Wheeler County Divorce Records Lookup
Wheeler County divorce records are filed with the Superior Court Clerk in Alamo and are available to the public under Georgia law. This page covers how to access those records through the clerk's office, how to search online using statewide tools, and how to request certified copies of divorce decrees in this small south-central Georgia county.
Wheeler County Quick Facts
Where to Get Wheeler County Divorce Records
The Wheeler County Superior Court Clerk at 119 Pearl Street in Alamo holds all divorce records filed in the county. This small clerk's office handles civil, domestic, and criminal filings for the county. Divorce records are part of the domestic relations docket. Staff can assist with file lookups and copy requests during regular business hours. Wheeler County is a small rural county, so the clerk's office operates with limited staff and a modest case volume.
Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, Georgia divorce records are public by default unless a court order seals them. Sealed cases are uncommon and require specific judicial action. Any member of the public may request an open divorce file. Calling ahead before your visit is especially important for small offices like Wheeler County's.
| Court | Wheeler County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 119 Pearl Street, Alamo, GA 30411 |
| Phone | (912) 568-7135 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | https://www.wheelercountyga.gov/ |
Alamo is the county seat of Wheeler County in south-central Georgia. The courthouse on Pearl Street is the main government building for the county. Street parking is available nearby. For older records that may need to be retrieved from storage, calling in advance is the best practice. Mail requests are often more convenient for records from this small courthouse.
The image below is from the Georgia E-Access court records portal at georgiacourts.gov/eaccess-court-records/, a statewide tool that includes Wheeler County case data and is searchable at no cost.
The E-Access portal aggregates case data from participating Georgia superior courts including Wheeler County and is updated regularly with new filings.
Note: Wheeler County is a small rural office. Mail requests or phone contact before any in-person visit will ensure you are not turned away due to staff limitations or closed archives.
Searching Wheeler County Divorce Records Online
The GSCCCA statewide index at gsccca.org covers Wheeler County. Search by party name for free to find case numbers, filing dates, and basic information. No registration is required. For a small county, the online search is a highly useful tool before you contact the clerk, since it can confirm whether a record exists without requiring a trip to Alamo.
Georgia E-Access at georgiacourts.gov/eaccess-court-records/ provides additional data from Georgia superior courts. Together, GSCCCA and E-Access cover most cases in the digital era for Wheeler County. For older paper files, a written request to the clerk is the only option.
Mail requests to the Wheeler County clerk at 119 Pearl Street should include both party names, the approximate year, and a return envelope. The clerk will respond with payment instructions and process the request once payment arrives. Allow extra time for responses from this small office.
Wheeler County Divorce Filing Process
Georgia's Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1. The Wheeler County Superior Court in Alamo is the only court in the county that can grant a divorce. No other local court has that authority.
Venue under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2 is generally the county where the defendant lives. If your spouse is in Wheeler County, file in Alamo. If your spouse has moved outside Georgia, you may be able to file where you live. Small county superior courts sometimes sit on a circuit with neighboring counties, so the judge hearing your case may travel to Wheeler County from elsewhere in the circuit.
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 window. Contested matters take longer and require hearings. Once finalized, the decree is part of the Wheeler County clerk's permanent public records under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3.
Fees for Wheeler County Divorce Records
The Wheeler County clerk charges fees for certified and plain copies. Certified copies carry the court seal and are required for most legal uses. Plain copies are cheaper and for personal reference only. Call (912) 568-7135 to confirm the fee before visiting or sending payment.
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 reports with DPH for all finalized divorces, which is how the state database stays current. DPH verifications confirm the divorce occurred but do not include the decree. For the full document, the Wheeler County clerk is your source.
Legal Resources in Wheeler County
Georgia Legal Aid serves Wheeler County and surrounding south-central Georgia communities. Qualifying residents can get free or low-cost civil legal help with divorce filings and related matters. Apply at georgialegalaid.org. Income limits apply.
Free official forms for uncontested divorces are available at eforms.georgiacourts.gov. These Georgia E-Forms are accepted by the Wheeler County clerk and work well for cases where both parties agree on all terms. Instructions are included, making self-filing more accessible even for residents in small rural counties.
The Georgia State Bar's referral service can connect you with an attorney in the region if your case is contested or involves children or significant assets. Getting legal advice before filing can prevent procedural mistakes that are harder to fix once the case is underway.
Divorce Decrees vs. State Verifications
The decree is the full court order. The DPH verification is a brief confirmation of the event. Most agencies require the certified decree from the Wheeler County clerk. Use DPH verifications only for confirming a divorce occurred between 1952 and 1996 without needing the full text. For the decree, contact the Wheeler County Superior Court Clerk. The GSCCCA statewide search at gsccca.org can help identify the county of filing if you are unsure.
Nearby Counties
Wheeler County is in south-central Georgia. Each neighboring county maintains divorce records at its own Superior Court Clerk office.