Evans County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Evans County dissolution of marriage records are filed with and maintained by the Superior Court Clerk in Claxton, Georgia, and serve as the official legal documentation of every marital dissolution granted in this southeast Georgia county. The clerk's office in Claxton is the sole official source for certified copies, case index searches, and records verification for any dissolution matter filed in Evans County. Note that the city of Evans, Georgia, is located in Columbia County, not Evans County.
Evans County Quick Facts
Superior Court Clerk of Evans County
The Superior Court Clerk in Claxton is the official custodian of all dissolution of marriage records for Evans County. This office receives new petitions, manages all case files through the dissolution process, issues certified copies of final decrees and other court documents, and handles public records requests. Whether you are a party to a case, an attorney, or a member of the public with a legitimate need, the clerk's office is the right place to start.
| Office | Evans County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Freeman Street, Claxton, GA 30417 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 116, Claxton, GA 30417 |
| Phone | (912) 739-3868 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | Not available |
Before visiting in person or submitting a mail request, call (912) 739-3868 to confirm what the clerk needs from you, including the current fee schedule for certified copies and the best format for your request. Having party names and an approximate year of filing ready will help staff locate the case quickly.
How to Search Dissolution of Marriage Records in Evans County
Evans County dissolution records can be accessed through online state tools or directly at the courthouse. Each method has different strengths depending on what you need and how old the case is.
GSCCCA Index Search
The GSCCCA portal offers free name-based searches of Superior Court index records for all Georgia counties, including Evans. A search by party name returns the case number, filing date, and index-level case details. This is a useful first step to confirm a case exists before contacting the clerk for copies. The GSCCCA eCertification portal may allow you to request certified records electronically if Evans County is enrolled in the system.
State Court Platforms
Georgia maintains several statewide tools for court record access. Georgia Courts provides the official court directory and procedural guidance for all Superior Courts. PeachCourt handles electronic filing and case tracking for enrolled courts. re:SearchGA provides a docket search interface for participating Superior Courts across the state. Check each platform for Evans County availability before assuming you can retrieve records without a courthouse visit.
In-Person Records Access
The most complete access to Evans County dissolution records comes from visiting the courthouse at 2 Freeman Street in Claxton. Bring a government-issued photo ID and any case details you have. Staff can search by name or case number, allow you to review a case file in person, and process requests for certified copies at the counter. Mail requests should be sent to PO Box 116, Claxton, GA 30417, with a description of what you need, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and applicable fees.
Filing a Dissolution of Marriage in Evans County
To file a dissolution case in Evans County, at least one spouse must live in the county at the time of filing. Georgia law also requires that at least one party have been a state resident for six months before the petition is submitted. The key statute is O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3, which governs grounds and procedural requirements for dissolution throughout the state.
Once the petition is filed and the respondent is served, a mandatory 30-day waiting period begins. The court cannot issue a final decree until this period has ended. For straightforward uncontested cases, the process can move forward quickly once those 30 days are complete. Cases involving disputes over property, children, or support require hearings and may take significantly longer, depending on what issues need to be resolved.
Filing begins with the Petition for Divorce, which names both parties, sets out the grounds for dissolution, and requests specific relief such as property division, custody, or name restoration. The clerk's office can provide a list of required forms but cannot offer legal advice. If you are unsure how to proceed, reach out to a legal aid organization before filing.
What Evans County Dissolution Records Include
Evans County dissolution of marriage case files are public records maintained by the Superior Court Clerk in Claxton. A typical completed case file may contain the following types of documents and information:
- Full legal names of both spouses and their addresses at the time of filing
- Filing date, case number, and judicial circuit designation
- Stated grounds for the dissolution of the marriage
- Signed and dated final decree from the Superior Court judge
- Terms for dividing marital property and allocating shared debts
- Child custody and visitation arrangements, plus child support orders if applicable
- Alimony provisions and any court-ordered name restoration
Some portions of the file, such as detailed financial affidavits or records concerning the welfare of minor children, may be sealed. The clerk will tell you what is available for public inspection in any specific file.
State Verification Through Georgia DPH
The Georgia Department of Public Health Vital Records office holds a statewide index of dissolution records for cases finalized between 1952 and 1996. A verification letter from DPH confirms a dissolution occurred and provides basic facts. It is not a court-certified copy, but it often serves administrative verification needs.
The screenshot below shows the GSCCCA portal, the primary online tool for searching Superior Court index records across Georgia's 159 counties.
For records outside the 1952 to 1996 period, DPH does not have the data and you must contact the Evans County clerk directly. Reach DPH at 1680 Phoenix Blvd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, by phone at (404) 657-2700, or visit dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords.
Georgia Statutes and Legal Framework
Dissolution of marriage law in Georgia is governed primarily by Title 19, Chapter 5 of the Official Code of Georgia. The FindLaw resource for these statutes provides accessible online access to the relevant code sections.
These statutes cover residency requirements, grounds for dissolution, the 30-day waiting period, and provisions related to property, support, and custody. Reviewing the applicable code sections before filing can help you understand what the court will consider and what you need to include in your petition.
Legal Assistance for Evans County Residents
If you need help with a dissolution of marriage case in Evans County but cannot afford a private attorney, the following organizations provide free or reduced-cost legal services to eligible residents.
Georgia Legal Services Program serves low-income residents across the state and can help Evans County residents with dissolution cases, including document preparation and court representation for qualifying individuals.
Georgia Legal Aid provides free online guides and self-help tools that walk through the dissolution process in plain language. These resources are useful if you plan to represent yourself or just want to understand what to expect before consulting an attorney.
The State Bar of Georgia runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-334-6865. A referral can connect you with a licensed Georgia attorney who handles family law in the southeast Georgia area. An initial consultation can help you determine whether and how much legal help you need for your specific case.
Cities in Evans County
Claxton is the county seat of Evans County. No cities within Evans County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page on this site. All dissolution of marriage filings for Evans County residents are handled through the Superior Court Clerk's office in Claxton. If you are searching for records related to the city of Evans, Georgia, note that that city is located in Columbia County, not Evans County.
Nearby Counties
If you need to check records in a neighboring county or are unsure where a case was filed, these adjacent southeast Georgia counties each maintain their own Superior Court dissolution records independently.