Dunwoody Divorce Records Lookup
Dunwoody divorce records are filed and stored at the DeKalb County Superior Court in Decatur. Dunwoody became a city in 2008, but the county handles all divorce filings - this page explains how to find records, get copies, and start a divorce case in Dunwoody.
Dunwoody Quick Facts
Where Dunwoody Divorce Records Are Kept
Dunwoody is in DeKalb County, so divorce records for city residents are kept at the DeKalb County Superior Court in Decatur. The clerk's office manages the full case index for domestic relations matters, including divorce, annulment, and separate maintenance. Debra DeBerry is the DeKalb County clerk and oversees the records program.
The courthouse on North McDonough Street is the central location for all DeKalb divorce record access. You can visit in person during business hours, call to ask about mail requests, or use the online eCertification portal for copy orders. Dunwoody is about 12 miles from Decatur, making a courthouse visit straightforward if needed.
| 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/ |
The clerk's office accepts walk-in requests for record searches and copy orders. Bringing a case number saves time, but name searches are available. For older records stored off-site, there may be a slight delay while staff retrieves the physical file. Calling ahead on such requests is recommended.
How to Search Dunwoody Divorce Records
The DeKalb County Superior Court clerk offers an eCertification portal at https://www.dksuperiorclerk.com/. Through this portal you can search the case index by name or case number and place copy orders online. It's the most efficient option for Dunwoody residents who don't need to visit the courthouse in person.
GSCCCA at https://www.gsccca.org is a statewide index that includes DeKalb County records. Search results from GSCCCA show case identifiers and basic information. If you need copies of actual documents - decrees, final orders, or hearing transcripts - you'll need to follow up with the DeKalb clerk after using GSCCCA to locate the case.
The screenshot below shows the DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk website, where Dunwoody residents can search the case index and order certified divorce documents.
The eCertification portal is built into the site and allows card payment for copy requests. The turnaround for online requests is generally a few business days, depending on volume at the clerk's office.
The Georgia Courts eAccess platform at https://georgiacourts.gov/eaccess-court-records/ provides additional access to court records across the state. DeKalb County participation in this system offers another search route alongside the county's own portal. For Dunwoody residents, either approach works - start with the one that's most convenient for you.
Note: Index searches are free. Copy fees apply once you request actual documents from the clerk's office.
Filing for Divorce in Dunwoody
One spouse must live in Georgia for at least six months before filing. This residency rule is established by O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2. Dunwoody residents file at the DeKalb County Superior Court - there is no municipal divorce court in Dunwoody.
Georgia recognizes no-fault divorce when both parties agree the marriage has broken down completely. Fault-based grounds are also available under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3, covering thirteen specific situations including adultery, mental incapacity at the time of marriage, cruel treatment, and desertion. The choice between no-fault and fault grounds can affect the outcome of property and support issues, so it's worth getting advice before you decide.
Georgia E-Forms at https://eforms.georgiacourts.gov/ provides free official forms for divorce filings. You'll find the divorce petition, domestic relations financial affidavit, and parenting plan templates there. These are accepted in all Georgia Superior Courts, including DeKalb County. Download them, fill them out completely, and file at the clerk's window.
After you file, the other party must receive proper notice under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1. Service can be handled by the DeKalb County sheriff's office or a private process server. If both parties are cooperating, an acknowledgment of service signed by the other spouse avoids the need for formal service. The court cannot schedule hearings or issue orders until service is confirmed.
Dunwoody Divorce Record Fees
Certified copies of divorce decrees from DeKalb County cost $5.00 per copy. This rate is the same whether you order through the eCertification portal or at the courthouse in person. Plain (uncertified) copies are available at a lower rate - call the clerk's office to confirm the current price.
The Georgia Department of Public Health at https://dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords issues divorce verifications for cases recorded between 1952 and 1996. The cost is $10 per verification. These are state vital records office documents, not certified court copies, so their use depends on what the recipient requires. For most legal and official purposes, a certified court copy from DeKalb is more reliable.
Keep in mind that filing fees for new divorce cases are separate from copy fees for existing records. Filing fees in Georgia Superior Courts vary but typically run from around $200 to $250 for a basic uncontested divorce. The clerk's office can tell you the current filing fee when you come in.
Legal Help for Dunwoody Residents
Georgia Legal Aid serves DeKalb County with free civil legal services for income-qualifying residents. Find their local office and apply at https://www.georgialegalaid.org/. Family law cases, including divorce and custody, are part of their work. If you qualify, this is the best first call for legal help without the cost of a private attorney.
The Georgia E-Forms site at https://eforms.georgiacourts.gov/ gives all filers access to free official forms. Self-represented filers in Dunwoody use these forms regularly for uncontested divorces. The forms cover everything from the initial petition through the final judgment. Download and complete them carefully before going to the clerk's office to file.
For those who want a lawyer, the State Bar of Georgia runs a referral service. DeKalb County has a large number of family law attorneys, and many offer free or low-cost initial consultations. Even if you plan to represent yourself, a one-hour consultation can help you avoid mistakes that are hard to fix once a case is filed.
Note: Dunwoody has legal aid clinics at the local library periodically - check the DeKalb Public Library system for scheduled events.
DeKalb County Divorce Records
Dunwoody is in DeKalb County. All divorce filings for Dunwoody residents go through the DeKalb County Superior Court. The county page has full details on fees, forms, online search, and getting copies.