Search Richmond County Family Court Records

Richmond County family court records are managed by Clerk Elaine C. Johnson at the Superior Court office in Augusta, Georgia. As the consolidated government of Augusta-Richmond County, this is one of the busiest courts in the state. The Augusta Judicial Circuit handles a large volume of family law cases each year, including divorce, child custody, support enforcement, and protective orders. All Richmond County family court records are housed at the clerk office on James Brown Boulevard.

Richmond County Superior Court Clerk

Elaine C. Johnson serves as the Clerk of Superior Court for Richmond County. The main office is at 735 James Brown Blvd., Suite 1500, in Augusta. You can reach the clerk at (706) 821-2460. The fax number is (706) 821-2448. This is a high-volume court that processes hundreds of family law filings each month. Despite the workload, the staff can look up cases by name or number and prepare copies on request.

Richmond County is consolidated with the City of Augusta. This means the court serves the entire Augusta metro area. The Augusta Judicial Circuit in the 10th District handles all family court matters here. Because of the large population, Richmond County family court records cover a wide range of cases. The clerk office deals with everything from simple uncontested divorces to complex custody battles involving multiple hearings and expert witnesses.

If you plan to visit, call ahead. The office can get busy. Having your case number or the full names of the parties will save time. The clerk staff is experienced with both new filings and old records. Even cases from years back should be on file at the Richmond County courthouse.

Divorce Filings in Richmond County

Divorce cases are a big part of the Richmond County family court records docket. Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 9-10-91 requires that one spouse has lived in the state for six months before filing. The petition is filed at the clerk office on James Brown Boulevard. The other spouse then gets served with the papers. A 30-day waiting period starts from the date of service.

Richmond County handles both contested and uncontested divorces. Uncontested cases move faster because both parties have agreed on the terms. The decree covers property division, debts, custody, and support. For contested cases, the court may hold multiple hearings. Both types produce family court records that are public. Anyone can ask the Richmond County clerk for a copy of a divorce decree.

The Georgia Office of Vital Records has divorce verification certificates for cases from 1952 to 1996. For all other years, the Richmond County clerk is the source. Given the size of Augusta, the volume of divorce filings in Richmond County is among the highest in Georgia.

Richmond County Custody Records

Custody disputes in Richmond County follow O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3. The judge puts the child's best interest first. Factors include the bond between parent and child, home stability, and each parent's willingness to cooperate. A child 14 or older can state which parent they prefer. The court gives that choice real weight.

Richmond County family court records for custody cases include the petition, temporary orders, mediation reports, guardian ad litem findings, and the final custody decree. Visitation schedules and parenting plans are part of the file too. These records stay at the clerk office permanently. Most are public, though some details about children may be redacted when copies are provided to people outside the case.

Richmond County also has access to mediation services that can help parents reach agreements without a full trial. The court may order mediation in some custody cases. The results of mediation become part of the family court records if the parties reach an agreement that the judge approves.

Search Richmond County Family Court Records Online

The GSCCCA search portal is the primary online tool for finding Richmond County family court records. The subscription costs $14.95 per month. You search by name and can filter by county. Each printed page adds $0.50. The portal covers all 159 Georgia counties, making it easy to check for records across the state.

The GSCCCA portal shown below gives you access to Richmond County family court records from any computer. Enter a name and select Richmond County to see matching results.

This is the quickest way to check if a record exists in Richmond County without visiting the Augusta courthouse.

The Odyssey eFileGA system is widely used in Richmond County. Attorneys file family court documents through this platform around the clock. Some case data may be viewable online. The CourtTrax portal is another tool that tracks court data for Georgia counties, including Richmond County.

CourtTrax helps you look up fines, fees, and case information. It covers Richmond County along with other Georgia courts.

Child Support in Richmond County

Child support is a major part of family court in Richmond County. O.C.G.A. § 19-6-26 keeps jurisdiction with the court that set the order. Georgia calculates support using the income shares model. Both parents report earnings. The court factors in insurance, daycare, and other costs. The order is filed at the Richmond County clerk office.

The Georgia Division of Child Support Services handles enforcement for Richmond County. DCSS can garnish wages, seize tax refunds, and suspend licenses. They also process modifications when income or circumstances change. You can call 1-877-423-4746 for help with Richmond County child support matters. Given the population, DCSS has a heavy caseload in this county.

Protective Orders in Richmond County

Filing for a protective order in Richmond County costs nothing. O.C.G.A. § 19-13-3 bars the court from charging a fee. You file at the clerk office in Augusta. A temporary order can be issued the same day. A hearing follows within 30 days. The final order can last up to three years. These family court records have restricted access to protect the person who filed.

The Georgia protective order page has forms and steps. The domestic violence hotline at 1-800-334-2836 is available around the clock. Richmond County also has local advocacy groups that help people through the filing process and connect them with legal help and safe housing.

Adoption and Paternity in Richmond County

Adoption filings in Richmond County fall under O.C.G.A. § 19-8-2. These family court records are sealed by default. Only the parties involved or someone with a court order can view them. The clerk can confirm that a file exists but will not release details. Paternity cases are also common in Richmond County. These cases set legal fatherhood and often come with child support orders. Once paternity is established, the rights and obligations of both parents are locked in.

To get copies of any Richmond County family court records, visit 735 James Brown Blvd., Suite 1500 in Augusta. You can also call (706) 821-2460 or fax a request to (706) 821-2448. Certified copies carry the court seal for legal use. Plain copies work for personal reference and cost less.

Cities in Richmond County

Richmond County is consolidated with the City of Augusta. All family court cases for Augusta residents are filed at the Richmond County Superior Court. The city page below has local details for finding family court records.

Nearby Counties

Richmond County sits on the South Carolina border in east Georgia. These counties are nearby and each has its own Superior Court handling family law matters.