Search Echols County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Echols County dissolution of marriage records are filed and maintained by the Superior Court Clerk in Statenville, Georgia, serving as the official source for all marital dissolution cases in one of Georgia's most rural and sparsely populated counties. Whether you need to verify a past case, request a certified copy, or look up basic filing details, the clerk's office in Statenville handles all such requests for Echols County.
Echols County Quick Facts
Superior Court Clerk of Echols County
The Superior Court Clerk in Echols County is the custodian of all dissolution of marriage records filed in this county. Statenville is a very small community, and the courthouse there handles a limited caseload compared to urban Georgia counties. That said, the clerk's office follows the same state procedures and record-keeping standards as every other county in Georgia.
| Office | Echols County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 Courthouse Road, Statenville, GA 31648 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 19, Statenville, GA 31648 |
| Phone | (229) 559-5642 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | Not available |
Because Echols County has no dedicated website for the clerk's office, phone contact is often the fastest way to confirm what records are available and what you need to submit a request. The clerk can tell you whether a case exists, what documents are in the file, and how to get certified copies.
How to Search Dissolution Records in Echols County
Echols County is one of Georgia's smaller counties, but the same search options that apply statewide are available here. Online tools offer a first step; the courthouse provides the most complete access.
GSCCCA Online Index
The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority maintains a free online index of Superior Court records for counties across the state, including Echols. You can search by party name to find basic case data such as filing date, case number, and the names of the parties. The index does not provide full document images, but it confirms whether a case was filed and gives you the reference information you need to request a copy from the clerk.
Once you have a case number or need a certified copy, the GSCCCA eCertification portal may let you request certified documents electronically depending on how Echols County has configured its records. It is worth checking the portal before making the drive to Statenville.
State Court Portals
Georgia maintains several statewide tools that can assist with case research. Georgia Courts provides a directory of all Superior Courts and links to procedural guidance. PeachCourt supports electronic filing and case lookups for participating counties. The re:SearchGA platform, operated by Tyler Technologies on behalf of the state, allows docket searches in many Georgia Superior Courts. Access and data depth vary by county, so check what is available for Echols specifically.
In-Person at the Courthouse
For the most complete access to Echols County dissolution records, visiting the courthouse at 100 Courthouse Road in Statenville is the most reliable option. Bring a valid photo ID and any details you have about the case. Staff can pull records on-site, confirm filing details, and process requests for certified copies. If you are traveling from out of the area, call (229) 559-5642 first to confirm the information you need is available and to find out the current fee schedule before you make the trip.
Filing a Dissolution of Marriage in Echols County
Cases are filed in the Superior Court of the county where at least one spouse resides. For Echols County residents, that means filing with the clerk in Statenville. Georgia law requires that at least one party have lived in Georgia for six months prior to filing. This requirement appears in O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3, which also sets out the grounds available for dissolution under Georgia law.
After filing and service, the court must observe a 30-day waiting period before a final decree can be entered. This period is mandated by state law and cannot be waived in most circumstances. Uncontested cases in a small county like Echols can sometimes move through the system relatively quickly once the wait period has passed. Contested cases involving disputed property, custody, or support require additional hearings and will take longer to resolve.
The Petition for Divorce is the main filing document. It must identify both parties, state the grounds for dissolution, and include any requests for relief such as property division, custody, support, or name restoration. The clerk's office can provide a checklist of required documents, but staff cannot advise you on how to complete them. If you are unsure how to proceed, contact a legal aid organization or private attorney before filing.
What Is in an Echols County Dissolution Record
Dissolution of marriage case files in Echols County are part of the public record maintained by the Superior Court Clerk. These files typically contain the following types of documents and information:
- Names of both parties and their last known addresses at the time of filing
- Date the petition was filed with the clerk
- Grounds stated for the dissolution of the marriage
- Final decree date and judge's signature
- Terms of any property division or debt allocation agreement
- Child custody, visitation, and support orders if applicable
- Any name change or restoration order entered by the court
Certain portions of the file may be sealed or restricted, particularly those that include detailed financial disclosures or records involving the welfare of minor children. The clerk's office will advise you on what is open for public inspection in any specific case.
State Verification Through DPH Vital Records
Georgia DPH Vital Records maintains a centralized index of dissolution of marriage records for cases finalized between 1952 and 1996 only. If you need to verify a case from that period and do not need a certified court copy, a DPH verification letter may serve your purpose. This document confirms a dissolution took place and lists key details such as the parties' names and the county where the case was filed.
The screenshot below shows the DPH About Vital Records page, which explains what types of records the state maintains and what you can request through the state office.
For cases outside the 1952 to 1996 window, DPH does not have records. Those must be requested directly from the Echols County Superior Court Clerk. Contact DPH Vital Records at 1680 Phoenix Blvd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, or call (404) 657-2700, or visit dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords.
eCertification Portal for Certified Copies
The GSCCCA eCertification portal offers an online option for requesting certified records from participating Georgia Superior Courts. The image below shows this portal, which allows you to submit requests without visiting the courthouse in person.
Check the portal to see if Echols County is enrolled. If it is, you can submit your request and receive documents electronically, which saves a trip to Statenville.
Legal Help for Echols County Residents
Echols County is a remote rural county, and local legal services can be harder to find than in larger Georgia communities. The organizations listed here serve residents across south Georgia and can help with dissolution of marriage cases at low or no cost.
Georgia Legal Services Program offers free civil legal assistance to qualifying low-income residents. Their offices serve rural south Georgia, and intake staff can connect Echols County residents to the right resources. Help can include guidance on forms, representation in court, and advice on the dissolution process.
Georgia Legal Aid maintains online self-help guides that walk through the dissolution process step by step. These resources are written in plain language and are useful for anyone navigating the process without an attorney.
The State Bar of Georgia operates a lawyer referral service at 1-800-334-6865 that can connect you with a licensed Georgia attorney who handles family law. If you need help that goes beyond what legal aid can provide, a referral through the bar is a good next step.
Cities in Echols County
Statenville is the county seat of Echols County and one of the smallest county seats in Georgia. No cities in Echols County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page on this site. All dissolution of marriage filings for Echols County residents go through the Superior Court Clerk in Statenville.
Nearby Counties
Echols County borders several other south Georgia counties. If a case may have been filed in an adjacent county, each maintains its own Superior Court dissolution records.