Terrell County Family Court Records Search

Terrell County family court records are maintained at the Superior Court Clerk office in Dawson, Georgia. The Southwestern Judicial Circuit processes all family law cases for this county.

Terrell County Clerk of Superior Court

The clerk of Superior Court in Terrell County is the official keeper of all family court records. This office handles divorce cases, child custody filings, child support orders, and protective order requests. The office sits on East Lee Street in downtown Dawson. Walk-in visitors can search for records and ask for copies.

All Terrell County family court records are stored at this one office. There are no branch locations. The clerk processes new filings and also provides copies of old records. Certified copies from the Terrell County clerk include the court seal and the clerk's signature. They cost more than plain copies. Many legal offices and state agencies only accept certified documents. If you want the fastest service, go in person to the Terrell County courthouse.

Family Court Case Types in Terrell County

Several types of family law cases are filed in Terrell County. Divorce is the most frequent. Georgia law requires at least one spouse to have lived in the state for six months before filing. The petition goes to the county where the respondent lives, or the petitioner's county if both parties agree. Terrell County family court records for divorce include the petition, financial documents, and the final decree.

Child custody cases also make up a big part of the Terrell County family court records. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3, the court puts the child's best interest first when making custody decisions. Children 14 and older can choose which parent to live with, and the judge typically follows that choice. For children between 11 and 13, the court will consider their wishes but retains final say. All custody terms, visitation schedules, and conditions are part of the Terrell County records.

Protective orders under the Family Violence Act are another part of Terrell County family court records. O.C.G.A. § 19-13-3 allows a person to get a temporary order lasting up to 30 days. There is no filing fee. A final order can last one to three years after a hearing.

Searching Terrell County Records Online

The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority offers a statewide search tool that covers Terrell County. You can look up court records, deeds, and liens from one website. Monthly access costs $14.95, and each page you print is $0.50. This saves you a trip to Dawson if you just need basic case information.

The GSCCCA search portal provides access to Terrell County family court records along with records from every other county in Georgia.

Search results show case numbers, filing dates, and types of documents filed. If you need full copies, you can pay the per-page fee online or visit the Terrell County clerk office. Knowing at least one party name helps narrow results fast.

Child Support Records in Terrell County

Child support orders in Terrell County are governed by O.C.G.A. § 19-6-26. The court keeps jurisdiction, so modifications go through the same court. The Terrell County clerk office holds all child support family court records. The Georgia Division of Child Support Services handles enforcement and payment tracking across the state.

DCSS can open new cases, locate parents, establish paternity, and modify orders. Their number is 1-877-423-4746. Office lobbies are open Tuesday through Thursday, 9 AM to 3 PM. Monday and Friday visits require an appointment. For Terrell County residents, DCSS handles the enforcement side while the Superior Court maintains the official family court records.

Terrell County Adoption and Paternity Records

Adoption records in Terrell County are sealed by Georgia law. No public access is allowed without a court order. O.C.G.A. § 19-8-2 gives the Superior Court exclusive authority over adoption proceedings. All adoption files for Terrell County are stored at the clerk office in Dawson, but they cannot be accessed like other family court records.

Paternity cases are different. These family court records in Terrell County are open to the public. A paternity filing establishes the legal father of a child. This has implications for child support, custody, and inheritance. The Georgia Putative Father Registry is a state resource for fathers who want to assert their rights.

Attorneys can submit filings to the Terrell County court through Odyssey eFileGA. The system accepts filings at any time and sends email notifications when the clerk processes them.

Getting Copies of Terrell County Court Orders

You can get copies of family court records from the Terrell County clerk by visiting the office at 315 E. Lee Street in Dawson. Bring a case number or the names of the parties. Staff will locate the file and make copies. Certified copies have the court seal. Plain copies cost less but may not be accepted for legal use.

Mail requests also work. Send a letter to the clerk with case details, your return address, and payment for copy fees. Call (229) 995-4601 to check the current rates. Processing by mail takes longer. For family court records with sensitive content, the Terrell County clerk may need to review what can be released.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Terrell County. Family court records must be filed in the correct county, so check where the parties live.