Walker County Divorce Records Search
Walker County divorce records are held by the Superior Court Clerk in LaFayette and cover all divorce cases filed in this northwest Georgia county. This guide explains how to search those records online through state tools, how to request certified copies at the courthouse or by mail, and what to know about fees and filing procedures in Walker County.
Walker County Quick Facts
Where to Get Walker County Divorce Records
The Walker County Superior Court Clerk at 103 South Duke Street in LaFayette 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 relations docket. Walker County has a population near 70,000, and the clerk's office handles a moderately active caseload. Staff can assist with file lookups, copy requests, and questions about case status during regular business hours.
Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, Georgia divorce records are public unless sealed by court order. Sealed cases require judicial action and are uncommon. Any person may request an open divorce file in Walker County, whether or not they were a party to the case. If you are unsure whether a specific file might be sealed, call the clerk before visiting.
| Court | Walker County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 103 South Duke Street, LaFayette, GA 30728 |
| Phone | (706) 638-1743 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | https://www.walkercountyga.gov/ |
LaFayette is the county seat of Walker County in northwest Georgia near Chattanooga, Tennessee. The courthouse on South Duke Street is in the downtown area. Street parking and nearby lots are available. Walk-in service is available during regular weekday hours. For older records, calling ahead to give the clerk time to pull the file is the best approach.
The image below shows the Georgia DPH Vital Records portal at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords, which provides a $10 divorce verification service covering cases finalized between 1952 and 1996 across Georgia including Walker County.
DPH verifications confirm that a divorce occurred and its date but do not include the full decree. For the complete document, contact the Walker County Superior Court Clerk directly.
Searching Walker County Divorce Cases Online
The GSCCCA statewide index at gsccca.org covers Walker County. Search by party name for free to find case numbers, filing dates, and basic information. No registration is required. This is the most efficient starting point for any online research before you call or visit the LaFayette courthouse.
Georgia E-Access at georgiacourts.gov/eaccess-court-records/ provides additional court data from Georgia superior courts. Together, GSCCCA and E-Access give solid coverage for Walker County cases filed in recent years. For older paper cases, a direct request to the clerk is needed.
Mail requests to the Walker County clerk at 103 South Duke Street should include the full names of both parties, the approximate year of the divorce, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The clerk will reply with the fee and process the request once payment is received.
Note: GSCCCA may lag a few days behind courthouse filings. Call (706) 638-1743 directly for very recently filed cases that may not yet be in the online index.
Walker County Divorce Filing Process
Under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1, only the Superior Court can grant a divorce in Georgia. The Walker County Superior Court in LaFayette is the sole court with that authority in the county. No lower court, including the probate or magistrate court, has jurisdiction over divorce.
Venue is determined by where the defendant lives. O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2 generally requires filing in the defendant's county of residence. If your spouse is in Walker County, file in LaFayette. If your spouse has moved outside Georgia, you may be able to file in the county where you live. Confirming venue before filing prevents complications.
A 30-day waiting period applies after service on the defendant before the court can finalize the divorce. In uncontested cases where both parties agree, the case can often move quickly after that window. Contested cases with disputes over property, children, or support require hearings, and the judge will not sign the final decree until those matters are resolved.
Georgia divorce grounds are in O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3. Most people use the no-fault ground of irreconcilable differences. Fault-based grounds exist but require proof and are less often used today. Once finalized, the decree is filed with the Walker County clerk as a permanent public record.
Fees for Walker County Divorce Records
The Walker County clerk charges fees for certified and plain copies of divorce documents. Certified copies carry the court seal and clerk's signature and are required for legal and government purposes. Plain copies are cheaper and serve only personal reference needs. Call (706) 638-1743 before visiting to confirm the current fee schedule.
Georgia DPH at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords provides $10 verifications for divorces from 1952 to 1996. Under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-22, county clerks file monthly divorce reports with DPH, which is how that state database is maintained. DPH verifications confirm the divorce occurred but do not include the full decree. For the complete document, the Walker County clerk is your source.
Legal Resources in Walker County
Georgia Legal Aid serves Walker County and the northwest Georgia region. Qualifying residents can get free or low-cost civil legal help including assistance with uncontested divorces, custody matters, and family law issues. Check eligibility and apply at georgialegalaid.org.
Free official forms for uncontested divorces are available at eforms.georgiacourts.gov. These Georgia E-Forms include the petition, settlement agreement, and final order and are accepted by the Walker County clerk. They are a practical option for straightforward cases where both parties agree on all terms.
The Georgia State Bar's referral service can connect you with a family law attorney in the LaFayette area. Attorneys in the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, which covers Walker County, handle domestic cases and know local courthouse procedures. For contested issues or cases involving children, getting legal advice before you file is worthwhile even if you end up handling parts of the case yourself.
Divorce Decrees and Certificates
The divorce decree is the full court order with all the terms the judge approved. The DPH verification is a short letter confirming the divorce happened. Most agencies require the certified decree. DPH verifications cover 1952 to 1996 and work when you only need to confirm the event occurred without the full document. For the decree, contact the Walker County Superior Court Clerk in LaFayette. The GSCCCA name search at gsccca.org can identify the correct county if you are unsure where a divorce was filed.
Nearby Counties
Walker County is in northwest Georgia near the Tennessee and Alabama borders. Each neighboring county maintains divorce records at its own Superior Court Clerk office.