Wayne County Divorce Records
Wayne County divorce records are held by the Superior Court Clerk in Jesup and cover all divorce cases filed in this southeast Georgia county. This page explains how to find and access those records online, how to request certified copies at the courthouse or by mail, and what state-level tools exist for searching and verifying divorce information in Wayne County.
Wayne County Quick Facts
Where to Get Wayne County Divorce Records
The Wayne County Superior Court Clerk at 174 North Brunswick Street in Jesup is the official custodian of all divorce records filed in the county. The clerk's office handles civil, domestic, and criminal filings. Divorce cases are on the domestic relations docket, and staff can assist with record searches, copy requests, and questions about case status during regular business hours. Wayne County has a population around 30,000, and the clerk's office handles a moderately active domestic docket.
Georgia's Open Records Act at O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 makes divorce records public unless a court order seals a specific file. Sealed cases require judicial action and are uncommon. Any person may request an open divorce record in Wayne County, whether or not they were a party to the case.
| Court | Wayne County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 174 North Brunswick Street, Jesup, GA 31545 |
| Phone | (912) 427-5930 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | https://www.waynecountyga.gov/ |
Jesup is the county seat of Wayne County in southeast Georgia along US Highway 301. The courthouse on North Brunswick Street is in the downtown area. Parking is available nearby. Walk-in service is available during regular weekday hours. Calling ahead for older records gives staff time to retrieve the file before you arrive.
The image below shows the Georgia GSCCCA statewide portal at gsccca.org, which provides free online access to Wayne County divorce case indexes and is the primary tool for searching Wayne County filings online.
The GSCCCA portal covers all Georgia superior courts including Wayne County and is updated regularly with new case filings at no cost to users.
Searching Wayne County Divorce Cases Online
The GSCCCA index at gsccca.org covers Wayne County divorce filings. 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 before you contact the clerk or make the trip to Jesup.
Georgia E-Access at georgiacourts.gov/eaccess-court-records/ provides additional case data from Georgia superior courts statewide. Together, GSCCCA and E-Access give solid coverage for Wayne County cases filed in recent years. For older paper cases, a direct request to the clerk is the only path.
Mail requests to the Wayne County clerk at 174 North Brunswick Street should include the full names of both parties, the approximate year, and a return envelope with postage. The clerk responds with the fee and processes the request once payment is received. Response times are typically a few business days for standard requests.
Note: GSCCCA may lag a few days behind new courthouse filings. Call (912) 427-5930 for very recently filed cases to confirm status.
Wayne County Divorce Filing Process
Georgia's Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1. The Wayne County Superior Court in Jesup is the only court with the power to grant a divorce for cases filed in the county. No other local court has that authority.
Under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2, venue is generally the county where the defendant lives. If your spouse is in Wayne County, file in Jesup. If your spouse has moved outside Georgia, check your options for filing in your own county of residence. Confirming venue before you file prevents the case from being transferred to another county later.
A 30-day waiting period applies after service on the defendant before the court can finalize the divorce. Uncontested cases can move quickly after that. Contested matters involving disputed property, custody, or support require hearings before the judge will sign the final decree. Those cases can take months depending on the complexity of the disputed issues.
Georgia divorce grounds are 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 pursued. Once finalized, the decree is filed with the Wayne County clerk as a permanent public record.
Fees for Wayne County Divorce Records
The Wayne County clerk charges fees for certified and plain copies of divorce documents. Certified copies carry the court seal and are required for most legal and government uses. Plain copies are cheaper and serve personal reference only. Call (912) 427-5930 to confirm the current fee before visiting.
Georgia DPH provides $10 verifications for divorces from 1952 to 1996 at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords. Under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-22, county clerks file monthly divorce reports with DPH. DPH verifications confirm the divorce occurred but do not include the decree. For the full document, the Wayne County clerk is your source.
Legal Resources in Wayne County
Georgia Legal Aid serves Wayne County and the southeast Georgia region. Qualifying residents can get free or low-cost civil legal help with uncontested divorce filings, custody, and family legal matters. Apply and check eligibility at georgialegalaid.org.
Free official divorce forms for uncontested cases are available at eforms.georgiacourts.gov. These Georgia E-Forms are accepted by the Wayne County clerk and include the petition, settlement agreement, and final order. They are practical for straightforward uncontested 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 Jesup area. Attorneys familiar with the Brunswick Judicial Circuit handle domestic cases in southeast Georgia including Wayne County. A consultation before filing can clarify your position and help you avoid procedural errors that could delay the case.
Divorce Decrees vs. Certificates
The decree is the complete court order with all divorce terms. The DPH verification is a brief letter confirming the event. Most agencies require the certified decree. DPH verifications cover 1952 to 1996 and work only when confirming the event is all you need. For the decree, contact the Wayne County Superior Court Clerk in Jesup. The GSCCCA statewide search at gsccca.org can identify the correct county if you are unsure where a divorce was filed.
Nearby Counties
Wayne County is in southeast Georgia. Each neighboring county maintains divorce records at its own Superior Court Clerk office.