Valdosta Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Valdosta is the county seat of Lowndes County, and dissolution of marriage records for Valdosta residents are held at the Lowndes County Superior Court Clerk's office in downtown Valdosta. This page covers how to search those records, how to get certified copies of final decrees, what online resources are available for Lowndes County dissolution cases, and what to expect if you are filing a new dissolution as a Valdosta resident.
Valdosta Quick Facts
Where Valdosta Dissolution Records Are Kept
Valdosta is the county seat of Lowndes County and one of the larger cities in south Georgia. Because Valdosta is the county seat, the Lowndes County Superior Court Clerk's office is located right in the city, making in-person records access straightforward for most residents. All dissolution of marriage cases for Lowndes County, including those filed by Valdosta residents, are in the county clerk's records.
Georgia law gives the Superior Court in each county jurisdiction over dissolution of marriage matters. The Lowndes County Superior Court handles family law cases for the entire county. The clerk maintains the official index and all case documents, including the final decree issued in each dissolution. That is the primary office to contact when you need records or want to file.
Note: Since the courthouse is in Valdosta itself, most Valdosta residents can reach the clerk's office without a long drive, unlike residents of smaller surrounding communities.
Lowndes County Superior Court Clerk
The Lowndes County Superior Court Clerk accepts dissolutions of marriage filings, keeps the official case index, and issues certified copies of court documents. The office is located on North Ashley Street in downtown Valdosta. Visit in person during regular weekday hours, or submit a request by mail if you cannot come in. The clerk's staff can help you locate cases by party name or case number.
- Address: 327 North Ashley Street, Valdosta, GA 31601
- Phone: (229) 671-2670
- Court: Lowndes County Superior Court
- Judicial Circuit: Southern Judicial Circuit
Bring a valid photo ID when visiting. If you have the names of both parties and an approximate year of the dissolution, staff can locate the case in the index quickly. If you do not have the case number, that information helps narrow the search. For mail requests, write out what you need clearly, include your return address and contact information, and send the appropriate fee. Do not mail cash.
Note: Confirm current hours and any ID requirements by calling ahead before your visit.
Searching Lowndes County Dissolution Records
Several tools can help you search Lowndes County dissolution of marriage records before or instead of visiting the courthouse. The GSCCCA portal at gsccca.org is a statewide system that covers Lowndes County. Enter a party name, filter by Lowndes County, and review the results to find dissolution cases. The system shows case numbers, filing dates, and document types for indexed records.
Re:SearchGA at researchga.tylerhost.net is another statewide tool that includes Lowndes County Superior Court. It allows searches by party name, case number, and attorney. Results include case type, status, and filing date. Use it to confirm a dissolution exists and find the case number before requesting a certified copy from the clerk.
The City of Valdosta serves as the county seat of Lowndes County, which means the Superior Court Clerk's office is located right in the city, making it easy for Valdosta residents to access dissolution records in person.
Valdosta's position as the county seat means residents have direct local access to the Superior Court Clerk for dissolution filings and records, without needing to travel to a separate county seat.
For cases that predate the online index, contact the clerk's office directly. Courthouse staff can search paper records and archives when the online system does not have what you need. Very old records may also be accessible through the Georgia Archives, which holds historical court documents from counties across the state.
Note: Online indexes are not always complete. For the most reliable results, contact the Lowndes County clerk directly if you do not find what you need online.
Getting Certified Copies of Dissolution Decrees
Certified copies of dissolution of marriage decrees are official court documents bearing the clerk's seal and signature. They are often needed for name changes, remarriage applications, insurance updates, and legal proceedings. The Lowndes County Superior Court Clerk issues certified copies for all cases filed in the county.
Request a certified copy at the clerk's office in downtown Valdosta, or send a written request by mail. Include the full names of both parties, the year of the dissolution, and the case number if you have it. The clerk will tell you the current fee when you contact the office. Fees typically include a per-page charge and a separate certification fee.
The GSCCCA eCertification service at ecert.gsccca.org allows online ordering of certified digital copies of court documents for cases that are indexed in the system. Check whether the specific Lowndes County case you need is available through eCertification before going that route.
Georgia DPH Vital Records and Dissolution Verifications
The Georgia Department of Public Health holds a statewide index of dissolution of marriage records for the years 1952 through 1996. For Lowndes County dissolutions from that period, you can request a verification through the DPH rather than going to the county clerk. A verification confirms basic facts about the dissolution but is not the same as a certified copy of the decree.
The Georgia DPH Vital Records office handles dissolution verification requests for the period 1952 to 1996, covering Lowndes County dissolutions from that era.
Submit Form 3917 with a $10 fee to request a DPH verification. The form and full instructions are available at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords. Processing times vary by season and demand.
For dissolutions that happened before 1952 or after 1996, the Lowndes County Superior Court Clerk is the only source for records. The DPH verification covers only the 44-year period in its index. If you need a complete certified decree for any Lowndes County dissolution case, the county clerk is always the right office to contact.
Note: A DPH verification is a useful starting point but does not replace a certified court decree for legal purposes.
Filing a New Dissolution in Lowndes County
Valdosta residents who want to file for dissolution of marriage will file at the Lowndes County Superior Court Clerk's office on North Ashley Street. Georgia requires that at least one spouse be a state resident for six months before filing. After proper service on the other party, a 30-day minimum waiting period applies before the court can enter a final decree.
For uncontested cases where both parties agree on all issues, the process can be relatively straightforward. Contested cases involving disputes over property, support, or children take longer and are more complex. The Georgia Courts website has self-help guides and general information on the dissolution process that can help you understand what to expect before you go to the courthouse.
Georgia's eFiling system PeachCourt allows electronic submission of filings in courts that accept it. Verify with the Lowndes County Superior Court Clerk whether dissolution petitions can be filed electronically through PeachCourt before starting an online submission.
Note: Current filing fees are set by the court. Ask the clerk's office about the current fee before submitting your petition.
Lowndes County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Dissolution of marriage records for Valdosta residents are kept at the Lowndes County Superior Court Clerk's office in downtown Valdosta. The Lowndes County page covers the clerk's office, case search tools, certified copy procedures, filing requirements, and legal resources for the county.