Berrien County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Dissolution of marriage records in Berrien County are kept by the Superior Court Clerk in Nashville, Georgia. Once the court enters a final decree, that record is open to the public. You can search existing cases at the courthouse, request certified copies, or use state online tools to look up certain filings. This guide explains the process from filing through final decree, what the records contain, and how to get help if you need it.
Berrien County Quick Facts
Berrien County Superior Court Clerk
All dissolution of marriage cases in Berrien County go through the Superior Court Clerk's office in Nashville. The clerk files petitions, issues summonses, records final decrees, and provides certified copies to those who request them. Staff will search the index by party name or case number when you visit or call.
| Office | Berrien County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 North Davis Street, Nashville, GA 31639 |
| Mailing | PO Box 45, Nashville, GA 31639 |
| Phone | (229) 686-7301 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | Not available |
The courthouse is in downtown Nashville, Georgia. Bring a valid photo ID and the full names of both parties in the case. Copy fees vary, so call ahead if you need certified copies. Mail requests are possible, but you should call the clerk first to confirm what to include and how to pay. There is no dedicated online portal for Berrien County records at this time.
The GSCCCA portal is a state resource that covers recorded documents across Georgia. You can reach it at gsccca.org. It offers a search tool for court records and a way to request certified copies through the eCertification system.
GSCCCA can be a faster way to locate certain recorded dissolution documents without visiting the courthouse in person.
How to Search Berrien County Dissolution Records
The most direct way to search dissolution of marriage records in Berrien County is to visit the clerk's office at 201 North Davis Street in Nashville. Bring a photo ID and the names of both parties. The clerk will search the index and tell you what is on file. Older records are kept at the courthouse as paper files.
Online options include Georgia Courts at georgiacourts.gov, which offers general case information for many Georgia courts. PeachCourt at peachcourt.com allows public access to civil filings in participating counties. These tools are worth checking before making a trip to Nashville.
The GSCCCA eCertification portal at ecert.gsccca.org lets users request certified copies of recorded documents. Re:SearchGA at researchga.tylerhost.net covers records in roughly 25 counties statewide, so availability for Berrien County may be limited. Check the site directly to see what is indexed there.
For older historical records, the Georgia Archives in Morrow holds some county-level materials. Contact them at (678) 364-3710, Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM, or check their site at georgiaarchives.org.
Dissolution of Marriage in Berrien County
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Berrien County starts with meeting the residency rule. At least one spouse must have lived in Georgia for six continuous months before filing. This is set out in O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2. Once you meet that requirement, you file a petition with the Berrien County Superior Court Clerk and pay the filing fee.
After the petition is filed, you must serve the other spouse with the documents. Georgia law then requires a waiting period of at least 30 days after service before the court can hold a final hearing. This wait is set by O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3. If both parties agree on everything, the case can move fairly quickly after the wait period ends.
Georgia law allows 13 grounds for dissolution. Most people use the no-fault ground, which states the marriage is "irretrievably broken." You do not need proof of wrongdoing to use this ground. When the judge signs the final decree, it is entered into the public record and available through the clerk's office. Anyone can request a copy of the decree after it is filed.
What the Records Include
A dissolution of marriage file in Berrien County contains several documents once the case is complete. The final decree is the core record. It covers every issue the court resolved.
- Legal names of both spouses as they appear on the petition
- Date of marriage and date the court granted the dissolution
- Grounds for dissolution stated in the petition
- Division of property and allocation of debts
- Custody and parenting arrangements if children are involved
- Child support terms and payment structure
- Alimony provisions if the court awarded them
The full case file also includes the original petition, summons, proof of service, and any motions or orders filed along the way. If the parties submitted a settlement agreement, that is part of the record too. Financial affidavits filed during the case may be restricted by court order, but the decree itself remains public.
Georgia State Dissolution Verifications
The Georgia Department of Public Health holds state-level dissolution of marriage verifications, but only for cases finalized between 1952 and 1996. These are not certified copies of decrees. They are basic confirmations that a dissolution took place. If you need the actual decree or records from before 1952 or after 1996, you must go to the county clerk.
To get a state verification, you submit Form 3917 and a $10 fee to DPH. The office is at 1680 Phoenix Blvd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349. Call (404) 657-2700 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. More information is at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords. The Georgia Archives site at georgiaarchives.org may also have older records worth checking.
The archives hold historical court materials that may not be available through county offices or online portals.
Legal Help in Berrien County
People who need help with dissolution of marriage in Berrien County have options for free and low-cost legal aid. Legal Services Georgia takes civil cases for income-eligible residents. Reach them at glsp.org. Georgia Legal Aid at georgialegalaid.org offers guides, forms, and contacts for family law matters across the state.
The State Bar of Georgia runs a lawyer referral service you can access at gabar.org or by calling 1-800-334-6865. The referral service connects callers with licensed Georgia attorneys who handle family law. Initial consultations through the program are typically low cost. If you are unsure whether your case is contested or how to fill out the forms, speaking with an attorney before filing can save time.
Cities in Berrien County
Nashville is the county seat and largest city in Berrien County. No cities in Berrien County meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page on this site. Valdosta, which qualifies, is located in neighboring Lowndes County.
Nearby Counties
Adjacent counties each have their own Superior Court Clerk. Use these links to find dissolution of marriage records in counties near Berrien.