DeKalb County Divorce Records

DeKalb County divorce records are managed by the Superior Court Clerk in Decatur and include all divorce cases filed in one of metro Atlanta's most populated counties. The clerk's office offers multiple ways to access these records, including an online eCertification Portal, in-person requests, and mail-in options. This guide covers every method for finding and obtaining DeKalb County divorce records quickly and with the right documents in hand.

Where to Get DeKalb County Divorce Records

The DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk, led by Clerk Debra DeBerry, holds all divorce records for DeKalb County. The office is in Decatur on North McDonough Street on the ground floor. The clerk manages multiple divisions including Civil and Family, Archive and Records Request, Adoptions, Criminal, Real Estate, Notary, and Passports. For divorce records, the Civil and Family Division and the Archive and Records Request section are the relevant departments.

The clerk's office has stated: "As Clerk of Superior Court, I manage all Superior Court records and land records for DeKalb County. Access to public records is crucial to citizens and businesses in DeKalb County." That access extends to divorce records under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, which makes court records public unless a judge has sealed them.

For mail requests, send to the same address. Include a check or money order payable to Clerk of Superior Court. Divorce decrees cost $5 per copy. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a completed Archive Record Request Form, which is available as a PDF download from the clerk's website at dksuperiorclerk.com. Do not send cash or personal checks.

The screenshot below shows the DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk's official site, which hosts the eCertification Portal and Archive Request Form.

Use the site to access the eCertification Portal, download forms, and find department-specific contact information.

How to Search DeKalb County Divorce Records Online

DeKalb County's Superior Court Clerk offers an eCertification Portal for online copy requests. The clerk's office has noted: "Copies of divorce decrees, and all other records kept by the Clerk of the Superior Court, may be made online through the eCertification portal. An account is required." This is one of the most direct ways to get a certified copy without visiting the courthouse. You set up a free account, search for your case, and order copies online. Fees apply.

The statewide GSCCCA portal at gsccca.org is another free option. It lets you search by party name across Georgia Superior Courts and find basic case data. DeKalb County cases are well represented in this system. Once you have the case number, you can use it on the eCertification Portal or bring it to the clerk's office to speed up your request.

Georgia E-Access at georgiacourts.gov/eaccess-court-records/ offers additional court record search functionality. You can also find information about DeKalb divorce cases at dekalbcountycourt.org/marriage-divorce-records/.

The screenshot below shows the DeKalb County Court divorce and marriage records page, which links to search tools and explains how to request documents.

This page explains the specific procedures for DeKalb County divorce record requests, including which forms to use and how to pay.

Note: eCertification Portal accounts are free to create and allow you to search case records and order copies without visiting the courthouse.

DeKalb County Divorce Filing Process

Under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1, Georgia's Superior Courts have sole authority to grant divorces. The DeKalb County Superior Court in Decatur handles all divorce cases for DeKalb County residents. No other court in the county has this power.

Filing venue is set by O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2, which requires the petition to be filed in the county where the defendant lives. DeKalb County is large and includes several distinct communities. Cities like Stonecrest, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Tucker, Chamblee, and Redan all fall within DeKalb County, so divorces involving residents of those cities are filed here in Decatur.

Georgia allows 13 grounds for divorce under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3. The vast majority of cases use irretrievable breakdown, which needs no proof of wrongdoing by either party. After filing in Decatur, the defendant must be served with process. A 30-day waiting period then runs before the court can issue a final decree. Uncontested cases where both parties agree on all terms often wrap up shortly after the waiting period ends.

Given the volume of cases in DeKalb County, using the eCertification Portal to order certified copies online is often faster than mailing a request. The archived records department handles older cases and can be reached through the same main number at (404) 687-3800.

DeKalb County Copy Fees and Costs

Divorce decrees cost $5 per copy at the DeKalb County Superior Court. Payment for mail requests must be by cashier's check or money order made payable to Clerk of Superior Court. Cash is not accepted by mail. Personal checks are also not accepted. The Archive Record Request Form, available as a PDF from the clerk's website, must be included with mail requests.

For in-person and online requests through the eCertification Portal, additional fees may apply depending on the number of pages and whether a certification is needed. Call (404) 687-3800 to get a full quote before submitting any request.

For divorces between 1952 and 1996, the Georgia Department of Public Health provides a $10 verification through its Vital Records office. This confirms a divorce occurred but does not include the actual terms of the decree. For the full court order, go to the DeKalb County clerk. The DPH holds no copies of actual divorce decrees for any time period.

Note: Certified copies ordered through the eCertification Portal may have additional processing fees beyond the per-page rate.

Divorce Decrees vs. Certificates in DeKalb County

The divorce decree is the full court order signed by the judge. It includes property division, debt allocation, spousal support if ordered, custody arrangements, child support amounts, and any other rulings the court made. This document is held by the DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk and is the record most institutions ask for when they want proof of divorce. It can be ordered through the eCertification Portal or in person at 556 North McDonough Street.

A divorce certificate or state verification is a separate document from the Georgia Department of Public Health. It only covers divorces from 1952 through 1996 and costs $10. It shows names, date, and county of divorce, but no terms of the court's orders. If a bank, court, or government agency asks for the full decree, the DPH verification will not suffice.

DeKalb County processes a high volume of divorces each year. The eCertification Portal makes it easier to get certified copies without appearing in person, which is a significant advantage for people who no longer live in the Decatur area.

Legal Help in DeKalb County

Georgia Legal Aid at georgialegalaid.org serves DeKalb County residents and provides free legal assistance to those who qualify by income. Family law cases including divorce, custody, and support are among their core services. Their DeKalb County office handles a high volume of family law matters and can provide direct representation in eligible cases.

The Georgia E-Forms portal at eforms.georgiacourts.gov has official forms for uncontested divorces and other family law filings. DeKalb County's Civil and Family Division accepts these forms. The clerk's staff can confirm which local forms are also needed. For complex cases involving significant property, business interests, or contested custody, consulting a licensed family law attorney is strongly recommended.

The Georgia State Bar's referral service can connect DeKalb County residents with experienced family law attorneys. Many attorneys in the Decatur area have experience with the DeKalb County Superior Court specifically, which matters for understanding local practice requirements and scheduling.

Nearby Counties

DeKalb County is part of the Atlanta metro area. Divorce records for residents near the county borders may be filed in one of these adjacent counties based on where the defendant lived at the time of filing.