Catoosa County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Catoosa County dissolution of marriage records are filed with the Superior Court Clerk in Ringgold, Georgia. The clerk's office serves as the official repository for all case files in the county, covering the petition, any agreements, and the final decree. This page explains how to search those records, what they contain, how to file for dissolution in Catoosa County, and what legal resources are available in the area.
Catoosa County Quick Facts
Catoosa County Superior Court Clerk
The Superior Court Clerk in Ringgold is the official custodian of dissolution of marriage records for Catoosa County. All cases are indexed by party name and case number. Staff can locate files and provide copies during regular business hours. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit in person, and come prepared with the names of both parties and the approximate year of filing if you have that information.
| Address | Catoosa County Courthouse, 875 Lafayette Street, Ringgold, GA 30736 |
|---|---|
| Mailing | PO Box 533, Ringgold, GA 30736 |
| Phone | (706) 935-4231 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | No official website at this time |
Catoosa County is located in the northwest corner of Georgia, bordering Tennessee. The county seat of Ringgold is the location for all Superior Court filings in the county. The clerk's staff handles case searches and copy requests. Call the office before visiting if you are looking for older records, since files from earlier years may be in archive storage.
Both plain copies and certified copies are available. Most agencies and courts that need proof of a dissolution require certified copies. These carry the clerk's official seal and are accepted for legal, financial, and government purposes. The fee for certified copies is set by state law. Contact the clerk's office for the current fee schedule.
If you need to request records by mail, contact the clerk's office first to ask about what to include, how to pay, and how long the process takes. The clerk's office does not have a public website, so phone contact is necessary for current information.
Searching Dissolution of Marriage Records in Catoosa County
An in-person visit to the clerk's office in Ringgold is the most direct way to search dissolution of marriage records in Catoosa County. Staff can search the case index by name or number and pull documents for review. For older cases that may be archived, call ahead to confirm availability before making the trip.
The GSCCCA statewide portal provides access to Superior Court records from participating Georgia counties. You can search by party name and find basic case details. For requesting certified copies online, the GSCCCA eCertification tool covers counties that have joined the system. Check whether Catoosa County is in the portal before relying on it.
The image below shows the GSCCCA eCertification portal, used for requesting certified court records online from Georgia counties that participate in the system.
GSCCCA eCertification - Certified Court Records Online
The eCertification portal from GSCCCA lets you request certified Georgia court documents online for counties that have enrolled in the system.
Georgiacourts.gov links to court resources across the state. PeachCourt provides online access to filings in counties that use the platform. The re:SearchGA system covers a number of Georgia counties and may include Catoosa County data. Check each tool for current coverage before your search.
For historical cases from 1965 to 1971 and 1973 to 1999, the Georgia Archives maintains a statewide dissolution index. The index shows whether a case was filed and resolved but does not include the full decree text. Use it to confirm a case exists, then request the full file from the clerk in Ringgold.
The Find My Clerk tool at gaclerks.org gives you current contact information for all Superior Court Clerks in Georgia, including Catoosa County.
Filing for Dissolution of Marriage in Catoosa County
To file for dissolution of marriage in Catoosa County, at least one spouse must have been a Georgia resident for six months before the filing. You file the petition at the Superior Court Clerk's office in Ringgold, pay the filing fee, and arrange for the other party to be served with a copy of the court papers.
Georgia law provides for dissolution on the ground of "irretrievably broken" as a no-fault option. Other grounds are available as well. The statutory requirements are covered in Georgia Code section 19-5-3. Once the petition is filed and served, a 30-day mandatory waiting period begins. The court cannot sign the final decree until that period has passed.
If both parties agree on all issues, the case can be resolved quickly after the waiting period ends. The judge reviews the agreement, and if it meets the requirements of Georgia law, signs the final decree. Contested cases may require mediation or a hearing. The final decree is filed with the clerk after the judge signs it and becomes the official record of the dissolution.
Filing fees vary. Ask the clerk for the current amount when you are ready to file. If the fee is a hardship, ask the clerk about the fee waiver process. The court can reduce or waive fees based on financial need.
What Catoosa County Dissolution Records Include
A dissolution of marriage case file in Catoosa County is held at the Superior Court and covers all documents filed during the case. The file starts with the petition and ends with the final decree and any related orders. You can request specific documents or the full file from the clerk.
Catoosa County dissolution case files generally include these items:
- Full legal names of both parties and any name change granted in the decree
- Case number, filing date, and the date the final decree was signed
- Grounds stated for the dissolution of the marriage
- Division of marital property and debts
- Child custody and visitation terms, if minor children were involved
- Child support amounts and payment terms ordered by the court
- Any alimony or spousal support ordered by the judge
The final decree is the core document most people need. It ends the marriage and sets out all the court's orders. For official uses such as name changes, property refinancing, or proving marital status, you need a certified copy from the clerk, not a plain photocopy.
Divorce Verification vs. Dissolution Records
Georgia DPH offers a divorce verification service through its Vital Records office at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords, at 1680 Phoenix Blvd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, phone (404) 657-2700. This service covers divorces recorded from 1952 through 1996 only. Cases before 1952 or after 1996 are not in the DPH system.
To request a verification, you use Form 3917. The cost is $10 for the search and $5 per copy issued. What you receive is a verification letter, not the full decree. The letter confirms that a divorce occurred and shows the names of the parties and the county of filing. It does not include property terms, custody arrangements, support amounts, or other details from the case file.
The image below shows the Georgia Archives statewide portal, which maintains historical dissolution index data covering portions of the 20th century.
Georgia Archives - Statewide Historical Records
The Georgia Archives holds a statewide dissolution index for 1965-1971 and 1973-1999, useful for confirming older cases before requesting full records from the Catoosa County clerk.
For the complete dissolution record in Catoosa County, contact the Superior Court Clerk in Ringgold. The clerk's office holds the full case file and can provide certified copies of the final decree. A certified copy from the clerk is what most agencies and courts accept for official purposes.
Legal Resources in Catoosa County
Catoosa County residents who need help with a dissolution of marriage case have access to legal aid organizations and referral services that serve northwest Georgia. These resources can help if you cannot afford an attorney or need guidance on the process.
Legal Services Georgia provides free civil legal help to income-eligible Georgians, including those in the northwest region of the state. They handle family law matters including dissolution filings, custody issues, and support modifications. You can apply online or by phone through their intake process.
Georgia Legal Aid offers an online library of guides, forms, and step-by-step instructions for self-represented parties. The site covers how to file a petition, serve the other party, and attend the final hearing. It is a practical resource for anyone handling their own dissolution case or trying to understand the process before meeting with a lawyer.
The State Bar of Georgia runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-334-6865. Calling this number connects you with a referral to a licensed family law attorney in or near Catoosa County. First consultations through the referral program are often available at a reduced rate.
For historical records, the Georgia Archives holds a statewide dissolution index covering 1965-1971 and 1973-1999. This can help you locate older cases before requesting full copies from the clerk in Ringgold.
Cities in Catoosa County
Catoosa County includes Ringgold, the county seat, and Fort Oglethorpe, among other communities. Ringgold has a population of around 3,500, and Fort Oglethorpe has around 9,500 residents. Neither city currently meets the threshold for a dedicated dissolution records page. All Catoosa County residents file and search dissolution of marriage records at the Superior Court Clerk's office in Ringgold.
Nearby Counties
Catoosa County is located in the northwest corner of Georgia, near Chattanooga, Tennessee. Neighboring Georgia counties each have their own Superior Court Clerk for dissolution records.