Georgia Public Records /Georgia Court Records Online

Georgia Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Georgia Open to the Public?

Yes, the Georgia Open Records Act of 1959 permits public access to most court records in the state. However, access to certain documents may be restricted due to their sensitive nature. For instance, juvenile proceedings are generally confidential, although some records, such as child support hearings and cases involving juveniles charged with felonies, may be accessible. Sealed court records are only partially inaccessible and can still be accessed by authorized individuals, including parties involved in the cases and others authorized by the court.

To receive court records, requesters must typically provide specific details such as the case number, the names of the parties involved, and the type of document they are seeking. This information helps facilitate the search and retrieval process.

What Information Appears in a Georgia Court Records Search?

Case events and activities
Outcomes of court cases
Papers, books, and documents
Maps and letters
Microfilm and other recordings
Information from various courts, including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Superior, State, Juvenile, Probate, and Magistrate courts

How To Find Court Records in Georgia

To find court records in Georgia, the first step is to identify the courthouse where the case was filed or heard. Typically, this courthouse maintains the case's official records. Records can be accessed in two primary ways:

In-person request at the courthouse: Visit the courthouse where the case was filed and request the records from the clerk's office. You may need to complete a form and provide specific details to facilitate the search.
Online request: Many courts offer online portals where you can request records. The cost for obtaining records may vary, and some courts may charge administrative fees for copying and certifying documents.

Public Access to Georgia Court Records

Most Georgia courts provide both in-person and remote access options for obtaining court records. Requesters can visit the courthouse where the case was filed to complete any required forms or submit a written request to the court clerk's office. Specific details, such as the case number and parties involved, should be provided to facilitate the search. Each court may have its own procedures and fees for accessing records.

Searching Georgia Court Records by Name

Interested members of the public can conduct a court record search by name using state-wide tools provided by the Judicial Council of Georgia. This tool covers most state and superior courts in Georgia's judicial system. Searchers must choose the court before entering search parameters, and an account must be created with the provider to access the records.

County clerks also offer online and in-office court record search tools for various courts, including Magistrate, Probate, State, and Superior courts. However, some online systems may not provide official records, and the accuracy of these databases is not always guaranteed. Requesters can also visit the county clerk's office or the courthouse where the case was heard to search records by name and purchase physical copies of court documents.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Georgia

Individuals can access basic court case details online for free, including case parties, events, opening and closing dates, case type, status, docket entries, and judges' names. To access these records, individuals can visit the Georgia Judicial Council website or the website of the county where the courthouse is located.

Third-party websites also offer access to court records and can be a useful starting point for searching specific records. However, these sites are not government-sponsored, and record availability may vary. To access records, requesters typically need to provide the name of the person listed in the record and the last known or assumed location of the person.

Exemptions for Georgia Court Case Lookup

Certain court records are exempt from public access under Georgia law. These exemptions include:

Juvenile Records: Records of juvenile proceedings are generally sealed unless they involve child support hearings or juveniles charged with felonies.
Criminal Records: Some criminal records can be sealed if they meet the requirements outlined in Georgia Code § 35-3-37.
Court Rules: Specific court rules, such as Rule 21 of the Uniform Rules of the Superior Court, may restrict access to records if the harm of exposing them outweighs public interest.

The court may seal or redact records to protect sensitive information, such as the identities of victims of sexual offenses or individuals rehabilitated after juvenile offenses.

Finding a Court Docket in Georgia

Members of the public can access court dockets by visiting the courthouse where the case was heard, visiting the website of the county where the court is located, or using the Georgia Judicial Gateway system. Court dockets chronicle the events of a case as they occur, including rulings, motions, and hearings. These records are essential for tracking the progress of a case and understanding its procedural history.

What Information Is Found in Georgia Judgment Records?

Georgia judgment records are official documents created when a court issues a decree or order after a trial. These records typically include:

Names of persons involved in the case
Judge's name
Judgment per charge or dispute

Judgment records become binding when entered into the court record by the court clerk, signifying the end of most cases. These records are open to the public under the Georgia Open Records Act.

Are Bankruptcy Records in Georgia Publicly Accessible?

Yes, Georgia bankruptcy records are publicly accessible. These records contain details of individuals or companies that filed for bankruptcy in Georgia. Bankruptcy can be filed in two courts: the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Georgia, and the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Georgia.

Requesters must provide specific details such as the case number, names of the parties involved, and filing date to receive these records. Identification documents, asset lists, income statements, and debt information are typically required when filing for bankruptcy.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Georgia

Bankruptcy records can be searched using various methods:

Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER): PACER allows researchers to find information about cases filed in bankruptcy, appellate, and district courts. Each page costs $0.10, with a maximum fee of $3 per document.
Visit the Clerk's Office: Public computer terminals at the Bankruptcy court's divisional clerk offices allow free viewing of case records. Printing and copying documents incur additional costs.
Multi-Court Voice Case Information System (MCVCIS): This service provides free case information over the telephone, including case status, trustee, case number, and filing date.
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): Archived cases can be requested from NARA by providing specific case details.

Different Types of Courts in Georgia

Appellate Courts:
- Court of Appeals
- Supreme Court
Trial Courts:
- Municipal Court
- Magistrate Court
- Probate Court
- Juvenile Court
- State Court
- Superior Court

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Georgia

Georgia Magistrate Courts preside over most civil cases, as the state does not have a central Civil Court system. Small claims courts handle civil disputes involving amounts up to $15,000, allowing parties to represent themselves without attorneys. Examples of these cases include county ordinance violations, landlord/tenant disputes, and bad checks.

In contrast, the Civil Court arm of the Macon-Bibb Civil and Magistrate Court has concurrent authority with the Superior Court to preside over civil proceedings involving amounts up to $25,000. This court also handles suits, warrants, and proceedings to evict intruders and remove tenants holding over, differing from the Magistrate Court's jurisdiction.

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