Find Dissolution Of Marriage Records in Whitfield County

Whitfield County dissolution of marriage records are filed with the Superior Court Clerk in Dalton, Georgia, and they are public records that anyone can request. Searching for dissolution of marriage records in Whitfield County is straightforward once you know the right offices and online tools to use. This page covers how to find case filings, get certified copies, and access supporting resources for dissolution of marriage matters handled in the Conasauga Judicial Circuit's Whitfield County Superior Court.

Whitfield County Superior Court Clerk

The Whitfield County Superior Court Clerk's office is located at 205 North Selvidge Street in Dalton, Georgia 30720. You can reach the clerk by phone at (706) 275-7450. This is the official office for all dissolution of marriage filings in Whitfield County. The clerk maintains the complete case record, including petitions, service documents, orders, and final decrees.

Whitfield County is served by the Conasauga Judicial Circuit, which covers this county along with Murray County. Cases are heard by the circuit judges, but the Dalton clerk's office handles all administrative records for cases filed in Whitfield County. When you call or visit, bring as much information as you have about the case, including the names of both parties and the approximate year of filing, to make the search faster.

For certified copies of dissolution of marriage decrees or other documents, expect to pay a per-page fee. The clerk can tell you the current amount when you call. Mail requests are accepted with a check or money order. In-person requests are often processed the same day. If you need a large number of copies or documents from a complex case file, it may take longer, so plan accordingly.

Note: Call the clerk at (706) 275-7450 to confirm current business hours and copy fees before making a trip or sending a mail request.

Online Access to Whitfield County Dissolution Records

The GSCCCA Portal is the main platform for searching Whitfield County Superior Court records online. You can search by party name, narrow by county, and filter by filing date. The portal indexes dissolution of marriage cases along with other Superior Court filings and often includes links to scanned documents when the clerk has uploaded them. It is generally the fastest way to confirm whether a case was filed in Whitfield County and to get the case number.

The screenshot below shows the GSCCCA Portal, the primary online index for Whitfield County dissolution of marriage filings and other Superior Court records.

Once you find a case in the portal, note the case number and use it when contacting the Whitfield County clerk for certified copies or additional documents.

For electronically certified copies, the GSCCCA eCertification system provides a way to request official documents without visiting the courthouse in Dalton. This is a useful option if you need a certified decree for legal, financial, or personal use and cannot appear in person. The PeachCourt eFiling platform also serves some Whitfield County filings electronically. Confirm with the clerk which case types are eligible for eFiling in this county.

Note: Some older Whitfield County records may only exist in paper form at the clerk's office and will not appear in the GSCCCA digital index.

Filing for Dissolution of Marriage in Whitfield County

To file for dissolution of marriage in Whitfield County, at least one spouse must have been a Georgia resident for six months before the petition is submitted. The petition and related forms are filed with the Superior Court Clerk at 205 North Selvidge Street in Dalton. Once the respondent has been properly served, the court cannot enter a final decree for at least 30 days.

Georgia offers both contested and uncontested dissolution of marriage. In an uncontested case, both parties have agreed on property division, debt allocation, spousal support if any, and any parenting issues. These cases move more quickly through the court. Contested cases require hearings where a judge decides the unresolved issues. In either situation, the Whitfield County Superior Court is the court of jurisdiction.

Self-help resources are available through Georgia Courts online. The site has general procedural guides for people handling cases without an attorney. The clerk's office staff can help with procedural questions and point you to forms, but they are not permitted to give legal advice. For legal guidance, contact an attorney or a local legal aid organization.

State Dissolution Verification and Vital Records

The Georgia Department of Public Health maintains a statewide dissolution of marriage verification index for cases filed between 1952 and 1996. If you need to verify that a dissolution occurred in Georgia during that window, the DPH can provide a confirmation through Form 3917 for a fee of $10. This is a state-level record, not a copy of the actual court documents. Visit the DPH Vital Records site at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords for submission instructions.

The screenshot below shows the Georgia DPH Vital Records portal, where Form 3917 dissolution verifications can be requested for cases from 1952 through 1996.

For cases outside the 1952 to 1996 range, go directly to the Whitfield County Superior Court Clerk or use the GSCCCA Portal to search for records.

Historical dissolution of marriage records from Whitfield County that predate the GSCCCA index may be available through the Georgia Archives. The archives hold some older court records transferred from county courthouses, and staff can tell you whether any Whitfield County materials are in their collection.

Note: The DPH verification index covers a specific date range only; cases outside that range require contact with the Superior Court Clerk in Dalton.

Grounds for Dissolution and Georgia Law

Georgia recognizes 13 statutory grounds for dissolution of marriage listed in O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3. No-fault dissolution based on the marriage being irretrievably broken is the most common approach in Whitfield County filings. Other recognized grounds include adultery, desertion, and certain other fault-based conditions. You do not have to allege fault to file for dissolution in Georgia; most petitioners use the no-fault ground.

The full statutory framework for dissolution of marriage in Georgia is contained in Georgia Title 19, Chapter 5. These statutes set the residency requirements, waiting periods, and procedural rules that apply in every county, including Whitfield. Understanding the statutes gives you context for what a Superior Court judge will consider when resolving contested issues or approving an uncontested settlement agreement.

The Superior Court Clerks of Georgia organization and the Find My Clerk directory are useful if you need contact details for the Whitfield County clerk or for clerks in neighboring counties where a related case may be filed.

Cities in Whitfield County

Whitfield County's qualifying city for this directory is Dalton, which also serves as the county seat. Dalton has more than 25,000 residents and is the main population center in Whitfield County. All dissolution of marriage filings for residents throughout the county, including those living in Dalton, go through the Superior Court Clerk's office at 205 North Selvidge Street in Dalton.

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