DeKalb County Family Court Records

DeKalb County family court records are managed by Clerk Debra DeBerry at the Superior Court in Decatur, Georgia. The Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit covers all family law matters for this large metro Atlanta county. DeKalb County handles thousands of family court filings each year, including divorce cases, custody disputes, child support orders, and protective order petitions. If you need to search for family court records in DeKalb County, the clerk office on McDonough Street is the central hub. Online tools also give you access to many of these records from home.

DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court

Clerk Debra DeBerry runs the DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk office. This is one of the busiest clerk offices in Georgia. The staff processes new family law filings and maintains records going back decades. Divorce cases, custody modifications, child support orders, adoption petitions, and protective orders all flow through this one office. DeKalb County's large population means the volume of family court records here is much higher than most Georgia counties.

The courthouse sits on North McDonough Street in downtown Decatur. You can go in person during business hours to search for records, file new cases, or pick up copies. The phone line handles basic questions about case status and fees. For more detailed research, a trip to the Decatur courthouse is your best option. The DeKalb County clerk office also accepts filings through the Odyssey eFileGA system, which attorneys use to submit documents around the clock.

The DeKalb County Judicial System website provides an overview of the courts and how they are set up.

This site covers all branches of the DeKalb County court system and includes contact information for the clerk office and individual courts.

Family Court Case Types in DeKalb County

Divorce is the most filed family court case type in DeKalb County. With a population of over 700,000 people, the county sees a high number of filings every year. O.C.G.A. § 9-10-91 sets the rules. One spouse must have lived in Georgia for six months. The case is filed where the other spouse lives, or in the filing spouse's county if both sides agree. DeKalb County courts handle both contested cases that go to trial and uncontested cases that settle quickly.

Child custody matters are another major category. O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3 requires the court to decide based on the child's best interest. A child who is 14 or older gets to choose which parent to live with, and the court will typically respect that choice. For kids between 11 and 13, the judge considers their wishes but makes the final decision. DeKalb County custody records detail the full parenting plan, visitation schedule, and any conditions the court imposes. These files are public record at the clerk office unless a judge has sealed them.

Protective orders are common in DeKalb County given its size. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-13-3, anyone facing family violence can file for a temporary order at no cost. The initial order lasts up to 30 days. After a hearing, the judge may grant a final order lasting up to one year, and in some situations up to three years. These records are part of the DeKalb County family court system.

Searching DeKalb County Records Online

DeKalb County offers more online access than most Georgia counties. The DeKalb Odyssey Portal lets you search for case information directly from the county court system. You can look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. This portal is free to use and gives you basic case details including hearing dates, parties involved, and the status of each filing. It is one of the better county-level search tools in Georgia.

The GSCCCA also covers DeKalb County records through its statewide database. A subscription runs $14.95 per month with $0.50 per page for document images. The GSCCCA search portal is useful when you want to search across multiple counties at once or need to find older records that might not be on the Odyssey portal yet.

Note: The Odyssey portal shows case data but may not display full document images for all DeKalb County family court records.

DeKalb County Child Support Records

Child support cases in DeKalb County fall under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-26. The court that enters the order retains jurisdiction, so modifications go back to the same DeKalb County court. The clerk office in Decatur stores all official child support records. The Georgia Division of Child Support Services helps with enforcement, payment tracking, and locating parents who owe support.

DCSS services are available to all DeKalb County residents. They can open new cases, establish paternity, and modify existing orders. Call 1-877-423-4746 for help. Lobbies are open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 AM to 3 PM. Monday and Friday visits need appointments.

Adoption and Paternity in DeKalb County

Adoption records in DeKalb County are sealed. O.C.G.A. § 19-8-2 gives the Superior Court exclusive authority over adoptions. A court order from a judge is required to access these files. The clerk office holds the records but will not release them without that order.

Paternity filings are public records in DeKalb County. These cases establish legal fatherhood. The outcome affects child support obligations, custody rights, and inheritance. You can request paternity records from the DeKalb County clerk just like you would any other family court file. The Georgia Putative Father Registry is a separate state resource for fathers who want to protect their parental rights.

Getting Copies from DeKalb County Courts

You can get copies of DeKalb County family court records by visiting the clerk office at 556 N. McDonough Street in Decatur. Bring the case number or party names. The staff will pull the file and make copies. Certified copies carry the court seal. Plain copies work for personal use. Call (404) 371-2261 to check current fees before you go.

Mail requests are accepted too. Send a letter with case details, your return address, and payment for the fees. Because DeKalb County handles such a high volume of records, mail requests can take longer here than in smaller counties. For time-sensitive needs, go in person. You can also get information about protective orders in Georgia through the state website if that is the type of record you need.

DeKalb County Cities

Several large cities are in DeKalb County. Family court cases for residents of these cities are filed at the DeKalb County Superior Court in Decatur.

Nearby Counties

These counties border DeKalb County. Confirm which county has jurisdiction before you file a family court case.