Brooks County Family Court Records

Brooks County family court records are maintained by the Superior Court Clerk in Quitman, Georgia. The Southern Judicial Circuit in the 2nd District processes all family law cases filed here, including divorce, child custody, support orders, and domestic violence protection petitions. The clerk office on Screven Street is the sole location for filing new cases and retrieving existing family court documents. Brooks County records are public and available during regular business hours to anyone who requests them.

Brooks County Clerk of Superior Court

The Superior Court Clerk in Brooks County handles all family court records from the office at 100 Screven Street in Quitman. Staff can search for cases, make copies, and accept new filings. The phone number is (229) 263-4747. Call before you visit if you need something specific, especially certified copies which may take extra time.

Brooks County is part of the Southern Judicial Circuit along with Colquitt and Thomas Counties. Judges rotate between these counties for court sessions. All Brooks County family court records remain at the Quitman courthouse regardless of which judge heard the case. This includes divorce files, custody orders, support agreements, and every motion filed along the way. The clerk keeps these records permanently, so even old cases from years past should be retrievable.

Divorce Filings in Brooks County

Divorce is the most frequent type of family court case in Brooks County. Filing requirements follow O.C.G.A. § 9-10-91, which states that one spouse must have been a Georgia resident for six months. You file the complaint at the clerk office in Quitman and pay the filing fee. Then the other spouse must be served. A 30-day waiting period follows before the court can enter a final decree.

The divorce file at the Brooks County courthouse contains every document generated during the case. This includes the initial complaint, the response, any temporary orders for custody or support, financial disclosures, settlement papers, and the final decree. When both sides agree on all terms, the case can close soon after the mandatory wait. Contested divorces involve more steps and more paperwork. Mediation is sometimes ordered. If that fails, the case goes to trial. Either way, the final decree becomes a permanent family court record in Brooks County.

Brooks County Custody and Child Support Records

Child custody cases in Brooks County are decided under O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3. Best interest of the child is the standard. The judge looks at the home environment, each parent's ability to provide, the emotional ties between parent and child, and whether there is any history of violence or substance abuse. A child who is 14 or older gets to choose which parent to live with. That choice is almost always honored by the court.

Support orders follow O.C.G.A. § 19-6-26, which gives the Brooks County court continuing jurisdiction. The Georgia Division of Child Support Services handles enforcement. They locate parents, set up wage deductions, and take action when payments stop. Their phone number is 1-877-423-4746. DCSS lobbies are open Tuesday through Thursday, 9 AM to 3 PM. Mondays and Fridays require an appointment.

The Georgia protective order page shown above is a useful resource for Brooks County residents who need protection from domestic violence. Filing is free under O.C.G.A. § 19-13-3.

Searching Brooks County Family Records Online

The GSCCCA search portal includes Brooks County records. A subscription costs $14.95 per month for a regular account. Each printed page is $0.50. You search by name and the system pulls up case numbers and filing dates. This works for Brooks County and all 158 other Georgia counties.

Attorneys can file documents in Brooks County family cases through eFileGA. The system operates 24/7 and sends email confirmations when filings are accepted. Self-represented parties must file on paper at the courthouse. The CourtTRAX portal has fee calculators and court forms that can help you prepare for filing a family court case in Brooks County.

Note: The GSCCCA does not refund search fees when no matching record is found.

Protection Orders in Brooks County

Protective orders in Brooks County cost nothing to file. O.C.G.A. § 19-13-3 bars the court from charging a fee for family violence petitions. Go to the clerk office at 100 Screven Street in Quitman. A temporary order can be issued the same day if the judge sees an immediate threat. It lasts up to 30 days. A hearing follows for both sides to be heard. The final order may last one year or up to three years in severe situations.

Georgia's domestic violence hotline at 1-800-334-2836 runs around the clock. If you or someone you know needs help, that line connects you with resources and safety planning.

Copies of Brooks County Court Documents

The clerk in Quitman provides both plain and certified copies of family court records. Certified copies carry the court seal and signature, which most agencies require for legal purposes. Plain copies are less expensive but limited in their use. You can request copies in person or by mail. For mail requests, include the case number or party names, your return address, and a check for the fee. Call (229) 263-4747 to confirm current prices.

Nearby Counties

Brooks County is near the Georgia-Florida border. Each bordering county has its own Superior Court for family law matters.