Athens Family Court Records

Athens family court records are kept at the Athens-Clarke County Superior Court on East Washington Street. As a consolidated city-county government, Athens and Clarke County share a single court system that handles all family law filings. Divorce, custody, child support, and protective order cases all go through this one clerk office.

Which County Handles Athens Family Court Cases

Athens is part of a unified city-county government with Clarke County. That means there is no separate city or county filing location. All family court records for Athens residents go through the Clarke County Superior Court. The Western Judicial Circuit serves Clarke County along with Oconee County. This setup keeps things simple for Athens residents since every family case goes to the same place.

Under Georgia law, you file family court cases where the defendant lives. If the other party lives in Athens, file in Clarke County. The clerk office can help you confirm this.

Clarke County Superior Court Clerk

The Clarke County Superior Court Clerk is Beverly Logan. Her office handles all family court record keeping for Athens, including new filings, copy requests, and case searches. The courthouse is at 325 East Washington Street, Suite 450, Athens, GA 30601. Call (706) 613-3190 to reach the clerk office. Hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

Bring a valid ID if you visit in person. A case number speeds up the search. The clerk can also look up records by party name if you don't have a case number handy. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Certified copies carry the court seal and work for legal filings and other official uses. Call ahead to check the current fee schedule before you go.

Athens also has the Western Judicial Circuit Self-Help Center. This center helps people who plan to handle their own family court cases without a lawyer. Staff can point you to the right forms and explain basic filing steps. They cannot give legal advice, but they make the process less confusing for first-time filers.

Types of Athens Family Court Records

Divorce cases are the most common family court records in Athens. One spouse files a complaint at the Clarke County clerk office to start the case. Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2 says at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months before filing. The case file grows as both sides submit answers, financial documents, and temporary orders. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes part of the public record.

There is a 30-day waiting period in Georgia. The court cannot grant a final divorce until at least 30 days after the defendant is served. Uncontested cases where both sides agree on everything tend to move faster through the Athens court system.

Child custody is another large category. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3, courts decide custody based on what is best for the child. Athens judges review each parent's home, the child's school ties, and the child's own preferences if the child is old enough. Custody records include petitions, parenting plans, guardian ad litem reports, and final orders. Both married and unmarried parents can file custody actions.

Protective orders let victims of family violence ask for court protection under O.C.G.A. § 19-13-3. There is no filing fee. The court can issue a temporary order on the same day the petition is filed. A full hearing takes place within 30 days. The judge then decides if a 12-month order is needed. These records stay in the family court file at the clerk office.

Online Access to Athens Family Court Records

The GSCCCA runs a statewide search tool that covers Clarke County and all 159 Georgia counties. You can look up family court records by name or case number. A subscription gives full access to the portal. Basic searches show whether a record exists. For actual copies of documents, you may need to visit the clerk office or request them by mail.

The Odyssey eFileGA system handles electronic filing for attorneys in Clarke County. Pro se filers still need to file papers in person at the courthouse. The PeachCourt portal is another option for guided form preparation if you plan to file on your own.

To request copies by mail, write to the Clarke County Superior Court Clerk at 325 E. Washington Street, Suite 450, Athens, GA 30601. Include the case number or full party names and a check for the copy fee. Call (706) 613-3190 first to confirm the fee amount.

Child Support Services in Athens

The Georgia Division of Child Support Services helps Athens residents with support orders. Call 1-877-423-4746 for help. DCSS can set up new orders, enforce existing ones, and process changes. They use wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and license suspension to collect past-due support from parents who don't pay.

Georgia uses the income shares model under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-26. Both parents' incomes go into a state worksheet. The result sets the monthly payment. Health care costs and child care are factored in. If you need to change an existing order, file a modification petition at the Clarke County clerk office or ask DCSS to do a review of the case.

Legal Resources for Athens Residents

Athens has several options for legal help with family court cases. The Georgia Legal Services Program provides free assistance to low-income residents who need help with divorce, custody, or protective order cases. The Athens office serves Clarke County and surrounding areas.

The Western Judicial Circuit Self-Help Center at the courthouse is a good starting point for people without a lawyer. Staff can help you find forms and understand the filing process. The State Bar of Georgia lawyer referral service covers Clarke County and can connect you with a family law attorney. Some Athens lawyers offer free first consultations.

The University of Georgia School of Law also runs legal clinics that sometimes take family law cases. These clinics give law students hands-on experience under professor supervision while helping community members with real legal matters. Check with the law school for current availability.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Athens. Click a city to find its specific family court records information and filing details.