Rome Family Court Records

Rome family court records are filed at the Floyd County Superior Court in downtown Rome. The clerk office at 3 Government Plaza handles all divorce, custody, child support, and protective order cases for Rome residents.

Which County Handles Rome Family Court Cases

Rome family court records go through Floyd County. The city of Rome sits in Floyd County, and the Superior Court there handles all family law matters. The Rome Judicial Circuit covers Floyd County. Every divorce, custody, and support case filed by a Rome resident goes to the Floyd County clerk office.

There is no split across county lines. All of Rome falls in Floyd County, which keeps things simple for filing. Under Georgia law, family cases must be filed in the county where the defendant lives.

Floyd County Superior Court Clerk

The Floyd County Superior Court clerk is Barbara A. Penson. Her office is at 3 Government Plaza, Rome, GA 30161. Call (706) 291-5190 to reach the clerk. Staff can help you look up family court records, get copies, or file new cases. The office keeps all case files for divorce, custody, child support, and protective orders in Rome.

Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Bring a valid ID when you visit. A case number helps speed up your search. If you only have a name, the clerk staff can still look up records. Certified copies carry the court seal and work for legal use. Plain copies cost less but lack the seal. Call ahead to check current copy fees before you go.

The Rome Municipal Court at 601 Broad Street handles city ordinance cases and traffic tickets. It does not process family court cases. All family law filings go through the Superior Court at 3 Government Plaza.

Types of Family Court Records in Rome

Divorce cases make up the largest share of Rome family court records. A case starts when one spouse files a complaint at the Floyd County clerk office. 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 file grows as both sides submit answers, temporary orders, and settlement papers. The final decree wraps up the case.

Child custody cases are also common in Rome. These come up during divorce or as standalone cases between unmarried parents. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3, courts decide custody based on the best interest of the child. Judges look at each parent's home, the child's school ties, and the child's own wishes if old enough. Custody records include petitions, parenting plans, and final orders.

Protective orders fall under O.C.G.A. § 19-13-3. There is no fee to file one in Rome. The court can grant a temporary protective order the same day. A full hearing follows within 30 days. These records stay in the family court file at the Floyd County clerk office. Adoption records also exist, but Georgia law seals them. You need a court order to access adoption files.

Child support cases round out the family court docket. Support orders set payment amounts based on both parents' incomes. Modification petitions let parents ask for changes when their situation shifts. All of these records are part of the public court file unless sealed by the judge.

Online Access to Rome Family Court Records

The GSCCCA runs a statewide search portal that covers Floyd County and all 159 Georgia counties. You can look up Rome family court records by name or case number. The portal charges a subscription fee for full access. Basic searches let you see if a record exists.

The Odyssey eFileGA system lets attorneys file family court papers online in Floyd County. Pro se filers still need to submit papers in person at the courthouse. For forms and guided interviews, the PeachCourt portal helps people fill out family law documents step by step.

You can also request copies by mail. Send your request to the Floyd County Superior Court Clerk at 3 Government Plaza, Rome, GA 30161. Include the case number or full party names and a check for the copy fee. Call (706) 291-5190 first to get the current amount.

Child Support Services in Rome

The Georgia Division of Child Support Services helps Rome residents with support cases. Call 1-877-423-4746 for help. DCSS can set up new orders, modify old ones, and enforce payment. 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 state worksheet that sets the support amount. Health care and child care costs factor in too. If your situation changes, file a modification petition at the Floyd County clerk office or ask DCSS to review the order.

Legal Resources for Rome Residents

Rome residents who need help with family court cases have a few options. Georgia Legal Services Program offers free help to low-income residents with divorce, custody, and protective orders. The State Bar of Georgia runs a lawyer referral service that covers Floyd County.

Self-represented filers can use the PeachCourt portal for forms and step-by-step guidance. The Floyd County clerk office can point you to local resources. Some Rome family law attorneys offer free initial consultations. Costs for family court cases vary widely. An uncontested divorce is cheaper than a contested case with custody and support disputes.

The Rome area also has a few nonprofit groups that help with domestic violence cases. These groups can assist with protective order filings and safety planning. Call the clerk office for referral information.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Rome. Each one files family court cases in its own county. Click a city for specific court and filing details.