Lee County Court Records

Per O.C.G.A. § 50-18-91, Lee County court records encompass a wide range of documents and materials that the courts maintain in the course of administering justice. These materials can include, but are not limited to, written documents, letters, maps, books, microfilm, audio or video recordings, and electronic data storage mediums. Essentially, any record generated or filed as part of the court’s official proceedings—whether produced by the courts themselves, attorneys, litigants, or other related parties—constitutes a court record. Among the documents typically found in court records are:

• General case information (e.g., case number, names of involved parties, case type, disposition, and status)
• Official court filings, including dockets, orders, motions, rulings, and judgments

Court records serve a critical function within the judicial system. They document the existence and progress of individual cases and provide a factual record of the proceedings and outcomes. In addition, these records are valuable research tools for those examining legal precedents, conducting historical inquiries, or ensuring that the judiciary remains transparent and accountable to the public.

Are Court Records Public in Lee County?

Yes. Under Georgia’s Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. §§ 50-18-70 et seq.), the public generally has the right to access court records unless a statute, rule, or court order specifically exempts them. This statewide mandate ensures that the judicial process remains transparent and fosters public trust. However, certain records are exempt from disclosure and may be sealed or restricted. Examples of records commonly considered exempt or confidential include:

• Juror information (e.g., jury lists)
• Juvenile court case files (O.C.G.A. § 15-11-700 and related statutes protect confidentiality)
• Adoption records (O.C.G.A. § 19-8-23)
• Records that contain privileged attorney-client communications
• Health or medical information protected by law
• Records related to ongoing criminal investigations or prosecutions
• Sensitive personal identifiers, such as Social Security numbers

When requesting court records in Lee County, individuals must recognize that not every file will be immediately available if it falls under one of these exemptions or if the court has issued a protective order limiting disclosure.

Lee County Court Records Search

Several avenues are available to those who wish to locate and examine Lee County court records:

1. Clerk of the Superior Court’s Office: The Clerk of Superior Court often serves as the primary custodian of a wide range of court records, including civil, criminal, and some real estate filings.
2. Official Online Portals: Many Georgia courts, including those in Lee County, may provide online case search tools where users can access case summaries and limited docket information.
3. Third-Party Aggregators: Commercial websites sometimes aggregate publicly available court records, though their completeness and accuracy can vary.

Lee County Courts

Lee County is served by several trial-level courts, each with distinct jurisdictional responsibilities. These include the Superior, State, Juvenile, Probate, and Magistrate Courts. Municipal Courts, if established, may also operate within the county’s city limits for local ordinance violations and other limited matters.

Lee County Courthouse (Superior, State, Magistrate, Probate, and Juvenile Courts)
Address:
Lee County Courthouse
100 Leslie Highway
Leesburg, GA 31763

• Superior Court of Lee County
  Phone: (229) 759-6018
• State Court of Lee County
  Phone: (229) 759-6016
• Lee County Magistrate Court
  Phone: (229) 759-6016
• Lee County Probate Court
  Phone: (229) 759-6005
• Lee County Juvenile Court
  Juvenile matters are typically filed in the Superior Court Clerk’s Office and heard by the assigned judge.
  Phone: (Clerk’s Office): (229) 759-6018

Municipal Courts in Lee County
In addition to the county-level courts, certain municipalities within Lee County operate their own municipal courts. These courts handle local ordinance violations, traffic infractions, and minor misdemeanors as permitted by state law. For information on specific municipal courts, contact the city hall of the relevant municipality, such as the City of Leesburg or the City of Smithville, for their court locations and phone numbers.

Lee County Criminal and Civil Records

Criminal records in Lee County provide details regarding arrests, charges, convictions, and related criminal proceedings. These records are generated and maintained by various local agencies, including law enforcement departments and the courts themselves. Generally, Georgia law allows public access to many criminal records unless specifically sealed or restricted.

Individuals seeking criminal records in Lee County can:

• Contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office:
  119 Pinewood Road
  Leesburg, GA 31763
  Phone: (229) 759-6012
• Consult municipal police departments for arrests or incidents within specific city limits.
• Utilize the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-33) for comprehensive state-level criminal history records.

Obtaining Lee County Civil Court Records
Civil court records in Lee County originate from cases filed in the Superior, State, or Magistrate Courts, depending on the nature and value of the dispute:

• Superior Court: Has broad jurisdiction over civil cases, including general civil claims, domestic relations, and equity matters.
• State Court: Can handle a variety of civil matters not exclusively reserved for the Superior Court, regardless of the amount in controversy.
• Magistrate Court: Has jurisdiction over certain civil claims involving amounts up to $15,000, as provided under O.C.G.A. § 15-10-2.

To obtain civil court records, individuals should:

1. Identify the specific court that heard the matter.
2. Contact or visit the Clerk of the Superior Court’s Office, which often serves as the primary repository for civil filings. Be prepared to provide details such as the case number or party names to facilitate the record search.
3. Inquire about online case search options. Some Georgia courts offer web-based portals where users can review basic docket information or request certified copies for a fee.

Lee County Clerk of Superior Court Contact Information:
Address:
Lee County Courthouse
100 Leslie Highway
Leesburg, GA 31763
Phone: (229) 759-6018
Email and Online Access:

For the most current information on electronic record access, associated fees, and request procedures, contact the Clerk’s Office directly or visit the county’s official website.

Lee County Marriage Records

In Lee County, the Probate Court holds primary responsibility for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining the corresponding marriage records. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30, all individuals wishing to marry in Lee County must obtain a marriage license from the Probate Court. These records generally include the original marriage license, application documents, and sometimes related filings. Residents and non-residents seeking Lee County marriage records may do so by contacting or visiting:

Lee County Probate Court
100 Leslie Highway
Leesburg, GA 31763
Phone: (229) 759-6005

While the court’s official website or staff pages may provide preliminary guidance, specific procedures and fees for requesting certified copies of marriage records may not be extensively outlined online. Accordingly, interested persons are encouraged to call or visit the Probate Court’s office in person to inquire about the process, associated costs, payment options, and turnaround times. When requesting a record, it is advisable to have the full names of both parties and the approximate date of marriage to assist court staff in locating the documents promptly.

For those seeking copies of marriage records from a broader date range or for verification purposes, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) also provides access to certain marriage information. Under O.C.G.A. §§ 31-10-1 et seq., the DPH’s Vital Records division can issue certified copies of marriage certificates for marriages that occurred in Georgia between June 1952 and August 1996. In addition, the DPH can verify marriages that took place on or after January 1, 2014, anywhere in the state. Interested parties must qualify as an eligible requestor (generally, one of the spouses) and may submit a completed Request for Search of Marriage Form or a Marriage Verification Request Form.

Georgia Department of Public Health, State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (404) 679-4702

Fees: A non-refundable search fee of $10.00 applies, which covers one certified copy or verification letter. Additional copies cost $5.00 each.

Lee County Divorce Records

Divorces filed and granted in Lee County fall under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court. As per O.C.G.A. § 15-6-61, the Clerk of the Superior Court maintains divorce case files, final judgments, decrees, and other related records. Individuals interested in obtaining divorce records may contact:

Lee County Clerk of Superior Court
100 Leslie Highway
Leesburg, GA 31763
Phone: (229) 759-6018

The Clerk’s Office may offer an online case search portal where users can access basic docket information. If available, users can often search by party name, case number, or filing date. For records not accessible online, in-person or written requests can be submitted to the Clerk’s Office. Requesters should be prepared to provide identifying information, pay applicable fees, and potentially allow for processing time. Certified copies of divorce decrees serve as official proof of marital status changes, making them valuable for legal, financial, and personal matters.

Lee County Birth and Death Records

Birth and death records for Lee County are governed by state law, specifically O.C.G.A. § 31-10-26, which designates the Georgia Department of Public Health as the custodian of these vital records. The DPH maintains statewide birth and death records from January 1919 to the present. The Lee County Health Department may also assist in providing certified copies of local birth and death certificates.

Lee County Health Department
112 Park Street
Leesburg, GA 31763
Phone: (229) 759-3014

Eligible requesters, such as the individual named on the birth record, immediate family members, legal representatives, or authorized government agencies, must present acceptable identification and pay the required fees. The DPH typically charges $25 for a certified birth or death certificate copy, with additional copies costing $5.00 each. Processing times vary depending on whether the request is made in person, by mail, or online through approved third-party vendors. Mailed requests submitted to the State Office of Vital Records may take several weeks to process.

Georgia Department of Public Health, State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (404) 679-4702

When making requests by mail, use the appropriate DPH form (Form 3918 for birth records, Form 3912 for death records) and enclose a copy of a valid photo ID and the required fees.

Lee County Probate Court Records

The Lee County Probate Court has exclusive jurisdiction over the probate of wills, administration of estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and other matters specified under O.C.G.A. § 15-9-30. The court also issues marriage licenses and Weapons Carry Licenses. To access probate records, interested individuals can:

• Visit the Probate Court during normal business hours
• Contact the Probate Court Clerk to learn about the availability, format, and fee structure for obtaining records

Records requested may include wills, letters testamentary, inventories, and annual returns. Publicly available probate files provide insight into asset distribution, guardianship arrangements, and estate administration procedures.

Lee County Property Records

Lee County Property Records
Lee County property records offer information on property ownership, transfers, deeds, liens, encumbrances, and assessments. Various local offices maintain these records:

1. Clerk of Superior Court: Maintains real estate deeds, liens, and other property-related legal filings.
2. Board of Assessors (Property Appraisal Office): Determines property values for tax purposes.
3. Tax Commissioner’s Office: Handles property tax records, billing, and payment records.

Lee County Board of Assessors
104 Leslie Highway
Leesburg, GA 31763
Phone: (229) 759-6010

Lee County Tax Commissioner
104 Leslie Highway
Leesburg, GA 31763
Phone: (229) 759-6015

These offices may offer online property search tools, allowing users to search by owner name, parcel number, or address. In-person requests are also accepted during regular business hours, and copies or certified records may require payment of administrative fees.

Lee County Court Records Online

Third-party websites like Georgiacourtrecords.us may offer online access to certain Lee County court records, often by indexing publicly available information. While these sources can be convenient, users should note that such platforms are not affiliated with local government offices or the State of Georgia. As a result, accuracy, completeness, or timeliness cannot be guaranteed. For official, certified, or most up-to-date records, contacting the respective county office or using the county’s authorized online portals is recommended.