Chamblee Divorce Records
Chamblee divorce records are maintained at the DeKalb County Superior Court in Decatur. All divorce filings for Chamblee residents go through DeKalb County, and this page covers how to search the case index, request certified copies, and file a new divorce case.
Chamblee Quick Facts
Where Chamblee Divorce Records Are Kept
Chamblee is a city within DeKalb County, and all divorce records for city residents are held at the DeKalb County Superior Court in Decatur. The clerk's office on North McDonough Street manages the full index of domestic and civil cases, including all divorces filed in the county. Clerk Debra DeBerry oversees the office and its records systems.
The DeKalb County Superior Court clerk's website at https://www.dksuperiorclerk.com/ provides access to the eCertification portal, case index search, and clerk contact details. The eCertification system lets you search for cases and order certified copies without visiting the courthouse in Decatur. Chamblee is about 10 miles from the courthouse, making the online portal a convenient option for most requests.
| Court | DeKalb County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 556 North McDonough Street Ground Floor, Decatur GA 30030 |
| Phone | (404) 687-3800 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | https://www.dksuperiorclerk.com/ |
For in-person visits to the clerk's ground-floor office in Decatur, bring photo ID and any identifying case information. Staff can search by name or case number. For older paper records not yet in the electronic system, a short retrieval wait may be needed. Calling ahead for very old cases ensures the clerk can have the file ready when you arrive.
How to Search Chamblee Divorce Records
Start at the DeKalb County Superior Court clerk's website at https://www.dksuperiorclerk.com/. The eCertification portal lets you search the case index by name or case number and place copy orders online. This is the most efficient option for Chamblee residents who want to avoid the trip to Decatur. The portal is available around the clock and accepts card payments for online orders.
GSCCCA at https://www.gsccca.org provides statewide coverage including DeKalb County. It's a useful tool when you want to verify which county holds a record or search across multiple counties. Once you find the case in the index, follow up with the DeKalb clerk for certified copies. GSCCCA results are free.
The screenshot below shows the DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk website, where Chamblee residents can search divorce records and access the eCertification portal for copy orders.
The DeKalb clerk site is well-designed and regularly updated. The eCertification section is easy to find and guides you through the search and order process step by step. For Chamblee residents, this is the primary online tool for divorce case information and certified copy requests.
Georgia Courts eAccess at https://georgiacourts.gov/eaccess-court-records/ provides additional access to court records statewide. Check DeKalb County's participation for supplemental options. For copy requests, the DeKalb clerk is the definitive source.
Note: Chamblee has a large and diverse resident population. If you are looking for records connected to a name with multiple possible spellings, try variations in the search to make sure you find all relevant results.
Filing for Divorce in Chamblee
Georgia's residency requirement under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2 requires six months of Georgia residency before filing. Chamblee residents file at the DeKalb County Superior Court in Decatur. Chamblee city hall does not handle divorce filings - that function belongs entirely to the county.
No-fault divorce based on an irretrievably broken marriage is the most common option. Thirteen fault grounds are listed in O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3, including adultery, desertion, and cruel treatment. Most Chamblee residents filing for divorce use the no-fault option because it's simpler and moves faster when both parties cooperate. Fault grounds are worth discussing with an attorney before choosing, since they can affect alimony and property outcomes.
Get free official forms at https://eforms.georgiacourts.gov/. Download the divorce petition, domestic relations financial affidavit, and parenting plan if children are involved. Complete all sections, sign where indicated, notarize where required, and file at the DeKalb County clerk's office. Pay the filing fee at the counter.
Serving the other party is required under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1. The DeKalb County Sheriff handles service for civil cases. A signed acknowledgment of service by the other party is also acceptable and faster when cooperation exists. File the proof of service with the clerk before the case can move to any hearing.
Chamblee Divorce Record Fees
Certified copies of divorce decrees from the DeKalb County Superior Court cost $5.00 per copy. This rate applies whether you request in person, by mail, or through the eCertification portal online. Plain (uncertified) copies are available at a lower rate. Call (404) 687-3800 to confirm the current pricing before placing your request.
The Georgia DPH at https://dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords offers divorce verifications for records from 1952 to 1996 at $10 each. These are state-issued documents and differ from certified court copies. For official legal use that requires a certified court document, use the DeKalb County clerk rather than the DPH.
Online copy requests through the eCertification portal accept card payments. Mail requests require a check or money order payable to the Clerk of Superior Court, DeKalb County. Do not send cash. Include party names, approximate year, and return address with any mail request.
Legal Help for Chamblee Residents
Georgia Legal Aid serves DeKalb County with free civil legal assistance for income-qualifying residents. Find the local office and apply at https://www.georgialegalaid.org/. Family law cases, including divorce and custody, are covered. Chamblee's DeKalb County location gives residents access to one of the more active Georgia Legal Aid offices in the state.
The Georgia E-Forms site at https://eforms.georgiacourts.gov/ gives all filers free access to official court forms. Self-represented Chamblee residents use these for straightforward uncontested divorces. Combined with the DeKalb eCertification portal and GSCCCA, these tools provide everything needed to search for records and handle a basic filing without legal representation.
For complex or contested cases, the State Bar of Georgia referral service can connect you with family law attorneys in the DeKalb County area. Chamblee's location in a busy suburban corridor means there are many qualified family law practitioners nearby. A brief consultation before filing helps you understand your legal position and whether the no-fault route or something more complicated is the right approach for your situation.
DeKalb County Divorce Records
Chamblee is in DeKalb County. All divorce filings for Chamblee residents go through the DeKalb County Superior Court. The county page has full details on fees, forms, online search, and getting copies.