Chatham County Divorce Records
What Are Chatham County Divorce Records?
Chatham County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the Superior Court of Chatham County that document the dissolution of marriages within the county's jurisdiction. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Georgia Code § 19-5-1, which establishes the grounds for total divorce in the state. Divorce records serve as the authoritative documentation of marital dissolution proceedings and their outcomes.
Divorce records in Chatham County typically consist of several document types:
- Petition for Divorce (initial filing)
- Summons and proof of service
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Settlement agreements
- Child custody and support arrangements (when applicable)
- Final Judgment and Decree of Divorce
These records are maintained by the Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office and serve multiple important purposes. Divorce records provide legal proof of marital status change necessary for:
- Remarriage eligibility verification
- Legal name change documentation
- Social Security benefits administration
- Loan and credit applications
- Immigration proceedings
- Estate planning and probate matters
- Insurance coverage modifications
The creation, maintenance, and accessibility of divorce records follow specific protocols established by Georgia state law and Chatham County court procedures to ensure their accuracy, completeness, and appropriate availability.
Are Chatham County Divorce Records Public?
Chatham County divorce records have a nuanced public access status governed by Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70. While divorce records are generally considered public documents, certain components may be restricted from public view to protect privacy interests and sensitive information.
The public accessibility of divorce records in Chatham County is structured as follows:
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Generally Public: Basic case information including parties' names, case numbers, filing dates, and final disposition are publicly accessible.
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Partially Restricted: Financial affidavits, detailed settlement terms, and documents containing sensitive personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, bank account information, etc.) may be redacted or sealed.
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Fully Restricted: Records involving domestic violence allegations, child abuse claims, or cases where the court has issued a specific protective order may be sealed entirely from public access.
Access restrictions are implemented pursuant to Georgia Code § 19-5-10, which provides courts with the authority to seal records when necessary to protect legitimate privacy interests. Additionally, the Georgia Supreme Court Rules for Public Access to Court Records establish specific guidelines for record accessibility.
Members of the public seeking divorce records must understand these distinctions when requesting documents from the Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office. While general case information is readily available, access to complete, unredacted divorce files may require demonstration of legal interest or court authorization.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Chatham County in 2026
Finding divorce records in Chatham County requires following specific procedures established by the Superior Court Clerk's Office. Requestors may utilize several methods to locate these records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours.
- Complete a records request form, providing case number, parties' names, and approximate divorce date.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $0.50 per page for copies).
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office
133 Montgomery Street, Room 304
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7200
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the records request form from the Clerk's website.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Mail the request package to the Clerk's Office address.
Online Access: The Chatham County Superior Court provides limited online access to case information through their Case Management Portal. Users can search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date range
For certified copies of divorce decrees, requestors must contact:
Georgia Department of Public Health - Vital Records
2600 Skidaway Road
Savannah, GA 31404
(912) 356-2441
Georgia Department of Public Health
When requesting records, provide as much specific information as possible, including full names of both parties, approximate divorce date, and case number if available. This facilitates more efficient record location and retrieval.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Chatham County Online?
Chatham County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through several online platforms. The online search process involves navigating specific county and state resources:
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Chatham County Superior Court Case Management System
- Navigate to the Chatham County Courts Case Management Portal
- Select "Case Search" from the main menu
- Choose "Domestic Relations" as the case type
- Enter search criteria (party name, case number, or date range)
- Review search results showing basic case information
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Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA)
- Access the GSCCCA website
- Select "Search" from the main navigation
- Choose "Real Estate/Lien/Plat Indices" option
- Create a user account (requires registration fee)
- Search by party name within Chatham County records
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Georgia Department of Public Health Online System
- Visit the GDPH ROVER portal
- Create a user account
- Select "Order Vital Records"
- Choose "Divorce Certificate" as document type
- Enter required information and pay applicable fees
Important limitations of online divorce record searches include:
- Only basic case information is typically available (names, dates, case numbers)
- Full document images are generally not accessible online
- Certified copies cannot be obtained through online systems
- Records sealed by court order will not appear in online searches
- Recent filings may experience processing delays before appearing online
For comprehensive divorce record information, users may need to supplement online searches with in-person or written requests to the Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Chatham County?
Accessing divorce records in Chatham County without incurring fees requires utilizing specific free public resources. While obtaining copies typically involves costs, reviewing basic record information may be accomplished without charge through several methods:
Public Access Terminals: The Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office provides computer terminals for public use during regular business hours. These terminals allow visitors to search basic case information at no cost.
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office
133 Montgomery Street, Room 304
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7200
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk
Live Oak Public Libraries: Several branches of the Live Oak Public Libraries system offer free public computer access with internet connectivity, enabling users to access the basic online case search functions.
Live Oak Public Libraries - Bull Street Library
2002 Bull Street
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-3600
Live Oak Public Libraries
Limited Online Case Search: The basic search function of the Chatham County Courts Case Management Portal is available without charge, though it provides only limited information:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case status
- Judge assignment
When utilizing free access methods, requestors should note these important limitations:
- Document copies still require payment of copying fees
- Certified copies always require payment of certification fees
- Staff assistance with extensive searches may not be available
- Research requiring access to archived records may involve retrieval fees
- Records sealed by court order remain inaccessible regardless of fee payment
For comprehensive divorce record information, particularly for legal purposes, requestors should anticipate paying the established fees for copies and certification.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Chatham County
Divorce records in Chatham County contain comprehensive documentation of the entire dissolution process. These records typically include multiple document types that collectively constitute the official record of marital dissolution proceedings pursuant to Georgia Code § 19-5-3.
A complete divorce file generally contains:
Initial Filings:
- Petition for Divorce (complaint)
- Summons and proof of service
- Verification of residency requirements
- Standing domestic relations order
Financial Documentation:
- Domestic Relations Financial Affidavits from both parties
- Asset and liability disclosures
- Income verification (tax returns, pay stubs)
- Property appraisals and valuations
Child-Related Documents (when applicable):
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets and calculations
- Custody evaluations
- Guardian ad litem reports
Procedural Documents:
- Temporary orders
- Motions and responses
- Hearing notices and transcripts
- Mediation agreements
Resolution Documents:
- Settlement agreement
- Final Judgment and Decree of Divorce
- Child support addendum
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts
The Final Judgment and Decree of Divorce specifically addresses:
- Legal termination of the marriage
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony/spousal support determinations
- Child custody and visitation arrangements
- Child support obligations
- Name restoration (if requested)
These documents collectively provide a comprehensive legal record of the dissolution process, the court's findings, and the final resolution of all matters related to the termination of the marriage.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Chatham County?
Obtaining official proof of divorce in Chatham County requires following specific procedures established by Georgia state law. Two primary forms of divorce verification are available:
1. Certified Copy of Final Judgment and Decree: The most comprehensive proof of divorce is a certified copy of the Final Judgment and Decree, obtained through:
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office
133 Montgomery Street, Room 304
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7200
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk
To request this document:
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number (if known)
- Provide both parties' full names and approximate divorce date
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay the certification fee (currently $10.00 per document)
2. Certificate of Divorce (Verification): For simplified proof of divorce status, a Certificate of Divorce is available through:
Georgia Department of Public Health - Vital Records
2600 Skidaway Road
Savannah, GA 31404
(912) 356-2441
Georgia Department of Public Health
To obtain this certificate:
- Complete the Application for Certified Copy of Divorce Decree
- Provide required identification
- Pay the certificate fee (currently $15.00)
- Submit request in person, by mail, or through the ROVER online system
For expedited service, requestors may utilize third-party vital records services authorized by the Georgia Department of Public Health, though additional convenience fees apply.
When requesting proof of divorce for legal purposes such as remarriage, name changes, or immigration proceedings, requestors should specifically request certified copies, as photocopies are generally not accepted as legal proof of divorce.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Chatham County?
Divorce proceedings in Chatham County may be granted confidential status under specific circumstances as provided by Georgia Code § 9-11-7.1, which establishes the procedures for sealing court records. While Georgia courts generally maintain open records, certain divorce matters may qualify for confidentiality protections.
Circumstances that may warrant confidential treatment include:
- Cases involving domestic violence or stalking concerns
- Matters containing sensitive child abuse allegations
- Proceedings with legitimate trade secret or business confidentiality issues
- Cases involving public figures where publicity would cause undue harm
- Situations where specific sensitive personal or financial information requires protection
To request confidentiality for divorce proceedings, parties must:
- File a motion to seal records with the presiding judge
- Demonstrate compelling privacy interests that outweigh public access rights
- Request the minimum level of confidentiality necessary (specific documents rather than entire case)
- Attend a hearing where the court will consider the request
Even when granted, confidentiality typically has these limitations:
- Basic case information (parties' names, case number, judge) remains public
- Court dockets continue to reflect the existence of the case
- Certain authorized individuals retain access (attorneys, parties, court personnel)
- Sealed status may be temporary or subject to later modification
The Chatham County Superior Court applies a balancing test when considering confidentiality requests, weighing legitimate privacy concerns against Georgia's strong presumption of public access to court records as established in Atlanta Journal v. Long, 258 Ga. 410 (1988). Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel to properly navigate these complex procedural requirements.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Chatham County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Chatham County varies significantly based on multiple factors related to case complexity and the parties' level of agreement. The Georgia judicial system establishes certain minimum timeframes, but actual resolution periods depend on case-specific circumstances.
Minimum Statutory Timeframe:
- Uncontested divorces: Minimum 31 days from filing and service pursuant to Georgia Code § 19-5-3
- Contested divorces: No statutory maximum, dependent on case complexity
Typical Timeframes by Case Type:
Uncontested Divorces (mutual agreement on all issues):
- 45-60 days from filing to finalization (simple cases)
- 60-90 days (cases with children or significant assets)
Contested Divorces (disagreement on one or more issues):
- 6-9 months (limited contested issues)
- 9-12 months (moderate complexity)
- 12-24+ months (high-conflict cases with complex assets or custody disputes)
Factors Affecting Timeline:
- Court docket congestion in Chatham County Superior Court
- Complexity of asset division (businesses, retirement accounts, real estate)
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem investigations
- Discovery disputes and motion practice
- Mediation and settlement negotiation periods
- Judicial availability for hearings and trials
- Attorney and party scheduling conflicts
According to the Judicial Council of Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts, the average disposition time for domestic relations cases in Chatham County Superior Court is approximately 180 days, though individual cases may resolve significantly faster or slower depending on the factors listed above.
Parties seeking expedited resolution should consider mediation, collaborative divorce processes, or settlement conferences to potentially reduce the time to finalization.
How Long Does Chatham County Keep Divorce Records?
Chatham County maintains divorce records according to Georgia's records retention schedules established by the Georgia Archives Records Management Division. These schedules determine the minimum required retention periods for various court documents, including divorce records.
The retention periods for divorce records in Chatham County are as follows:
Permanent Retention:
- Final Judgment and Decree of Divorce
- Settlement agreements incorporated into final decrees
- Orders modifying original divorce judgments
- Child support and custody determinations
These permanent records are maintained indefinitely in the Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office and eventually transferred to microfilm or digital archives for long-term preservation pursuant to Georgia Code § 15-6-62.
Limited Retention (75 years):
- Case files containing pleadings and motions
- Financial affidavits and discovery materials
- Hearing transcripts
- Temporary orders
Shorter Retention (7-15 years):
- Administrative correspondence
- Scheduling notices
- Routine procedural filings
After the applicable retention period expires, non-permanent records may be destroyed according to established procedures. However, the core divorce decree and essential orders remain permanently available.
For divorce records predating computerized systems (generally pre-1990s), the Chatham County Superior Court Clerk maintains:
- Microfilm archives
- Bound divorce decree books
- Index volumes organized by plaintiff/defendant names
Researchers seeking historical divorce records should contact:
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office - Archives Division
133 Montgomery Street, Room 304
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7200
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk
How To Get a Divorce In Chatham County
Obtaining a divorce in Chatham County requires following specific legal procedures established by Georgia state law. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
For Uncontested Divorces:
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Determine Eligibility: At least one spouse must have been a Georgia resident for six months immediately preceding filing.
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Prepare Required Documents:
- Petition for Divorce
- Verification form
- Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit
- Settlement Agreement (addressing property division, support, and custody)
- Child Support Worksheet (if applicable)
- Parenting Plan (if children involved)
- Standing Domestic Relations Order
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File Documents:
- Submit all documents to the Chatham County Superior Court Clerk
- Pay filing fee (currently $214) or submit Pauper's Affidavit if unable to afford fees
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office
133 Montgomery Street, Room 304
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7200
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk -
Serve Spouse: Have the non-filing spouse acknowledge service or arrange formal service through the Sheriff's Office or private process server.
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Wait Mandatory Period: Georgia requires a minimum 31-day waiting period after service before finalization.
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Submit Final Judgment: Prepare and submit the Final Judgment and Decree for judicial review and signature.
For Contested Divorces:
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File Initial Petition: Same as uncontested, but without settlement agreement.
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Temporary Hearing: Request hearing for temporary support, custody, and use of assets during pendency of case.
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Discovery Process: Exchange financial information, depositions, and other evidence.
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Mediation: Participate in court-ordered mediation through the Chatham County Mediation Center.
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Pre-Trial Conference: Meet with judge to narrow issues and attempt settlement.
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Trial: Present evidence and testimony before judge if settlement not reached.
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Final Judgment: Judge issues final ruling on all contested matters.
Individuals may represent themselves in divorce proceedings, but legal representation is strongly recommended, particularly for contested matters. The Chatham County Law Library provides self-help resources for those proceeding without attorneys.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Chatham County
Obtaining divorce papers in Chatham County involves accessing the appropriate forms through several available channels. These documents constitute the foundation of the divorce filing process and must be completed accurately according to Georgia law.
Sources for Divorce Forms:
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Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office
133 Montgomery Street, Room 304
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7200
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk- Visit during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Request divorce packet from clerk (nominal fee may apply)
- Forms available include basic uncontested divorce documents
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Chatham County Law Library
133 Montgomery Street, Room 702
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7490
Chatham County Law Library- Access comprehensive form books and templates
- Utilize public computers for form completion
- Receive limited procedural assistance from law librarians
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Georgia Legal Aid Website
Access the Georgia Legal Aid Online Form Repository to download:- Petition for Divorce
- Verification
- Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit
- Child Support Worksheet
- Parenting Plan
- Final Judgment and Decree templates
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Judicial Council of Georgia
The Judicial Council's Family Law Forms page provides standardized forms approved for use in Georgia courts, including:- Divorce with children
- Divorce without children
- Divorce with separate maintenance
Required Forms for Divorce Filing:
Basic divorce filings require:
- Petition for Divorce
- Verification
- Domestic Relations Standing Order
- Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit
- Settlement Agreement (for uncontested cases)
- Acknowledgment of Service or Sheriff's Entry of Service
Additional forms for cases involving children:
- Child Support Worksheet
- Child Support Addendum
- Parenting Plan
Individuals with complex cases involving significant assets, businesses, or contested custody matters should consider consulting with an attorney before completing these forms, as errors may have significant legal consequences.