Clayton County Court Records

Clayton County court records are official documentation of case proceedings filed and adjudicated within county jurisdiction. These records are typically preserved in several formats regardless of the nature in which they are created or received. For example, papers, letters, papers, photographs, microfilm, magnetic tapes, video, and audio recordings. They are managed by the Clayton County Clerk of Court’s offices.

According to OCGA § 50-18-91(2), "Court record" also includes records generated and kept by the offices of the judge, prosecuting attorney, public defender, court reporter, or other court officials as part of the Georgia court records family.

In Clayton County, case documents contain in-depth information about a civil, criminal, probate, or juvenile court case, including the files submitted by participating case parties or created by the presiding court. Such files include exhibits, orders, judgments, subpoenas, affidavits, dockets, responses, warrants, petitions, orders, and judgments.

Further, most court records are part of Clayton County public records and are open to general access. Hence, this fosters public trust in the justice system and also promotes accountability and transparency, ensuring that justice is served. Case records also act as helpful resources for researching legal precedents, tracking past and active cases, and challenging court verdicts.

Are Court Records Public in Clayton County?

Yes. In Clayton County, court records are subject to public disclosure. According to OCGA § 50-18-70, et seq., otherwise termed the “Georgia Open Records Act,” the general public can inspect and make copies of all public records, including court records. However, certain court records are specifically exempted from disclosure per state and local rules, statutes, or ordinances.

§ 50-18-72 lists the following as non-public court records:

• Jury list data, including names, dates of birth, gender, social security numbers, and contact information.
• Records that reveal sensitive personal information of the case participants, like social security numbers, utility account, and financial account information
• Medical records, mental health information, and similar documents
• Permanent record preserved by a probate court judge in connection to weapons carry licenses
• Records containing confidential investigative, prosecution attorney documents, or sensitive surveillance information
• Records that reveal personal identifying information of witnesses in a protection program
• Attorney-client privileged communications
• Physical exhibits and evidence used to support a civil or criminal trial containing obscene or nudity content
• Adoption records

Clayton County Court Records Search

To conduct a Clayton County court records search. Requesters may explore the following alternatives:

• Contact the county clerk's office
• Visit the local courthouse where the case was filed and adjudicated
• Explore Clayton County online Court Casse Inquiry portal
• Utilize the Georgia State case search portal.
• Consult third-party aggregate websites.

Clayton County Court Records Search by Name

Performing a Clayton County court records search by name requires a case party’s name. Anyone can conduct this type of search in person, via phone, by mail, or online at any of the court’s clerk’s offices. Individuals who do not have a case number for particular case proceedings they wish to retrieve typically prefer a name search option.

One will be required to provide at least the first, or last name of the case participants. In this case, the plaintiff or defendant. However, persons using the county’s case inquiry system may not view certain restricted records. For example, juvenile records, probate records, protective orders, sealed cases, court documents outside Clayton County, and case information filed before the court switched to the Judicial Information System (JIS).

Generally, querying any of the clerks in Clayton County court for court records search by name may attract a corresponding processing fee. Finally, inquirers can sign in with their eFileGA account or create a user account on re:SearchGA portal to retrieve case records by name for free.

Clayton County Courts

Clayton County's judicial system houses several courts, including the superior, magistrate, state, probate, and juvenile courts. Listed below are the courthouse locations for Clayton County, Georgia.

Superior Court
Harold Reuben Banke Justice Center
9151 Tara Boulevard,
Jonesboro, GA 30236
Office: (770 ) 477-3436
Fax: (770) 477-3465

State Court
Harold Reuben Banke Justice Center
9151 Tara Boulevard,
Jonesboro, GA 30236
Office: (770) 477-3354
Fax: (770) 473-5991

Magistrate Court
Harold Reuben Banke Justice Center
9151 Tara Boulevard,
Jonesboro, GA 30236
Phone: (770) 477-3444
Fax: (770) 473-5750

Probate Court
Clayton County Administration
Annex 3
121 South McDonough Street
Jonesboro, GA 30236

Probation office/adult- state court
Office of Probation Services
9151 Tara Boulevard
Suite 3BS10
Jonesboro, GA 30236

Probation office/adult- superior court
1331 Citizen’s Parkway
Suite 201
Morrow, GA 30260
Phone: (770) 960-4100

Juvenile Court
Clayton County Youth Development & Justice Center
9163 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
Phone: (770) 477-3270
Fax: (770) 477-3255

Clayton County Superior Court Case Search

The Superior Court of the Clayton Judicial Circuit serves more than 297,000 people. Situated in the Harold Reuben Banke Justice Center, this trial court of general jurisdiction wields exclusive constitutional control over most court cases in Clayton County. This includes legal matters regarding land title, divorce, declaratory judgment, habeas corpus, equity, mandamus, quo warranto, adoptions, and felony cases charged by the District Attorney’s office.

Aside from some juvenile or probate cases, the Clayton Superior Court oversees most court cases concurrently with the limited jurisdiction courts, like the state courts. Further, the superior court may handle trial errors made by small courts by issuing certiorari or the right to direct review.

To get records generated during legal proceedings in the superior court, inquirers can visit the Clayton Clerk of Superior Court. The office provides several options for searching, viewing, and making copies of court records. Such search options include visiting the office in person during office hours, filling out the relevant superior court records form, or utilizing the online Case Inquiry System.

Citizens and residents can search the database for civil and criminal case records using a case party name or case number. In the same regard, Georgia provides an online E-Access Case portal, where users can find Clayton's superior court records.

Clayton County District Court Records

Clayton County does not have any district courts. However, the county's court system operates two trial court classes: the general and limited jurisdiction courts. The Court of general jurisdiction is the superior court as explained above. On the other hand, the courts of limited jurisdiction include the state, magistrate, probate, and juvenile courts.

These courts oversee specific case types as listed below:

• Clayton State Court: This trial court with limited jurisdiction handles civil actions like small claims cases, misdemeanors, and traffic violations, prosecuted by the Office of the Solicitor General unless the Superior Court is assigned the case.
• Clayton Magistrate Court: The Magistrate Court is Clayton County’s “Small Claims” Court. It operates as a platform for case parties to pursue a claim with or without an attorney. This includes civil claims involving the sum of $15,000 or less, landlord/tenant dispossessory, damage suits, loans, and personal property foreclosures. Also, some misdemeanor criminal offenses, county ordinance violations, and warrant issuance are held at this location.
• Juvenile Court: Matters of children's well-being, guidance and control conducive to child welfare, and secure care for juveniles removed from their homes are decided in this court.

Inquirers may request certified records from the assigned court clerk's office in person, via phone, or by mail at a nominal processing fee.

Clayton County Criminal Records

The first place to conduct a Clayton County criminal record check is through the county police department. Anyone can conduct a name-based background check to discover a subject holder’s personal information, Clayton County arrest history, offense history, dispositions, charges, sentencing details, and custodial data.

Under OCGA 42-4-7, law enforcement agencies must maintain records of everyone previously confined in any county jail. Such records are subject to examination by any person of interest following the provisions of Article 4, of Chapter 18 of Title 50, in connection to the review of Clayton public records.

The Records Unit of the Clayton Police Department receives and processes requests for Georgia Criminal History Reports for several reasons. For example, bank loans, personal, schooling, or employment purposes. Inquiries must submit requests for Criminal History Information in person during business hours.

Requesters will be expected to present necessary information, such as a government-issued photo ID, social security card, and a signed waiver form. Obtaining criminal records costs $20 payable by cashier’s check, cash, or money order to the Clayton County Police Department.

Further, individuals can also request a fingerprint-based criminal record through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The GCIC Lobby Office receives and processes requests for criminal history checks, criminal record restrictions, and inspections. However, requesting parties must make an appointment for record inspections and fingerprint services.

People requesting a Clayton County criminal record check can complete and mail the record restriction applications to:

Georgia Crime Information Center
CCH/Identification
P.O. Box 370808
Decatur, Georgia 30037

Additionally, O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34 (d.2) allows private persons or businesses to obtain a person’s felony conviction records without the express consent of the record holder. Persons of interest can conduct a Georgia Felon Search through the Georgia Crime Information Center to confirm if an individual has been convicted of felony offenses in Georgia.

Clayton County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Different courts, like the superior, state, and magistrate courts, adjudicate criminal cases in Clayton County. Anyone interested in performing a Clayton County criminal court case lookup should visit or contact the corresponding offices of the court clerks during working hours.

Alternatively, one may explore the Clayton County Criminal Case Inquiry System. To conduct a criminal case lookup, one must provide a case number for the relevant case type. Finally, re:SearcchGA, a Georgia courts' unified case management system is another available option for criminal case lookup in Clayton County. Required search parameters for the search include a case party’s name or case number. However, users must register to access the website.

Get Clayton County Civil Court Records

Clayton County civil court records provide information regarding noncriminal events and cases filed and adjudicated in the county civil courts. This includes civil cases like monetary claims, small claims, tenant/landlord eviction, personal injury, tort, and contract breach. Anyone seeking these records should query the specific court clerk’s office that filed and generated the civil case information. Finally, members of the public can explore the Clayton Court Case Inquiry System or re:SearchGA for protected access to online civil case records.

Clayton County Family Court Records

Family cases are presided over by the Clayton County Superior Court. These cases include divorce, name changes, parentage, child custody, spousal/child support, and legitimation. Anyone can obtain Clayton County family court records by exploring the following avenues:

• Visit the Superior Court Clerk's office during regular business hours to request records at a nominal fee.
• Fill out and submit a Superior Court Records Request form
• View family case information on the county court’s online case inquiry system.
• Register online to inspect and reproduce family court records via the re:SearchGA portal

Notably, family court cases containing sensitive information are deemed confident, and not open for public disclosure.

Clayton Dissolution of Marriage Records

The term "dissolution of marriage" means legally terminating the binding terms of marital rights between two parties. Information and materials filed or created during these proceedings are explicitly maintained by the Superior Court Clerk, who offers several avenues to reproduce the records. Persons of interest can request for dissolution of marriage record from the Superior Court Clerk's office as explained above.

Clayton County Marriage and Divorce Records

The Superior Court Clerk's office is the first point of call for anyone to obtain divorce, annulment, or dissolution of marriage records in Clayton County. Requesters can submit a request to the court in person, by mail, or online. The court also provides a divorce record request form for people requesting this service. Meanwhile, the probate court is the sole custodian of marriage records, including certificates and licenses in Clayton County.

Applicants can request a Clayton County marriage license and certificate from the probate court in person, online, or via email. To reduce waiting time, individuals are advised to complete the online marriage application prior to visiting the office in person.

Upon submitting the online application, both applicants must appear at the office to complete the process using their application confirmation number. The court may require the following documents and information for this process:

• A copy of the state-issued photo identification card
• If divorced, individuals must present a Certified Divorce Decree, signed by a Judge of reputable standing
• If either spouse is deceased, applicants must present a Certified Death Certificate
• $10 payment in cash, debit, or credit cards. Checks are not accepted.

If requesting via mail, applicants must submit the following:

• A full name of the applicants
• Date of marriage
• A money order for $10.00 and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address below:

Clayton County Administration
Annex 3
121 South McDonough Street
Jonesboro, GA 30236

It is important for one to specify what type of marriage record they are requesting. For example, a certified copy of the Marriage License or the Marriage Certificate for framing. Framing certified copies of both the marriage certificate and marriage license costs $10. The probate court offers same-day pick-up delivery for marriage licenses. However, framing a copy of the marriage certificate may require a few more days of delivery to the provided address.

Finally, persons of interest can also get certified copies of Clayton County marriage records, like marriage applications, certifications, and verifications from the Georgia Office of Vital Records.

However, spouses can only obtain copies of marriage certificates and applications dated June 1952 to August 1996 including marriage verifications for unions held on or after January 1, 2014. Requesting any of these records costs a nonrefundable $10 fee and an extra $5 for additional copies of each. Admittedly, only eligible spouses can obtain certified copies of a Georgia marriage application.

Clayton Birth and Death Records

Clayton County Health District is constitutionally authorized to file, maintain, and issue certified copies of all vital Records, including birth and death records. The department maintains these records as part of Clayton County's vital records filed from 1919 to the present. Such records contain accurate information regarding real-life events and are often required for certain services and benefits.

For example, a birth certificate is an official account of a birth occurring in Clayton County or the State of Georgia. Typically, they may be required for identification, tax, school enrollment, applying for a driver’s license, and obtaining health insurance purposes. On the other hand, a person’s death certificate is the official documentation of the reason, date, and location of death authorized by a physician. A Clayton County death record is necessary for, real estate settlement, life insurance benefit claims, pension claims, research, and other legal assignments.

Per O.C.G.A. 31-10-26 (2010), birth certificates are not public records and may be issued only to applicants who share a tangible interest with the registrant, family members, authorized legal guardian, legal representative, or attorney. Likewise, eligible requestors of death certificates are people who share a tangible or direct relationship to the decedent, like immediate family members or legal representatives.

To request certified copies of birth and death certificates. Requesters may apply in person at the Clayton County Vital Records office, by mail, or online. While the department does not accept online orders, they have partnered with an independent company to process online requests.

Applicants can visit the office during business hours or send mail with a clear readable photo ID, and a processing fee of $25 payable in cash, money orders, cashier’s check, and credit or debit card to Clayton County Health District.

The following information is noteworthy:

• Cash payments are not acceptable via mail.
• Additional copies of certified records may cost $5
• Georgia law mandates applicants to pay a search fee before a certified copy of the certificates can be issued.
• Search fees paid to the vital records are non-refundable.

Further, the Georgia Department of Public Health maintains and issues birth and death records to interested applicants. People can request a certified copy of a birth and death certificate from this office person, by mail, or online using any of the recognized third-party vendors.

Clayton County Probate Court Records

The Probate Court of Clayton County situated in the Annex 3 Building exercises exclusive legal jurisdiction over probate cases and complaints, like wills, guardianship, weapons carry licensing, estate administration, marriage license, and involuntary hospitalization of incapacitated adults. Anyone requesting copies of probate court records can visit the office during regular business, or by mail. The court also issues estate record request forms to willing applicants.

Clayton County Property Records

Different public offices collate and disseminate property records in Clayton County. These records provide exclusive information regarding real estate situated in the county and are typically required for land and building transactions.

To inspect and make copies of real property instruments documented as part of the Clayton County public records, applicants can visit the Clerk of Superior Court's office. The Real Estate Division of the clerk’s office is largely in charge of filing, indexing, maintaining, and issuing estate records for the County of Chatham. For example, property liens, UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) filings, deeds, mortgages, and plats.

Interested persons can contact (770) 477-3436 or visit the physical location to request copies of property records from the Superior Court Clerk.

Main Office
9151 Tara Boulevard,
Jonesboro, GA 30236
Fax: (770) 477-3465

Finally, the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) provides an online Real Estate Document Search 1985 for case parties to obtain property information at their convenience.

Performing a property record search through the Superior Court Clerk’s office or via the GSCCCA may attract processing fees. This includes:

• $2.50 for certified copies
• Computer printouts cost $2.50 per page
• $1 for assisted mail copies per page
• 50 cents per page for unassisted copy requests in person

Besides the Superior Court Clerk's office, residents and visitors can obtain Clayton property records from the local Clayton County Tax Assessor’s Office. The assessor’s homepage provides online search tools for users to find detailed property information, concerning ownership, tax data, appraisal, improvement, and assessment.

Individuals can explore the Property Records Search database at no cost to perform personal and real property search, or visit the P.K. Dixon Building during official hours at:

121 South McDonough Street
Annex 2
Fourth Floor
Jonesboro, GA 30235
Phone: (770) 477-3285
Fax: (770) 477-4566

Clayton County Court Records Online

To find Clayton County records online, users may explore third party websites like Georgiacourtrecords.us. Unlike government-run sources, these third-party websites furnish individuals with court records across Georgia counties and US states. One may also find other public records, like Clayton County criminal records.

To obtain court case information, requesters may typically need the first and last name of the case record holder or case number. Providing more required information triggers the database to provide helpful search feedback.

However, like government-owned websites, users may be charged a nominal fee for record processing and retroviral. Depending on the terms of use, users may be prompted to pay a one-time fee or subscribe for recurring services.

Admittedly, it is good practice to confirm that the received court records are accurate and legible by comparing them with the official Clayton County court record from government sources.