Access Augusta, Georgia Dissolution Of Marriage Records

Augusta residents seeking dissolution of marriage records or planning to file a petition will work through the Richmond County Superior Court, the court responsible for all family law matters in Augusta-Richmond County. Like Athens-Clarke County, Augusta operates as a consolidated city-county government, meaning the Richmond County Superior Court serves the entire city with one set of procedures and one clerk's office. This page covers where to file, how to search existing dissolution records, what fees apply, and where to find legal help in the Augusta area.

Where Augusta Residents File for Dissolution

All dissolution of marriage filings for Augusta residents go to the Richmond County Superior Court. The clerk's office is at 735 James Brown Blvd, Augusta, GA 30901. The main phone number is (706) 821-2460. Since Augusta-Richmond County is a consolidated government, there is one court, one clerk, and one set of filing rules for everyone in the city.

The Richmond County Superior Court handles the full range of family law matters, including dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, and alimony. When you file a dissolution petition, you bring your completed forms and filing fee to the clerk's office on James Brown Blvd. The clerk stamps the filing, assigns a case number, and enters the case into the court's records system.

Electronic filing is an option for Augusta residents who prefer not to file in person. PeachCourt is the state-approved eFiling platform for Georgia Superior Courts and is accepted in Richmond County for dissolution filings. You create an account on PeachCourt, upload your documents, and submit them through the system. The clerk reviews and accepts or rejects the filing electronically. Note: eFiling does not eliminate the need for in-person hearings at the courthouse.

If you are not sure which forms to use or how to start the process, the clerk's staff can give general guidance on document requirements. They cannot provide legal advice, but they can direct you to the right forms and explain the basic steps. The Find My Clerk directory on the Superior Court Clerks of Georgia site lets you confirm the Richmond County Clerk's current contact details before you visit.

Residency Requirements and Waiting Period

Georgia requires that at least one spouse have lived in the state for six or more months before a dissolution of marriage petition can be filed. This rule comes from O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2. If you have lived in Augusta for six months, you meet this requirement and can file in Richmond County Superior Court.

After the petition is filed and properly served on the other spouse, a mandatory 30-day waiting period applies before the court can schedule a final dissolution hearing. The waiting period runs from the date of service, not from the date the petition was filed. Both uncontested and contested cases must wait out these 30 days. There is no way to shorten or waive this requirement under Georgia law.

In practice, cases in Augusta often take longer than 30 days from start to finish. Court scheduling, document review, and negotiations over property, debts, or children all add time. An uncontested case with a complete, signed settlement agreement submitted early in the process generally moves more quickly once the mandatory waiting period ends. Contested cases can run several months to over a year depending on complexity.

How to Search Augusta Dissolution Records

Dissolution of marriage records from the Richmond County Superior Court are public records accessible through several channels. The primary online tool is the GSCCCA Portal, the statewide index maintained by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority. You can search by party name and find basic case data including filing dates and case numbers for Richmond County dissolution cases.

For older cases and a deeper search, the Georgia Archives holds historical court records from across the state. Records that predate digital indexing may only be available in physical or microfilm form at the Archives facility in Morrow, Georgia. If you are looking for a case from decades ago, the Archives is worth contacting.

Certified copies of dissolution decrees are available from the Richmond County Superior Court Clerk. You can request them in person at 735 James Brown Blvd or by mail. The GSCCCA eCertification system provides an online option for ordering certified copies of some court documents without visiting the courthouse in person. Certified copies carry the court's official seal and are accepted by government agencies and financial institutions.

For dissolution records from 1952 through 1996, the Georgia Department of Public Health offers a verification service using Form 3917 for a $10 fee. This confirms whether the state's vital records system includes a record of the dissolution. It is useful for benefits claims and administrative purposes but does not replace a certified court copy for legal proceedings. Note: The DPH service covers only the 1952 to 1996 window and does not apply to cases outside that range.

Form 3917 with a $10 fee is used to request a dissolution verification from the Georgia DPH for records in the 1952 to 1996 period.

Filing Fees and Costs in Richmond County

Filing a dissolution of marriage petition in Richmond County Superior Court requires payment of fees at the time of filing. Initial petition fees in Georgia generally range from around $200 to $250, though Richmond County's exact fee should be confirmed with the clerk before filing. Fees can change, and it is always better to call ahead than to arrive unprepared.

Beyond the initial filing fee, additional costs apply throughout the case. Serving the other spouse with the petition carries a service of process fee. If you file motions for temporary orders, request emergency relief, or need certified copies of documents, each action has its own cost. Cases involving minor children often require additional filings such as a parenting plan and child support worksheet, which may carry extra fees.

Residents who cannot afford filing fees can request a waiver by submitting an in forma pauperis affidavit with the court. This form is a sworn statement of your financial situation. The clerk's office can explain the current process and income guidelines for Augusta. If you qualify, the court may waive some or all of the initial filing costs. Legal aid organizations in the Augusta area may also be able to help with fee waivers as part of broader legal assistance.

Legal Help and Resources for Augusta Filers

Augusta Legal Aid offers free legal services to qualifying low-income residents in Richmond County. For dissolution of marriage matters, they may be able to help with document preparation, court representation, or advice depending on the complexity of your case and your income level. Contact them directly to ask about eligibility and current capacity.

The Georgia Courts website provides general information about the dissolution process and links to forms and procedures. For those filing without an attorney, this is a useful starting resource. The site explains what documents are needed, what the court expects, and what to expect at hearings.

The Superior Court Clerks of Georgia website provides contact information for the Richmond County Clerk and general information about how clerk offices across the state work. If you have basic procedural questions that don't require legal advice, the clerk's staff at (706) 821-2460 may be able to help during business hours.

eCertification provides a convenient way for Augusta residents to obtain official certified copies of dissolution decrees from Richmond County court records.

Richmond County Dissolution Of Marriage Records

Richmond County Superior Court handles all dissolution of marriage filings for Augusta residents. The county maintains all case files, final decrees, and certified copies. For complete record access and county-level filing details, visit the Richmond County page.

View Richmond County Dissolution Of Marriage Records