Find Divorce Records in Dawson County
Dawson County divorce decree records are held by the Clerk of Superior Court in Dawsonville, Georgia. The clerk's office is the official keeper of divorce case files and decrees for the county. Georgia law makes most divorce decrees public records, so anyone can request a copy. This guide covers how to search for Dawson County divorce records, what those records contain, what fees to expect, and where to get legal help if you need it.
Dawson County Divorce Decree Quick Facts
How to Get Dawson County Divorce Decrees
The Dawson County Clerk of Superior Court is your starting point for any divorce decree in the county. The office is at 25 Justice Way, Suite 1202, Dawsonville, GA 30534. Call them at (706) 344-3510 to check hours and ask about current fees before you go. You can also look at the Dawson County website for clerk contact details and any posted service updates. In-person visits are usually the quickest route to getting a certified copy of a divorce decree.
When you visit the clerk's office, bring the full legal names of both parties in the divorce, the approximate year the divorce was filed, and a case number if you have it. Any of these details will help staff locate the record faster. A valid photo ID is standard for records requests. If you are requesting someone else's divorce record, you still have the right to request it as a member of the public, though some sensitive attachments may be restricted.
Mail requests are accepted by the Dawson County clerk. Send a written request to the Dawsonville address with all the case details you have, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees. Mail requests take longer to process than in-person visits, so give yourself extra time if you have a deadline coming up. Calling the clerk first to confirm the fee amount is always a good idea before mailing payment.
What Dawson County Divorce Records Contain
A divorce decree from Dawson County Superior Court is the court's final written order ending a marriage. It includes both parties' full legal names, the date the divorce was granted, the judge's signature, and the specific terms of the divorce. Depending on the case, the decree may also include property division terms, any spousal support ordered, child custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and child support amounts. The decree is the legally binding document that controls what both parties are obligated to do after the divorce.
The divorce decree is often required for important legal steps after the marriage ends. Remarriage typically requires proof that a prior marriage was legally dissolved, and a certified copy of the decree serves that purpose. Government agencies and courts will accept a certified copy from the Dawson County clerk as proof of divorce. It is also the primary document used to enforce custody or support terms if a dispute comes up later.
The full case file contains more than just the decree. It may include the original petition, financial disclosure statements, proposed settlement agreements, motions filed by either party, and any orders the judge issued during the case. These documents are generally public, though certain financial attachments or records involving minor children may have restricted access under court order. Note: Ask the clerk if any portions of the file you need are under a seal before submitting your records request.
Dawson County Divorce Record Fees
Copy fees for divorce decree records at the Dawson County clerk's office are set by the office and can change. Call (706) 344-3510 before your visit to confirm the current fee schedule. Certified copies cost more than plain photocopies. Fees in Georgia typically run a few dollars per page for certified copies, but the exact amount varies by county. The number of pages in the decree also affects the total cost.
Filing fees apply when a divorce case is first opened in Dawson County Superior Court. These fees are separate from copy fees paid when requesting records later. Georgia sets a base filing fee, and individual counties may have additional costs. The clerk can give you the full fee list when you call or visit. If cost is a concern, ask the clerk about fee waiver options, which may be available in cases of financial hardship.
Note: Dawson County clerk's office payment methods may include cash, check, or money order. Credit card acceptance varies by county, so confirm before your visit.
Georgia Divorce Laws That Apply in Dawson County
All divorces in Dawson County are governed by Georgia state law. Under OCGA 19-5-1, Georgia courts can grant divorces on multiple grounds. The most widely used is the no-fault ground of irretrievable breakdown, which does not require either party to prove fault. Georgia also allows fault-based divorces under OCGA 19-5-3, covering grounds such as adultery, habitual intoxication, desertion, and cruel treatment. Most couples today use the no-fault route.
Before filing in Dawson County, at least one spouse must meet the six-month Georgia residency requirement found in OCGA 19-5-2. After filing, a 30-day waiting period applies before the court can finalize the divorce. If both parties agree on all terms and there are no contested issues, the case can often be resolved at a brief hearing or without a trial. Dawson County Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce cases in the county.
Once a divorce decree is issued in Dawson County, the record becomes public under the Georgia Open Records Act. Any person can request a copy. Courts may seal specific portions of a file, but the default is open access. Dawson County follows the same open records rules as every other county in Georgia.
Public Access to Dawson County Divorce Records
Dawson County divorce records are public records under Georgia law. You do not need to be a party to the case to request a copy of a divorce decree. Walk into the Dawson County Clerk of Superior Court, ask for the record by name or case number, pay the copy fee, and you can get a certified copy on the spot if the file is available. The clerk's office is the best place to start for any divorce decree search in Dawson County.
The image below is from the Dawson County Clerk of Superior Court. This office at 25 Justice Way in Dawsonville handles all divorce decree filings and record requests for the county.
The Dawson County government website has contact information for the clerk's office and may include hours and service updates.
The clerk's office at the Dawsonville courthouse stores divorce records dating back many decades. Staff can search by party name or case number to locate the record you need.
For divorces between 1952 and 1996, the Georgia Department of Public Health maintains a separate verification database. The state vital records office at 1680 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349 can be reached at (404) 657-2700. These are verifications only, not full decrees. For the complete divorce record, you always need to contact the Dawson County clerk. Online case searches are limited for Dawson County, so in-person or mail contact is the reliable path.
Note: The Georgia Courts website at georgiacourts.gov provides general information about the Superior Court system, which may help you understand the process before you contact the clerk.
Legal Help for Divorce in Dawson County
Several organizations provide legal help for Dawson County residents dealing with divorce. Georgia Legal Aid offers free legal services to people who meet income guidelines. Their staff can help with divorce paperwork, explain your rights, and assist with court filings. Georgia Legal Services Program also serves rural north Georgia counties and may have attorneys who can help with your case.
The State Bar of Georgia runs a lawyer referral service if you need a private attorney. For uncontested divorces where both spouses agree on all terms, self-help divorce forms are available through the Georgia Courts self-help portal. These forms are designed for people who handle their own case without a lawyer. If children, property, or contested issues are involved, professional legal advice is strongly recommended before filing.