Early County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Early County dissolution of marriage records are filed with the Superior Court Clerk in Blakely, Georgia, and serve as the official legal record of every marital dissolution granted in this southwest Georgia county. The clerk's office maintains these records and can assist you with requests for certified copies, case lookups, and document verification whether you need them for legal, personal, or government purposes.
Early County Quick Facts
Superior Court Clerk of Early County
The Superior Court Clerk is the official keeper of dissolution of marriage records in Early County. All filings, decrees, and related case documents are stored at the courthouse in Blakely. If you need a certified copy or want to search a case by name or number, this office is your first stop.
| Office | Early County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 111 Court Square, Blakely, GA 39823 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 849, Blakely, GA 39823 |
| Phone | (229) 723-3033 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | Not available |
When you visit or call the clerk's office, have the full names of both parties and an approximate year of filing ready. This helps staff locate the case faster. Walk-in visits during regular business hours are the most direct way to get certified copies or review a file in person.
How to Search Early County Dissolution Records
There are several ways to look up dissolution of marriage records in Early County. Some methods let you search from home; others need an in-person visit. The right option depends on what you need and how far back the case goes.
Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA)
The GSCCCA portal gives you free online access to Superior Court index data across Georgia, including Early County. You can search by party name or case number to find basic filing details. Keep in mind that the portal shows index information only. To get a certified copy or view full case documents, you still need to contact the clerk's office directly.
The state also offers an eCertification service through ecert.gsccca.org. This lets certain certified documents be requested and delivered electronically. Availability depends on how the county has set up its records. It is worth checking before making a trip to the courthouse.
Georgia Courts Online Tools
The Georgia Courts website provides a directory of all Superior Courts in the state, links to court forms, and guidance on court procedures. You can also use PeachCourt to file documents electronically or check case status. For counties that participate in the statewide system, re:SearchGA lets you look up case details and docket entries online. Early County's level of participation in these platforms may vary, so confirm directly with the clerk what is available.
In-Person Search at the Courthouse
If online tools do not return the records you need, an in-person visit to 111 Court Square in Blakely is the most reliable option. Bring a government-issued photo ID and any information you have about the case. The clerk's staff can pull physical records, confirm filing dates, and issue certified copies while you wait or by mail upon request. Mail requests should be addressed to PO Box 849, Blakely, GA 39823, and should include a written description of the records needed along with a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for any applicable fees.
The Filing Process in Early County
Dissolution of marriage cases in Georgia are filed in the Superior Court of the county where either spouse lives. In Early County, that means filing with the clerk at the Blakely courthouse. Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3 and related statutes sets out the grounds and procedures that apply to every dissolution case statewide.
At least one spouse must have lived in Georgia for at least six months before filing. After all documents are submitted and the respondent is served, the court must wait a minimum of 30 days before entering a final decree. This waiting period is set by state law and applies in every county, including Early. If the case is uncontested, it often moves quickly once the wait period ends. Contested cases can take much longer depending on the issues involved.
The Petition for Divorce is the primary filing document. It must state the grounds for dissolution, the names and addresses of both parties, and any requests for property division, child custody, or support. Additional forms may be required depending on whether children are involved. The clerk's office can provide a list of required documents, though staff cannot give legal advice.
What Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
Once a dissolution case is finalized, the record becomes part of the public court file. These documents hold a range of information that parties, attorneys, and authorized third parties may need for legal or personal reasons. A typical Early County dissolution of marriage record may include the following:
- Full legal names and last known addresses of both parties
- Date the petition was filed and the date the final decree was entered
- Grounds cited for the dissolution of the marriage
- Property division terms and any financial agreements
- Child custody arrangements and support orders if children are involved
- Alimony or spousal support provisions
- Name restoration orders if a party requested a name change
Sealed or restricted portions of a file, such as certain financial disclosures or records involving minors, may not be available to the general public. The clerk can tell you what portions of any given file are open for inspection.
State Verification Through Georgia DPH
The Georgia Department of Public Health maintains a centralized index of dissolution of marriage records, but only for cases finalized between 1952 and 1996. If the record you need falls within that date range, you can request a verification letter from the DPH Vital Records office. This is not a certified court copy. It is a state-issued document that confirms a dissolution occurred and provides basic details like party names and the county of filing.
For cases before 1952 or after 1996, DPH does not hold statewide records. You must go directly to the Superior Court Clerk in the county where the case was filed. Early County records outside the DPH window are held exclusively by the clerk's office in Blakely.
DPH Vital Records can be reached at 1680 Phoenix Blvd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, by phone at (404) 657-2700, or through their website at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords.
The following screenshot shows the Superior Court Clerks of Georgia directory, which is useful for confirming clerk contact details across all counties.
Using this directory confirms you have the right mailing address and phone number before submitting a records request by mail.
Online Case Search Tools for Early County
The re:SearchGA platform and the GSCCCA index together give you a starting point for online research. The screenshot below shows re:SearchGA, one of the state-level tools available for looking up Superior Court case records in Georgia.
Search results from re:SearchGA show case status, filing dates, and parties of record. They are useful for confirming a case exists before making a formal records request. Full documents require a direct request to the clerk.
Legal Help in Early County
If you need help understanding your rights or the dissolution process, several organizations serve southwest Georgia residents at low or no cost.
Georgia Legal Services Program provides free civil legal help to low-income Georgians and has offices that serve Early County. They can help with paperwork, explain the court process, and in some cases represent clients in court. Their statewide intake line can connect you to the right office for your area.
Georgia Legal Aid also offers self-help resources online, including plain-language guides to the dissolution process in Georgia. If you are working through a case without an attorney, these guides can be a practical starting point.
The State Bar of Georgia runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-334-6865. Through this service, you can find a licensed attorney in your area who handles family law matters. An initial consultation can help you decide whether you need full legal representation or just limited advice for your situation.
Cities in Early County
Blakely is the county seat of Early County. No cities in Early County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page on this site. Dissolution of marriage filings for all residents of Early County are handled through the Superior Court Clerk in Blakely regardless of which town you live in.
Nearby Counties
If a case was filed in a neighboring county or you need to confirm jurisdiction, these surrounding counties also maintain their own Superior Court dissolution records.