Dade County Divorce Decree Records
Dade County divorce decree records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court in Trenton, Georgia. The clerk's office is the official source for certified copies of divorce decrees in Dade County, along with case files and related documents. Most divorce records filed in Dade County are public under the Georgia Open Records Act, and anyone can request access. This guide explains how to search for and obtain divorce decree records from the Dade County courthouse.
Dade County Divorce Decree Quick Facts
How to Get Dade County Divorce Decrees
The Dade County Clerk of Superior Court manages all divorce records for the county. The office sits at 255 W. Crabtree Street, Trenton, GA 30752. Call them at (706) 657-4778 to confirm current hours and ask about copy fees before your visit. You can also check the Dade County official website for updates on office services. In-person visits to the courthouse in Trenton are the fastest way to get a certified copy of a divorce decree.
When you go to the clerk's office, bring as much detail as you can about the case. Full names of both parties, the approximate year the divorce was filed, and a case number if you have one will all speed up the search. Staff can look up records by name or case number in their filing system. A valid photo ID is standard when requesting records. If you need multiple copies, ask the clerk upfront how fees are calculated so you can come prepared with the right payment.
Mail requests are another option. Write to the clerk at the Trenton address with the names, approximate date, and any case information you have. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing time for mail requests is typically longer than in-person visits, so plan ahead if you have a deadline.
Dade County is a smaller county, which means the clerk's office staff often handles multiple duties. Calling ahead before you drive to Trenton is a good idea. They can tell you if the records you need are stored on-site or in an archive, and whether you can get same-day service.
What Dade County Divorce Records Contain
A Dade County divorce decree is the court's final order ending a marriage. It spells out all the terms the court approved. The decree will typically include both parties' full legal names, the date the divorce was granted, the county and court where it was filed, and the judge who signed it. Beyond those basics, most decrees also detail how property was divided, whether spousal support was ordered, and any terms for child custody, visitation, and child support.
The divorce decree is the document you need to enforce court decisions. If one party stops paying support or disputes custody terms, the decree is what courts and agencies look at. It is also required for remarriage in most cases, and many state agencies will ask for it when you apply for a name change or update official records. Keep your original decree in a safe place. Certified copies from the Dade County clerk are legally valid for these purposes.
Divorce records also include the petition, any motions filed during the case, financial disclosures, and the final judgment. Some of these documents may contain sensitive personal details. Certain financial records attached to a divorce case can be sealed by the court, but the decree itself is generally public. Note: If a case involved minor children, some portions of the record may have restricted access under Georgia law.
Dade County Divorce Record Fees
Fees for divorce decree copies in Dade County are set by the clerk's office and may change over time. Certified copies typically cost more than plain photocopies. Call the clerk at (706) 657-4778 for current pricing before your visit. In Georgia, copy fees across counties generally run a few dollars per page for certified copies, but exact amounts vary by county and by how many pages the decree contains.
When you file for divorce in Dade County Superior Court, filing fees apply at the start of the case. These fees are separate from copy fees you pay later when requesting records. Georgia courts set a base filing fee, though Dade County may have its own schedule. The clerk's office can give you the most current list of fees for both filing and copies.
Note: Payment methods accepted at the Dade County clerk's office may include cash, check, or money order. Confirm accepted payment types before your visit, as not all rural courthouses accept credit cards.
Georgia Divorce Laws in Dade County
Georgia law governs all divorces filed in Dade County. Under OCGA 19-5-1, Georgia courts have the authority to grant divorces on a number of grounds. The most common is the no-fault ground of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, which means neither party has to prove wrongdoing to get a divorce. Georgia also recognizes several fault-based grounds under OCGA 19-5-3, including adultery, abandonment, and cruel treatment, though most cases today proceed on no-fault terms.
Before a Dade County divorce can be filed, at least one spouse must have lived in Georgia for a minimum of six months. This residency requirement is set out under OCGA 19-5-2. Once the petition is filed, Georgia requires a 30-day waiting period before the court can finalize the divorce. This period gives both parties time to respond and for the court to review the case. If both parties agree on all terms, the case can often proceed without a contested hearing.
Dade County Superior Court handles all divorce cases filed in the county. Superior courts in Georgia have exclusive jurisdiction over divorce matters, meaning no other court can grant a divorce. The judge reviews the agreement or hears contested issues and signs the final decree when satisfied that all legal requirements are met.
Under the Georgia Open Records Act, most divorce decree records are accessible to the public once filed. There are narrow exceptions for cases involving sealed records or specific orders by the judge, but the default in Georgia is public access. Dade County follows state law on this without exception.
Public Access to Dade County Divorce Decrees
The Dade County Clerk of Superior Court maintains divorce records and makes them available to the public as required by Georgia law. You do not need to be a party to the case to request a copy of a divorce decree in Dade County. Any person can submit a records request and receive a copy, provided the record is not under a court seal.
The Georgia Vital Records Office also holds some divorce records. The Georgia Department of Public Health, located at 1680 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, and reachable at (404) 657-2700, maintains divorce verification records from 1952 through 1996. For divorces before or after that range, the Dade County Superior Court clerk is your only official source. The DPH records are verifications only, not full decrees, so for the complete document you will still need to go to the county clerk.
Online access to Dade County divorce records is limited compared to larger urban counties. The county does not currently offer a public-facing online search portal for divorce cases. You will need to contact the clerk's office directly, either by phone, mail, or in person. The Georgia Courts website provides general information about the court system and may help you understand the process before you reach out to the Dade County clerk.
Note: Because Dade County is a small county, the clerk's record database may not extend as far back online as larger counties. For older records, ask the clerk whether historical files are stored in a separate archive or on-site.
Legal Help for Divorce in Dade County
If you need help with a divorce case in Dade County, several resources are available in Georgia. The Georgia Legal Aid program provides free and low-cost legal services to qualifying residents. They can help with divorce paperwork, court procedures, and understanding your rights under Georgia law. For those who do not qualify for free services, the State Bar of Georgia has a lawyer referral service to help you find a private attorney in the northwest Georgia area.
The Georgia Legal Services Program also serves rural counties like Dade County. Their staff attorneys and volunteers can answer questions and assist with basic divorce filings for eligible clients. If your case is uncontested and both parties agree on all terms, you may be able to use self-help divorce forms available through the Georgia Courts self-help portal. These forms are designed to help people who represent themselves in court without an attorney.
The Dade County courthouse in Trenton can point you toward local resources as well. Court clerks cannot give legal advice, but they can tell you what forms to file and how the process works at the local level. For complex cases involving property disputes, child custody, or fault-based grounds, consulting an attorney is strongly recommended.
The image below shows the Dade County Clerk of Superior Court office, where divorce decrees are filed and maintained. The office at 255 W. Crabtree Street in Trenton is the primary point of contact for all divorce record requests in the county.
The Dade County government website has contact details for the clerk's office and may list current service hours.
The clerk's office in Trenton handles divorce decree records going back many decades. Staff can assist with searches by name, case number, or approximate filing date.