Cook County Divorce Decree Records
Cook County divorce decree records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court in Adel, Georgia. The clerk's office is the official keeper of all divorce case filings in the county, and records are available to the public under the Georgia Open Records Act. This page explains how to request Cook County divorce decrees, what the records include, the fees involved, how Georgia divorce law applies, and where to find legal help in the area.
Cook County Divorce Decree Quick Facts
How to Get Cook County Divorce Decrees
The Cook County Clerk of Superior Court is at 100 S. Hutchinson Avenue, Adel, GA 31620. Call (229) 896-7719 to ask about hours and the records request process. The Cook County government website has contact information for the court. Visiting the Adel courthouse is the most straightforward way to get a copy of a divorce decree. For most routine requests, staff can search for the case and provide copies during the same visit if you have adequate identifying information.
Bring the full legal names of both spouses and the approximate filing year. A case number is helpful if you have it. Bring valid photo ID. Mail requests should include a written description of the case, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and confirmation of payment method before any money is sent. Cook County is a smaller rural county, so call before visiting to confirm that the office is open and staffed on the day you plan to arrive.
Note: Like most small Georgia county clerks, the Cook County office may have limited hours. Calling ahead is the safest approach before making a long drive to Adel.
What Cook County Divorce Records Contain
A divorce decree from the Cook County Superior Court is the final legally binding court order ending a marriage. The decree covers all terms the court resolved: how marital property and debts are divided, spousal support if any was ordered, and child custody and visitation arrangements if children are involved. Once the judge signs the decree and it is filed, both parties are legally bound. Either can seek enforcement back in court if the other fails to comply.
The full case file at the Cook County clerk goes beyond the decree. It includes the original petition, proof of service on the respondent, financial affidavits from both parties, temporary orders if any were entered, and the final settlement for uncontested cases. Contested cases will also have motion filings and written rulings. This is distinct from the brief divorce certificate the Georgia DPH issues. That certificate confirms only that a divorce was registered in Georgia between 1952 and 1996 and has no case terms or filing details. For Cook County divorces outside that range or if you need the actual decree, the county clerk in Adel is the source. DPH is at 1680 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, (404) 657-2700, or dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords.
Cook County Divorce Decree Fees
Copy fees at the Cook County Clerk of Superior Court follow Georgia's standard rate structure for court records. Plain copies typically cost $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies, which carry the clerk's official seal, cost more and are required for legal filings, name changes, and proving marital status. Ask staff about current rates when you call or visit. Confirm the fee before sending any payment for a mail-in request.
For state-level verification of a divorce from 1952 to 1996, the Georgia DPH Vital Records office has a separate fee structure from the county clerk. Their service at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords explains the verification process and what information you need to submit. For all Cook County divorces outside that date range or if you need the full decree, the county clerk in Adel handles the request.
Georgia Divorce Law in Cook County
The Georgia DPH Vital Records database at dph.georgia.gov is the state's index of divorces registered from 1952 through 1996. The image below shows how that resource appears to users searching for statewide divorce verifications.
Georgia sets the same divorce rules for every county, including Cook. The Superior Court holds jurisdiction under OCGA 19-5-1. At least one spouse must have been a Georgia resident for six months before filing, per OCGA 19-5-2. The petition is filed in the county of current residence of either spouse.
Georgia law under OCGA 19-5-3 lists 13 grounds for divorce. The no-fault ground, that the marriage is irretrievably broken, is the most common in Cook County. After service on the respondent, a 30-day waiting period applies before the final decree can be signed. No exceptions exist, even for fully agreed cases. Free self-help forms are available at the Georgia Courts portal.
Public Access to Cook County Divorce Records
The Georgia Open Records Act makes divorce decree records in Cook County publicly accessible. Any person can request copies from the Cook County Clerk of Superior Court. You do not need to be a party to the case or provide a reason. The clerk must 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 cause. Sealed records cannot be provided without a court order. This is uncommon in routine Cook County divorce cases. Most files are accessible through a standard request at the Adel courthouse or by mail. For older records from decades past, paper files may be stored in archives and may take extra time for the clerk to locate.
Note: Cook County is a small, rural county. If your request involves an older case or a complex multi-document search, allow extra lead time and consider calling the clerk before submitting a formal request.
Legal Help for Cook County Divorce
Georgia Legal Services Program provides free legal assistance to qualifying low-income Georgians including Cook County residents. They handle family law matters including divorce, custody, and support. Apply by phone or online to check income eligibility.
Georgia Legal Aid offers free online self-help guides and forms for people filing their own Georgia divorce. Uncontested cases where both parties agree on all terms can often be completed using these tools without hiring a lawyer. For contested matters, the State Bar of Georgia has a lawyer referral service to connect you with a licensed family law attorney. The Georgia Courts website provides contact and filing information for the Cook County Superior Court clerk in Adel.