Search Ware County Divorce Records

Ware County divorce records are kept by the Superior Court Clerk in Waycross and cover all divorce cases filed in the county. This page explains where those records are held, how to search them using online tools, how to request certified copies at the courthouse or by mail, and what the Georgia DPH offers as a supplementary verification service.

Where to Get Ware County Divorce Records

The Ware County Superior Court Clerk at 800 Church Street in Waycross 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. Ware County is one of the larger counties in southeast Georgia, and the clerk's office handles a moderately active case volume. Staff can assist with record searches, copy requests, and questions about case status.

Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, Georgia divorce records are public by default. Sealed cases require a court order and are uncommon. Any person may request an open divorce file in Ware County. If a file is sealed, the clerk will let you know when you contact the office.

Waycross is the county seat of Ware County in southeast Georgia. The courthouse on Church Street is in the downtown area. Parking is available near the building. Walk-in service is available during regular business hours. For older records, calling ahead to let the clerk staff know you are coming and what you need is the best practice.

The image below is from the Ware County government website at warecountyga.gov, which lists courthouse contact information and office details for the Superior Court Clerk.

The Ware County website provides contact information, hours, and resources for residents seeking records and courthouse services in Waycross.

How to Search Ware County Divorce Records Online

The GSCCCA statewide index at gsccca.org covers Ware County. Search by party name for free to find case numbers, filing dates, and basic information. No registration is required. The GSCCCA search is the most efficient first step before you call or visit the Waycross courthouse.

Georgia E-Access at georgiacourts.gov/eaccess-court-records/ provides additional case data for Georgia superior courts. Together, GSCCCA and E-Access give solid coverage for Ware County cases filed in recent years. For older paper records, a direct request to the clerk is needed.

Mail requests to the Ware County clerk at 800 Church Street should include both party names, the approximate year of the divorce, and a return envelope. The clerk confirms the fee and processes the request once payment arrives. Response times are typically a few business days for standard requests.

Note: GSCCCA may lag a few days behind courthouse filings. For very recently filed cases, call (912) 287-4340 directly to confirm status.

Ware County Divorce Filing Process

Only Georgia's Superior Court can grant a divorce, as required by O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1. In Ware County, the Superior Court in Waycross is the sole court with that authority. Probate and magistrate courts cannot issue divorce decrees.

Venue under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2 is generally the county where the defendant lives. If your spouse is in Ware County, file in Waycross. If your spouse has moved outside Georgia, you may be able to file in your own county of residence. Confirming venue before filing prevents unnecessary complications.

After service on the defendant, Georgia requires a 30-day waiting period before the court can finalize the divorce. In uncontested cases, this is typically the only major delay. Contested matters with disputes over property, children, or support require hearings, and the case takes longer. The judge will not sign the final decree until all disputes are resolved.

Grounds for divorce in Georgia are set out in O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3. Irreconcilable differences is the no-fault ground used in most modern filings. Fault-based grounds exist but require proof and are less commonly used. Once the decree is signed and filed, it is a permanent public record with the Ware County clerk.

Fees for Ware County Divorce Records

The Ware County 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 most legal purposes. Plain copies are cheaper and adequate only for personal reference. Call (912) 287-4340 before visiting to confirm the current fee schedule.

Georgia DPH at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords provides $10 verifications for divorces finalized between 1952 and 1996. Under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-22, county clerks file monthly divorce reports with DPH, keeping the state database current. DPH verifications confirm the divorce occurred but do not include the full decree. For the complete document, the Ware County clerk is your source.

Legal Resources in Ware County

Georgia Legal Aid serves Ware County and the southeast Georgia region. Qualifying residents can get free or low-cost civil legal help including assistance with uncontested divorces, custody, and family law matters. Check eligibility and apply at georgialegalaid.org.

Free official forms for uncontested divorces are available at eforms.georgiacourts.gov through the Georgia E-Forms project. These include the petition, settlement agreement, and final order and are accepted by the Ware County clerk. They are a practical option for simple 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 Waycross area. Attorneys practicing in the Waycross Judicial Circuit know local court procedures and can advise on contested matters involving property, children, or support. A single consultation before filing can clarify your options and prevent procedural errors.

Divorce Decrees and State Certificates

The decree is the full court order with all divorce terms. The DPH verification is a short letter confirming the event. For most uses, the certified decree from the Ware County clerk is what agencies require. DPH verifications cover 1952 to 1996 and work only when you need to confirm a divorce occurred without the full text. For the decree, contact the Ware County Superior Court Clerk in Waycross. Use the GSCCCA name search at gsccca.org to identify the county if you are not sure where a divorce was filed.

Nearby Counties

Ware County is in southeast Georgia. Each neighboring county maintains divorce records at its own Superior Court Clerk office.