Wilkes County Divorce Records Search

Wilkes County divorce records are filed with the Superior Court Clerk in Washington, Georgia, and are open to the public under state law. This page covers how to find those records, how to search online using statewide tools, and how to request certified copies of divorce decrees from the Wilkes County courthouse.

Where to Get Wilkes County Divorce Records

The Wilkes County Superior Court Clerk at 23 East Court Street in Washington holds all divorce records for cases filed in the county. The clerk's office handles civil, domestic, and criminal filings. Divorce cases are part of the domestic docket, and staff can assist with record searches, certified copy requests, and case status inquiries. Note that the county seat shares the name Washington with Washington County across the state, so confirming you are contacting the correct Wilkes County courthouse when you call is a good habit.

Georgia's Open Records Act at O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 makes divorce records public by default 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 Wilkes County.

Washington, Georgia is the county seat of Wilkes County in northeast Georgia. The courthouse on East Court Street is in the historic downtown area. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. For older records that may be archived, giving the clerk a call before your visit ensures the file is available when you arrive. Mail requests are a practical alternative for those who cannot visit in person.

The image below is from the Georgia DPH Vital Records portal at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords, which provides $10 verifications for Georgia divorces finalized between 1952 and 1996.

DPH verifications confirm the divorce occurred and its date but do not include the full decree. For the complete document, contact the Wilkes County Superior Court Clerk directly.

Searching Wilkes County Divorce Cases Online

The GSCCCA statewide index at gsccca.org covers Wilkes County. Search by party name at no cost to find case numbers, filing dates, and basic case information. No registration is required. For a smaller county like Wilkes, the GSCCCA search can quickly confirm whether a record exists before you contact the clerk.

Georgia E-Access at georgiacourts.gov/eaccess-court-records/ provides additional case data from Georgia superior courts. Together, GSCCCA and E-Access cover most Wilkes County cases in the digital era. For older paper cases, the clerk's office is the only source.

Mail requests to the Wilkes County clerk at 23 East Court Street should include both party names, the approximate year, and a return envelope. The clerk responds with payment instructions and processes the request once payment arrives. Allow a few business days for a standard response.

Note: GSCCCA may lag a few days behind courthouse filings. Call (706) 678-2423 for very recently filed cases that may not yet appear in the online index.

Wilkes County Divorce Filing Process

Georgia's Superior Court has exclusive divorce jurisdiction under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1. The Wilkes County Superior Court in Washington is the only court that can grant a divorce for cases filed in the county.

Venue under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2 is generally where the defendant lives. If your spouse is in Wilkes County, file in Washington. If your spouse has moved outside Georgia, check your filing options based on your own residence. Confirming venue before you file prevents the case from being transferred to another county.

After service on the defendant, a 30-day waiting period must pass before the court can finalize the divorce. Uncontested cases can move quickly after that. Contested matters require hearings and take longer. The judge will not sign the final decree until all disputed issues are resolved.

Georgia divorce grounds are in O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3. Most people use irreconcilable differences as the no-fault ground. Fault-based grounds exist but are less often used. Once finalized, the decree is a permanent public record with the Wilkes County clerk.

Fees for Wilkes County Divorce Records

The Wilkes County clerk charges fees for certified and plain copies. Certified copies carry the court seal and are required for legal and government uses. Plain copies are cheaper and for personal reference only. Call (706) 678-2423 to confirm the current 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, which is how the state database stays current. DPH verifications confirm the divorce occurred but do not include the full decree. For the complete document, contact the Wilkes County clerk.

Legal Resources in Wilkes County

Georgia Legal Aid serves Wilkes County and surrounding northeast Georgia communities. Qualifying residents can get free or low-cost civil legal help with uncontested divorces and related family matters. 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 Wilkes County clerk and work well for straightforward cases where both parties agree. The forms include instructions and cover the petition, settlement agreement, and final order.

The Georgia State Bar's referral service can connect you with a family law attorney in the northeast Georgia region. For contested cases involving children or property, professional legal guidance before filing is worthwhile. Even one consultation can clarify your options and help you avoid common procedural mistakes in Wilkes County's court.

Divorce Decrees vs. Certificates

The decree is the full court order with all terms. The DPH verification is a brief confirmation that the divorce occurred. Most agencies require the certified decree. DPH verifications cover 1952 to 1996 and are useful only for confirming the event without needing the full text. For the decree, contact the Wilkes County Superior Court Clerk in Washington. Use the GSCCCA statewide search at gsccca.org to identify the correct county if you are unsure where a divorce was filed.

Nearby Counties

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