Columbia County Court Records

Per O.C.G.A. § 50-18-91, a Georgia court record refers to all materials such as papers, letters, documents, books, microfilm, maps, and magnetic tape created or received regarding a judicial proceeding. These records provide official documentation of legal proceedings, decisions, and insight into what transpired during a case.

The Clerk of Courts is the custodian of all criminal and civil records in Columbia County. The common way of finding court records in Columbia County is online and in person. Public access to court records promotes transparency and accountability within the county’s judicial system. This access allows citizens to observe and understand the workings of the courts. A Columbia County court record search provides access to the following information:

• Case information (case number, caption, and type, filing date, and location)
• Party information (party type and case parties’ names and addresses)
• Events & orders of the court (date and events)
• Financial information (date, total financial assessment, total payment and credit, receipt number, and balance due)
• Charges (charge number, violation code, offense, offense date, disposed on, disposition method and stage, arrest date, felony/misdemeanor)
• Sentencing (sentence date, sentence, base fine, total due, years, month, days, and hours)

Are Court Records Public in Columbia County?

Yes. Per the Georgia Open Records Act, all court records must be open for personal inspection and copying except those specifically exempted from disclosure by court order or law. Therefore, individuals can request Columbia County court records from any court during business hours. The Act excludes some court records from public disclosure. Confidential court records in Columbia County include:

• Medical records
• Juvenile records
• Adoption records
• Confidential attorney work product
• Attorney-client privilege communications
• Court records included in pending investigation or prosecution of criminal or unlawful activity
• Records relating to weapons carry licenses maintained by a judge of the Probate Court.
• Jury list data such as persons' names, addresses, gender, ages, race, dates of birth, telephone numbers, and social security numbers
• Records that reveal a person’s social security number, credit or debit card information, account number, utility account number, account password, bank account information, and financial information.

Columbia County Court Records Search

Individuals can easily find Columbia County court records through the following means:

• Online through the Magistrate Court’s Case Records portal
• Online through the Superior Court’s Case Search portal
• Online through the GSCCCA eCertification Portal
• Online through third-party vendors
• In person at the court where the case was handled

Columbia County Court Records Search by Name

Columbia County residents can find court records by name when they visit the court where the case was handled. The record staff will show the requester the list of court records on the system carrying the searched name. The requester might have to know other information about the record to identify the specific needed record. Copies of court records are only issued when the appropriate fees have been paid. The Superior Court charges $0.50 per page for uncertified copies of court records without assistance and $1 per page for those with assistance from the clerk. Certified copies of case records cost $3 per page. Conversely, the Magistrate Court charges $0.25 per page for copies of court records and $2.50 for each certified copy.

The easiest way to perform a name-based court records search is online. Individuals can use the Magistrate Court’s Case Records portal or the Superior Court’s Case Search portal to find the desired record. Users can enter a judge’s last name or a case party’s first or last name on the Case Search portal. Conversely, the Case Records portal permits users to search by business name or party’s last and first name.

Columbia County Courts

The Columbia County court system comprises a Superior, Probate, Juvenile, and Magistrate Court. Below are the locations of all the courts in Columbia County:

Columbia County Juvenile Court
7045 Evans Town Center Boulevard
Evans, GA 30809
Phone: (706) 868-3320

Columbia County Superior, Probate, and Magistrate Courts (Evans Location)
640 Ronald Reagan Drive
Evans, GA 30809
Phone: (706) 868-3316 (Magistrate Court)
(706) 312-7254 (Probate Court)
(706) 312-7230 (Superior Court)

Columbia County Probate Court (Appling Location)
1956 Appling Harlem Road
P.O. Box 525
Appling, GA 30802
Phone: (706) 541-1254

Tenth Judicial District
110 Bray Street
Athens, GA 30603
Phone: (706) 613-3173
Fax: (706) 613-3174
Email: 10thJAD@gmail.com

Columbia County Superior Court Case Search

The Columbia County Superior Court is a trial court with jurisdiction over both criminal and civil cases. Individuals can view or download uncertified copies of Superior Court records online through the Case Search portal for free. Users must enter a date, judge’s last name, case number, or case party's first or last name in the search box to access the appropriate records. Individuals can also request an eCertified or regular copy of Superior Court records online through the GSCCCA eCertification Portal. Create an account and log in with an email and secured password. Here is how to submit a request on this portal:

• Click “Submit a New Request” at the top right corner of the page.
• Select “Columbia County” as the county where the record is located.
• Select the document type and then Select “Choose Certified Copy” or “Choose Regular Copy”.
• Select “Continue” to submit the court record request.
• Complete all the mandatory fields and select “Submit Request”.

Once the Columbia County Superior Clerk’s office processes the request, the necessary fees must be paid. Once payment authorization is received and finalized, the Clerk’s office will email the requester an authentication link, including the purchased eCertified copy of the requested document. This document can be downloaded for future use.

Alternatively, copies of Superior Court records can be obtained in person at the courthouse. Requesters must be at court during business hours, and a name or case number must be provided to initiate the search. Uncertified copies of Superior Court records without assistance from the Clerk costs $0.50 per page. Uncertified copies, with assistance from the clerk, cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies cost $2.00 + $1.00 per page.

Columbia County District Court Records

Columbia County falls within the Augusta Judicial Circuit, which makes it part of the Tenth Judicial District. The District Court performs administrative duties and does not disseminate court information to members of the public. Individuals interested in obtaining court records must contact the Superior or Magistrate Courts.

Columbia County Criminal Records

Columbia County residents can obtain copies of criminal records (known as criminal history reports) in person at the Sheriff's Office’s Records Section. Only individuals who are at least 17 years of age can request criminal records in the county. Applicants must bring a signed Criminal History Consent Form and a picture ID to the office. All requests are processed while the customer waits. The cost is $10, payable by cash only. The request should be made during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Records Section also issues copies of Columbia County arrest records to members of the public. An arrestee’s name or arrest date must be provided to locate the record. Alternatively, requesters can use the Detention Center’s inmate inquiry to find arrest information electronically without charges.

Columbia County Criminal Court Case Lookup

The Columbia County Superior Court handles criminal cases such as misdemeanor, felony, and traffic cases. The court has a Case Search portal where users can find criminal court records for free. The search criteria are by judge’s last name, date, case number, or case party's first or last name. Record seekers can also visit the courthouse in person to retrieve copies of criminal case records. The court only processes requests received during business hours. Basic information about the case must be provided to conduct the search. Uncertified copies of criminal court records without assistance from the Clerk costs $0.50 per page. Uncertified copies, with assistance from the clerk, cost $1 per page, and certified copies cost $3 per page.

Get Columbia County Civil Court Records

The Columbia County Superior Court has civil jurisdiction and handles civil cases such as contract disputes, premises liability, and torts. Similarly, the Columbia County Magistrate Court handles all civil cases where the controversy does not exceed $15,000, excluding divorces, cases involving land titles, and cases where equitable relief is sought.

The Superior Court provides civil court records online through the Case Search portal. The search parameters are by judge’s last name, date, case number, or case party's first or last name. Individuals can also find civil court records online through the Magistrate Court’s Case Records portal. Users can conduct a search by case, party, or attorney.

The Superior and Magistrate Courts both provide copies of civil court records to requesters who come to the office during business hours. The Superior Court charges $0.50 per page for uncertified copies of civil court records without assistance and $1 per page for those with assistance from the clerk. Certified copies of civil case records cost $3 per page. Conversely, the Magistrate Court charges $0.25 per page for copies of civil court records and $2.50 for each certified copy.

Columbia County Family Court Records

Record seekers can find family court records at the Columbia County Superior Court. Requests can be made online or in person at the courthouse. Online requests can be made through the Case Search portal. A search can be conducted by the judge’s last name, date, case number, or case party's first or last name. Registered individuals can request an eCertified or regular copy of family court records online through the GSCCCA eCertification Portal. This service is not free. Copies of family court records can also be obtained at the courthouse during business hours. The record staff will require some information about the record to process the request. Uncertified copies of family court records without assistance cost $0.50 per page. A $1 per page fee must be paid if assistance is required. Certified copies of family court records cost $3 per page.

Columbia Dissolution of Marriage Records

The Superior Court is the only court in Columbia County that issues dissolution of marriage records. Record seekers can use the Case Search portal to find this record for free. The search parameters are the judge’s last name, date, case number, or case party's first or last name. The court also accepts in-person requests during business hours. Copies of records attract a small fee. Uncertified copies of dissolution of marriage records without assistance cost $0.50 per page. A $1 per page fee must be paid if assistance is required. Certified copies of dissolution of marriage records cost $3 per page.

Columbia County Marriage and Divorce Records

Record seekers can obtain certified copies of Columbia County marriage certificates at the Probate Court’s office. The Court partners with a third-party vendor to provide online services. Users must provide a marriage date, first name, and last name to find marriage records through the third-party portal. Customers can visit the courthouse in person to request copies of Columbia County marriage records. Basic information about the record must be provided to conduct the search. Copies of record cost $10 per copy.

The Superior Court is Columbia County's official keeper of divorce records. Individuals can always visit the courthouse during business hours to obtain copies of divorce records. A name or divorce date must be provided to locate the records. Also, the necessary fees must be paid before a divorce record can be released to customers. Uncertified copies of divorce records without assistance cost $0.50 per page. A $1 per page fee must be paid if assistance is required. Certified copies of divorce records cost $3 per page. Divorce records can also be viewed online for free at the Case Search portal. The search criteria are the judge’s last name, date, case number, or case party's first or last name.

Columbia Birth and Death Records

The Probate Court is the custodian of Columbia County vital records of birth and death. These records are confidential and open only to registrants (for only Columbia County birth certificates), parents, legal guardians, temporary guardians, and the deceased’s living legal spouse or next of kin. Requests for birth or death certificates can be made by mail or in person at the Appling location. The court charges $25 for the first certified copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Customers must provide a photocopy of their valid driver's license or state-issued I.D. Mail requesters must make payment by money order and include a self-addressed stamped envelope. In-person requests can be processed while the customer waits, depending on the volume of requests. Individuals can call the Appling office at (706) 541-1254 to obtain information on home births. This service is only possible within the first year after birth.

Columbia County Probate Court Records

The Columbia County Probate Court has original jurisdiction over wills and estates. Record seekers can appear at the court to request probate court records. The record staff will require the deceased's name, date of death, or filing date to process the request. Customers can inspect the desired records on the computer for free, but a small fee must be paid before a copy can be issued.

Columbia County Property Records

The Columbia County Tax Assessor freely provides deed information online to the public. Once the user arrives at the portal, they should click the search tool. This will lead them to a page where they can find various indexes for property records. Record seekers can also visit the Tax Assessor’s office from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to obtain copies of property records. The customer must provide a name, property address, or book/page number, to the record staff. The office is located at:

Columbia County Tax Assessor
630 Ronald Reagan Drive
Building C, 1st Floor
Phone: (706) - 312 - 7474
Email: assessor@columbiacountyga.gov

The Columbia County Clerk of Courts issues property records online through the Real Estate Deed Index, Lien Index, and Plat Index. The search criteria are name, book/page, subdivision, unit, block, lot, or instrument type. Requests can also be made at the courthouse during business hours.

The Columbia County Tax Commissioner has an Online Portal where individuals can search and print property tax records. The search parameters are by map/parcel/property ID, bill number, property address, or owner’s name. Requests can also be made via the Online Map. A search can be conducted by address, street name, legal description, owner’s name, or parcel ID. Record seekers can also visit the Tax Commissioner’s office to request copies of property tax records. The office is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Columbia County Court Records Online

Several third-party vendors disseminate court records through their online portals. Most of them, like georgiacourtrecords.us, permit searches by name or case number. A name-based search returns results across multiple jurisdictions. Users can conduct initial searches for free, but extensive searches attract a small fee payable by credit card.