Find Family Court Records in Martinez

Martinez family court records are filed at the Columbia County Superior Court. Martinez is a census-designated place in Columbia County, and all divorce, custody, and support cases for Martinez residents go through the Columbia County clerk office.

Which County Handles Martinez Family Court Cases

Martinez family court records go through Columbia County. Martinez is an unincorporated census-designated place, so Columbia County handles all government services. The Augusta Judicial Circuit covers this county. All divorce, custody, and support cases for Martinez addresses go to the Columbia County clerk office.

Martinez shares Columbia County with Evans, another large community nearby. Both areas use the same courthouse for family court filings. The courthouse is on Ronald Reagan Drive in Evans. Martinez residents drive a short distance to get there.

Columbia County Superior Court Clerk

The Columbia County Superior Court clerk office handles all family court records for Martinez. Call (706) 312-7136 to reach the clerk. Staff can help you search records, get copies, or file new papers. The courthouse is at 640 Ronald Reagan Drive in Evans. The office keeps all files for divorce, custody, child support, and protective orders.

Walk-in hours are 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. Since Martinez is unincorporated, there is no municipal court. All court matters go through the Columbia County system.

Columbia County has grown fast over the past few decades. The court sees more family law filings now than ever. Wait times can be longer during busy periods. Call ahead to check on current wait times and fees before you visit.

Types of Family Court Records in Martinez

Divorce is the most common type of family court record in Martinez. A case starts when one spouse files a complaint at the Columbia County clerk office. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2, at least one spouse must have lived in Georgia for six months. The file holds the complaint, answer, temporary orders, and the final decree.

The final decree is the key document. 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 where both sides agree wrap up faster.

Child custody cases follow O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3. The court decides custody based on the best interest of the child. Judges look at each parent's home, work schedule, and the child's school ties. Custody records include petitions, parenting plans, and final orders. Parents can file modification petitions when things change.

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

Online Access to Martinez Family Court Records

The GSCCCA search portal covers Columbia County and all other Georgia counties. Search by name or case number. A subscription gives full access. This is the main tool for looking up Martinez family court records from home.

The Odyssey eFileGA system lets attorneys file papers electronically in Columbia County. Pro se filers still need to submit papers in person. The PeachCourt portal provides guided form preparation for family law cases.

For mail requests, write to the Columbia County Superior Court Clerk at 640 Ronald Reagan Drive, Evans, GA 30809. Include the case number or full names and a check for the copy fee. Call (706) 312-7136 first to confirm the amount.

Child Support Services for Martinez

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

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

Legal Resources for Martinez Residents

Martinez residents who need legal help with family court cases 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 Columbia County.

PeachCourt has online form preparation for people who want to file on their own. Family law attorneys in the Martinez and Augusta area handle all types of family court cases. Some offer free initial consultations. The Columbia County clerk office can direct you to self-help resources.

Since Martinez is close to Augusta, residents have access to a larger pool of family law attorneys than in more rural parts of Georgia. Costs vary based on the complexity of the case. A simple uncontested divorce is much cheaper than a contested case with custody fights.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Martinez. Click a city for its specific family court records information.