Towns County Family Court Records

Towns County family court records are on file at the Superior Court Clerk office in Hiawassee, Georgia. The Mountain Judicial Circuit handles all family law cases for this county.

Towns County Clerk of Superior Court

The clerk of Superior Court in Towns County maintains all family court records. This office handles divorce filings, child custody disputes, support orders, and protective orders. The building is on River Street in Hiawassee, in the mountain region of north Georgia. Walk-in visitors can search for records and staff will assist with finding case files.

Towns County family court records are stored at this single location. No branch office exists. The clerk takes new filings and gives out copies of older records. If you want a certified copy, bring your ID. Certified copies carry the court seal and cost more than plain copies. But they are the kind that most agencies ask for. Going in person is the fastest way to get what you need from the Towns County clerk office. You can also call with questions about a case.

Family Court Case Types in Towns County

Towns County Superior Court processes a range of family law cases. Divorce filings are the most common. Georgia law says one spouse needs to have lived in the state for at least six months before filing. The case goes to the county where the other spouse lives, or the filing spouse's county if both agree. Towns County family court records for divorce include the petition, financial disclosures, and the final decree.

Child custody disputes are another large group of family court records in Towns County. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3, the court decides custody based on the child's best interest. A child who is 14 or older can choose which parent to live with. The court will usually agree. For children 11 to 13, the judge still listens but has more control. Towns County records include the full custody terms, visitation schedules, and special conditions.

Protective orders also get filed in Towns County. O.C.G.A. § 19-13-3 allows for a temporary order lasting up to 30 days. There is no fee. After a hearing, a final order can last one to three years. These are public family court records unless a judge says otherwise.

Searching Towns County Records Online

The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority has a statewide search tool that covers Towns County. You can look up court records, deeds, and liens from one site. Monthly access is $14.95, and each page costs $0.50. This tool lets you search from home instead of driving to Hiawassee.

The GSCCCA search portal gives you access to Towns County family court records and records from every other county in Georgia. Below is a view of the portal.

You can search by name or case number. Results show filing dates and document types. Full copies may cost extra. You can also go to the Towns County clerk office to view documents in person during business hours.

Child Support Records in Towns County

Child support cases in Towns County fall under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-26. The court keeps jurisdiction over support orders. That means the same court can change an order if needed later. The Towns County clerk office has all child support records. The Georgia Division of Child Support Services enforces payments and tracks collections statewide.

DCSS can help open new cases, locate parents who are not paying, establish paternity, and modify orders. Their toll-free line is 1-877-423-4746. Lobbies are open Tuesday through Thursday, 9 AM to 3 PM. Mondays and Fridays need an appointment. For Towns County residents, DCSS handles enforcement while the court keeps the official family court records.

Towns County Adoption and Paternity Records

Adoption records in Towns County are sealed. Georgia law does not allow public access. A court order is needed to view them. O.C.G.A. § 19-8-2 gives the Superior Court sole authority over adoptions. All adoption files sit at the clerk office in Hiawassee, but they cannot be accessed like other family court records in Towns County.

Paternity cases are public. These family court records in Towns County name the legal father of a child. This affects child support, custody, and inheritance rights. The Georgia Putative Father Registry is a state resource for men who want to protect their parental rights.

Attorneys can file through Odyssey eFileGA. The system is up around the clock and notifies you when the Towns County clerk processes a filing.

Getting Copies of Towns County Court Orders

Go to the clerk office at 48 River Street in Hiawassee for copies. Bring a case number or party names. Staff will find the file and make copies for you. Certified copies include the court seal. Plain copies are cheaper but may not be accepted for legal matters.

Mail requests work too. Send a letter with case details, your address, and a check for fees. Call (706) 896-2130 first to find out the cost. Mail takes more time. If family court records in Towns County have sensitive content, the clerk may review what parts can be released.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Towns County. Family court records must be filed in the right county based on where parties live.