Access White County Family Court Records

White County family court records are filed at the Superior Court Clerk office in Cleveland, Georgia. The Mountain Judicial Circuit handles all family law cases in this county.

White County Clerk of Superior Court

Clerk Sheila L. Tolbert runs the Superior Court Clerk office in White County. This office is the official keeper of all family court records. Divorce filings, child custody disputes, child support orders, and protective orders all go through this office. It is on South Main Street in Cleveland. Walk-in visitors can search for records and request copies during business hours.

All White County family court records are stored at this location. There is no branch. The clerk handles new filings and gives out copies of older records. Certified copies carry the court seal and clerk signature. They cost more than plain copies, but that is the type most agencies need. Bring your ID and a case number if you have one. Walk-in service at the White County clerk office is the fastest way to get documents.

Family Court Case Types in White County

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

Child custody is another big part of White County family court records. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3, the court puts the child's best interest first. A child who is 14 or older can pick which parent to live with. The court usually agrees. For children age 11 to 13, the judge considers their wishes but retains the final say. White County custody records include visitation terms, special conditions, and the full arrangement.

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

Searching White County Records Online

The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority runs a statewide search tool that includes White County. You can look up court records, deeds, and liens from one site. A monthly account costs $14.95. Each printed page is $0.50. This lets you search White County family court records without driving to Cleveland.

The GSCCCA search portal covers White County records and all other Georgia counties. Here is the portal view.

Results show case numbers, filing dates, and document types. Full copies may cost extra or require visiting the White County clerk office. The online tool works best when you know at least one party name.

Child Support Records in White County

Child support cases in White County are governed by O.C.G.A. § 19-6-26. The court keeps jurisdiction over support orders it issues. That means modifications go through the same court. The White County clerk stores all child support family court records. The Georgia Division of Child Support Services handles enforcement and payment tracking statewide.

DCSS can open new cases, locate parents, establish paternity, and change existing orders. Their toll-free number is 1-877-423-4746. Lobbies are open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 AM to 3 PM. Mondays and Fridays require an appointment. White County residents can use DCSS for enforcement while the court keeps the official family court records.

White County Adoption and Paternity Records

Adoption records in White County are sealed. Georgia law blocks public access without a court order. O.C.G.A. § 19-8-2 gives the Superior Court sole authority over adoptions. The files are at the clerk office in Cleveland, but public access is not allowed.

Paternity cases are public. White County family court records for paternity name the legal father. This has implications for child support, custody, and inheritance rights. The Georgia Putative Father Registry is a resource for men who want to protect their parental rights.

Attorneys can file documents through Odyssey eFileGA. The system is open around the clock and sends email updates when the White County clerk processes filings.

Getting Copies of White County Court Orders

Go to the clerk office at 59 S. Main Street in Cleveland. Bring a case number or the names of the parties. Staff will find the file and make copies. Certified copies carry the court seal. Plain copies cost less but may not work for legal needs.

Mail requests work too. Send case details, your address, and a check for fees. Call (706) 865-2613 to check rates first. Mail takes longer. If White County family court records contain sensitive material, the clerk may review what can be released.

Nearby Counties

These counties border White County. Family court records must be filed in the right county based on where the parties live.