McDonough Divorce Decree Records
McDonough divorce decree records are filed with the Henry County Superior Court, which is the official court of record for all divorces in McDonough and throughout Henry County. If you need to find a divorce decree, request a certified copy, or verify that a divorce was granted in McDonough, this guide covers where to go, what the records contain, how Georgia law governs the process, and where to find legal help.
McDonough Divorce Decree Quick Facts
Henry County Superior Court: McDonough Divorce Records
The Henry County Superior Court handles all divorce filings for McDonough residents. The courthouse is located right in McDonough at 11 Courtland Street, McDonough, GA 30253. The Clerk of Superior Court is the keeper of the official divorce case records. You can contact the clerk by phone at (770) 288-8022. The county's website is at henrycountyga.gov, where you can find office hours and additional contact information.
If you want to view or get a copy of a divorce decree, visit the clerk's office in person with a valid photo ID. Having the names of both parties and the approximate year the divorce was granted will make the search faster. Certified copies carry the court's official seal and are used for legal, identification, and government purposes. The clerk can tell you the current fee for certified copies when you contact them.
If you can't visit in person, call the office to ask about submitting a request by mail. You'll typically need to send a written request with case details and payment for any applicable fees. Allow extra time for mail requests compared to walking in.
The Henry County government website screenshot below shows the official county portal, which is the starting point for locating the clerk's office and accessing McDonough divorce decree record information.
The site includes the clerk's office contact details and links to court-related resources for Henry County residents.
What McDonough Divorce Decrees Contain
A divorce decree is the court's final order. It marks the legal end of the marriage and records every ruling the judge made on contested or agreed-upon issues. For a Henry County case, that generally includes property division, any debt allocation between the spouses, and alimony if applicable. Cases with children will also have custody arrangements, a visitation schedule, and child support terms written into the decree.
The broader case file at the clerk's office contains more than just the decree. It includes the original divorce petition, the response from the other party, financial affidavits, any temporary orders entered during the case, and the final settlement agreement if the parties resolved the matter without a trial. Each of these documents is part of the official public record held by Henry County.
Note: Courts can restrict access to certain records. Sections involving children's personal details or domestic violence concerns may be sealed. If you can't find a specific document in the file, ask the clerk what restrictions, if any, apply to that case.
Georgia Divorce Law Applied in McDonough
Georgia gives Superior Courts exclusive divorce jurisdiction under OCGA 19-5-1. That rule applies to every divorce in the state, including every one ever filed in Henry County. No municipal court or magistrate court has the power to grant a divorce in Georgia.
At least one spouse must have lived in Georgia for six continuous months before filing, per OCGA 19-5-2. If that condition is met, either spouse can file in the county where either one lives. Most McDonough residents file right here in Henry County.
Georgia law provides 13 grounds for divorce under OCGA 19-5-3. The no-fault ground, irretrievably broken marriage, is the most common choice for Henry County filers. It avoids the need to prove fault and tends to make the process less adversarial. Fault grounds like adultery or habitual intoxication are available and can affect alimony decisions, but they require evidence and usually make the case more complex.
Once the respondent is served with the divorce papers, Georgia law imposes at least a 30-day wait before a judge can issue a final decree. Contested cases where the parties dispute property or custody can take months or longer. The original petition must be in writing and signed under oath, as required by OCGA 19-5-5.
Georgia DPH Vital Records for Older McDonough Divorces
If you're searching for a McDonough divorce that happened between 1952 and 1996, the Georgia Department of Public Health maintains a statewide index covering that period. DPH can confirm a divorce occurred and identify the county where it was filed, but it does not issue copies of the actual decree. You'll still need to contact the Henry County clerk for the full case file and certified copies.
Reach DPH at 1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, or call (404) 657-2700. Their website is dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords. As DPH explains: "Although the department can confirm divorces, copies of the records are held by the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was granted." For divorces after 1996, contact the Henry County clerk directly.
The Georgia DPH Vital Records database screenshot below shows the state's online portal for divorce verification requests, which covers older divorces from the McDonough area.
The site explains what information DPH can provide and how to submit a request for a statewide divorce verification.
Public Access to McDonough Divorce Records
Divorce decrees filed in Henry County are public records under the Georgia Open Records Act, OCGA 50-18-70. Any person can request access to a court file through the Henry County Superior Court clerk. You don't need to be a party to the case or have a specific legal interest to view or copy the records.
Some portions of court files can be restricted. Records involving minor children or sensitive protective matters may be sealed by a judge. Even when specific documents are restricted, the existence of the divorce case and the names of the parties are typically visible in the public index. If something you expected to find is missing, ask the clerk about access restrictions.
Georgia Courts provides statewide court information and self-help materials at georgiacourts.gov. Divorce forms for Georgia Superior Court cases are available at georgiacourts.gov/a2j/self-help-resources/family-law/divorce-forms/. These forms help you understand what documents are typically part of a Georgia divorce case file.
Legal Help for McDonough Residents
Georgia Legal Services Program at glsp.org serves low-income residents in Henry County and can assist with family law matters including divorce. If you qualify for their services, they offer free legal help. Georgia Legal Aid at georgialegalaid.org has a searchable directory of resources by county.
The State Bar of Georgia at gabar.org operates a lawyer referral service for those who want to work with a private attorney. Many family law attorneys in the Henry County area offer initial consultations at reduced or no cost. If both spouses agree on all the terms, representing yourself through an uncontested divorce is a realistic option using the forms available through Georgia Courts.