Fulton Public Records /Fulton County Divorce Records

Fulton County Divorce Records

What Are Fulton County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Fulton County are official legal documents maintained by the Superior Court of Fulton County that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Georgia Code § 19-5-1, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. The Family Division of the Superior Court of Fulton County has jurisdiction over all divorce cases filed within the county boundaries.

Divorce records typically consist of several components:

Petition for Divorce (initial filing)
Summons and proof of service
Financial affidavits from both parties
Child support worksheets (if applicable)
Parenting plans (if children are involved)
Settlement agreements
Final Judgment and Decree of Divorce

These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

The Superior Court of Fulton County maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and provides access to them according to Georgia's Open Records Act and applicable privacy laws.

Are Fulton County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Fulton County maintain a complex status regarding public accessibility. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70, which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, this access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.

The following components of divorce records are typically available for public inspection:

Case numbers and docket information
Names of parties involved
Filing dates
Names of attorneys
Final judgment dates
General case status information

However, certain sensitive information contained within divorce files may be restricted from public access, including:

Financial affidavits and statements
Income tax returns
Social Security numbers
Bank account information
Children's identifying information
Allegations of domestic violence
Records sealed by judicial order

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce decree, have more restricted access than general court records. Pursuant to Georgia Code § 31-10-26, these certificates are available only to:

The parties named in the divorce
Their legal representatives
Immediate family members with legitimate interest
Individuals who demonstrate a legitimate legal interest

The Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court maintains divorce records and implements these access restrictions in accordance with state law. Members of the public seeking divorce records must follow established procedures and may be required to provide identification or legal justification for access to certain documents.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Fulton County in 2026

Members of the public may locate divorce records in Fulton County through several established channels. The primary repository for these records is the Clerk of Superior Court, which maintains all divorce filings and final decrees. Individuals seeking divorce records should follow these steps:

Gather necessary information before initiating a search:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
Contact or visit the Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court:

Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court
Lewis R. Slaton Courthouse
136 Pryor Street SW, Suite C-155
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-5344
Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Submit a records request using the official request form available at the clerk's office or through the Fulton County eServices portal.
Pay the applicable search and copy fees:
- Record search: $10.00 per name
- Certified copies: $10.00 for first page, $2.00 each additional page
- Regular copies: $1.00 per page
Present valid government-issued photo identification when requesting records in person.

For expedited service, individuals may utilize the services of the Family Division of Superior Court, which can provide guidance on locating specific divorce records:

Family Division of Superior Court
Justice Center Tower
185 Central Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-4409
Family Division of Superior Court

Pursuant to Georgia Code § 15-6-50, the Clerk of Superior Court is the official custodian of all court records, including divorce proceedings, and is authorized to provide certified copies upon proper request.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Fulton County Online?

Fulton County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through its electronic services platform. The online search capabilities allow for preliminary research and basic case information retrieval without visiting county offices in person. To conduct an online search for divorce records, individuals should:

Access the Fulton County Clerk's eServices portal, which serves as the primary gateway for online court record searches.
Create a user account if conducting detailed searches or requesting copies. Basic case information searches may be available without registration.
Select "Court Records Search" from the available options.
Enter search criteria in the designated fields:
- Last and first names of either party
- Case number (if known)
- Filing date range (if known)
- Case type (select "Divorce/Annulment")
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case type
- Current status
- Judge assignment
For cases filed after 2000, select specific cases to view additional information such as:
- Docket entries
- Scheduled hearings
- Case disposition
- Party information
Request electronic copies of non-confidential documents, if available, by following the on-screen instructions and paying the required fees.

Important limitations of the online system include:

Complete divorce file contents are not available online due to privacy concerns
Cases filed before 2000 may have limited information available electronically
Sealed or restricted records will not appear in search results
Financial affidavits and certain exhibits are generally excluded from online access

For comprehensive divorce record information, particularly for older cases or those containing sensitive information, individuals may need to supplement online searches with in-person requests at the Clerk's office.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Fulton County?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Fulton County have limited but viable options. While obtaining certified copies or extensive documentation typically involves fees, basic record information may be accessed without charge through the following methods:

Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse:

Fulton County Courthouse Law Library
Lewis R. Slaton Courthouse
136 Pryor Street SW, 5th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-4100
Fulton County Law Library

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

The law library provides public computer terminals where visitors may search basic case information at no charge. These terminals offer:

Case number lookup
Party name searches
Docket information
Case status verification
Hearing dates

Online Case Status Verification:

The Fulton County Court Case Search provides limited free access to verify:

Case existence
Filing date
Current status
Scheduled hearings
Judge assignment

In-Person Record Inspection:

Pursuant to Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-71(c)(1), individuals have the right to inspect public records during regular office hours at no charge. To exercise this right:

Visit the Clerk of Superior Court office during regular business hours
Complete a records request form specifying the case of interest
Present valid identification
Request to inspect (rather than copy) the available public portions of the file

Research Assistance:

Fulton County Law Library Reference Desk
Lewis R. Slaton Courthouse
136 Pryor Street SW, 5th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-4100

Library staff can provide guidance on locating divorce records and navigating available resources at no cost, though they cannot provide legal advice.

It is important to note that while inspection of records may be free, any requests for physical or certified copies will incur standard fees. Additionally, records that have been sealed by court order or contain confidential information will not be available through these free access methods.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Fulton County

Divorce records maintained by the Fulton County Superior Court comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire dissolution process. These records are organized according to Georgia Code § 15-6-61, which establishes the clerk's duties regarding court records. A complete divorce file typically contains the following components:

Initial Filings:
- Petition for Divorce (Complaint)
- Summons
- Verification
- Standing Domestic Relations Order
- Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit
- Child Support Worksheet (if applicable)
Service Documentation:
- Sheriff's Entry of Service
- Acknowledgment of Service
- Publication notice (if applicable)
- Proof of service documentation
Responsive Pleadings:
- Answer and Counterclaim (if filed)
- Respondent's Financial Affidavit
- Respondent's Child Support Worksheet
Temporary Orders:
- Motion for Temporary Relief
- Rule Nisi (hearing notice)
- Temporary orders regarding:
  - Child custody and visitation
  - Child support
  - Spousal support
  - Use of marital residence
  - Payment of debts
Discovery Documents (may be filed under seal):
- Interrogatories and responses
- Requests for production of documents
- Depositions
- Financial records
Settlement Documents:
- Settlement Agreement
- Parenting Plan
- Child Support Addendum
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts
Final Judgment:
- Final Judgment and Decree of Divorce
- Incorporated settlement terms
- Child custody determination
- Child support calculation
- Property division
- Debt allocation
- Name restoration (if applicable)
Post-Judgment Filings:
- Motions for contempt
- Petitions for modification
- Appeals documentation
- Enforcement actions

The Final Judgment and Decree serves as the official record of divorce and contains the court's final determinations on all matters related to the dissolution of marriage. This document is particularly important as it provides legal proof of divorce status and outlines the rights and obligations of both parties following the divorce.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Fulton County?

Individuals requiring official documentation confirming a divorce in Fulton County may obtain such proof through established procedures administered by the Clerk of Superior Court. Official proof of divorce is commonly needed for remarriage, name changes, immigration matters, and various legal and financial transactions. To obtain this documentation, the following process applies:

Request a Certified Copy of the Final Judgment and Decree:

Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court
Lewis R. Slaton Courthouse
136 Pryor Street SW, Suite C-155
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-5344
Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Provide Required Information:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
Submit the Request:
- In person: Complete the Records Request Form available at the clerk's office
- By mail: Send a written request including all required information, a copy of identification, and payment to the clerk's office address
- Online: Submit a request through the Fulton County eServices portal
Pay the Required Fees:
- Certified copy: $10.00 for first page, $2.00 each additional page
- Payment methods: Cash (in-person only), credit/debit card, money order, or certified check
Receive Documentation:
- In-person requests may be fulfilled the same day if records are readily accessible
- Mail requests typically require 5-10 business days for processing plus delivery time
- Online requests follow similar processing timeframes with electronic delivery options

For expedited service or assistance with locating older records, individuals may contact:

Fulton County Superior Court Family Division
Justice Center Tower
185 Central Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-4409
Family Division of Superior Court

Pursuant to Georgia Code § 15-6-62, certified copies of court records provided by the clerk carry the same evidentiary weight as original documents and are accepted as official proof of divorce in all legal contexts within the state of Georgia and generally throughout the United States.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Fulton County?

While divorce proceedings in Fulton County are generally matters of public record, certain mechanisms exist under Georgia law to protect sensitive information and, in limited circumstances, to shield entire cases from public view. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by Georgia Uniform Superior Court Rule 21 and relevant state statutes.

Parties seeking confidentiality in divorce proceedings have the following options:

Sealing Specific Documents:
- Financial affidavits and statements may be automatically protected from casual public access
- Medical records can be filed under seal upon request
- Records containing children's identifying information may be redacted
- Documents containing Social Security numbers, account numbers, or other personal identifiers are protected under Georgia Code § 9-11-7.1
Motion to Seal Records:
- Parties may file a motion requesting that specific documents or the entire case file be sealed
- The court applies a balancing test weighing privacy interests against the public's right to access
- The moving party must demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the presumption of openness
- A hearing may be required where the judge will consider arguments for and against sealing
Grounds for Sealing Divorce Records:
- Protection of minor children from harm
- Prevention of identity theft or financial fraud
- Safeguarding victims of domestic violence
- Protection of trade secrets or confidential business information
- Prevention of stalking or harassment
- Other extraordinary circumstances demonstrating potential harm
Alternative Dispute Resolution:
- Mediation proceedings are confidential by law
- Settlement negotiations conducted through private mediation may remain confidential
- Final agreements must still be filed with the court but may contain less sensitive information than would emerge through litigation
Confidential Name Change:
- In cases involving domestic violence, a party may request a confidential name change under Georgia Code § 19-12-1(d)

It is important to note that even when records are sealed, they remain accessible to:

The parties to the divorce and their attorneys
Court personnel with legitimate need for access
Law enforcement officials acting in their official capacity
Other individuals specifically authorized by court order

The decision to seal records rests entirely with the presiding judge, who must issue a written order specifying the scope and duration of any sealing. Complete confidentiality of divorce proceedings is rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances where public access would create significant risk of harm.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Fulton County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Fulton County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseload, and procedural requirements established by Georgia Code § 19-5-3. The following timeframes represent current processing periods for different categories of divorce cases:

Uncontested Divorces with Complete Agreement:
- Minimum waiting period: 31 days from service of petition
- Typical processing time: 45-60 days from filing to final decree
- Factors affecting timeline:
  - Completeness of initial paperwork
  - Court calendar availability
  - Judge's review schedule
  - Presence of minor children (may extend timeline)
Contested Divorces Resolved Through Settlement:
- Typical range: 4-8 months
- Key timeline components:
  - 30 days for answer/response to petition
  - 1-3 months for discovery process
  - 30-60 days for negotiation and settlement
  - 30-45 days for final hearing scheduling
Fully Contested Divorces Requiring Trial:
- Typical range: 9-18 months
- Extended timeline elements:
  - 3-6 months for comprehensive discovery
  - Multiple motion hearings and status conferences
  - Potential delays for expert evaluations
  - Trial scheduling dependent on court calendar
  - Post-trial brief submission period
  - Judge's decision drafting period
Complex High-Asset or High-Conflict Cases:
- Typical range: 18-36 months
- Contributing factors to extended timeline:
  - Business valuation proceedings
  - Real estate appraisals
  - Custody evaluations
  - Guardian ad litem investigations
  - Multiple expert witnesses
  - Extensive document production

According to the Fulton County Superior Court Family Division, approximately 65% of divorce cases are resolved within 9 months of filing, while the remaining 35% require additional time due to complexity or high conflict. The court has implemented case management procedures to reduce unnecessary delays, including:

Mandatory early status conferences
Scheduling orders with firm deadlines
Alternative dispute resolution requirements
Differentiated case management tracks

Parties seeking expedited processing may utilize the court's uncontested divorce procedures when full agreement exists on all issues. These streamlined processes can significantly reduce the time to finalization when properly utilized.

How Long Does Fulton County Keep Divorce Records?

Fulton County maintains divorce records according to retention schedules established by the Georgia Records Act and the Judicial Council of Georgia. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important legal documents while managing storage resources effectively. The following retention periods apply to various components of divorce records:

Final Judgments and Decrees:
- Permanent retention
- Maintained indefinitely in both physical and electronic formats
- Never destroyed or purged from official records
- Governed by Georgia Code § 15-6-62
Case Files for Divorces with Minor Children:
- Retained for 25 years after final disposition
- After 25 years, files may be transferred to microfilm or electronic storage
- Original documents may be destroyed after proper transfer to permanent media
- Index information maintained permanently
Case Files for Divorces Without Minor Children:
- Retained for 15 years after final disposition
- After 15 years, files may be transferred to microfilm or electronic storage
- Original documents may be destroyed after proper transfer to permanent media
- Index information maintained permanently
Temporary Orders and Interim Filings:
- Retained as part of the case file according to the above schedules
- Not separately preserved beyond the retention period for the complete file
Electronic Records:
- For cases filed after 2000, electronic versions are maintained permanently
- Older cases may have been digitized with varying levels of completeness
- Electronic indexes are maintained indefinitely for all cases regardless of age
Exhibits and Evidence:
- Physical exhibits returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period expires
- Documentary exhibits retained as part of case file according to above schedules
- Photographs and other media may be preserved separately with appropriate cross-referencing

The Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court maintains a comprehensive records management program that includes:

Climate-controlled storage for physical records
Regular migration of electronic records to current formats
Disaster recovery protocols
Security measures to prevent unauthorized access or alteration

For historical research purposes, very old divorce records (generally pre-1950) may be transferred to the Georgia Archives while remaining accessible through the clerk's office reference system. Researchers seeking access to older records may need to coordinate with both agencies to locate specific documents.

How To Get a Divorce In Fulton County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Fulton County must follow procedures established under Georgia divorce law. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, but all divorces must comply with Georgia Code § 19-5-2, which establishes jurisdictional requirements. The following steps outline the general divorce process:

Establish Residency Requirements:
- Either spouse must have been a Georgia resident for at least six months prior to filing
- The petition should be filed in the defendant's county of residence or in the petitioner's county if the defendant is a non-resident or has moved from the state
Prepare Required Documentation:
- Petition for Divorce
- Verification form
- Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit
- Standing Domestic Relations Order
- Child Support Worksheet (if children involved)
- Parenting Plan (if children involved)
- Settlement Agreement (if uncontested)
File the Petition with the Clerk of Superior Court:

Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court
Lewis R. Slaton Courthouse
136 Pryor Street SW, Suite C-155
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-5344
Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court

Pay Filing Fees:
- Initial filing fee: $218.00
- Service fee (if sheriff serves): $50.00
- Fee waiver available through Affidavit of Indigence if qualified
Serve the Other Party:
- Sheriff's service
- Private process server
- Acknowledgment of Service (if cooperative)
- Publication (if whereabouts unknown)
For Uncontested Divorces:
- Wait mandatory 31-day period after service
- Submit final paperwork including Settlement Agreement
- Request final hearing or non-jury trial
- Attend hearing (may be waived in some cases)
- Receive Final Judgment and Decree
For Contested Divorces:
- Respond to discovery requests
- Attend temporary hearing if requested
- Participate in mandatory mediation
- Prepare for and attend final trial
- Comply with all court orders during pendency
Post-Divorce Procedures:
- Implement property division
- Update estate planning documents
- Change names on accounts and identification
- File QDROs for retirement accounts if applicable

The Family Division of Superior Court provides resources to assist self-represented litigants, including:

Family Law Information Center
Self-help forms and instructions
Procedural guidance (not legal advice)
Referrals to legal aid organizations

Individuals with complex cases or significant assets are advised to consult with an attorney. The Atlanta Legal Aid Society offers assistance to qualifying low-income individuals for basic divorce matters.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Fulton County

Members of the public seeking divorce forms and documentation in Fulton County have several options for obtaining the necessary paperwork. The Superior Court provides standardized forms that comply with Georgia law requirements. These documents can be accessed through the following methods:

Online Resources:

The Fulton County Superior Court website provides downloadable divorce packets containing:

Petition for Divorce
Verification form
Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit
Summons
Standing Domestic Relations Order
Child Support Worksheet (if applicable)
Parenting Plan templates (if applicable)
Settlement Agreement templates
Final Judgment and Decree forms

In-Person Assistance:

Family Law Information Center
Justice Center Tower
185 Central Avenue SW, 7th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-2789
Family Law Information Center

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Services provided:

Free divorce packets
Assistance with form completion
Procedural information
Notary services
Review of completed forms for completeness

Law Library Resources:

Fulton County Law Library
Lewis R. Slaton Courthouse
136 Pryor Street SW, 5th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-4100
Fulton County Law Library

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Resources available:

Reference materials on divorce procedures
Sample forms and templates
Computer access for form completion
Print services (fee applies)
Research assistance

Legal Aid Organizations:

Atlanta Legal Aid Society
54 Ellis Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-524-5811
Atlanta Legal Aid Society

Services for qualifying low-income individuals:

Divorce form preparation assistance
Legal advice on divorce matters
Representation in limited circumstances
Workshops on self-representation

E-Filing System:

The Fulton County eServices portal allows for:

Electronic form submission
Fee payment
Case status tracking
Document retrieval

All divorce forms must comply with Georgia Uniform Superior Court Rule 24.1, which establishes formatting and content requirements for domestic relations filings. Completed forms must be filed with the Clerk of Superior Court, either electronically or in person, along with applicable filing fees.

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