Search Valdosta Divorce Records
Valdosta divorce records are maintained at the Lowndes County Superior Court, where Valdosta serves as the county seat. If you need to look up a past case, get a copy of a decree, or file for divorce, all of that happens at the Lowndes County courthouse on North Ashley Street.
Valdosta Quick Facts
Where Valdosta Divorce Records Are Kept
Valdosta is the county seat of Lowndes County, which means the county courthouse is right in the city. The Lowndes County Superior Court handles all divorce filings for city residents and stores those records long-term. The clerk's office on North Ashley Street is where you go for copies, record searches, and new filings.
The Lowndes County website at https://www.lowndescounty.gov/ provides information about court services and online case search. The Superior Court clerk maintains an online case search tool that covers civil and domestic cases, including divorces. This is one of the more convenient setups in South Georgia for residents needing public court records.
| Court | Lowndes County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 327 North Ashley Street, Valdosta GA 31601 |
| Phone | (229) 671-2400 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | https://www.lowndescounty.gov/ |
Because Valdosta is the county seat, the courthouse is centrally located and easy to reach. Parking is available near the building. For walk-in visits, the clerk's counter handles copy requests, filing, and case inquiries. Staff can look up cases by name or case number and point you to the right documents.
Note: Lowndes County's online case search covers current and recent cases well, but older records from the pre-digital era may require an in-person search at the courthouse.
How to Search Valdosta Divorce Records
Lowndes County offers an online case search through the county website. Visit https://www.lowndescounty.gov/ and navigate to the Superior Court clerk section to find the search tool. You can look up cases by name, case number, or date range. The results show basic case information - parties, filing date, and case status.
The GSCCCA portal at https://www.gsccca.org includes Lowndes County in its statewide index. This is useful if you need to search across multiple counties or are not sure where a case was filed. GSCCCA searches are free and cover the case index, though actual document copies require contacting the county clerk.
The screenshot below shows the Georgia DPH vital records page, which Valdosta residents can use to request divorce verifications for cases from 1952 through 1996.
The Georgia Department of Public Health issues divorce verifications for records from 1952 to 1996. These are separate from court copies and cost $10 each. Visit https://dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords for more on how to request a verification.
Georgia Courts eAccess at https://georgiacourts.gov/eaccess-court-records/ is another statewide platform for court records. Check whether Lowndes County participates and what information is available through that system. For most Valdosta residents, the county clerk website is the most direct option.
Filing for Divorce in Valdosta
Georgia requires six months of state residency before you can file for divorce. This rule is in O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2. Valdosta residents file at the Lowndes County Superior Court, which is conveniently located in the city itself. There's no need to travel to another county seat.
No-fault divorce is available in Georgia when both parties agree the marriage is irretrievably broken. Fault grounds - listed in O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3 - include adultery, cruel treatment, and habitual intoxication, among others. Most Valdosta filings use the no-fault ground. Cases move faster when both sides agree, but Lowndes County Superior Court handles contested cases too.
Free official forms are available through the Georgia E-Forms system at https://eforms.georgiacourts.gov/. You'll find a divorce petition, domestic relations financial affidavit, and parenting plan forms. Print them, complete them carefully, and bring them to the clerk's office to file. The clerk will stamp your copies and return them.
After filing, the other spouse must be served with the divorce petition. O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1 covers proper service requirements. In Lowndes County, service is typically handled by the sheriff's office. If the other party cannot be found, the court may allow service by publication after certain steps are taken.
Valdosta Divorce Record Fees
Copy fees at the Lowndes County Superior Court follow Georgia's standard schedule. Certified copies typically run a few dollars per page, and the total depends on how long the document is. Check with the clerk for the current rate before sending a payment. Fees are set by the county and can change periodically.
For divorces from 1952 to 1996, you can get a verification from the Georgia Department of Public Health for $10. Their website is https://dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords. This option is useful when you need to confirm that a divorce happened during that window but don't need the full court file. For anything more detailed, go directly to the Lowndes County clerk.
Mail requests to the Lowndes County clerk should include the names of both parties, the approximate filing year, your return address, and a check or money order for the copy fee. The clerk's staff will search the index and send back what you requested or notify you if the record cannot be found.
Note: Always call the clerk's office to confirm the current fee before sending payment - rates vary and can change with new legislation or local policy updates.
Legal Help for Valdosta Residents
Georgia Legal Aid covers South Georgia, including Lowndes County. Visit https://www.georgialegalaid.org/ to find contact information for the office serving Valdosta. They provide free legal assistance to income-qualifying residents in family law cases, including divorce, custody, and support matters.
The Georgia E-Forms system at https://eforms.georgiacourts.gov/ is available to all filers at no cost. If you are representing yourself, these forms are the right starting point. Valdosta is close enough to the courthouse that you can easily drop off completed forms in person. The clerk's staff can answer basic procedural questions but cannot give legal advice.
If you need representation, the State Bar of Georgia referral service can connect you with family law attorneys who practice in the Lowndes County area. An initial consultation - often low-cost or free - can help you figure out whether your situation calls for professional legal help. Complex custody or property cases almost always benefit from an attorney's involvement.
Lowndes County Divorce Records
Valdosta is in Lowndes County. All divorce filings for Valdosta residents go through the Lowndes County Superior Court. The county page has full details on fees, forms, online search, and getting copies.