Candler County Divorce Decrees
Candler County divorce decree records are held by the Clerk of Superior Court in Metter, Georgia. The clerk's office is the official keeper of all divorce case files in the county, and records are available to the public under the Georgia Open Records Act. Whether you need a certified copy of a final decree for legal use or want to search for a specific case, this guide covers the process, costs, and legal context for Candler County divorce records.
Candler County Divorce Decree Quick Facts
How to Get Candler County Divorce Decrees
The Candler County Clerk of Superior Court in Metter is the right office for divorce decree records. Their address is 35 S. East College Avenue, Metter, GA 30439, and the phone number is (912) 685-5257. The Candler County website lists contact details for the court. Going in person is the fastest way to request a copy, and staff can usually search for a case while you wait if you have basic information about the filing.
To search for a case, bring the full legal names of both spouses and the approximate year of the divorce. A case number makes the search much quicker. Bring a valid photo ID in case the clerk needs to verify your identity. For mail-in requests, send a written letter to the clerk with the case details, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment. Call the office first to ask about accepted payment methods and current fees before sending anything in the mail.
Metter is a small county seat. The courthouse is the main point of contact, so calling ahead to confirm hours is smart before making a trip.
What Candler County Divorce Records Include
A divorce decree from the Candler County Superior Court is the legally binding final order that ends a marriage. It spells out all the terms of the divorce, including who gets what property, whether either spouse will pay support, and any child custody or visitation schedule that applies. The decree is signed by the judge and filed with the clerk. Once it is entered, the terms become enforceable by law.
The complete case file goes further than just the decree. It includes the original divorce petition that started the case, proof of service on the other spouse, temporary orders if the court issued any during the proceedings, financial affidavits, and the final agreement if the parties settled without a trial. If the case went to trial, the file may also have motion filings, exhibits, and a record of the hearing. This is very different from what the Georgia Department of Public Health provides. The DPH only confirms whether a divorce took place between 1952 and 1996. For full case details or for divorces outside that date range, you need the Candler County clerk.
Note: Case files for divorces involving minor children may have portions sealed to protect the children's privacy.
Candler County Divorce Decree Fees
Copy fees at Georgia Superior Court clerks are set under state guidelines. In Candler County, plain copies typically cost $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies, which include the official clerk's seal and are required for most legal filings, cost more. The exact fee varies depending on the length of the document and the type of certification required. Ask staff when you call or visit.
If you only need to verify that a divorce happened and the case is from between 1952 and 1996, the Georgia DPH can help at lower cost than pulling a full court file. Contact them at 1680 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, or call (404) 657-2700. Their Vital Records office handles divorce verifications for that period. For all other needs, including the actual decree terms, the Candler County clerk is your source.
Georgia Divorce Law in Candler County
The Georgia DPH Vital Records database, shown at dph.georgia.gov, supplements county court records for older divorces. The image below is from that state resource.
Georgia sets uniform divorce rules that apply in every county, including Candler. The Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce cases, as established in OCGA 19-5-1. The six-month Georgia residency requirement under OCGA 19-5-2 must be met before filing. At least one spouse must live in the state for six continuous months before a petition can be accepted.
The 13 grounds for divorce in Georgia are listed in OCGA 19-5-3. Nearly all Candler County cases proceed on the no-fault ground: the marriage is irretrievably broken. Neither party has to prove bad behavior. A 30-day waiting period begins after the respondent is served; the judge cannot sign the final decree until that time passes. Official divorce forms for self-represented filers are available free at the Georgia Courts self-help page.
Public Access to Candler County Divorce Records
The Georgia Open Records Act applies to divorce decree records held at the Candler County Clerk of Superior Court. Any member of the public can submit a records request and obtain copies. You do not need to be related to the parties or have a legal interest in the case. The law presumes these records are open.
There are limited exceptions. A judge may seal records to protect minor children, shield sensitive financial information, or when both parties agree and the court finds good cause. If a record is sealed, the clerk will acknowledge the case exists but cannot provide the sealed documents. Sealed cases are uncommon in routine divorce proceedings. Most Candler County divorce decrees can be requested and copied without any restriction.
Note: Online case search may not be available for Candler County; direct contact with the clerk's office is recommended to locate specific records.
Legal Help for Candler County Divorce Cases
Georgia Legal Services Program covers Candler County and provides free legal help to qualifying low-income residents in family law matters. That includes divorce, custody, and support issues. Apply through their website or by phone. Income eligibility applies, but many rural Georgia residents qualify based on household size and income limits.
For self-help, Georgia Legal Aid's website has guides and plain-language explanations of divorce procedures in Georgia. If your divorce is uncontested and straightforward, online resources may get you through the process without hiring an attorney. For contested cases or situations involving significant property, a referral through the State Bar of Georgia can connect you with a licensed family law attorney. The Georgia Courts website also has helpful information on filing procedures and courthouse contacts throughout the state.