Ware County Family Court Records Search

Ware County family court records are filed and stored at the Superior Court Clerk office in Waycross, Georgia. The Waycross Judicial Circuit covers all family law cases for this county.

Ware County Clerk of Superior Court

Clerk Samantha Bennett leads the Superior Court Clerk office in Ware County. Chief Deputy Kelly Murray and Deputy Civil Clerk Brooke Colley also assist with family court records. This office handles divorce filings, child custody cases, support orders, and protective orders. The building is on Church Street in Waycross. You can visit in person to search records, file new documents, or request copies.

All Ware County family court records are at this one location. The clerk processes new filings and provides copies of past records. Certified copies from the Ware County clerk carry the court seal and the clerk's signature. They cost more than plain copies, but many agencies will only accept a certified version. Walk-in service is the fastest way to get family court records. Phone calls can answer basic questions about cases on file in Ware County.

Family Court Case Types in Ware County

Ware County Superior Court handles several types of family court cases. Divorce is the most common filing. Georgia law requires one spouse to have lived in the state for six months before filing. The case goes to the county where the respondent lives, or the filing spouse's county if both agree. Ware County family court records for divorce include the petition, any property settlement, and the final decree.

Child custody is another large part of the Ware County family court records. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3, the court looks at what is best for the child. Children who are 14 or older can state which parent they prefer. The court typically honors that preference. For kids between 11 and 13, the judge hears them but makes the final decision. Ware County family court records for custody show the full arrangement, including visitation and any conditions the judge set.

Protective orders also show up in Ware County family court records. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-13-3, a person can file for a temporary order lasting up to 30 days. No filing fee is charged. After a hearing, a final order can last one to three years.

Searching Ware County Records Online

The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority runs a statewide search tool covering Ware County. You can look up court records, real estate documents, and liens. A monthly account costs $14.95, plus $0.50 per page. This tool lets you search Ware County family court records from home.

The GSCCCA search portal covers Ware County records along with all other Georgia counties. Below is a view of the search portal.

Results list case numbers, filing dates, and document types. Full copies may need a per-page fee or an in-person visit. The tool is best for quick lookups when you know at least one party name in the Ware County case.

Child Support Records in Ware County

Child support cases in Ware County fall under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-26. The court keeps jurisdiction over all support orders it issues. Changes must go through the same court. The Ware County clerk office stores all child support family court records. The Georgia Division of Child Support Services enforces payments and tracks collections statewide.

DCSS can help open new cases, find parents, set up paternity, and change orders. Call them at 1-877-423-4746. Lobbies are open Tuesday through Thursday, 9 AM to 3 PM. Monday and Friday visits are by appointment. Ware County residents can use DCSS for enforcement while the court maintains official family court records.

Ware County Adoption and Paternity Records

Adoption records in Ware County are sealed under Georgia law. You need a court order to view them. O.C.G.A. § 19-8-2 gives the Superior Court sole authority over adoption cases. All files are at the clerk office in Waycross, but they are not open to the public like other family court records.

Paternity cases are generally public. Ware County family court records for paternity establish who the legal father is. This is important for 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 documents through Odyssey eFileGA. The system runs around the clock and sends email updates when the Ware County clerk processes filings.

Getting Copies of Ware County Court Orders

Go to the clerk office at 800 Church Street in Waycross to get copies. Bring a case number or the names of the parties involved. Staff will find the file and copy what you need. Certified copies carry the court seal. Plain copies are less expensive but may not be accepted for all legal purposes.

You can mail a request too. Send your case details, return address, and payment for fees. Call (912) 287-4340 to check current rates. Mail processing takes longer than walk-in service. If Ware County family court records have sensitive details, the clerk may check what can be released before making copies.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Ware County. Make sure family court records are filed in the right county based on where the parties live.