Search Washington County Family Court Records

Washington County family court records are on file at the Superior Court Clerk office in Sandersville, Georgia. The Middle Judicial Circuit handles all family law cases here.

Washington County Clerk of Superior Court

The clerk of Superior Court in Washington County is the official keeper of all family court records. This office handles divorce filings, child custody disputes, child support orders, and protective orders. It is on West Haynes Street in Sandersville. Walk-in visitors can search for records and request copies during regular business hours.

Washington County family court records are stored at this single location. No branch office exists. The clerk processes new filings and provides copies of past records. Certified copies from Washington County include the court seal and clerk signature. They cost more than plain copies but are the only type many agencies accept. If you want the fastest results, go in person. You can also call with basic case questions about Washington County family court records.

Family Court Case Types in Washington County

Washington County Superior Court handles a range of family law cases. Divorce is the most frequent filing. Georgia law says one spouse must have lived in the state for six months. The case goes to the county where the other spouse lives, or the filing spouse's county if both agree. Washington County family court records for divorce include the petition, any settlement, and the judge's final decree.

Child custody is a major part of the Washington County family court records. O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3 governs custody decisions. The court decides based on the child's best interest. Children 14 and older can choose which parent to live with. The court usually agrees. For ages 11 to 13, the judge considers their wishes but keeps final say. Washington County records lay out the full custody terms, including visitation and conditions.

Protective orders are also filed in Washington County. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-13-3, a temporary order lasts up to 30 days. There is no fee. A final order can last one to three years after a hearing. These family court records are public unless sealed.

Searching Washington County Records Online

The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority has a statewide search tool covering Washington County. Look up court records, deeds, and liens. A monthly account is $14.95, and each page costs $0.50. This lets you search Washington County family court records from home.

The GSCCCA search portal gives access to Washington County records and all other Georgia counties.

Results include case numbers, filing dates, and document types. Full copies may cost extra. You can also view documents at the Washington County clerk office during business hours.

Child Support Records in Washington County

Child support in Washington County falls under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-26. The court keeps jurisdiction over its orders. Changes go through the same court. The Washington County clerk has all child support family court records. The Georgia Division of Child Support Services enforces payments statewide.

DCSS can open new cases, locate parents, set up paternity, and modify orders. Their number is 1-877-423-4746. Lobbies are open Tuesday through Thursday, 9 AM to 3 PM. Monday and Friday visits are by appointment. Washington County residents use DCSS for enforcement while the court keeps the official family court records.

Washington County Adoption and Paternity Records

Adoption records in Washington County are sealed. Georgia law does not allow public access without a court order. O.C.G.A. § 19-8-2 gives the Superior Court power over all adoptions. Files sit at the clerk office in Sandersville but are not available to the public.

Paternity cases are public. Washington County family court records for paternity establish who the legal father is. This is important for child support, custody, and inheritance. The Georgia Putative Father Registry lets men register to protect their rights.

Attorneys file documents through Odyssey eFileGA. The system runs 24 hours a day and sends email updates when the Washington County clerk processes filings.

Getting Copies of Washington County Court Orders

Go to the clerk office at 132 W. Haynes Street in Sandersville. Bring a case number or party names. Staff will pull the file and make copies. Certified copies carry the seal. Plain copies cost less but may not be accepted for legal matters.

Mail requests are an option. Send case details, your address, and a check for fees. Call (478) 552-3186 first to check rates. Mail takes longer. If Washington County family court records have sensitive content, the clerk may review what can be released.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Washington County. Family court records should be filed in the correct county.