requests for probate records should be mailed to: Whitfield County Probate Court, 205 N. Selvidge Street, Suite G, Dalton, GA 30720. An instructional video on filing a return of fiduciary is available for guardians and personal representatives navigating the reporting process.