Stonecrest Divorce Decree Search
Stonecrest divorce decree records are held by the DeKalb County Superior Court in Decatur, the clerk's office that manages all divorce filings for residents throughout DeKalb County. If you need to find or get a certified copy of a Stonecrest divorce decree, this guide explains where to go, what the records contain, how Georgia law shapes the process, and how to access online tools that DeKalb County offers for record requests.
Stonecrest Divorce Decree Quick Facts
DeKalb County Superior Court: Stonecrest Divorce Records
Stonecrest is a city in DeKalb County, which means all divorce cases filed by Stonecrest residents go through the DeKalb County Superior Court. The clerk's office is located at 556 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030. Phone: (404) 371-2261. Website: dksuperiorclerk.com. Decatur is where you'll go for in-person requests, certified copies, and case index searches.
DeKalb County offers an eCertification portal, which sets it apart from many Georgia county clerks. Through this online system, you may be able to order certified copies of divorce decree documents without making a trip to the courthouse in Decatur. Check the clerk's website to confirm which record types are available through eCertification and what information you'll need to submit the request. This option can save significant time, especially for cases where you already know the case number.
For in-person visits, bring a valid photo ID and as much case information as you can gather ahead of time. Knowing both parties' names, the approximate year of the divorce, and the case number if you have it will make the search faster. The clerk's staff can help locate records but aren't able to offer legal advice or interpret the contents of a decree.
The DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk website is where Stonecrest residents can access the eCertification portal, search case records, and find contact information for the clerk's office.
This screenshot shows the DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk's site, including access to the eCertification tool that Stonecrest residents can use to request divorce decree copies online.
What Stonecrest Divorce Decrees Contain
A divorce decree is the full final order issued by a Superior Court judge. It's not the same as a brief divorce certificate. The decree lays out every term the court set, and it has legal force. That's why agencies, courts, financial institutions, and government offices ask for certified copies when they need to verify what a divorce required.
Inside a Stonecrest divorce decree you'll find both parties' full legal names, the date the marriage was dissolved, the grounds cited in the petition, property and debt division terms, any alimony awarded, and if children were involved, all the custody, visitation, and child support terms. Name change orders, if any were granted, appear here too. The decree is a self-contained document that reflects what the court decided.
Post-decree changes are separate. If custody was modified or support was adjusted after the original decree, those orders are filed as additional documents in the same case file. They exist alongside the original decree, not as replacements. Ask the clerk to confirm whether any post-decree modifications are on file if you need to know the current state of any term.
Georgia Divorce Law and Stonecrest Cases
Georgia's divorce laws apply uniformly across the state. Under OCGA 19-5-1, only Superior Courts have the authority to grant divorces. That means every Stonecrest divorce goes through the DeKalb County Superior Court. No municipal court, probate court, or magistrate court in Georgia can handle a divorce case.
One of the first things to know about filing in Georgia is the residency requirement. Under OCGA 19-5-2, at least one spouse must have lived in Georgia for six continuous months before the divorce petition can be filed. This is a threshold the court checks before it accepts jurisdiction. If the residency requirement isn't met, the case won't move forward.
After the petition is served on the other party, Georgia law requires a 30-day waiting period before the court can enter the final decree. This applies to all divorces, contested or not. The grounds for divorce in Georgia are listed under OCGA 19-5-3, which recognizes 13 grounds. The no-fault ground that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" is the most common in DeKalb County cases, including those filed by Stonecrest residents.
For self-represented filers, the Georgia Courts website has approved divorce forms available at georgiacourts.gov/a2j/self-help-resources/family-law/divorce-forms/. The petition must be a written, verified document per OCGA 19-5-5.
The Georgia Courts divorce forms page provides free access to the official forms that Stonecrest residents need for a self-represented divorce filing.
This screenshot shows the Georgia Courts self-help divorce forms section, which Stonecrest residents can use to get the official documents needed to file in DeKalb County Superior Court.
Open Records Access for Stonecrest Divorce Decrees
Divorce records in Georgia are public. The Georgia Open Records Act at OCGA 50-18-70 makes court records available to any member of the public. You don't need to be a party to the divorce to request a copy of the decree. You don't need an attorney, and you don't need to give a reason. Walk in, ask for the record, and pay the copy fee.
There are exceptions, but they don't apply to most cases. If a judge specifically ordered a case sealed, or if certain exhibits were filed under seal at the time of the case, those portions won't be available. Cases involving minors may have some restricted portions. But the decree itself in a standard divorce case is fully public. If you encounter a restricted record, the clerk can tell you what is and isn't available.
Note: Uncertified copies are fine for personal reference but will not be accepted by courts or agencies that need to verify decree terms. Request a certified copy if you'll need the document for any official purpose.
Legal Help for Stonecrest Residents
Free civil legal help is available for qualifying Stonecrest residents. The Georgia Legal Services Program provides legal assistance to low-income individuals and families, including divorce matters. Their website is glsp.org. Coverage includes DeKalb County, and eligibility is income-based.
Georgia Legal Aid at georgialegalaid.org offers step-by-step guides on the divorce process written in plain language. The site covers what forms to file, how to serve the other party, what to expect at a hearing, and how to handle post-decree issues. It's a practical starting point if you plan to represent yourself in a Stonecrest or DeKalb County divorce case.
The State Bar of Georgia maintains a lawyer referral service and a searchable attorney directory at gabar.org. If your case involves children, significant assets, or a contested respondent, speaking with a family law attorney who handles DeKalb County cases is worth considering before you file.