Lumpkin County Court Records

Under Georgia law, specifically O.C.G.A. § 50-18-91, Lumpkin County court records are defined as any and all documented information created, received, or maintained by the courts in the county. Such records may be found in various formats, including but not limited to printed materials, handwritten notes, letters, legal filings, official documents, maps, photographs, microfilm, and electronic media. These comprehensive records generally include key details such as case numbers, names of parties involved, judges’ names, attorneys’ names, filing dates, hearing dates, charges, charge numbers, arrest dates, court events, final dispositions, and the overall status of the case.

Members of the public often rely on Lumpkin County court records to assess the legal history and background of individuals, whether for verification of criminal histories, review of civil litigation, examination of bankruptcy filings, or evaluation of ongoing disputes.

Are Court Records Public in Lumpkin County?

In accordance with Georgia law and Ga. R. Super. Ct. 21, most Lumpkin County court records are considered public and are, therefore, open for inspection and copying by any interested member of the community. This openness is further supported by the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, et seq.), which ensures public access to government records, including most court documents, unless specific exemptions apply.

However, certain court records in Lumpkin County may be restricted from public viewing to safeguard individual privacy rights, protect the integrity of ongoing investigations, or prevent undue harm. Examples of records that may be confidential or otherwise exempt from disclosure include, but are not limited to:

• Medical records and related health information
• Adoption case files and proceedings (O.C.G.A. § 19-8-23)
• Juvenile court matters and records (O.C.G.A. § 15-11-701)
• Confidential attorney work product
• Privileged communications protected under attorney-client privilege (O.C.G.A. § 24-5-501)
• Documents tied to active investigations or pending prosecutions
• Certain permanent records maintained by the Lumpkin County Probate Court related to weapons carry licenses (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-129)
• Sensitive jury list data, including personal identifying information (O.C.G.A. § 15-12-40.1)
• Financial details that could facilitate identity theft, including social security numbers, account numbers, credit/debit card information, and other banking data

Lumpkin County Court Records Search

Members of the public who wish to obtain Lumpkin County court records have several options:

1. In-Person Requests:
   Individuals may visit the courthouse during normal business hours to review and request paper records directly at the Clerk of Courts’ office.
2. Online Record Search Portals:
   Lumpkin County courts may offer online database systems through which users can search for and view case information. Although basic case data may be accessible at no cost, obtaining certified copies or downloading official court documents may require payment of a fee.
3. Third-Party Services:
   Some independent third-party websites aggregate court data and provide search tools. However, these may charge fees or lack the comprehensiveness and accuracy of official county sources.

Lumpkin County Courts

Lumpkin County is part of the Enotah Judicial Circuit and hosts multiple courts with varying jurisdictions over civil, criminal, probate, juvenile, and municipal matters. The primary courts and their contact information are as follows:

• Lumpkin County Superior Court (Enotah Judicial Circuit)
  325 Riley Road
  Dahlonega, GA 30533
  Phone: (706) 864-3736
• Lumpkin County State Court
  325 Riley Road
  Dahlonega, GA 30533
  Phone: (706) 864-3847
• Lumpkin County Probate Court
  99 Courthouse Hill, Suite E
  Dahlonega, GA 30533
  Phone: (706) 864-3847
• Lumpkin County Magistrate Court
  99 Courthouse Hill, Suite E
  Dahlonega, GA 30533
  Phone: (706) 864-3736
• Lumpkin County Juvenile Court (Enotah Judicial Circuit)
  325 Riley Road
  Dahlonega, GA 30533
  Phone: (706) 864-3736
• Dahlonega Municipal Court
  465 Riley Road
  Dahlonega, GA 30533
  Phone: (706) 482-2701

Lumpkin County Criminal and Civil Records

Criminal records maintained by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office or other law enforcement agencies typically include arrest histories, warrants, and details of any criminal proceedings. Under Georgia law, certain criminal records are accessible to the public, with some limitations for ongoing investigations or records sealed by court order.

Those seeking Lumpkin County criminal records may contact the Sheriff’s Office directly during normal operating hours. Copying and administrative fees may apply, and processing times can vary. The Sheriff’s Office location is:

Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office
385 East Main Street
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: (706) 864-0414

Additionally, arrest records or basic criminal information may sometimes be available through official online portals, though more in-depth documents might require an in-person visit or a formal written request.

Obtain Lumpkin County Civil Court Records

Civil court records, which may involve disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations, are held at the respective courts with jurisdiction over the case type. For instance:

• Superior Court: Has general jurisdiction over a broad range of civil cases, including those involving substantial claims and equitable relief. (O.C.G.A. § 15-6-8)
• State Court: Handles civil cases that may involve lesser amounts in controversy but still require adjudication beyond the Magistrate Court’s jurisdiction.
• Magistrate Court: Presides over small claims involving $15,000 or less (O.C.G.A. § 15-10-2).

To access civil court records, requesters may visit the appropriate court clerk’s office during regular business hours and provide as much case information as possible to facilitate the search. The clerk’s staff may assess search and copying fees based on statutory guidelines and the volume of records requested. Alternatively, if online databases are available, requesters may register for an account and search the court’s portal. While general case information may be free, downloading official documents often incurs additional costs.

Lumpkin County Marriage Records

In Lumpkin County, marriage records are public documents maintained by the Probate Court, as authorized under O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30 and related Georgia statutes. These records confirm the lawful union of two individuals and typically include the full names of the spouses, the date of the marriage, and the officiant’s name. Individuals seeking certified copies of marriage records issued in Lumpkin County may visit the Probate Court in person at the Lumpkin County Courthouse during its standard business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.):

Lumpkin County Probate Court
325 Riley Road, Suite 122
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: (706) 864-3847

Upon arrival, the courthouse staff will provide a request form and assist in locating the desired record. Fees vary depending on the number of pages requested and whether the copy is certified. Payment methods generally include cash, money order, or certified check. It is advisable to contact the office in advance to confirm current fees and requirements.

For individuals who cannot visit in person, marriage records may also be obtained through the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Office of Vital Records. Mailed requests should include a completed Request for Search of Marriage Form, a valid government-issued photo ID, and the appropriate fees. As of this writing, the DPH charges a $10 search fee for marriage records, with each additional certified copy costing $5. Fees are payable by money order or certified check, and requesters should allow sufficient processing time.

Mailing Address for DPH Marriage Record Requests:
Georgia Department of Public Health
State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (404) 679-4702

Lumpkin County Divorce Records

Certified copies of divorce records finalized in Lumpkin County are available through the Lumpkin County Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over all divorce proceedings (see O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1 et seq.). Individuals may request copies in person at the Superior Court Clerk’s Office:

Lumpkin County Superior Court
325 Riley Road, Suite 100
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: (706) 864-3736

Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To locate a record, requesters should provide the parties’ names, the approximate divorce date, or the case number. Standard fees apply, generally starting at $0.50 per page for plain copies and approximately $2.50 for the first certified page plus $0.50 for each additional page. For convenience, Lumpkin County may also offer an online case search portal accessible through the Clerk of Courts’ website. While basic case information might be free, creating an account and paying certain fees may be required for downloading official court documents.

Lumpkin County Birth and Death Records

Under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-1 et seq., birth and death records are considered vital records and are subject to restricted access. Generally, only individuals with a direct and tangible interest—such as the registrant, immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives—may obtain certified copies.

Local requests for birth and death records can be made at the Lumpkin County Health Department:

Lumpkin County Health Department
60 Mechanicsville Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: (706) 867-2727

Office hours typically run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A certified copy of a birth or death record costs $25 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy of the same record requested at the same time. Acceptable forms of payment usually include cash, money order, or certified check. For current fees and requirements, it is advisable to call the Health Department directly.

Alternatively, individuals may request birth and death certificates through the Georgia Department of Public Health’s State Office of Vital Records by mail, online, or in person. Online orders can be made using approved third-party vendors and typically involve additional processing and shipping fees, as well as a waiting period of up to several weeks.

Georgia DPH State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (404) 679-4702

Mail-in applications require a completed Request for Search of Birth (Form 3918) or Death Record (Form 3912), a photocopy of a valid ID, and payment via money order or certified check. Processing times for mail requests generally range between 8 to 10 weeks.

Lumpkin County Probate Court Records

The Lumpkin County Probate Court holds exclusive, original jurisdiction over matters such as the probate of wills, estate administrations, guardianships, and involuntary commitments (O.C.G.A. § 15-9-30 et seq.). Interested parties can obtain probate court records by visiting the Probate Court office in person during normal business hours. To expedite the process, it is advisable to provide the deceased individual’s name, case number (if available), or other identifying information. Standard copying fees, usually around $0.50 per page, apply for all probate records.

Lumpkin County Property Records

Property records, including deeds, liens, and property tax information, are maintained by various county offices. The Lumpkin County Clerk of Superior Court keeps official land records, while the Board of Tax Assessors provides tax and valuation information. Property records can often be reviewed in person or, in many cases, searched online through official county databases.

Lumpkin County Clerk of Superior Court (Land & Deed Records)
325 Riley Road, Suite 100
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: (706) 864-3736

Fees for property record copies generally start at $0.50 per page, with certified copies costing more (e.g., $2.50 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page). For online searches, the Lumpkin County Board of Tax Assessors provides tools to locate property records by owner name, parcel number, or physical address:

Lumpkin County Board of Tax Assessors
99 Courthouse Hill
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: (706) 864-2433

Lumpkin County Court Records Online

Some Lumpkin County court records are accessible online through official county portals or third-party aggregators like Georgiacourtrecords.us. Third-party websites may offer broad search capabilities but can involve additional charges and may not always be up to date. Thus, users are advised to verify the authenticity of a third-party site and compare the information retrieved with those from official sources.