Troup County Divorce Records
Troup County divorce records are maintained by the Superior Court Clerk in LaGrange and include all divorce cases decided in the county. This page explains how to search those records online, how to request certified copies at the LaGrange courthouse or by mail, and how to use both state and local tools to find what you need.
Troup County Quick Facts
Where to Get Troup County Divorce Records
The Troup County Superior Court Clerk at 100 Ridley Avenue in LaGrange is the official custodian of all divorce records filed in the county. The clerk's office handles civil and domestic filings, and divorce cases are part of the domestic docket. Staff can assist with case searches, certified copy requests, and questions about the records available in the system. With a population approaching 70,000, Troup County has a moderately active court docket and a well-staffed clerk's office compared to smaller Georgia counties.
Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, divorce records are public documents in Georgia. A court order is required to seal a file, and sealed cases are the exception rather than the rule. Any member of the public may request an open divorce file. If you have reason to believe a specific case is sealed, the clerk's office can confirm when you call.
| Court | Troup County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 Ridley Avenue, LaGrange, GA 30240 |
| Phone | (706) 883-1740 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | https://www.troupcountyga.gov/ |
LaGrange is the county seat and largest city in Troup County near the Alabama border. The courthouse on Ridley Avenue is in the downtown area. Parking is generally available near the building. Walk-in service is available during regular business hours. Having the case number or party names ready when you arrive speeds up the process.
The image below comes from the Troup County official website at troupcountyga.gov, which provides contact information and courthouse details for the Superior Court Clerk's office.
The county website lists clerk contact details, office hours, and links to court-related resources for Troup County residents and those seeking records.
How to Search Troup County Divorce Records Online
The GSCCCA statewide index at gsccca.org includes Troup County. You can search divorce cases by party name at no cost and see case numbers, filing dates, and basic information. No account is needed. The GSCCCA search is the most efficient online tool before you call or visit the clerk. Troup County has online case search capability, and the GSCCCA is the primary tool for accessing that data statewide.
Georgia E-Access at georgiacourts.gov/eaccess-court-records/ is another statewide tool providing court case data from Georgia superior courts. Together, GSCCCA and E-Access give good coverage for Troup County cases filed in recent years. For older paper files that predate digital indexing, a direct request to the clerk's office is needed.
Mail requests to the Troup County clerk at 100 Ridley Avenue should include both party names, the approximate year of the divorce, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The clerk will confirm the fee and process your request. Response times are typically a few business days for standard requests.
Note: Online case indexes may lag a few days behind actual courthouse filings. For very recent cases, call the clerk at (706) 883-1740 to confirm status.
Troup County Divorce Filing Process
In Georgia, only the Superior Court can grant a divorce, as established by O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1. In Troup County, the Superior Court in LaGrange handles all divorce filings. No other court in the county, including the probate or magistrate court, has authority to issue a divorce decree.
Under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2, venue is typically the county where the defendant lives. If your spouse is in Troup County, file in LaGrange. If your spouse has left Georgia, you may be able to file where you reside. Confirming venue before you file saves time and prevents having the case moved to another county.
A 30-day waiting period follows service on the defendant before the court can finalize the divorce. For uncontested cases, this window is often the only real delay. Contested cases, where parties disagree on property, custody, or support, require hearings before the judge signs the final decree. Those cases can take months or longer.
The grounds for divorce in Georgia are in O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3. Irreconcilable differences is the no-fault ground used in most modern filings. Fault grounds remain available but are less often pursued. Once the final decree is signed and filed, it becomes a permanent public record at the Troup County clerk's office.
Fees for Troup County Divorce Records
The Troup County Superior Court Clerk charges fees for certified and plain copies of divorce records. Certified copies carry the court seal and clerk's signature and are required for legal purposes like name changes, passport applications, and financial account updates. Plain copies cost less and are for personal reference only.
Georgia DPH at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords provides $10 divorce verifications for cases from 1952 to 1996. Under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-22, the Troup County clerk sends monthly divorce reports to DPH, which is how the state database is built and updated. DPH verifications confirm the divorce and its date but do not include the full decree. For the complete document, the Troup County clerk at (706) 883-1740 is the right contact. Call to confirm the current fee before you visit or send payment.
Legal Resources in Troup County
Georgia Legal Aid serves Troup County and offers free or low-cost civil legal assistance to qualifying residents. Services include help with uncontested divorce filings, custody matters, and other domestic issues. Income limits apply. Check eligibility and apply at georgialegalaid.org.
Free official divorce forms for uncontested cases are available at eforms.georgiacourts.gov. These Georgia E-Forms include the petition, settlement agreement, and final order template. They are accepted by the Troup County clerk and are updated by the Georgia court system to meet current filing requirements. For a straightforward uncontested divorce, these forms provide a clear path to self-filing without hiring an attorney.
The Georgia State Bar's referral service can connect you with a family law attorney in the LaGrange area. Attorneys in Troup County handle both contested and uncontested cases. A consultation can clarify your options, help you understand the implications of your settlement terms, and prevent mistakes that could cause problems down the road.
Divorce Decrees vs. Certificates
The divorce decree is the complete court order with all terms. The DPH verification is a shorter letter confirming only the basic facts. Most agencies want the certified decree. DPH verifications cover 1952 to 1996 and cost $10. Outside that range or when the decree terms are relevant, the Troup County clerk is the right source.
The GSCCCA statewide search at gsccca.org can help you confirm the county of filing if you are not certain which county handled a divorce. Once you have the case number and county, ordering a certified copy from the clerk is straightforward. Troup County certified copies are accepted by state and federal agencies, financial institutions, and courts.
LaGrange is the only city in Troup County with a population above 100,000 people. Residents of LaGrange seeking divorce records can visit the Troup County Superior Court Clerk directly, as the courthouse serves the entire county including the city.
Nearby Counties
Troup County is in west Georgia near the Alabama state line. Each neighboring county maintains divorce records through its own Superior Court Clerk.