Cartersville Family Court Records Lookup

Cartersville family court records are filed at the Bartow County Superior Court. Cartersville is the county seat of Bartow County, and all divorce, custody, and support cases for Cartersville residents go through this courthouse on Cherokee Avenue.

Which County Handles Cartersville Family Court Cases

Cartersville family court records go through Bartow County. Cartersville is the county seat, so the courthouse sits right in town. The Cherokee Judicial Circuit covers Bartow County. All divorce, custody, and support cases for Cartersville residents are filed at the Bartow County clerk office.

Being the county seat means Cartersville residents have easy access. The clerk office and courtrooms are in the same building. You can walk in to file papers, search records, or pick up copies without leaving town.

Bartow County Superior Court Clerk

The Bartow County Superior Court clerk is Cindy Roberts. Her office is at 135 W. Cherokee Avenue, Suite 243, Cartersville, GA 30120. Call (770) 387-5025 to reach the clerk. Staff can help you search for family court records, get copies, or file new cases. The office keeps all case files for divorce, custody, child support, adoptions, and protective orders.

Walk-in hours run Monday through Friday. Bring a valid ID. A case number helps speed up the search. Certified copies carry the court seal and work for legal use. Plain copies cost less. Call ahead for current fee information before your visit.

The Cartersville Municipal Court at 178 W. Main Street handles city ordinance violations and traffic cases. It does not process family court matters. All family law filings must go through the Bartow County Superior Court on Cherokee Avenue.

Types of Family Court Records in Cartersville

Divorce cases make up the largest share of Cartersville family court records. A case begins when one spouse files a complaint at the Bartow County clerk office. Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2 requires at least one spouse to have lived in the state for six months. The file holds the complaint, answer, temporary orders, and the final decree.

The final decree is what most people look for. It shows property division, custody terms, and support amounts. Georgia has a 30-day waiting period after filing before the court can grant a final decree. Uncontested cases wrap up faster than contested ones.

Child custody cases follow O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3. The court uses the best interest of the child standard. Cartersville judges look at each parent's home, work schedule, and the child's ties to school and community. These cases come up during divorce or as standalone actions. Custody records include petitions, parenting plans, and final orders.

Protective orders under O.C.G.A. § 19-13-3 cost nothing to file. The court can issue a temporary order the same day you ask. A hearing within 30 days decides whether a longer order is needed. These records become part of the public court file at the Bartow County clerk office. Adoption records are sealed under Georgia law.

Online Access to Cartersville Family Court Records

The GSCCCA search portal covers Bartow County and all 159 Georgia counties. You can search Cartersville family court records by name or case number. A subscription is needed for full access. This is the main tool for looking up records from home.

The Odyssey eFileGA system handles electronic filing for attorneys in Bartow County. Pro se filers still need to submit papers in person at the courthouse. The PeachCourt portal offers guided form preparation for family law cases.

For mail requests, write to the Bartow County Superior Court Clerk at 135 W. Cherokee Avenue, Suite 243, Cartersville, GA 30120. Include the case number or full party names and a check for the copy fee. Call (770) 387-5025 to confirm the amount.

Child Support Services in Cartersville

The Georgia Division of Child Support Services helps Cartersville residents with support enforcement. Call 1-877-423-4746. DCSS sets up new orders, modifies existing ones, and enforces payment. They use wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and license suspension to collect past-due support.

Georgia uses the income shares model under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-26. Both parents' incomes go into a worksheet that calculates the support amount. Health care and child care costs are factored in. If things change, file a modification petition at the Bartow County clerk office or ask DCSS to review your order.

Legal Resources for Cartersville Residents

Cartersville residents who need legal help can contact Georgia Legal Services Program. They offer free help to low-income residents with divorce, custody, and protective orders. The State Bar of Georgia lawyer referral service covers Bartow County.

PeachCourt provides guided form preparation for self-represented litigants. Some Cartersville family law attorneys offer free first consultations. The Bartow County clerk office can point you to self-help resources and explain the filing process.

Bartow County sits between the larger metro Atlanta area and the more rural parts of northwest Georgia. Cartersville has a good selection of family law attorneys. Costs vary depending on the complexity of the case. An uncontested divorce is much cheaper than a contested one with custody and property disputes.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Cartersville. Click a city for specific family court records details.