Find Alpharetta Family Court Records

Alpharetta family court records are filed at the Fulton County Superior Court Family Division in Atlanta. Alpharetta sits in northern Fulton County and uses the same court system as Atlanta and other Fulton County cities for all family law filings including divorce, custody, and support cases.

Which County Handles Alpharetta Family Court Cases

Alpharetta is in Fulton County. All family court records for Alpharetta residents go through the Fulton County Superior Court. The Atlanta Judicial Circuit covers the county. Alpharetta has its own municipal court at 2 Park Plaza for traffic and local code matters, but that court has no role in family law. Divorce, custody, child support, and protective order filings all go to the Fulton County courthouse in downtown Atlanta.

The drive from Alpharetta to the courthouse takes about 30 to 45 minutes on GA-400. Traffic can add more time during rush hours. Many Alpharetta residents hire attorneys who file electronically, which reduces the need for frequent trips to the courthouse.

Fulton County Family Division

The Fulton County Superior Court Family Division is at 136 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. The main phone number is (404) 613-0505. Alpharetta residents file all family court cases at this location. The Family Division handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and protective order cases for the entire county.

Fulton County has dedicated lines for each case type. Call (404) 612-2789 for divorce. Custody goes to (404) 612-5344. Adoption is at (404) 612-7783. For temporary protective orders, call (404) 612-0505. Having separate lines means you can get to the right person fast without being bounced between departments.

When visiting the clerk office, bring a valid ID. A case number speeds up your search. The clerk can look up records by party name too. Certified copies carry the court seal and cost more than plain copies. Certified copies are needed for legal purposes. Call ahead to check the current fee schedule before you visit.

Types of Alpharetta Family Court Records

Divorce is the most common type of family court case for Alpharetta residents. A divorce starts when one spouse files a complaint at the Fulton County clerk office. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2, at least one spouse must have lived in Georgia for six months. The case file contains the complaint, answer, temporary orders, financial documents, and the final decree. Georgia requires a 30-day wait after service before the court can grant a final divorce.

Uncontested divorces move faster. When both sides agree on property, custody, and support, the case can wrap up soon after the 30-day period ends. Contested cases take longer and may require hearings, mediation, and trial.

Child custody cases follow O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3. The court uses the best interest of the child standard. Judges look at where each parent lives, work schedules, the child's school and community ties, and the child's own wishes if the child is old enough. The records include petitions, proposed parenting plans, guardian ad litem reports, and final orders.

Protective orders under O.C.G.A. § 19-13-3 are free to file. Family violence victims can ask for a temporary protective order at the Fulton County courthouse. The court may grant it the same day. A hearing within 30 days follows. The records become part of the public family court file.

Adoption records also go through the Family Division. Georgia law seals adoption records from public view. A court order is needed to access them.

Online Access to Alpharetta Family Court Records

The GSCCCA portal is the primary online search tool for Alpharetta family court records. It covers Fulton County and every other Georgia county. Search by name or case number. Full access requires a subscription. Basic searches show whether a record exists without the full document view.

Electronic filing is available through Odyssey eFileGA for attorneys. Pro se filers still need to submit papers in person. PeachCourt provides guided form preparation for people filing without an attorney.

You can request copies by mail. Send your request to the Fulton County Superior Court Clerk at 136 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Include the case number or both party names and a check for the copy fee. Call (404) 613-0505 first to confirm the current fees.

Child Support for Alpharetta Residents

The Georgia Division of Child Support Services serves Alpharetta residents. Call 1-877-423-4746 for assistance. DCSS handles new orders, enforcement, and modifications. They use wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and license suspension when parents fall behind on payments.

Child support in Georgia follows the income shares model under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-26. Both parents' incomes go into a state worksheet. The formula includes health care and child care costs. If circumstances change, file a modification petition at the Fulton County clerk office or ask DCSS to review the case.

Legal Resources for Alpharetta Residents

Alpharetta residents can get free legal help through the Georgia Legal Services Program and Atlanta Legal Aid Society. Both groups handle family law cases for low-income Fulton County residents. They help with divorce, custody, and protective order filings.

The Fulton County Justice Resource Center at 185 Central Ave, Suite 704, Atlanta provides help with forms and filing procedures. The State Bar of Georgia has a lawyer referral service that covers Fulton County. Many north Fulton family law attorneys offer free first consultations. PeachCourt has online form tools that can guide you through the preparation process.

Alpharetta also has local community resources including counseling services and mediation programs. These can be helpful during family court proceedings. The city website lists community services and support organizations for residents.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Alpharetta. Most share Fulton County for family court records filings. Click a city for its specific filing details.