Find Family Court Records in Wilkes County

Wilkes County family court records are maintained by the Superior Court Clerk in Washington, Georgia. The Toombs Judicial Circuit handles all family law cases for this county.

Wilkes County Clerk of Superior Court

The Superior Court Clerk in Wilkes County keeps all family court records for this area. The office handles divorce filings, child custody cases, child support orders, and protective order requests. It is on East Court Street in Washington. You can visit during business hours to search for records and get copies of court documents.

All Wilkes County family court records are at this one location. There is no branch. The clerk takes new filings and provides copies of older records. Certified copies carry the court seal and clerk signature. They cost more than plain copies, but most agencies and law firms need that seal. Bring your ID and case details for the quickest service. Walk-in visits to the Wilkes County clerk are the fastest way to get family court records.

Family Court Case Types in Wilkes County

Wilkes County Superior Court handles several types of family law cases. Divorce is the most common. One spouse must have lived in Georgia for at least six months before filing. The case is filed in the county where the respondent lives, or the filing spouse's county if both agree. Wilkes County family court records for divorce include the petition, any settlement, and the final decree.

Child custody cases are a major part of Wilkes County family court records. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3, the court decides custody based on what is best for the child. A child who is 14 or older can choose which parent to live with. The court typically follows that choice. For children 11 to 13, the judge takes their input but has more control. Wilkes County custody records include visitation plans and any conditions set by the judge.

Protective orders also show up in Wilkes County family court records. O.C.G.A. § 19-13-3 allows a temporary order lasting up to 30 days. No fee is required. After a hearing, a final order can last one to three years.

Searching Wilkes County Records Online

The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority runs a statewide search tool that covers Wilkes County. Search court records, real estate documents, and liens. Monthly access is $14.95, plus $0.50 per page. This is useful for searching Wilkes County family court records without a trip to Washington.

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

Results list case numbers, dates, and document types. Full copies may cost more or need an in-person visit. The tool works best when you know at least one party name in the Wilkes County case.

Child Support Records in Wilkes County

Child support in Wilkes County is governed by O.C.G.A. § 19-6-26. The court retains jurisdiction. Changes go through the same court. The Wilkes 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, find parents, set up paternity, and change orders. Call 1-877-423-4746. Lobbies are open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 AM to 3 PM. Monday and Friday visits need an appointment. Wilkes County residents use DCSS for enforcement while the court keeps official family court records.

Wilkes County Adoption and Paternity Records

Adoption records in Wilkes County are sealed. Georgia law does not allow public access. A court order is needed. O.C.G.A. § 19-8-2 gives the Superior Court sole authority over adoption cases. The files sit at the clerk office in Washington but are not open to the public.

Paternity cases are different. Wilkes County family court records for paternity are generally public. A paternity filing names the legal father. This affects child support, custody, and inheritance rights. The Georgia Putative Father Registry is a state tool for men who want to assert their parental rights.

Attorneys can file documents through Odyssey eFileGA. The system accepts filings at any time and sends email notifications when the Wilkes County clerk processes them.

Getting Copies of Wilkes County Court Orders

Visit the clerk at 23 E. Court Street in Washington. Bring a case number or party names. Staff will pull the file and copy what you need. Certified copies have the court seal. Plain copies are cheaper but may not be accepted for legal purposes.

Mail requests also work. Send case details, your address, and a check for fees. Call (706) 678-2423 to check rates. Mail processing takes longer. If Wilkes County family court records have sensitive material, the clerk may review what can be released.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Wilkes County. Make sure family court records are filed in the right county.