Henry County Divorce Decree Records

Henry County divorce decree records are held by the Clerk of Superior Court in McDonough, Georgia, and are open to the public under the Georgia Open Records Act. Henry County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Atlanta metro area, and the clerk's office processes a significant volume of divorce cases each year. Whether you need a certified copy of a final decree, want to search a case by name or number, or need to confirm a divorce was filed in Henry County, this page covers how to access those records, what they contain, fees, and how Georgia divorce law applies here.

How to Get Henry County Divorce Decrees

The Henry County Clerk of Superior Court is the official office for all divorce decree records in the county. The office is at 11 Courtland Street, McDonough, GA 30253, and can be reached at (770) 288-8022. The Henry County website has current hours and contact information for courthouse departments. In-person visits to the McDonough courthouse are the most direct way to get a certified copy of a divorce decree.

Come prepared with the full legal names of both spouses and the year of the divorce, or the case number if you have it. Photo ID is standard. Clerks can search by name even without a case number, though the process is faster when you have specific details. For mail requests, write to the clerk at 11 Courtland Street, McDonough, GA 30253. Include a clear description of what you need, your contact information, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Call ahead to confirm current fees and whether payment needs to be included. Certified copies are more expensive than plain copies, and the page count affects the total.

Henry County's growing population means the clerk's office can be busy. Calling ahead or visiting early in the day can reduce wait times.

The Georgia Courts website has helpful background on how Superior Court records are organized and how to access them statewide. Divorce is treated as a civil matter in Georgia, so the same general rules apply in Henry County.

What Henry County Divorce Records Contain

The complete case file stored by the Henry County clerk includes all documents submitted during the divorce proceedings. That means the original petition, any responses filed by the other spouse, temporary orders, financial affidavits, consent agreements, and the final signed decree. All documents are indexed under the case number assigned at filing.

The final decree is the court's official order dissolving the marriage. It is signed by the Superior Court judge and includes the exact dissolution date. Property division, debt allocation, spousal support, child custody, and child support are all reflected in the decree when those issues were part of the case. Name restoration is included when requested. These details are part of the public record in most cases unless a specific court order seals them. Sealing does not happen automatically and requires deliberate legal action.

For basic verification of a divorce finalized between 1952 and 1996, the Georgia Department of Public Health Vital Records office keeps a statewide index. Contact them at 1680 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, or call (404) 657-2700. They can confirm that a divorce occurred but cannot provide a copy of the decree. For the actual document or for divorces outside that range, the Henry County clerk is the right source.

The Henry County Clerk of Superior Court in McDonough maintains all divorce decree records and handles certified copy requests and case file access for one of Georgia's fastest-growing counties.

The Henry County courthouse in McDonough is the official filing and storage location for all Superior Court civil matters, including divorce proceedings for residents throughout the county.

Henry County Divorce Decree Fees

Copy fees at the clerk's office depend on whether the copy is certified or plain and on the number of pages in the record. Certified copies carry an official seal and signature, which adds to the cost. Call (770) 288-8022 for current pricing before your visit. Having the case number ready helps estimate what you will owe.

Filing a new divorce case in Henry County requires paying a Superior Court filing fee at submission. Georgia filing fees generally run a few hundred dollars for a standard divorce filing. If the cost is a hardship, Georgia courts provide relief through a Pauper's Affidavit, a sworn declaration of financial circumstances. If the court approves it, fees can be reduced or waived. Ask the clerk how to request one. Free, state-approved divorce forms are available through the Georgia Courts self-help page, which is a good starting point for anyone handling their own case. Using the right forms from the start avoids delays at the filing counter.

Georgia Divorce Law in Henry County

Georgia divorce law applies uniformly across all counties. The first step is satisfying the residency requirement. Under OCGA 19-5-2, at least one spouse must have lived in Georgia for six months before filing. Henry County Superior Court has jurisdiction when the petitioning spouse has been a resident here for that period before the petition is filed.

Georgia allows thirteen grounds for divorce under OCGA 19-5-3. The no-fault ground, that the marriage is "irretrievably broken," is by far the most common in Henry County as it is statewide. It requires no proof of wrongdoing by either party. Fault-based grounds including adultery, desertion, and cruel treatment exist and can influence property and support decisions, but they add complexity and time. Most uncontested cases use the no-fault route for its simplicity.

After filing and service of the petition, Georgia mandates a 30-day waiting period before a final decree can be entered. OCGA 19-5-1 defines divorce under Georgia law, and OCGA 19-5-5 governs petition requirements and court procedures. Uncontested cases with all issues agreed upon and complete paperwork can finalize in Henry County Superior Court without a hearing once that window passes.

Public Access to Henry Divorce Records

Georgia's Open Records Act (OCGA 50-18-70) gives any member of the public the right to inspect and copy most government records. Divorce case files at the Henry County Clerk of Superior Court are public records. You do not need to be a party to the case to request access or obtain copies.

Some records have exceptions. Portions involving minor children may be sealed by court order. Financial exhibits can also be restricted in specific situations. But the default is public access, and most Henry County divorce records are open. If you want to search remotely, contact the clerk at (770) 288-8022 to ask whether online or phone-based search options are available for Henry County court records.

Legal Help in Henry County

Henry County's size means more legal resources are available locally than in many rural Georgia counties. Uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all terms can be handled without an attorney using the free forms and guides from the Georgia Courts site. When disputes exist over property, children, or support, an attorney can prevent costly mistakes.

The State Bar of Georgia runs a referral service that can match you with a family law attorney practicing in Henry County. For those who cannot afford private legal fees, Georgia Legal Aid serves the metro Atlanta area and accepts applications online. Georgia Legal Services Program focuses primarily on rural areas but may assist some Henry County residents. Both programs have income limits. The Henry County clerk's office can also direct you to self-help materials available at the courthouse.

Residents of Stockbridge and McDonough file their divorce cases through the Henry County Superior Court along with all other county residents.

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