Ga Dekalb Court Records Search gives you fast, legal access to public court files in DeKalb County, Georgia. Use the county’s online tools to find civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. Get certified copies, view docket entries, or track active lawsuits—all from your device. The system covers records from 2010 to today and works on phones, tablets, and computers. Whether you’re checking your own case, helping a family member, or doing a background check, this service saves time and trips to the courthouse.
How to Use Ga Dekalb Court Records Search
Start at the Judicial Information System (JIS) portal. Pick your record type: civil, criminal, family, probate, or traffic. Enter a case number or party name. Pay the fee online with a card. Download PDFs stamped with the official seal. For older files, call the clerk’s office or visit in person. The process takes minutes, not days.
Step-by-Step Search
- Go to the JIS portal or eCertification site.
- Choose your court: Superior, State, or Magistrate.
- Type a case number or full name.
- Review results and select the file.
- Pay the fee and download your copy.
What You Can Find
- Civil lawsuits over $15,000
- Criminal charges and sentencing
- Family law: divorce, custody, adoption
- Probate: wills, estates, guardianship
- Traffic tickets and fines
- Small claims under $15,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
DeKalb County Court Structure
DeKalb County uses two main courts: Superior Court and State Court. Superior Court handles big civil cases, felonies, divorces, and appeals. State Court deals with misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, and juvenile matters. Each court has divisions led by judges who specialize in different areas.
State Court – Division A
| Division | Judge | Cases Handled |
|---|---|---|
| A-1 | Alvin T. Wong | Misdemeanors, traffic violations |
| A-2 | Kimberly K. Anderson | Small claims, landlord-tenant |
| A-3 | Wayne M. Purdom | Juvenile delinquency, child support |
| A-4 | Johnny Panos | Felony arraignments, preliminary hearings |
| A-5 | Mike Jacobs | Probate, guardianship |
| A-6 | Ana Maria Martinez | Civil actions over $15,000 |
Superior Court
The Superior Court sits at 556 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030. It manages high-value civil suits, felony trials, divorce, adoption, and appeals from lower courts. The clerk’s office keeps land deeds, tax certificates, and vital records. Public terminals let you search files without an account.
Online Portals for Court Records
DeKalb County offers several free tools to search court records. Each portal serves a different need. Use the right one to save time.
Judicial Information System (JIS)
JIS holds records from 2010 to today. Log in with your email. Search by name, case number, or date. Download PDFs with the county seal. No account? Use public terminals at the courthouse.
eCertification Portal
Need a certified copy? Use eCertification. Pick your record type, enter the case number, pay online, and get a stamped PDF. Perfect for employers, landlords, or legal proof.
eFileGA
Lawyers and self-represented litigants file civil and family appeals here. Create an account, upload documents, pay fees, and track your case. Get email confirmations for every step.
Georgia Judicial Gateway – E-Access
This state-run site covers all Georgia counties. Register once, then search DeKalb cases by name or docket. View filings, orders, and judgments. Great for multi-county research.
Types of Records Available
DeKalb County makes many records public. Some need a fee or ID. Others are free online.
Civil Records
Find lawsuits between people or businesses. Includes contract disputes, personal injury, and property claims over $15,000. View complaints, answers, motions, and final judgments.
Criminal Records
Search misdemeanor and felony charges. See arrest reports, indictments, plea agreements, and sentencing. Note: Some juvenile records are sealed by law.
Family Law Records
Access divorce decrees, child custody orders, adoption files, and restraining orders. These help with name changes, relocation, or custody fights.
Probate Records
Look up wills, estate settlements, guardianship petitions, and trust documents. Useful for heirs, executors, or debt collectors.
Traffic and Small Claims
Check ticket status, fines, and court dates. Small claims cover disputes under $15,000, like unpaid rent or broken contracts.
Fees and Payment
Most records cost a small fee. Pay online with a credit or debit card. Prices vary by document type.
| Document Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (per page) | $2.50 |
| Regular copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Name search (per name) | $5.00 |
| Case docket printout | $1.00 |
No cash online. In person, the clerk accepts cash, check, or card. Fee waivers may apply for low-income users. Ask at the counter.
In-Person Visits
Sometimes you must visit the courthouse. Bring ID and the case number if you have it.
Superior Court Clerk’s Office
556 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: 404-371-2000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Use public terminals to search files. Staff can help with basic questions but cannot give legal advice. For certified copies, go to the records window.
State Court
Same address as Superior Court. Different windows handle different case types. Check the directory inside the building.
Special Services
The clerk’s office offers extra help for specific needs.
Domestic Violence Unit
Get emergency protective orders fast. Call 404-298-8300. Counselors are available weekdays and evenings. They connect victims to shelters and legal aid.
Probation and Community Supervision
Check compliance, schedule meetings, or report violations. Call 770-388-5929. Fax: 404-860-1455.
District Attorney’s Office
Report crimes or ask about prosecution. Call 404-371-2561. They handle violent crimes and felonies.
Vital Records
The Superior Court Clerk also manages birth, death, and marriage certificates. These are separate from court files.
- Birth certificates: $25
- Death certificates: $25
- Marriage licenses: $35
Order online or in person. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Rush service costs extra.
Tips for a Successful Search
Follow these tips to avoid delays.
- Have the case number ready. It’s the fastest way to find a file.
- Use full legal names. Nicknames or initials may not work.
- Check spelling. One wrong letter can hide your record.
- Search by date if you don’t know the case number.
- Try different name formats: “John Smith” vs. “Smith, John.”
- If online fails, call the clerk: 404-371-2000.
Common Problems and Fixes
Sometimes searches fail. Here’s why and what to do.
“No Results Found”
Try a different name format. Or the case might be in a different court. Felonies go to Superior Court. Misdemeanors go to State Court.
“Payment Failed”
Check your card details. Use a different card if needed. Call your bank to approve the charge.
“File Not Available”
Older records (before 2010) may not be online. Visit in person or mail a request. Include the case number, names, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Privacy and Legal Limits
Not all records are public. Some are sealed by law.
- Juvenile records: Usually private
- Adoption files: Sealed unless court orders release
- Protective orders: Partially redacted
- Grand jury materials: Not public
If you believe a record should be open but isn’t, ask the clerk or consult a lawyer.
Why Use Official Sources?
Free sites may have outdated or wrong info. Only the county’s portals give accurate, up-to-date records. Third-party sites charge fees and may sell your data. Stick to .gov and official county links.
Related Resources
Need more help? Try these trusted sites.
- DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court
- Georgia Judicial Gateway
- CourtCaseFinder – DeKalb
- Superior Court Clerk – DeKalb County GA
Contact Information
DeKalb County Superior Court
556 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: 404-371-2000
Email: info@dekalbcountyga.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about costs, access, and rules. Here are clear answers based on current policies.
Can I search court records for free?
Yes, basic searches are free on the JIS portal and Georgia Judicial Gateway. You can view docket entries and some filings without paying. However, downloading full documents or getting certified copies costs money. Fees start at $0.50 per page for regular copies and $2.50 for certified ones. In-person visits let you use public terminals at no charge, but printing still requires payment. Always check the latest fee schedule on the clerk’s website, as prices may change.
How far back do online records go?
Digital records on the Judicial Information System (JIS) begin in 2010. Anything older must be requested in person or by mail. The clerk’s office keeps paper files for decades, but they are not scanned. If you need a case from the 1990s or earlier, visit the courthouse with the case number and parties’ names. Staff will retrieve the file within a few hours. For very old probate or land records, allow extra time.
Are juvenile records public in DeKalb County?
No, juvenile records are sealed by Georgia law. Only judges, attorneys, parents, or the minor (after turning 18) can access them. Police reports, court hearings, and sentencing documents for minors are not available to the public. If you believe a juvenile record should be released due to exceptional circumstances, you must file a motion with the court. The judge will decide based on safety and privacy concerns.
What if I can’t find my case online?
First, double-check the spelling of names and the case number. Try searching by date or address if the name fails. If nothing appears, your case might be in a different court—felonies go to Superior Court, while misdemeanors are in State Court. Still stuck? Call the clerk at 404-371-2000. Provide as much detail as possible: names, approximate date, and case type. They can locate it manually or tell you if it’s sealed.
Can I get a certified copy without visiting the courthouse?
Yes, use the eCertification Portal. Select your record type, enter the case number, pay online, and download a PDF stamped with the official seal. This copy is legally valid for jobs, housing, or background checks. If you need a physical copy mailed to you, visit in person or send a written request with a check. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Rush service is available for an extra fee.
Do I need a lawyer to search court records?
No. Anyone can search public records for free. The county provides online tools and public terminals for self-service. Staff can help with technical issues but won’t interpret laws or give advice. If your search involves complex cases like appeals or sealed files, a lawyer may be helpful. But for most needs—checking a ticket, divorce status, or property lien—you don’t need legal help.
Are protective orders visible in court records?
Partially. The existence of a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) appears in the docket, but personal details like addresses and phone numbers are redacted. Only involved parties, law enforcement, and judges see full details. If you’re a victim seeking a TPO, call the Domestic Violence Unit at 404-298-8300. They assist with filing and safety planning outside public view.