Glynn County Divorce Decree Search
Glynn County divorce decree records are filed and stored by the Clerk of Superior Court in Brunswick, Georgia. The records are public under the Georgia Open Records Act, and anyone can request access to them. Whether you need a certified copy of a final decree, want to look up a case for legal purposes, or simply need confirmation that a divorce was finalized in this county, the clerk's office is where you start. This guide covers how to access Glynn County divorce decrees, what those records include, the fees involved, and how state law governs divorce proceedings here.
Glynn County Divorce Decree Quick Facts
How to Get Glynn County Divorce Decrees
The Glynn County Clerk of Superior Court maintains all divorce decree records for the county. The office is at 701 H Street, Brunswick, GA 31520, and can be reached by phone at (912) 554-7270. The Glynn County website lists current department hours and contact information. In-person visits to the Brunswick courthouse are the most direct way to get a certified copy of a divorce decree.
When you go in person, bring what you know about the case. The full legal names of both spouses, the approximate year of the divorce, and a case number if you have it will all help staff pull the record quickly. A photo ID is standard for records requests. Staff can usually pull up a case with just the names if you do not have a case number. Copy fees are paid at the counter and vary depending on how many pages are in the record and whether you need a certified or plain copy.
Mail requests are accepted as well. Send your written request to 701 H Street, Brunswick, GA 31520 with your contact information, a description of the record you need, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Call first to confirm current fees and whether any payment must be included with the request. Turnaround times for mail vary, so plan ahead if you have a deadline.
The Georgia Courts website provides background on how divorce cases move through the Superior Court system statewide. Glynn County Superior Court follows the same procedures used across Georgia, so that resource is useful if you are new to the process.
What Glynn Divorce Records Contain
The full case file for a Glynn County divorce includes everything filed with the court from start to finish. That means the original petition for divorce, any responsive pleadings, temporary orders, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and the final decree signed by the judge. The clerk stores all of this together under a single case number. Certified copies of the final decree are the most commonly requested document.
The final decree itself is the order that officially ends the marriage. It names both parties, states the date of dissolution, and sets out the terms the court ordered or the parties agreed to. Property division, debt allocation, spousal support, child custody, and child support are all addressed if they were part of the case. If one spouse asked for a name restoration, that is included in the decree as well. All of these details are part of the public record unless the court specifically sealed them.
For divorces finalized between 1952 and 1996, the Georgia Department of Public Health Vital Records office keeps a verification index. That office is at 1680 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, phone (404) 657-2700. For anything outside that window, the Glynn County Clerk of Superior Court is the sole official source. Vital Records can confirm a divorce happened but cannot provide a certified copy of the actual decree.
The Glynn County Clerk of Superior Court in Brunswick is the official office for divorce decree records, certified copies, and case file access in Glynn County.
The Glynn County courthouse in Brunswick serves as the central filing location for all Superior Court civil matters, including divorce cases for residents of the Golden Isles area.
Glynn County Divorce Decree Fees
The clerk's office charges fees for copying and certifying records. Certified copies cost more than plain photocopies because the clerk applies an official seal and signature to verify authenticity. Call (912) 554-7270 for current pricing before your visit, since fees can change and page count affects the total.
Filing a new divorce case in Glynn County requires paying a Superior Court filing fee. Georgia filing fees for divorce generally fall in the range of a few hundred dollars depending on the case type and any additional motions filed. If the cost is a barrier, Georgia courts allow petitioners to file a Pauper's Affidavit, which is a sworn declaration of financial hardship. If the court approves it, fees can be reduced or waived entirely. The clerk can explain the process. You can also find free, court-approved divorce forms through the Georgia Courts self-help resources page, which is a good starting point for anyone handling their own case.
Georgia Divorce Law in Glynn County
Georgia's divorce statutes apply uniformly across all 159 counties, including Glynn. Residency is the first requirement. Under OCGA 19-5-2, at least one spouse must have lived in Georgia for six months before the petition is filed. Glynn County Superior Court has jurisdiction when the filing party has established residency here, which is common for residents of Brunswick and the surrounding area.
Georgia allows thirteen legal grounds for divorce under OCGA 19-5-3. The no-fault ground, that the marriage is "irretrievably broken," is the most widely used. It does not require proving any wrongdoing by either party, which makes it the faster and less contentious option for most couples. Fault grounds including adultery, desertion, and habitual intoxication exist but are less commonly pursued because they require more evidence and more court involvement. OCGA 19-5-1 sets out the foundational legal definition of divorce in Georgia.
Once a petition is filed and properly served, Georgia law requires a 30-day waiting period before a final decree can be entered. OCGA 19-5-5 governs the content of divorce petitions and the procedures courts follow. Uncontested cases in Glynn County where both parties agree on all terms can conclude relatively quickly after that 30-day window passes, provided all paperwork is correctly filed.
Public Access to Glynn Divorce Records
Georgia's Open Records Act (OCGA 50-18-70) makes most government records, including court files, available for public inspection. Divorce decrees filed in Glynn County Superior Court are public records. Any person can request to view a case file or obtain copies, regardless of whether they were a party to the case.
Exceptions exist. Portions of records involving minor children may be sealed by court order. Certain financial disclosures can also be restricted. But absent a specific order to seal, Glynn County divorce records are open to the public. Contact the clerk's office at (912) 554-7270 to ask whether a remote search option is available or whether requests must be made in person or by mail.
Legal Help in Glynn County
Self-represented parties can handle straightforward uncontested cases, especially with the free forms and guides available through Georgia Courts. When disagreements exist over property, children, or support, an attorney makes the process significantly smoother. The State Bar of Georgia operates a referral service that can match you with a family law attorney in the Brunswick area.
For residents who cannot afford legal fees, Georgia Legal Services Program and Georgia Legal Aid both offer assistance for qualifying individuals. Income guidelines apply, and family law matters like divorce are covered. The Glynn County courthouse may also have self-help materials posted for public use. Calling ahead to ask about available resources before your visit is always a good idea.