Burke County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Burke County dissolution of marriage records are filed with the Superior Court Clerk in Waynesboro and cover all cases handled in the county since the court was established. The clerk maintains case files, final decrees, and related documents for anyone who needs to verify or review a past dissolution. You can search records in person at the courthouse, or use statewide tools online. This page covers how to find records, what those records contain, how to file, and where to get legal help in the area.
Burke County Quick Facts
Burke County Superior Court Clerk
The Superior Court Clerk in Waynesboro handles all dissolution of marriage filings for Burke County. The clerk's office keeps the official record for every case from the petition stage through the final decree. Staff can help you find a case by name, case number, or filing date. You will need a valid photo ID when you visit in person.
| Address | Burke County Courthouse, 200 East Sixth Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830 |
|---|---|
| Mailing | PO Box 312, Waynesboro, GA 30830 |
| Phone | (706) 554-2279 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | No official website at this time |
When you go to the courthouse, bring a government-issued photo ID. The clerk's staff will pull the case file from the index once they have a name or case number. Copies of documents cost a small fee per page, and certified copies cost more. Certified copies are what most agencies, lenders, and employers want to see as proof of a dissolution.
The Burke County courthouse does not currently offer a public online case search portal specific to the county. That means in-person visits or statewide tools are your two main options. If you are searching from out of state, calling ahead is a good idea. Staff can tell you what they need by mail and how long it may take to process the request.
The clerk's office is the starting point for both searching and filing. If you need to file new dissolution paperwork, this is the same office where you submit the petition and pay the filing fee. Keep copies of everything you file.
Searching Dissolution of Marriage Records in Burke County
The most direct way to find a dissolution of marriage record in Burke County is to visit the clerk's office in Waynesboro. Staff can look up cases using a party's name or a case number. You can review the file and order copies during your visit. Call ahead to confirm what you need to bring and whether the file is still held on-site or has been archived.
The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) runs a statewide records portal that covers many Georgia counties. The portal lets you search by name and review basic case details. For certified copies, you can use the GSCCCA eCertification tool to request documents electronically. Coverage varies by county, so Burke County records may or may not be available depending on what the local clerk has submitted to the system.
The statewide directory at gaclerks.org Find My Clerk lists contact information for every Superior Court Clerk in Georgia, including Burke County. This is a good place to start if you are not sure which office holds the records you need.
Additional search options include georgiacourts.gov, the official Georgia Courts website, and PeachCourt, which offers online access to court filings in participating counties. The re:SearchGA platform also covers a number of Georgia counties and may include Burke County case data. Check each tool to see what is available for this county before making a trip to Waynesboro.
For records from 1965 to 1971 and 1973 to 1999, the Georgia Archives maintains a statewide divorce index. This index shows whether a dissolution was granted but does not include the full decree. It is useful for historical research or when you need to verify that a case exists before requesting the full file from the clerk.
The lead-in image below shows the Find My Clerk directory, which connects you to clerk contact information statewide.
Georgia Superior Court Clerks - Find My Clerk
The Find My Clerk tool is updated regularly and lists every county clerk's current address, phone, and hours.
Filing for Dissolution of Marriage in Burke County
To file for dissolution of marriage in Burke County, at least one spouse must have lived in Georgia for six months before filing, under Georgia law. The case is filed at the Superior Court in Waynesboro. You submit a petition, pay the filing fee, and arrange for the other spouse to be served with the paperwork.
Georgia law sets out residency requirements under Georgia Code section 19-5-3 and related sections. The grounds for dissolution in Georgia include "irretrievably broken" as a no-fault option, which is the most common ground used. Once the petition is filed and the other spouse is served, there is a mandatory 30-day waiting period before a final decree can be entered. If the case is contested, it may take much longer.
After the wait period, if both parties agree on all terms, the judge can sign a final decree. If there are disputes about property, custody, or support, the case may go to mediation or trial. The final decree is filed with the clerk and becomes the official record of the dissolution.
The steps from start to finish generally follow this order. First, you prepare and file the petition. Second, the other party is served. Third, the 30-day wait period runs. Fourth, any agreements are put in writing. Fifth, the judge reviews and signs the final decree. Sixth, the clerk files the decree and issues certified copies on request.
Filing fees in Burke County are set by state law and local rule. The clerk's office can tell you the current fee when you call or visit. If you cannot afford the fee, you may be able to file a form asking the court to waive it based on your income.
What Burke County Dissolution Records Include
A dissolution of marriage record in Burke County is more than just the final decree. The case file holds all documents filed from the start of the case to the end. Knowing what is in the file helps you request the right documents when you need them.
The full case file typically includes documents that cover the key terms of the dissolution. Court staff can tell you which documents are public and which may be sealed.
- Full legal names of both parties and any name change granted
- Filing date, case number, and the date the final decree was signed
- Grounds stated for the dissolution
- Property division terms, including real estate and personal assets
- Child custody and visitation arrangements if children were involved
- Child support amounts and payment terms
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any were ordered
The decree itself is the most commonly requested document. It is used to update legal records, change a name, refinance property, or prove marital status. Always ask for a certified copy, since most agencies will not accept a plain photocopy.
Divorce Verification vs. Dissolution Records
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) offers a limited divorce verification service through its Vital Records office at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords, located at 1680 Phoenix Blvd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, reachable at (404) 657-2700. This service only covers divorces recorded between 1952 and 1996. If your case falls outside that range, DPH cannot help.
The DPH verification uses Form 3917 and costs $10 for the search plus $5 for each copy issued. What you get from DPH is not a full decree. It is a verification letter that confirms a divorce occurred, with the names of the parties and the county of filing. It does not include property terms, custody orders, or any other details from the case file.
The image below shows the Georgia Archives statewide records resource, which also holds historical dissolution index data.
Georgia Archives - Statewide Records Resource
The Georgia Archives statewide divorce index covers 1965-1971 and 1973-1999, useful for confirming older cases before requesting full files from the clerk.
For the full record, including the final decree and all case documents, you need to go to the Burke County Superior Court Clerk. That is the only place that holds the complete file. If you need the decree for legal purposes, a certified copy from the clerk is what you need, not the DPH verification letter.
Legal Resources in Burke County
If you need help with a dissolution of marriage in Burke County, several legal aid organizations serve this area. These groups offer free or low-cost legal help to people who qualify based on income.
Legal Services Georgia is the main legal aid provider for much of rural Georgia. They can help with family law matters including dissolution filings, modifications, and enforcement of orders. Their services are income-based, and you apply through their website or by calling their intake line.
Georgia Legal Aid offers a separate online resource with guides, forms, and step-by-step help for self-represented parties. The site covers how to file for dissolution, what forms to use, and how to serve the other party. This is a good starting point if you plan to handle your own case without an attorney.
The State Bar of Georgia runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-334-6865. You can call this number to get a referral to a licensed attorney in your area who handles family law. The first consultation through the referral service is often available at a reduced rate.
For historical dissolution records, the Georgia Archives holds a statewide index covering certain years. This can be useful if you are researching older cases or trying to confirm that a dissolution occurred before requesting a full copy from the clerk.
Cities in Burke County
Waynesboro is the county seat and largest city in Burke County, with a population of around 5,500. No cities in Burke County currently meet the threshold for a dedicated records page. Waynesboro residents file and search dissolution records at the Burke County Courthouse in Waynesboro.
Nearby Counties
Burke County borders several other counties in east-central Georgia. Each has its own Superior Court Clerk handling dissolution of marriage records.