Fulton County Court Records
What Is Fulton County Court Records
Court records in Fulton County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records are maintained pursuant to Georgia Code § 15-6-61, which establishes the duties of clerks of superior courts regarding record maintenance.
Fulton County court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status information
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate documents including wills and estate inventories
Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments. The Superior Court of Fulton County serves as the primary repository for many judicial records, though multiple courts within the county maintain their own record systems.
Records are generated and maintained by various courts within Fulton County, including:
- Superior Court (felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000, divorces)
- State Court (misdemeanors, civil matters under $25,000)
- Magistrate Court (small claims, preliminary hearings, warrants)
- Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Juvenile Court (delinquency, dependency cases)
- Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations, traffic offenses)
These records document proceedings across civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters, providing an official account of judicial actions within Fulton County.
Are Court Records Public In Fulton County
Court records in Fulton County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70 and the constitutional principle of open courts established in Article I, Section I, Paragraph XI of the Georgia Constitution.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed records)
- Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
- Court dockets and calendars
- Final judgments and orders
- Marriage and divorce records
- Probate records including wills and estate inventories
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed by court order
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Certain family violence and stalking protective orders
- Records containing sensitive personal information as defined by Georgia Supreme Court Rule 21
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (which includes Fulton County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county resources.
The Judicial Council of Georgia establishes statewide policies regarding court record access, though individual courts may implement specific local rules governing the inspection and copying of their records.
How To Find Court Records in Fulton County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Fulton County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both in-person and electronic access options.
For in-person requests, individuals may:
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records
The Fulton County Clerk of Superior and Magistrate Courts serves as the primary custodian for many court records. Their main office is located at:
Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court
136 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-613-5313
Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court
For electronic access, requesters may:
- Visit the Fulton County eServices portal
- Create a user account if required
- Select the appropriate court and record type
- Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or date range
- Pay any applicable online access fees
- View or download available documents
For records not available online, individuals may submit written requests via mail or email to the appropriate court clerk, including all relevant identifying information and contact details for response.
Pursuant to Georgia Code § 15-6-50, the clerk of each court is designated as the official custodian of that court's records and is responsible for facilitating public access in accordance with state law.
How To Look Up Court Records in Fulton County Online?
Fulton County provides several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems vary by court type and record category.
The primary online access points include:
-
Fulton County Superior Court eServices
- Accessible via the Fulton County Superior Court website
- Contains civil, criminal, domestic, and real estate records
- Requires user registration and login
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Some documents available for immediate viewing; others require purchase
-
Fulton County State Court Records
- Available through the State Court of Fulton County portal
- Includes misdemeanor criminal cases and civil matters under $25,000
- Search by defendant name, case number, or attorney
- Provides case status, hearing dates, and basic disposition information
-
Georgia Judicial Gateway
- Centralized access through Georgia Courts E-Access
- Links to multiple court systems across the state
- Requires selection of specific court before searching
- Provides varying levels of detail depending on court system
-
Magistrate Court Case Search
- Limited information on small claims, warrants, and preliminary hearings
- Basic case status and scheduling information
- May require in-person follow-up for complete records
To conduct an online search:
- Select the appropriate portal based on the court and case type
- Create a user account if required by the system
- Enter known information (case number is most efficient)
- If case number is unknown, search by party name and date range
- Review search results to identify the correct case
- Select the case to view available information
- Pay any required document access fees
- Download or print available documents
Online access may be limited for certain case types, particularly those involving juveniles, adoptions, or matters sealed by court order. Additionally, older cases may not be fully digitized and might require in-person requests.
How To Search Fulton County Court Records for Free?
Georgia law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Georgia Code § 15-6-90, clerks must permit any member of the public to inspect court records during regular business hours without charge.
Free access options in Fulton County include:
-
In-Person Inspection
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Request to view specific case files using available indices
- No charge for viewing records on-site
- Public access terminals may be available for self-service searching
-
Limited Online Access
- Basic case information is available without charge on some systems
- The Fulton County Superior Court website provides free access to case status and scheduling information
- Docket searches are generally available without fees
- Document images and detailed records may require payment
-
Public Law Library Access
- The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Law Library provides free access to certain court records
- Located at 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Professional librarians can assist with navigating available resources
- May include access to specialized legal databases
-
Georgia Judicial Gateway
- The Georgia Courts website provides links to free case lookup tools
- Basic case information available without charge
- Document access may require fees
When utilizing free access methods, requesters should note:
- While inspection is free, copying fees typically apply ($0.10-$2.50 per page depending on document type)
- Certified copies incur additional charges (typically $2-$10 per document)
- Research assistance from clerk staff may be limited due to workload
- Complex searches may require professional assistance or paid access
- Some older records may only be available in physical format requiring in-person visits
For comprehensive research, combining free inspection with selective document purchases often provides the most cost-effective approach to accessing Fulton County court records.
What's Included in a Fulton County Court Record?
Fulton County court records contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The contents are standardized according to Georgia Uniform Superior Court Rule 39.2 regarding record content and organization.
A typical court case file may include:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Court orders and rulings on motions
- Final judgment or dismissal
- Post-judgment collection documents
- Appeal notices and related filings
Criminal Case Records:
- Indictment or accusation
- Arrest warrant and booking information
- Bond documentation
- Plea forms
- Motions filed by prosecution or defense
- Evidence lists and exhibits
- Court orders on pretrial matters
- Trial transcripts (if prepared)
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation terms and conditions
- Appeal documentation
Family Law Records:
- Divorce petitions and responses
- Financial affidavits
- Child custody and support documents
- Parenting plans
- Property division agreements
- Temporary and final orders
- Name change petitions
- Adoption proceedings (often sealed)
- Domestic violence protective orders
Probate Records:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Letters testamentary or administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Creditor claims
- Accountings of estate administration
- Distribution plans
- Guardianship and conservatorship documents
Each case file also typically contains a docket sheet listing all documents filed, hearings held, and actions taken in chronological order. This serves as an index to the complete case record.
Court records may also include audio or video recordings of proceedings in courts that utilize electronic recording systems rather than court reporters.
How Long Does Fulton County Keep Court Records?
Fulton County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Georgia Records Act § 50-18-90 and the Judicial Council of Georgia. Retention periods vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.
Standard retention periods include:
Criminal Cases:
- Felony cases resulting in imprisonment: 75 years after final disposition
- Felony cases not resulting in imprisonment: 25 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic violations: 5 years after final disposition
- Capital felony cases (death penalty): Permanent retention
Civil Cases:
- General civil litigation: 20 years after final disposition
- Domestic relations (divorce, custody): 75 years after final disposition
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
- Property disputes and real estate matters: 75 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 10 years after final disposition
Probate Records:
- Wills and estate administration: Permanent retention
- Guardianships and conservatorships: 10 years after termination
- Marriage licenses: Permanent retention
Special Categories:
- Cases of historical significance: Permanent retention
- Cases establishing legal precedent: Permanent retention
- Mental health commitment records: 75 years after final disposition
The Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court implements these retention schedules under the supervision of the Administrative Office of the Courts. After the designated retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to the Georgia Archives for permanent preservation
- Converted to electronic format for continued access
- Destroyed according to approved disposition procedures
It is important to note that even after physical records are destroyed, basic case information is typically maintained in electronic indices indefinitely. Additionally, published court opinions and significant case decisions are preserved permanently through the official reports of the Georgia courts.
Individuals seeking older records should contact the appropriate clerk's office to determine if the records still exist and in what format they may be available.
Types of Courts In Fulton County
Fulton County's judicial system encompasses multiple courts with varying jurisdictions and authority levels. Each court maintains its own records according to its specific functions.
Superior Court of Fulton County
136 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-4518
Superior Court of Fulton County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
State Court of Fulton County
185 Central Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-613-4800
Fulton County State Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Magistrate Court of Fulton County
185 Central Avenue SW, TG100
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-613-5360
Fulton County Magistrate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Probate Court of Fulton County
136 Pryor Street SW, Suite C-230
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-613-4070
Fulton County Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Juvenile Court of Fulton County
395 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30312
404-613-4402
Fulton County Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Atlanta Municipal Court
150 Garnett Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-954-7914
Atlanta Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The court hierarchy in Georgia follows this general structure:
- Municipal/Magistrate Courts (limited jurisdiction, first level)
- State/Superior Courts (general jurisdiction, trial level)
- Georgia Court of Appeals (intermediate appellate court)
- Supreme Court of Georgia (highest state court)
Cases may begin in lower courts and progress upward through appeals. Each level maintains its own record system, though records from lower courts may be transmitted to higher courts during the appeals process.
What Types of Cases Do Fulton County Courts Hear?
Each court within Fulton County's judicial system has specific jurisdictional authority to hear certain types of cases as established by Georgia law.
Superior Court handles:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil cases with no monetary limit
- Divorce and other domestic relations matters
- Land title and property disputes
- Equity cases seeking non-monetary relief
- Habeas corpus petitions
- Appeals from lower courts
- Exclusive jurisdiction over appeals from administrative agencies
State Court presides over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Civil actions up to $25,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Contract and tort claims
- Garnishments and attachments
- Appeals from Municipal and Magistrate Courts
Magistrate Court addresses:
- Small claims up to $15,000
- Warrant applications
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- County ordinance violations
- Dispossessory (eviction) proceedings
- Abandoned motor vehicle claims
- Bad check cases
Probate Court handles:
- Wills and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Marriage licenses
- Weapons carry permits
- Certain mental health commitments
- Minor traffic cases in some instances
Juvenile Court presides over:
- Delinquency cases involving minors
- Children in need of services (CHINS)
- Dependency cases (abuse/neglect)
- Termination of parental rights
- Juvenile traffic offenses
- Emancipation petitions
Municipal Courts (including Atlanta Municipal Court) handle:
- City ordinance violations
- Traffic offenses within city limits
- Parking violations
- Minor misdemeanors
- First appearance hearings
- Preliminary hearings in some cases
Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established in the Georgia Code § 15-6-8 for Superior Courts and corresponding statutes for other courts. In some instances, multiple courts may have concurrent jurisdiction, allowing cases to be filed in more than one court type.
How To Find a Court Docket In Fulton County
Court dockets in Fulton County provide chronological listings of scheduled cases and proceedings. These public documents help individuals track case status and upcoming hearings.
To access court dockets, members of the public may utilize several methods:
-
Online Docket Access
- Visit the Fulton County Superior Court eServices portal
- Select "Court Calendar" or "Docket Search" option
- Enter search criteria (date range, judge, case type)
- Review results showing scheduled hearings and proceedings
- Filter by courtroom, case type, or presiding judge if needed
-
In-Person Docket Review
- Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court
- Request to view the daily or weekly printed docket
- Dockets are typically posted near courtroom entrances
- Check electronic display boards in courthouse lobbies
-
Case-Specific Docket Information
- Search using specific case number through Georgia Courts E-Access
- View all past and scheduled proceedings for that case
- Note filing dates and document entries
- Check hearing outcomes and judicial actions
-
Attorney Access Systems
- Attorneys registered with the courts can access specialized docket information
- E-filing systems provide docket notifications to registered parties
- Case management alerts may be available to counsel of record
When searching dockets, users should note:
- Criminal and civil dockets are typically maintained separately
- Special dockets may exist for specific case types (drug court, veterans court, etc.)
- Docket information is updated regularly but may not reflect last-minute changes
- Some sensitive proceedings may be listed with limited identifying information
- Judge's chambers may maintain separate scheduling information for certain matters
For the most current docket information, particularly for same-day proceedings, contacting the specific court division directly is recommended, as last-minute changes may not be immediately reflected in online systems.
Which Courts in Fulton County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Georgia's judicial system, "courts of record" are those that maintain comprehensive verbatim records of all proceedings and have the authority to impose certain penalties. Courts not of record typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures and limited record-keeping requirements.
According to Georgia Code § 15-7-5, which establishes the distinction between courts of record and those not of record, the following Fulton County courts are classified as not being courts of record:
Municipal Courts within Fulton County, including:
- Atlanta Municipal Court
- Alpharetta Municipal Court
- College Park Municipal Court
- East Point Municipal Court
- Fairburn Municipal Court
- Hapeville Municipal Court
- Milton Municipal Court
- Mountain Park Municipal Court
- Palmetto Municipal Court
- Roswell Municipal Court
- Sandy Springs Municipal Court
- Union City Municipal Court
These municipal courts typically:
- Handle city ordinance violations and minor traffic offenses
- Conduct proceedings without court reporters
- Maintain limited documentation of proceedings
- Do not produce verbatim transcripts automatically
- Allow appeals to State or Superior Court as "de novo" proceedings (new trials)
- Impose limited fines and sentences
Small Claims Division of Magistrate Court when handling:
- Civil claims under $15,000
- Proceedings conducted with simplified rules of evidence
- Cases heard without formal transcription
The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is significant because:
- Appeals from courts not of record typically result in completely new trials in a higher court
- The absence of a verbatim record limits the appellate review to errors apparent on the face of existing documents
- Precedential value of decisions from courts not of record is limited
Individuals with cases in these courts should be aware that if they wish to preserve a complete record of proceedings, they may need to arrange for private court reporting services, as these courts do not automatically generate official transcripts of all proceedings.
Lookup Court Records in Fulton County
Fulton County Superior Court eServices
Fulton County Clerk of Superior and Magistrate Courts
Superior Court of Fulton County