Family Court Records in Echols County

Echols County family court records are held at the Superior Court Clerk office in Statenville, Georgia. This is one of the smallest counties in Georgia by population, and the Southern Judicial Circuit handles its family law matters. Divorce cases, custody filings, child support orders, and protective orders all go through the Echols County courthouse. If you need to search for a family court record here, the clerk office on McKinley Avenue is the only local source. Records are public under Georgia law, and the staff can assist with searches during business hours.

Echols County Clerk of Superior Court

The Superior Court Clerk in Echols County manages all family court records for the county. Because of the small population, the volume of family law cases here is lower than most Georgia counties. But the same rules and procedures apply. The office on West McKinley Avenue in Statenville stores divorce decrees, custody arrangements, child support orders, and protective order files. You can walk in during business hours to search for records.

For certified copies of Echols County family court orders, bring your ID. Certified copies come with the court seal and are the version most agencies require. Plain copies are cheaper. The Echols County clerk can search by name if you do not have a case number. Because this is a small office, wait times are usually short. But hours may be more limited than larger counties, so calling ahead is a good idea before you drive to Statenville.

Echols County Family Law Filings

Divorce is the most common family court filing in Echols County, even though the total number of cases is small. O.C.G.A. § 9-10-91 sets the rules. One spouse must have lived in Georgia for six months. The case goes to the county where the other spouse resides, unless both agree to file in the plaintiff's county. Echols County handles both contested and uncontested divorce filings through its Superior Court.

Child custody cases also come before the Echols County courts. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3, the judge puts the child's best interest first. Children 14 and up get to choose their custodial parent. The court respects that choice in nearly all situations. Kids aged 11 to 13 can state a preference, but the judge keeps the final word. Custody records in Echols County include the parenting plan, visitation schedule, and any conditions set by the court.

Protective orders are filed in Echols County under O.C.G.A. § 19-13-3. Temporary orders last up to 30 days and carry no filing fee. The judge can extend protection after a hearing.

Searching Echols County Records Online

The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority includes Echols County in its statewide search tool. A subscription costs $14.95 per month with $0.50 per page. You can search by name or case number. For a county this remote, the online option saves a long drive to Statenville.

The GSCCCA search portal covers all 159 Georgia counties. Here is a look at the search interface.

Results include case numbers, dates, and document types. Full document images may require an extra fee. For some Echols County records, especially older ones, you may need to contact the clerk office directly or visit in person to see the original files.

Child Support Filings in Echols County

Child support cases in Echols County are governed by O.C.G.A. § 19-6-26. The court that enters the order keeps jurisdiction, so changes go back to the same Echols County court. The clerk office in Statenville holds all official records. The Georgia Division of Child Support Services assists with enforcement and payment tracking.

DCSS can open cases, locate parents, establish paternity, and modify orders for Echols County residents. Call 1-877-423-4746. Lobbies are open Tuesday through Thursday, 9 AM to 3 PM. Monday and Friday visits are by appointment. DCSS manages the enforcement side while the court keeps the official family court records in Statenville.

Adoption and Paternity in Echols County

Adoption records are sealed in Echols County. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-8-2, only the Superior Court has power over adoption cases. You cannot access these files without a judge's order. The clerk stores them but cannot release them to the public.

Paternity cases are public in Echols County. These filings establish legal fatherhood. The result affects child support, custody rights, and inheritance. You can request copies of paternity records at the clerk office. Attorneys filing family law cases in Echols County can use the Odyssey eFileGA system to submit documents electronically at any time.

Note: Due to Echols County's small size, the court docket for family cases may have longer gaps between hearing dates than larger counties.

Getting Echols County Court Copies

Visit the clerk office at 129 W. McKinley Avenue in Statenville for copies. Bring the case number or party names. Certified copies carry the court seal. Plain copies cost less. You can also mail in a request with case details, your address, and a check for the copy fees.

Call (229) 559-5642 to check current fees before mailing your request. Processing by mail usually takes about a week. In-person visits to the Echols County clerk office are the fastest option if you can make the trip. The Georgia protective order page has details if you need that specific type of family court record.

Nearby Counties

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