Cobb County Divorce Decree Records
Cobb County divorce decree records are filed with the Clerk of Superior Court in Marietta, Georgia. The Cobb County Superior Court Clerk handles all divorce case filings for the county, and records are public under the Georgia Open Records Act. Whether you need a copy of your own divorce papers or want to look up a case from years ago, this page walks you through how to get Cobb County divorce decree records, what they include, what they cost, how state law applies, and where to find legal help in the area.
Cobb County Divorce Decree Quick Facts
How to Get Cobb County Divorce Decree Records
The Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's office is at 70 Haynes Street, Marietta, GA 30090. Call (770) 528-1300 to ask about hours, online access options, and what to bring. The clerk's official website is at CobbSuperiorCourtClerk.com. According to the clerk, the best way to obtain a copy of your divorce papers in Cobb County is to contact the Superior Court Clerk's Office directly by phone at (770) 528-1300 or to visit the website. The clerk's office handles in-person requests, mail requests, and phone inquiries.
When visiting in person, bring the full legal names of both parties and the approximate filing year. A case number helps locate the file quickly. Bring valid photo ID. For mail requests, write to the clerk with the necessary case details and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Confirm payment methods and fees before sending anything by mail. Cobb County is one of Georgia's most populous counties, and the clerk's office processes a significant number of records requests. Checking the clerk's website first may reveal online search options that save you a trip to Marietta.
Note: Cobb County has an active and well-resourced clerk's office. Many recent cases are likely in digital format and accessible through online search tools on the clerk's website.
What Cobb County Divorce Records Contain
A Cobb County Superior Court divorce decree is the final legal order ending a marriage. It covers every matter the court resolved: division of property and debts, spousal support if awarded, and the custody and visitation schedule for children. The decree is signed by the judge and filed with the clerk. Once entered, its terms are binding and enforceable.
The full case file goes further than just the decree. It contains the original petition, proof of service on the respondent, financial affidavits submitted by both parties, any temporary orders entered while the case was open, and the final settlement agreement for uncontested divorces. Contested cases may also include motion filings, exhibits, and the court's written rulings. This is separate from the Georgia DPH's short divorce certificate, which only confirms a divorce occurred in Georgia between 1952 and 1996 and carries no case terms. If you need the actual decree or the case falls outside the DPH date range, the Cobb County clerk is your source. The DPH is at 1680 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, (404) 657-2700, or at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords.
Cobb County Divorce Decree Fees
The Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's website at CobbSuperiorCourtClerk.com is the official portal for accessing Cobb County court records, including divorce decrees. The image below shows that resource as it appears online.
Copy fees at the Cobb County Clerk of Superior Court follow Georgia's standard rate structure. Plain copies are typically $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies, which carry the clerk's seal and are required for many legal uses, cost more. The total cost depends on how many pages are in the decree and whether you need certification. Call (770) 528-1300 or check the clerk's website for current fee information before visiting or sending payment.
For state-level divorce verification from the DPH's 1952-1996 index, the fee is separate and lower than pulling a full court file. The DPH Vital Records page outlines the process.
Georgia Divorce Law in Cobb County
Georgia law governs every divorce filed in Cobb County. The Superior Court holds exclusive jurisdiction under OCGA 19-5-1. Before filing, at least one spouse must have been a Georgia resident for six continuous months, per OCGA 19-5-2. The petition is filed in the county where either spouse currently lives. For Cobb County residents, that is the Marietta courthouse.
Georgia recognizes 13 grounds for divorce under OCGA 19-5-3. The no-fault ground, that the marriage is irretrievably broken, is the most common choice in Cobb County cases. No proof of wrongdoing is required. After service on the respondent, a 30-day waiting period must pass before the judge can sign the final decree. This applies even when both parties have agreed on every term. Self-represented filers can download free divorce forms at the Georgia Courts self-help portal. The Georgia Open Records Act makes Cobb County divorce decrees available to any member of the public upon request.
Public Access to Cobb County Divorce Records
Cobb County divorce decree records are public under the Georgia Open Records Act. Any person can submit a records request to the Cobb County Clerk of Superior Court. You do not need to be a party to the case or state a reason. The clerk is required to respond and provide copies for the applicable fee.
Limited exceptions apply. Courts can seal records to protect minor children or when both parties jointly request sealing and the court finds good cause. Sealed records are not available without a court order. Sealed cases are uncommon in routine Cobb County divorce proceedings. Most files are fully accessible. Given Cobb County's size and the volume of cases, the clerk's electronic records system likely covers many recent filings with online search capability.
Note: Cobb County is among Georgia's most populated counties. The clerk's office is well-staffed and experienced in handling public records requests. Checking the online portal before visiting may reveal whether the specific case is already accessible digitally.
Legal Help for Divorce in Cobb County
Georgia Legal Services Program offers free legal help to qualifying low-income Georgians in family law matters, including divorce and custody. Cobb County residents can apply by phone or online. Income eligibility applies based on household size.
Georgia Legal Aid provides free online guides and forms for people handling their own divorce in Georgia. For uncontested cases in Cobb County, the self-help tools can walk you through filing step by step. For contested cases involving significant marital property, business interests, or custody disputes, professional legal guidance is advisable. The State Bar of Georgia has a lawyer referral service to connect you with a licensed family law attorney. Cobb County has a large legal community, and residents of Marietta, Mableton, Smyrna, and Kennesaw have access to attorneys familiar with the Cobb County courthouse. The Georgia Courts website has contact and filing information for the Cobb County Superior Court.