Pike County Divorce Records
Pike County divorce decree records are held at the Clerk of Superior Court in Zebulon, Georgia, and are available to the public as required by Georgia's Open Records Act. The clerk's office is the sole source for certified copies of divorce decrees and case file searches for divorces finalized in Pike County. This page explains how to request records, what those records include, fees charged by the county, the Georgia statutes that apply, and what legal resources are available to Pike County residents.
Pike County Divorce Decree Quick Facts
How to Get Pike County Divorce Decrees
The Pike County Clerk of Superior Court is at 16001 Barnesville Street, Zebulon, GA 30295. The office number is (770) 567-2000. You can also check the Pike County website for current office hours before making the trip to Zebulon. In-person visits are the most efficient way to get a certified copy of a divorce decree. Staff search the case index by name while you wait. Bring a photo ID and the full legal names of both parties. The approximate year of the divorce helps narrow the search.
Mail requests are accepted but take longer. Write to the clerk's office at the address above. Include both spouses' names, the year of divorce, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Sending a money order for the anticipated copy fee avoids back-and-forth. Call (770) 567-2000 to confirm the current fee and payment options before sending. Pike County is a small county and the clerk's office is not large, so reaching someone by phone to confirm details before your visit or mailing is worth the effort. Older records from the 1970s and earlier may not be in digital format, so call ahead if the case is from that era.
What Pike County Divorce Records Include
A divorce decree from Pike County Superior Court is the judge's final written order ending a marriage. The decree names both parties, records the date the court granted the divorce, and states the court's rulings on all contested matters, including property division, alimony, and anything involving children. The decree is the document courts, banks, and government agencies ask for as proof that a marriage has ended.
The full case file stored at the Pike County clerk's office contains the complete history of the divorce proceeding. It starts with the original petition. A response from the other spouse follows if one was filed. Temporary orders signed by the judge during the case are part of the record, as are the financial disclosures both parties typically file. Settlement agreements are included if the parties reached a deal on any issues before trial. When minor children are part of the case, a parenting plan and child support worksheet are in the file. After the judge enters the final decree and the case closes, all of these documents form the permanent public record of the divorce. They are available for review and copying at the Zebulon courthouse. Some information about minor children may be limited under Georgia court rules, but the final decree itself is open to any member of the public without restriction.
For a quick verification, the clerk can issue a certified copy of just the final decree without retrieving the entire file.
Pike County Divorce Decree Fees
Copy fees for Pike County divorce records are set by the clerk's office within guidelines established by Georgia law. Certified copies, which include the clerk's official seal and signature, cost more than plain photocopies. For legal and government purposes, a certified copy is almost always what you need. Plain copies are cheaper and suitable for your own reference. Call (770) 567-2000 before your visit to ask for current rates.
There is no charge to search the public index or view a file at the courthouse. Fees only apply when you want to take copies. If you need multiple certified copies of the same record, ask the clerk whether the price per copy is lower when you order several at once. Cash and personal check are the common forms of payment at the counter. For mail requests, a money order is usually required. The clerk can confirm the exact payment options when you call.
Georgia Divorce Laws That Apply in Pike County
Pike County divorces are subject to the same Georgia statutes that apply throughout the state. To file for divorce in Pike County, at least one spouse must have been a Georgia resident for six months before the case is filed, as required under OCGA 19-5-2. The case is filed in the county where the defendant lives. Georgia recognizes thirteen grounds for divorce listed in OCGA 19-5-3, ranging from no-fault to a range of fault-based grounds.
Most Pike County divorces use the no-fault ground of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. No proof of wrongdoing is required, and the process is generally simpler. The twelve fault-based grounds, which include adultery, habitual intoxication, and desertion, can affect how a judge handles property and alimony decisions but make the case more complicated. After the final decree is signed, there is a 30-day appeal window before it becomes permanent. OCGA 19-5-1 defines what a divorce is and what it accomplishes under Georgia law. Divorce records in Pike County are public under the Georgia Open Records Act, and anyone can request them.
Online and Remote Access to Pike County Records
The Georgia Courts website provides statewide court information and may link to any available online resources for Pike County. Online docket search tools are not universally available across Georgia counties, and smaller counties like Pike may have limited digital options for public case searches. Contact the clerk's office directly to find out what, if any, online access exists for Pike County divorce records.
The image below shows the Georgia Courts divorce forms portal, which is a useful tool for anyone navigating a divorce case in Pike County or elsewhere in the state.
For divorces that took place between 1952 and 1996, the Georgia Department of Public Health offers verification at 1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, phone (404) 657-2700, website dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords. DPH confirms the divorce occurred but does not provide certified decree copies. For the actual court document, the Pike County clerk is the right contact.
Legal Assistance in Pike County
Pike County residents who need help with a divorce can reach out to Georgia Legal Aid or the Georgia Legal Services Program. Both organizations provide free legal assistance to income-eligible individuals and cover family law matters. If you qualify, they can help you understand your rights, fill out forms, and navigate court procedures.
Free divorce forms for uncontested cases are available at the Georgia Courts self-help center. These forms are accepted in Pike County Superior Court and walk you through the full process. They work well when both parties agree on all issues. For any case that is contested or involves children, property, or other complications, a private attorney will give you far better protection. The State Bar of Georgia has a referral service to help you find a qualified family law attorney who practices in the Pike County area. The clerk's office in Zebulon can receive and process your filings, but cannot give legal advice.