Fayette County Dissolution Of Marriage Records

Fayette County dissolution of marriage records are filed with the Superior Court Clerk in Fayetteville, Georgia, and represent the official legal documentation of every marital dissolution granted in this southwest Atlanta metro county. Whether you need a certified copy of a final decree, want to search a case by name, or need to understand the filing process for a new case, the clerk's office at 1 Center Drive in Fayetteville is the starting point for all official Fayette County dissolution records.

Superior Court Clerk of Fayette County

The Fayette County Superior Court Clerk is the official custodian of all dissolution of marriage records filed in the county. The clerk's office accepts new petitions, manages case files, issues certified copies of court orders and final decrees, and responds to public records requests from individuals, attorneys, and government agencies. Fayette County has a dedicated clerk website that can answer many preliminary questions before you call or visit.

The clerk's website is a useful resource before contacting the office. It may provide information about current fees, accepted forms of payment, available court forms, and general guidance on how to submit a records request. Check the site before visiting to save time at the counter.

The screenshot below shows the Fayette County Clerk of Court website, which provides direct access to local court information and records request procedures specific to this county.

Fayette County is part of the Atlanta metro area, and the clerk's office handles a higher volume of cases than many rural Georgia counties. Checking the website first or calling before visiting helps ensure your request is handled efficiently.

How to Search Fayette County Dissolution Records

Fayette County offers multiple ways to search and access dissolution of marriage records. The county's clerk website, combined with statewide online tools, makes remote research more practical here than in many smaller Georgia counties.

GSCCCA Online Index

The GSCCCA portal gives you free access to the Superior Court case index for all Georgia counties including Fayette. Search by party name to find filing dates, case numbers, and index-level details. This is an efficient way to confirm a case exists and to get the reference numbers you need for a more detailed request. For certified copies or full document access, contact the clerk directly or use the GSCCCA eCertification portal to request certified documents electronically if Fayette County is enrolled in the system.

Georgia Court Platforms

Several statewide platforms support online access to Fayette County court records. Georgia Courts provides court directory information and downloadable forms for all Superior Courts. PeachCourt supports electronic filing and case tracking for enrolled courts, and Fayette County's participation means you may be able to file documents or check case status online. re:SearchGA provides a docket search tool for Superior Courts in the statewide system. Check each platform to see what is currently accessible for Fayette County before deciding whether you need to visit the courthouse.

In-Person Access

The courthouse at 1 Center Drive in Fayetteville provides the most complete access to Fayette County dissolution records. Bring a government-issued photo ID and any case details you have. The clerk's staff can search by name or case number, allow you to review a file, and process certified copy requests. Mail requests can be sent to PO Box 130, Fayetteville, GA 30214. Include the parties' names, the approximate year of the case, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for any fees that apply.

Filing for Dissolution of Marriage in Fayette County

Georgia law requires that dissolution petitions be filed in the Superior Court of the county where at least one spouse lives. For Fayette County residents, that means filing with the clerk in Fayetteville. The state's six-month residency rule, established under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3, requires that at least one party have lived in Georgia for six months before the petition is filed. The same statute governs the grounds available for dissolution and other procedural requirements.

After the petition is filed and served, the court must observe a 30-day waiting period before a final decree can be issued. This period is mandatory under state law and cannot be shortened in most cases. Fayette County's court handles a relatively high caseload given its position in the Atlanta metropolitan area, so timelines for contested cases may reflect the court's schedule as well as the complexity of the issues involved.

Uncontested cases where both parties have already agreed on all terms tend to move through the system efficiently once the 30-day wait is complete. Contested matters involving disputed property, children, or support will require hearings before a judge and can take substantially longer. The clerk's office can advise on what forms to file and the applicable fees, but cannot provide legal advice. For guidance on how to complete forms or handle a contested case, contact a legal aid organization or a private attorney.

What Is Included in a Fayette County Dissolution Record

Dissolution of marriage case files in Fayette County are public court records, maintained by the Superior Court Clerk and accessible to individuals with a legitimate need. A completed Fayette County dissolution case file typically includes the following:

• Full legal names of both spouses and their addresses at the time of filing
• Case number and the date the petition was filed with the Fayette County clerk
• Grounds stated for the dissolution of the marriage
• Signed and dated final decree from the Fayette County Superior Court judge
• Terms for division of marital property and allocation of marital debts
• Child custody, visitation schedules, and child support orders if minor children are involved
• Alimony provisions and any court-ordered name restoration

Sealed portions of the file, such as detailed financial disclosures or documents related to the welfare of minor children, may not be accessible to the general public. Ask the clerk what is available in any specific case before submitting a formal request.

State Verification Through Georgia DPH

The Georgia Department of Public Health Vital Records office maintains a statewide index of dissolution records for cases finalized between 1952 and 1996 only. For cases in that period, a DPH verification letter can confirm a dissolution occurred and provide basic case facts. This is not a court-certified copy, but it serves many administrative verification needs.

The Georgia Courts website, shown in the screenshot below, is also a key resource for locating the Fayette County Superior Court and understanding the procedural framework for dissolution cases statewide.

For cases outside the 1952 to 1996 window, you must contact the Fayette County clerk directly. DPH Vital Records is located at 1680 Phoenix Blvd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, reachable at (404) 657-2700, or at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords.

Legal Help for Fayette County Residents

Fayette County residents who need assistance with dissolution of marriage matters can find help through the following organizations.

Georgia Legal Services Program provides free civil legal assistance to qualifying low-income residents. Their offices serve the greater Atlanta metro area, including Fayette County. Services include help with forms, legal advice, and representation in some cases. Call their intake line to check eligibility and available services for Fayette County residents.

Georgia Legal Aid offers free online self-help resources that explain the dissolution process in plain language. These guides are useful for understanding what to expect and how to prepare, whether you plan to hire an attorney or represent yourself.

The State Bar of Georgia lawyer referral service at 1-800-334-6865 can connect you with a licensed family law attorney serving the Fayette County area. An initial consultation can help you assess your options and decide how much legal assistance you need for your specific situation.

Cities in Fayette County

Fayetteville is the county seat of Fayette County. Peachtree City is the largest city in Fayette County and the only city in the county with a dedicated records page on this site. Dissolution of marriage filings for all residents of Fayette County are processed through the Superior Court Clerk's office in Fayetteville regardless of which city or community the parties live in.

Nearby Counties

Fayette County borders several other metro Atlanta and south Georgia counties. Each maintains its own Superior Court and dissolution of marriage records independently from Fayette County.