Washington County Divorce Decree Search
Washington County divorce decree records are held at the Superior Court Clerk's office in Sandersville, Georgia, the county seat. This office is the official source for all divorce petitions, final decrees, and related case documents filed in Washington County. Records are public under Georgia's Open Records Act. Any person can request copies of divorce case files without being a party to the case or explaining the reason for the request.
Washington County Divorce Decree Quick Facts
How to Access Washington County Divorce Decrees
The Washington County Clerk of Superior Court is located at 215 E. Haynes Street, Sandersville, GA 31082. The office phone is (478) 552-3254. Visit the Washington County website for current hours and service updates. In-person visits work well for this size courthouse. Bring photo ID and both parties' names. Having an approximate divorce year or case number will help staff locate the file faster.
Mail-in requests are accepted. Send your written request to the clerk at the Sandersville address. Include both spouses' full legal names as they appear in court records, the approximate year the divorce was finalized, and any case number you have. Specify whether you need plain copies or certified copies. Certified copies carry the clerk's official seal and signature, making them valid for legal proceedings such as name changes, court filings, and applications that require proof of divorce. Plain copies work fine for personal use. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and call ahead to confirm the current copy fee before mailing any payment.
Washington County is in the Oconee Judicial Circuit. The circuit handles cases across multiple counties, and the Sandersville clerk's office staff are experienced in locating records even when only partial information is available.
Washington County Clerk of Superior Court
The image below is from the Washington County government website, showing the clerk's office in Sandersville where all Washington County divorce decrees are officially maintained.
The Clerk of Superior Court in Sandersville is responsible for keeping the complete docket of divorce cases filed in Washington County. The office processes new petitions, issues case numbers, maintains the records index, and provides copies of decrees and case documents upon request. Staff can search records by party name or case number and can tell you on the spot whether a file is open or restricted.
What Washington County Divorce Records Contain
A Washington County divorce decree is the judge's final, binding order ending the marriage. It resolves all contested or agreed issues, including division of marital property and debt, any spousal support award, and, when children are involved, custody arrangements, a parenting plan, and child support. Once signed, the decree is enforceable as a court order and both parties must comply.
The full case file at the Sandersville courthouse includes the original divorce petition, service documentation, any answer or counterclaim filed by the respondent, temporary orders from early in the proceedings, financial affidavits, and the final settlement agreement if the parties reached one. Cases resolved at trial may also include deposition summaries, motion records, and exhibits. Everything in an open file is part of the public record available at the Washington County courthouse unless a judge has restricted specific materials.
For divorces registered between 1952 and 1996, the Georgia Department of Public Health maintains a statewide index through their Vital Records office at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords. That index can confirm whether a divorce occurred and identify which county handled it, but it does not include the full decree. The Washington County Superior Court Clerk in Sandersville is the source for the complete case file.
Washington County Divorce Decree Fees
Copy fees at the Washington County Clerk of Superior Court are set by Georgia law. Plain copies typically cost between $0.50 and $5.00 per page depending on the county's current schedule. Certified copies run higher because they carry the clerk's official seal, making them legally recognized for formal use. If you are ordering copies from a lengthy case file, ask the clerk for a page count estimate before committing, since the total can add up.
If you are looking for a divorce that occurred between 1952 and 1996 and you are not sure whether it was filed in Washington County, the Georgia DPH Vital Records office at 1680 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, phone (404) 657-2700, can check the statewide index and point you in the right direction before you make the trip to Sandersville.
Georgia Divorce Law in Washington County
All divorces filed in Washington County operate under Georgia state law. Residency must be established before filing. Under OCGA 19-5-2, at least one spouse must have been a Georgia resident for six months before the petition is submitted. You file in the county where you live or where your spouse currently resides.
Georgia provides 13 grounds for divorce under OCGA 19-5-3. The no-fault ground, irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, is the most commonly used in Washington County cases. It requires no proof of wrongdoing and is generally the fastest path to a final order. Fault-based grounds like adultery, desertion, and cruel treatment remain valid and can affect alimony in contested cases. After the petition is filed and the respondent is served, Georgia requires a 30-day waiting period before the court can enter a final decree, even when both parties are in full agreement.
The Superior Court's authority to hear divorce cases in Georgia is established by OCGA 19-5-1. Forms for self-represented parties are available through the Georgia Courts divorce forms page. Jurisdiction standards are also addressed in OCGA 19-5-5.
Public Access to Washington County Divorce Files
The Georgia Open Records Act establishes the public's right to inspect court records, including divorce case files, held by the Washington County Clerk of Superior Court. You do not need to be a party, an attorney, or a family member. Request the file, pay the copy fee, and receive what you asked for. This applies to all Georgia court records as the default rule.
Sealed records are the exception. A judge can order a specific case or document restricted, but this rarely happens in routine divorce cases in Washington County. If you are uncertain, ask the clerk before making the drive to Sandersville. They can confirm right away whether a file is open or has any restrictions on access.
Legal Help in Washington County
Washington County residents who need legal help with a divorce can contact the Georgia Legal Services Program. They provide free or low-cost civil legal assistance to income-eligible Georgians and handle family law matters including divorce, custody, and support. Georgia Legal Aid offers online self-help guides for those who plan to handle their own case in Superior Court.
The State Bar of Georgia has a lawyer referral service that can match Washington County residents with licensed family law attorneys in the area. For cases involving contested property, retirement accounts, or custody disputes, early legal advice can make a meaningful difference. The Georgia Courts website has Superior Court contact information and links to forms and procedural guidance for self-represented parties.