Family Court Records – DeKalb County Access

Family Court Records in DeKalb County give you direct access to case numbers, filing dates, and the full docket of domestic‑relations matters such as divorce, child custody, support, paternity, adoption, and protective orders. When you perform a DeKalb County family court records search you can pull up the exact case file, view the court orders, and request certified copies of judgments, filings, or motions. The online portal lets you look up records by name, case number, or filing date, and it displays each document’s status—whether it is public, sealed, or confidential. This instant visibility helps attorneys verify case outcomes, parents confirm custody orders, and investigators locate property‑division judgments without waiting for in‑person clerk assistance. By using the DeKalb County family court case lookup you also avoid common pitfalls like mistaking a civil docket for a criminal one, ensuring you retrieve the precise family law records you need.

Family Court Records search tools also support a DeKalb County family court records online request, letting you obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree, child support order, or name‑change filing directly from the clerk’s office. Whether you need the DeKalb County family court case number for a background check, the docket for a pending hearing, or the judgment that finalized a property division, the system provides real‑time access to the docket sheet, document index, and any associated hearings. You can also explore the DeKalb County family court filings archive to see historical petitions, motions, and applications, which is essential for genealogists or legal researchers tracing family‑law history. By leveraging the DeKalb County family court records request feature, you gain authoritative, up‑to‑date information while staying within Georgia’s open‑records statutes.

How to Search Family Court Records

Family court records in DeKalb County cover all domestic-relations cases handled by the Domestic Relations Division of the Superior Court. You can search these records online through the clerk’s free public portal at any time of day or night. The system displays divorce filings, including civil court records, custody orders, child support judgments, paternity adjudications, adoption finalizations, and protective orders. You do not need an account, a login, or special software to view the docket index.

Each case carries a unique case number, party names, a filing date, and a list of filed documents. You can search by name, by case number, by attorney bar number, or by filing date. The portal returns results within seconds and shows the current status of each case, whether it is active, closed, sealed, or pending. This direct access saves you a trip to the courthouse for basic lookups and supports legal research, genealogy work, and personal record verification.

Official Search Portal: https://www.dksuperiorclerk.com/cvfam/

Steps to Search

• Open your web browser and go to https://www.dksuperiorclerk.com/cvfam/.
• Choose a search method from the dropdown menu: name, case number, attorney bar number, or date range.
• Type the last name and first name of a party. For case numbers, enter the full code shown on any prior paperwork you have.
• Click the search button and review the list of matching cases that appears on the results page.
• Click a case number to view the docket sheet, hearing schedule, and list of all filed documents.
• Select a document image to view a scanned PDF, or purchase a certified copy through the secure payment portal.
• Print or save the PDF to your device for your personal records.

Information You Need Before You Start

Before you begin your search, gather a few key facts about the case. You save time and reduce errors with the right details on hand. The clerk’s portal works best when you enter complete names and exact dates. If you do not know the case number, a wider name search can still turn up results.

• Full legal name of at least one party to the case
• Approximate filing year or a four-year date range
• Case type (divorce, custody, support, paternity, adoption, or protective order)
• Attorney bar number, if you are searching by legal representative
• Specific document you want to view (petition, order, judgment, motion)

What the Portal Does Not Cover

The /cvfam/ portal displays civil and family case records filed in DeKalb County Superior Court. It does not display juvenile delinquency records, which are kept in a separate system. It also does not display criminal records; those live in a different module of the same court. For sealed adoption files, you must file a written request with the clerk and receive a court order before viewing.

What Are DeKalb County Family Court Records?

DeKalb County family court records are the official case files, dockets, orders, and judgments generated by the Domestic Relations Division of the DeKalb County Superior Court at 556 North McDonough Street, Ground Floor, Decatur, GA 30030. They are presumptively public under O.C.G.A. § 9-11-6 and O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq., with statutorily enumerated exceptions for sealed juvenile, adoption, and protective-order files. The clerk of Superior Court holds these files under the authority of O.C.G.A. Title 19.

Definition and Legal Classification

Georgia does not run a separate “family court” at the state level. Instead, the Superior Court in each county handles family law matters through a division called the Domestic Relations Division. DeKalb County uses this structure, and the judges assigned to this division hear all divorce, custody, support, legitimation, adoption, and domestic-violence cases. The clerk of Superior Court maintains the official files for each of these cases under the authority of O.C.G.A. Title 19.

Family Court in Georgia’s Unified Superior-Court System

Georgia’s 1998 Judicial Reform created a unified Superior Court system that all counties follow. Before 1998, some counties ran separate State and Superior Courts; DeKalb did not, but the reform standardized case-type assignments. After the reform, family law matters all moved into the Superior Court’s civil docket under Title 19. The clerk labels these files with a domestic-relations docket prefix and stores them alongside other civil cases.

Statutory Authority O.C.G.A

Title 19 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated covers domestic relations. This title governs marriage, divorce, child custody, legitimation, adoption, and family violence. The 1998 Judicial Reform Act created the unified Superior Court structure that DeKalb County uses today. Under this reform, all family law cases are filed with the clerk of Superior Court, who serves as the official record keeper for the court system.

Family Court vs. Domestic Relations Division

In casual speech, people say “family court” to mean the part of Superior Court that hears domestic cases. The formal legal name in DeKalb is the Domestic Relations Division. Both names refer to the same set of judges, clerks, and case files. When you search the /cvfam/ portal, you are searching the official Domestic Relations docket maintained by the clerk’s office.

What a Family Court Case File Holds

A typical family court case file holds the complete history of one dispute from filing to final order. You can pull individual documents or read the file as a sequence. The clerk indexes each filing so you can find what you need by date or by document type.

Petitions, Motions, and Applications

The first document in most family case files is the petition. This document lists the parties, the relief sought, and the facts of the case. After the petition, you find motions, which are written requests for the judge to take a specific action. Applications for temporary orders, contempt motions, and modification requests all appear in this section. Each filing carries a date stamp from the clerk.

Orders, Judgments, and Final Decrees

Orders cover temporary rulings made during the case, such as temporary custody or temporary support. Judgments cover the final outcome, such as the divorce decree or the final custody order. Final decrees in divorce cases settle all outstanding issues, from property division to parenting time. These documents carry the judge’s signature and the court’s seal.

Hearing Transcripts, Exhibit Lists, and Financial Disclosures

If a hearing was held, the transcript may be part of the file. Financial disclosures show income, assets, and debts of each party. Exhibit lists detail documents entered into evidence. These items are useful for appeals, post-judgment motions, and collection actions.

Court-Reported and Recorder’s Notes

Some hearings are recorded by a court reporter. The reporter’s transcript is the written record of what was said. Other hearings rely on the judge’s bench notes or a digital recording. You can request a transcript from the clerk, though there is a separate fee for transcription services based on the number of pages produced.

Public Access Rules in Georgia

Georgia law treats most government records as open to the public. Family court files fall under this rule. The clerk applies a set of statutory exemptions before releasing documents, and you can ask for a redaction review if you believe a record should be partially closed.

Open Records Act and Presumption of Openness

Georgia’s Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq., creates a strong presumption that government records are open to the public. Family court files fall under this rule. Any person can ask to view or copy a family court record, and the clerk must grant the request unless a specific law blocks it. You do not need to be a party to the case or a lawyer to inspect most files.

Records Exempt from Public Disclosure

Certain categories of family court records are closed by law. These include sealed adoption files, juvenile dependency records, mental-health evaluations, and protected personal identifiers. Some domestic-violence files are restricted to protect victims. The clerk applies these exemptions before releasing documents, and the requestor receives only the non-exempt portions.

Sealed vs. Confidential vs. Restricted Files

Sealed files are closed by court order and held away from public view. Confidential files are open only to parties and their lawyers. Restricted files are open to the public but with specific details redacted, such as Social Security numbers and minor children’s names. Each category has its own access procedure and fee structure under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.

Types of Family Court Records in DeKalb County

The DeKalb Superior Court Clerk’s Domestic Relations docket indexes seven primary case types: divorce, separate maintenance, child custody, child support, paternity, legitimation, and adoption. Each case type carries distinct document sets, retrieval rules, and access restrictions governed by Title 19 of the Georgia Code. Knowing the case type helps you find the right documents faster.

Divorce and Separate-Maintenance Records

Divorce cases are the most common family court filings in DeKalb. The clerk holds every document filed from the initial petition through the final decree. Separate-maintenance filings cover spouses who live apart but do not divorce.

Final Divorce Decrees and Settlement Agreements

A final divorce decree ends the marriage and resolves all related issues. The settlement agreement, if any, sits alongside the decree. Together these documents control property division, debt allocation, and spousal support. Certified copies of the decree are often required for remarriage, name changes, and retirement-plan divisions.

Property-Division and Equitable-Distribution Orders

Georgia courts divide marital property under the equitable-distribution rule. The order lists each asset and assigns it to one spouse. The order also names each debt and assigns responsibility for payment. This document is critical for enforcing property rights after the divorce is final.

Spousal Support and Alimony Orders

Alimony orders set the amount and length of spousal support. They also set the payment schedule and the consequences of non-payment. Modifications to alimony appear as separate orders filed in the same case. The clerk keeps all of these together in the case file.

Child Custody, Visitation, and Parenting-Plan Records

Custody cases range from simple uncontested filings to multi-day contested trials. The file shows every motion, evaluation, and order. Custody and visitation files are public, but evaluations and GAL reports are confidential.

Final Custody Orders and Modifications

Final custody orders name the legal and physical custodian of each child. They also set visitation rights for the non-custodial parent. Modifications to these orders appear as new filings in the same case. Each modification carries its own hearing date and order.

Parenting-Time Schedules and Holiday Allocations

Parenting plans detail the day-to-day schedule for each child. They cover school days, weekends, holidays, and summer break. The court approves the plan as part of the final order. Parents who want to change the plan later must file a motion and obtain a new order from the judge.

Guardian ad Litem Reports and Custody Evaluations

In high-conflict custody cases, the court appoints a Guardian ad Litem (GAL). The GAL writes a report for the judge. The report covers the child’s needs, each parent’s fitness, and a custody recommendation. These reports are confidential and stay in the court file under restricted access.

Child Support and Paternity Records

Support cases run alongside custody cases or as separate filings. The clerk files every order and modification under the same case number. Paternity and legitimation cases affect custody, support, and inheritance rights.

Child Support Orders and Income-Deduction Orders

Child support orders set the monthly amount owed by the non-custodial parent. The order also covers medical insurance, childcare, and extraordinary expenses. Income-Deduction Orders (IDOs) tell the employer to withhold support from wages automatically. Both documents are kept together in the case file.

Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) Filings

When one parent lives in another state, UIFSA governs child support across state lines. DeKalb courts register out-of-state orders and handle collection requests from other states. These cases carry the same case-type codes as in-state support cases but reference UIFSA’s registration rules in the docket entries.

Paternity Adjudications and Legitimation Orders

A paternity order names the legal father of a child. A legitimation order gives the father parental rights. These two orders are different: paternity establishes biology, legitimation establishes legal status. Both appear in family court files and affect custody and support rights.

Adoption and Name-Change Records

Adoption and name-change cases sit on the family docket but carry stronger privacy protections. Most are sealed by default after the court enters the final order. Access requires a separate request and, in some cases, a court order.

Statutory Closure Under Title 19

Adoption records in Georgia are sealed by law under Title 19. After the court enters the final decree, the original file is closed to the public. The clerk keeps the file but only releases it under limited circumstances, such as a court order for good cause or a statutorily authorized purpose like medical history.

Procedures to Request Unsealing

You can ask the court to unseal an adoption file by showing good cause. The request is a written petition filed with the clerk. The judge holds a hearing and decides whether to grant access. Successful petitions often come from adult adoptees seeking medical history or birth-family contact under O.C.G.A. § 19-8-23.

Name-Change Petitions

Name-change petitions filed in DeKalb are part of the family court docket. The petition states the current name, the desired name, and the reason for the request. After the court grants the order, you can use it to update Social Security, the DMV, and other agencies. The order is public unless the court seals it for safety reasons.

Protective-Order and Domestic-Violence Records

Protective orders protect victims of family violence. The clerk files these petitions on an expedited track, often within 24 hours of filing. Some cases cross-reference criminal charges for family-violence battery.

Twelve-Month, Three-Year, and Permanent Protective Orders

Georgia law allows protective orders for family-violence victims. The court can issue a 12-month order, a 3-year order, or a permanent order based on the facts. Each order bars the abuser from contact and can grant temporary custody. The order is recorded in the family court file and indexed in the statewide protective-order registry.

Family-Violence Battery Cross-References

Some protective-order cases link to criminal charges for family-violence battery. The clerk cross-references these files. Civil family-violence records stay open to the public, but the criminal case files follow separate rules under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23.1 and § 19-13-1 et seq.

Address-Confidentiality Program Participants

Victims of family violence can enroll in the state Address Confidentiality Program. Their addresses are sealed from public records. The clerk honors this protection when releasing documents. You see a redaction notice where the protected address would have appeared.

In-Person Requests, Certified Copies, and Courthouse Fees

Walk-in requests at the Ground Floor Clerk’s Window, 556 N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, (404) 371-2836), produce same-day certified family court records for $2.50 on the first page plus $0.50 per additional page. Mail-in and e-File alternatives accept Visa and MasterCard through the DeKalb eCourt portal. The clerk sets fees under O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77.

Visiting the Clerk’s Office

Most visitors handle their family court record needs at the Ground Floor service window. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing for same-day service. The clerk accepts walk-in requests during all posted office hours.

Courthouse Security and ID Requirements

All visitors must pass through security screening at the courthouse entrance. You need a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Weapons, including pocket knives and pepper spray, are not allowed inside. Plan a few extra minutes for the security line during peak hours, especially on Mondays and the day after holidays.

Free Public-Access Terminals vs. Paid Copy Stations

The clerk’s office offers free public-access terminals on the Ground Floor. You can search cases, view dockets, and read document images at no charge. The terminals print pages for $0.25 each. Paid copy stations offer higher-quality prints and self-service options for larger copy jobs.

Fee Schedule for FY

The clerk’s office sets fees under O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77 and county ordinance. The schedule below shows the current fees as of September 2026. Fees may change with each fiscal year, so confirm by phone before sending payment.

Expedited vs. Standard Processing

Standard requests take 5 to 10 business days to process. Expedited requests cost an extra $10.00 and are ready the same business day if filed before noon. Mail-in requests add transit time on both ends of the process.

Payment Methods

The clerk accepts cash, money orders, and business checks in person. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at the counter and through the eFileGeorgia portal. Personal checks are not accepted for certified copies, and there is a $30.00 fee for any returned payment.

Mail-In, Email, and eFile Delivery

You do not need to visit the courthouse to get copies. The clerk supports mail-in, email, and eFile requests for most record types. Choose the channel that fits your timeline and document format needs.

Mail-In Request Template

To request records by mail, send a written request to the clerk’s office. Include the case number, party names, document type, and your contact details. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and a money order for the total fee. Mail the package to the Ground Floor address listed in the contact section.

EFileGeorgia Workflow

Registered eFileGeorgia users can request certified copies online. You log in, select the case, choose the documents, and pay by credit card. The clerk emails you a PDF copy or mails a paper certified copy based on your selection. eFileGeorgia registration is free, but you need a valid email and a credit card on file.

Processing Times and Service Levels

The clerk’s office runs on standard service-level windows defined by county ordinance. Same-day service costs extra, and historical records take longer because staff must retrieve them from off-site storage.

Standard Service Window

Standard mail and eFile requests take 5 to 10 business days. Walk-in requests for in-stock documents take 15 to 30 minutes. Requests for older archived records take longer because staff must retrieve them from off-site storage and scan them on demand.

Historical Records 

Records older than 10 years are stored off-site. The clerk retrieves them within 2 business days of your request. You can pick them up in person or have them mailed. There is no extra retrieval fee, but copying fees still apply at the standard rates.

Family Court Records vs. Other Public Records

Family court records overlap with divorce records, civil-court records, criminal-court records, vital records, and child-support-agency records. Each has its own custodian, fee, and access rule. Conflating these sources is the top reason for failed lookups and wasted requests.

Master Comparison Table

Family Court vs. Vital Records

Family court records hold the court’s judgment on a divorce. Vital records hold the marriage license that started the marriage. These are two separate documents held by two separate agencies. You need the divorce decree to prove the marriage ended. You need the marriage license to prove the marriage began.

Family Court vs. Civil Court

Civil court handles disputes between parties that do not involve family matters. Family court is a sub-set of civil court under O.C.G.A. Title 19. The clerk labels each file with a case-type code. Files coded for domestic relations fall under family court. Other CV-coded files fall under general civil court and follow different filing rules.

Family Court vs. Criminal Court

Criminal court handles cases where the state prosecutes a person for breaking the law. Family court handles cases where one family member sues another. Family-violence cases cross both systems: the criminal court prosecutes the battery, and the family court issues the protective order. You may need both files for a full history.

Family Court vs. Child Support Agency

The Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) handles payment tracking and collection. The family court handles the underlying support order. The clerk stores the order; DCSS tracks payments. To confirm a payment history, contact DCSS. To see the order itself, contact the clerk.

Free vs. Paid Search Vendors

You have several options for searching family court records. Official sources are free and most accurate. Third-party vendors add convenience but cost money and may lag behind the official record.

DeKalb Clerk Portal

The /cvfam/ portal is the official source. It is free to search and free to view docket sheets. You pay only for copies and certified documents. This is the most accurate source for case status, hearings, and filings.

GSCCCA Statewide Odyssey

The Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority runs a statewide search at odyssey.gsccca.org. This tool searches all Georgia counties at once. It is free for basic searches and useful when you do not know which county holds the case.

Third-Party Aggregators

Sites like BeenVerified, TruthFinder, and PeopleFinders pull data from public sources and charge a fee. They add convenience features but often lag behind the official source. They must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when used for background checks. Always verify against the official source before relying on third-party data.

Legal Framework, Retention Rules, and Expert Insights

Family court records in DeKalb County are governed by the Georgia Open Courts Act (O.C.G.A. § 9-12-1), the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.), the Georgia Records Retention Schedule for Superior Courts (updated 2024), and federal Title IV-D child-support rules. These laws control sealing, access, and destruction.

Retention and Destruction Schedule

The Georgia Records Retention Schedule sets the minimum time the clerk must keep each type of record. Some records are kept forever; others are destroyed after a set period. The clerk follows the schedule for both paper and electronic files.

Permanently Retained Case Types

Divorce decrees, final custody orders, and support orders are kept permanently by the clerk. You can request a copy at any time, no matter how old the case. The clerk also keeps an electronic index for fast lookups across the permanent archive.

25-Year Retention for Modifications

Post-judgment motions and modifications are kept for 25 years after the final action. After that, the clerk may destroy the paper documents. The electronic docket sheet remains even if the paper file is destroyed, so basic case details stay accessible.

Sealed Records: Indefinite Retention

Sealed records are kept indefinitely but are not open to the public. The clerk stores them under strict access controls. Only a court order can unseal them, and the order must cite a specific statutory basis or show good cause under O.C.G.A. § 9-11-58.

Sealing and Redaction Rules

Sealing and redaction are different actions with different results. A sealed file is removed from public view; a redacted file has specific details blacked out. The clerk applies both rules to family court files.

Motion to Seal

A party can file a motion to seal a record under O.C.G.A. § 9-11-58. The motion states the reason for sealing and cites the legal grounds. The judge holds a hearing and weighs the public interest against the privacy interest. A successful motion places the file in sealed status.

Identity-Theft and Victim-Address Protections

Victims of identity theft can ask the court to redact personal identifiers. Victims enrolled in the Address Confidentiality Program get automatic redaction of their address. The clerk applies these protections to both paper and electronic files.

Automatic Redaction of Minor Children’s Information

Minor children’s names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers are redacted from online records. This rule started under a 2024 statewide policy update. The clerk applies the same redactions to both public and restricted files.

Expert Citations and Authorities

Three state-level authorities publish data and rules that affect family court records in DeKalb. Their reports set the standards the clerk follows and explain how the public can access records.

Judicial Council Public Access Audit

The Georgia Judicial Council audited public access in all Superior Courts in 2024. The DeKalb section praised the /cvfam/ portal for clarity and ease of use. The report recommended expanding online document access to pre-2000 cases, a project the clerk is working on through 2027.

GSCCCA Annual Report

The Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority reported in 2025 that 96% of all family court filings in DeKalb were available online within one business day. The statewide average was 89%. The report credits the clerk’s e-filing system for this performance.

AOC Courthouse Access Survey 

The Administrative Office of the Courts surveyed courthouse access in 2026. DeKalb scored high for clear signage, free public terminals, and fast turnaround on certified copies. The report flagged parking as the main pain point for visitors.

Errors in Self-Conducted Searches

Self-conducted searches can mislead you if you do not know the docket conventions. The most common errors involve misreading status codes, mixing up related case types, and missing cross-listed files. Watch for these patterns when you review results.

Misreading Disposition Codes

The portal uses codes like DISMISSED, WITHDRAWN, and NONSUIT. These mean different things. DISMISSED means the judge ended it. WITHDRAWN means the party pulled the filing. NONSUIT means the plaintiff dropped the case before trial. Mixing them up changes the legal effect of the record.

Confusing Paternity with Legitimation

Paternity says who the father is by biology. Legitimation says who the father is by law. A child can have a legal father (legitimation) who is not the biological father. Paternity and legitimation orders show up in different ways on the docket, so confirm the order type before relying on it.

Missing Hybrid Cases

Some cases start as criminal domestic violence and become family court protective orders. The clerk cross-references these files, but the portal does not always link them. You may need to search both the criminal and family dockets to find all related documents.

Practical Toolkit, Templates, and Authority Resources

This section collects templates, links, and a glossary to help you build your own request, motion, or appeal. The tools below are designed for attorneys, pro se litigants, and family-history researchers. Use them to speed up your work and avoid common filing errors.

Downloadable Templates and Forms

Three templates cover the most common record-related filings in DeKalb. Each template cites the controlling statute and lists the required attachments. Adjust the template to fit your case details before you file.

Open-Records Request Letter

The Georgia Open Records Act lets you file a written request for any non-sealed record. A sample letter includes the case number, the records you want, and your contact details. You send it to the clerk’s office and wait up to 3 business days for a response under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.

Motion to Seal or Unseal Template

You file a motion to seal or unseal under O.C.G.A. § 9-11-58. The template lists the caption, the case number, and the legal grounds. You attach a sworn statement and serve all parties. The judge sets a hearing within 30 days of filing.

Clerical-Correction Motion Template

Use O.C.G.A. § 9-11-60.1 to fix a clerical error in a judgment or order. The motion names the error, attaches the correct version, and asks the judge to sign an amended order. No new hearing is needed for a true clerical error.

Authority Resources and Cite-Right Links

The following websites and offices hold the authority on family court records in DeKalb County. Save them before you start any search or request. Each link points to an official .gov domain.

• DeKalb Superior Court Clerk: https://www.dksuperiorclerk.com/cvfam/
• Georgia Statewide Odyssey Portal: https://odyssey.gsccca.org
• Administrative Office of the Courts of Georgia: https://www.georgiacourts.gov
• Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority: https://www.gsccca.org
• Georgia Division of Child Support Services: https://childsupport.georgia.gov
• Georgia Office of Vital Records: https://dph.georgia.gov/vital-records

Methodology and Quality Assurance

This section discloses who reviewed the content, how often it gets refreshed, and what conflicts of interest apply. Transparency builds trust with readers and helps you judge the reliability of the details above.

Author and Reviewer Credentials

This content was reviewed by a Certified Court Records Researcher with experience in Georgia Superior Court filings. The reviewer holds an active Georgia Bar license and trains legal-support staff on record retrieval. 

Update Cadence

Records fees, portal features, and retention rules change. We refresh this content every quarter. The next review is scheduled for December 15, including case information, with a follow-up after the Georgia legislative session.

Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure

This page is an independent public resource. It does not represent the DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk or any private records vendor. We earn no commission on copies or certifications sold by the clerk’s office.

Contact Details

Use the contact details below for in-person visits, phone questions, and mail-in requests. The clerk’s office serves as the official record keeper for all family court records in DeKalb County. Call ahead for large requests or for archived records older than 10 years.

Office Location: 556 North McDonough Street, Ground Floor, Decatur, GA 30030

Phone Number: (404) 371-2836

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers about accessing DeKalb County family court records, what you can see, and how to obtain copies or visit the clerk.

How can I search DeKalb family court records online?

You can search records at any time using the clerk’s free public portal. Visit https://www.dksuperiorclerk.com/cvfam/ and enter the case number, party name, or filing date. The system shows divorce filings, custody orders, child support judgments, paternity adjudications, adoption finalizations, and protective orders. No account, login, or special software is required. Results appear instantly, and you can view basic details or download PDFs where available.

What info appears in a DeKalb case lookup?

A case lookup displays the case number, filing type, parties involved, filing date, and current status. For completed cases you will see the final order or judgment, such as custody arrangements, support amounts, or adoption decrees. The portal also lists upcoming hearing dates and docket entries. Sensitive details like social security numbers are omitted to protect privacy.

How do I request a certified copy of a filing?

To obtain a certified copy, contact the DeKalb County family court clerk at (404) 371-2836 or visit the office at 556 North McDonough Street, Ground Floor, Decatur, GA 30030. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number. There is a fee for each certified copy, payable by cash, check, or credit card. The clerk will process the request during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Are child custody orders public in DeKalb County?

Child custody orders are part of the public record unless a judge orders them sealed. The online portal shows the existence of a custody order, the parties, and the filing date. Full text of the order can be viewed or printed, but personal details like addresses are redacted. If the order is sealed, you must request access directly from the clerk and may need a court order.

What are the hours to visit the family court clerk?

The family court clerk office operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Visits outside these hours are not permitted except for scheduled appointments. Arriving early helps avoid long lines, and you should bring a photo ID and any case numbers needed for your request. The staff can assist with record searches, copies, and fee payments during these hours.