Paulding County Divorce Decrees
Paulding County divorce decree records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court in Dallas, Georgia, and are available to the public under Georgia law. The clerk's office is the official source for certified copies of divorce decrees, case file reviews, and record searches by party name or case number. Whether you need a decree for legal purposes, a name change, or to confirm the status of a past marriage, this guide covers how to get Paulding County divorce records, what they contain, applicable fees, the Georgia laws that govern divorce here, and where to get legal help.
Paulding County Divorce Decree Quick Facts
How to Get Paulding County Divorce Decrees
The Paulding County Clerk of Superior Court is located at 280 Constitution Boulevard, Dallas, GA 30132. The phone number is (770) 443-7530. Visit the Paulding County website for current hours and any service updates. In-person visits to the Dallas courthouse are the fastest way to get a certified divorce decree. Staff search the case index while you wait and can have copies ready quickly.
When you arrive, bring a valid photo ID. Provide both parties' full legal names and the approximate year of the divorce. A case number cuts search time significantly, but it is not required. If you need to request records by mail, write to the clerk at the address above. Include party names, the year of divorce, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. A money order for the copy fee will move your request along faster than waiting for an invoice. Call ahead to confirm the current fee schedule and what payment the office accepts. Paulding County has grown quickly in recent years, so the clerk's office can be busy. Plan for some wait time during peak hours.
Mail requests take longer. For time-sensitive matters, going in person is the safer bet.
What Paulding County Divorce Records Include
Every divorce finalized in Paulding County Superior Court generates a public case file. The final decree is the key document. It is the judge's written order ending the marriage. It names both parties, states the date the divorce was granted, and sets out how the court resolved all disputed issues. This is the document you need when government agencies, courts, or other institutions ask for proof of divorce.
The full Paulding County divorce case file contains more than just the final decree. It begins with the petition to divorce filed by one spouse. If the other spouse responded, that document is there too. Temporary orders entered while the case was pending are part of the file. Financial disclosures required by Georgia courts, settlement agreements negotiated by the parties, parenting plans if minor children were involved, and child support worksheets are all included. Once the judge issues the final ruling, it is placed at the front of the file and the case is closed. All of these documents are part of the public court record and can be viewed or copied at the Paulding County courthouse. Some information about minor children may be restricted, but the final decree itself is open to anyone. You do not need to be a party to the case to request it.
Paulding County Divorce Record Fees
The Paulding County Clerk of Superior Court charges for copies of divorce decree records. The fee for a certified copy is higher than for a plain photocopy. Certified copies carry the clerk's official seal and are required for most legal and government purposes. Call (770) 443-7530 to get the current per-page and certification fees before visiting or mailing a request.
You can view records in person at no charge. Copy fees apply only when you want to take documents. If you need several certified copies, ask about volume pricing. Orders for multiple copies placed at the same time sometimes qualify for a reduced rate. Cash and check are typical payment options at the counter. Mail requests generally require a money order. Ask the clerk what forms of payment are accepted when you call.
Online Access to Paulding County Divorce Records
The Georgia Courts website is a useful resource for finding court records information across the state. Some Georgia Superior Courts offer online docket search tools where you can look up cases by name or number without visiting in person. Check whether Paulding County has an active online portal for divorce case searches by visiting the county's court page or calling the clerk's office directly.
The image below shows the Paulding County Clerk of Superior Court, the office that holds all divorce decree records for cases filed in the county.
For divorces between 1952 and 1996, the Georgia Department of Public Health can verify that a divorce occurred. Their office is at 1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, phone (404) 657-2700, web dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords. DPH provides verification only. For the actual certified decree, the Paulding County clerk is the right source.
Georgia Divorce Laws Governing Paulding County Cases
Paulding County divorce cases follow Georgia state law. Filing requires that at least one spouse has lived in Georgia for six months, as stated in OCGA 19-5-2. The case is filed in the county where the defendant lives or where both parties agree to file. Georgia provides thirteen divorce grounds under OCGA 19-5-3.
The most common ground in Paulding County, as in the rest of Georgia, is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. This is the no-fault option. Neither side has to prove wrongdoing or assign blame. The other twelve grounds are fault-based. They include adultery, habitual drunkenness, cruel treatment, and desertion. Choosing a fault ground can affect how the judge divides marital property and decides whether alimony is appropriate, but it also makes the case harder to litigate. The definition of divorce and what it accomplishes under Georgia law is in OCGA 19-5-1. After the judge signs the decree, both parties have 30 days to appeal. Once that window closes with no appeal, the divorce is final. Paulding County divorce records are public under the Georgia Open Records Act.
Legal Help in Paulding County
Several legal resources can help Paulding County residents navigate a divorce. Georgia Legal Aid serves low-income residents and can assist with divorce paperwork and court procedures. The Georgia Legal Services Program provides similar assistance to eligible individuals in the area. Both programs are free to those who qualify based on income.
The Georgia Courts self-help center offers free divorce forms for uncontested cases. These forms are accepted in all Georgia Superior Courts, including Paulding County. They cover the entire process from filing the petition to the final hearing, and they are designed for cases where both spouses agree on all issues. If your case involves contested property, children, or a spouse who won't cooperate, a private attorney will give you a much stronger foundation. The State Bar of Georgia operates a lawyer referral service to connect you with family law attorneys who serve Paulding County. The clerk's office can process your paperwork but cannot advise you on what to file or how to handle a contested case.