Find Family Court Records in Stockbridge

Stockbridge family court records are managed by the Henry County Superior Court in McDonough. Henry County handles all divorce, custody, support, and protective order cases for Stockbridge residents.

Which County Handles Stockbridge Family Court Cases

Stockbridge family court records go through Henry County. The county seat is McDonough, and that is where the Superior Court sits. The Flint Judicial Circuit covers Henry County. All family law cases for Stockbridge addresses go to the Henry County clerk office in McDonough.

Stockbridge residents need to drive to McDonough for in-person court business. The trip is short since both cities are in Henry County. Under Georgia law, family cases must be filed where the defendant lives, so a Stockbridge address means Henry County.

Henry County Superior Court Clerk

The Henry County Superior Court clerk is R. Jean V. Houston. Her office is at 11 Judicial Center Drive, McDonough, GA 30253. Call (770) 288-8022 to reach the clerk. Staff can help you search for Stockbridge family court records, request copies, or file new papers. The clerk office keeps all case files for divorce, custody, child support, and protective orders.

Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday during normal business hours. 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. Henry County has grown fast, so the court sees a high volume of cases. Call ahead to check wait times.

Stockbridge does not have its own courthouse for family law matters. The Henry County Judicial Center in McDonough handles everything. Some Stockbridge residents also use the Henry County government annex for certain county services, but family court filings go to the Judicial Center.

Types of Family Court Records in Stockbridge

Divorce cases are the most common family court files in Stockbridge. A case begins when one spouse files a complaint at the Henry County clerk office. Georgia requires at least one spouse to be a state resident for six months before filing under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2. The case file holds every document from start to finish, including the complaint, answer, temporary orders, and final decree.

Most people looking for Stockbridge family court records want the final decree. It shows property division, custody terms, and support amounts. Georgia has a 30-day waiting period after filing before the court can enter a final decree.

Child custody cases follow O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3. Courts decide custody based on the child's best interest. Judges look at each parent's home, work schedule, and the child's ties to school and friends. Modification petitions come up when circumstances change. All custody papers go into the Henry County court file.

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 determines whether a longer order is needed. These records are public and stay in the court file at the Henry County clerk office.

Online Access to Stockbridge Family Court Records

The GSCCCA runs a statewide search portal that covers Henry County. Search by name or case number. A subscription gives full access. This is the main tool for finding Stockbridge family court records from home.

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

For mail requests, send your letter to the Henry County Superior Court Clerk at 11 Judicial Center Drive, McDonough, GA 30253. Include the case number or full party names and a check for the copy fee. Call (770) 288-8022 first to confirm the current amount.

Child Support Services for Stockbridge

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

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

Legal Resources for Stockbridge Residents

Stockbridge residents who need help with family court cases can reach out to Georgia Legal Services Program. They help low-income residents with divorce, custody, and protective orders at no cost. The State Bar of Georgia lawyer referral service covers Henry County.

PeachCourt has guided form preparation for people who want to represent themselves. Some family law attorneys in the Stockbridge and McDonough area offer free initial consultations. The Henry County clerk office can direct you to self-help resources and explain the filing process step by step.

Henry County has grown quickly over the past two decades. The court system has added resources to keep up with the rising number of family law filings. More attorneys now practice in the area than in the past, giving residents more choices for legal help.

Nearby Cities

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