Cobb County Divorce Records
What Are Cobb County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Cobb County are official legal documents maintained by the Superior Court of Cobb County that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Georgia Code § 19-5-1, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of various court filings, orders, and decrees that chronicle the legal process of terminating a marriage.
The Superior Court of Cobb County maintains these records as part of its statutory responsibility to adjudicate domestic relations matters. Divorce records serve multiple important functions:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits claims
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical documentation for genealogical research
Divorce records in Cobb County are categorized as judicial records and are maintained separately from vital records such as birth and death certificates, which are administered by the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Are Cobb County Divorce Records Public?
Cobb County divorce records have a nuanced public access status governed by Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70. Generally, court records of divorce proceedings in Cobb County are considered public documents, but with significant exceptions and limitations.
The public accessibility of divorce records in Cobb County is structured as follows:
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Court Case Files: Most divorce case files maintained by the Superior Court of Cobb County are available for public inspection. These include petitions, responses, and final divorce decrees.
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Restricted Information: Pursuant to Georgia Code § 9-11-7.1, certain sensitive information is redacted or restricted from public access, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Children's identifying information
- Certain medical information
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Sealed Records: In cases involving domestic violence, child abuse allegations, or other sensitive matters, a judge may order records sealed from public view to protect the parties involved.
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Certified Divorce Certificates: While court records may be publicly accessible, certified divorce certificates issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health have restricted access limited to:
- The individuals named in the record
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals with a direct and tangible interest as defined by state law
Members of the public seeking access to divorce records must follow established procedures and may be required to provide identification or demonstrate legal standing to access certain documents.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Cobb County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Cobb County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The Superior Court of Cobb County serves as the primary custodian of divorce records within the county. Individuals may obtain these records through the following procedures:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form, providing case number if known, or names and approximate date of divorce
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees as established by county ordinance
By Mail:
- Download and complete the records request form from the Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's website
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail the request to:
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk
70 Haynes Street
Marietta, GA 30090
(770) 528-1300
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk
For Certified Copies: For certified copies of divorce certificates (as opposed to court records), requests must be directed to:
Georgia Department of Public Health - Vital Records
2600 Skyland Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30319
(404) 679-4702
Georgia Department of Public Health
Requestors should be prepared to provide the full names of both parties to the divorce, the approximate date of divorce, and the county where the divorce was granted. Processing times vary based on current departmental workload and the age of the requested records.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Cobb County Online?
Cobb County provides digital access to certain divorce records through its online court records system. The online search capabilities allow for convenient preliminary research, though some limitations apply regarding the scope and detail of available information. Individuals seeking to look up divorce records online may utilize the following resources:
Cobb County Superior Court Case Search:
- Navigate to the Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's website
- Select the "Case Search" option from the menu
- Create a user account if required
- Search by party name, case number, or filing date
- Filter results to show domestic relations/divorce cases
- Review basic case information available online
Georgia Judicial Gateway:
- Access the Georgia Judicial Gateway portal
- Select Cobb County from the jurisdiction list
- Follow the prompts to search for divorce cases
- Note that complete case files may not be available; only docket information and basic case status
Limitations of Online Searches:
- Records prior to digital conversion (typically pre-2000) may not be available online
- Sealed or restricted cases will not appear in public search results
- Complete case documents often require in-person requests
- Certified copies cannot be obtained through online systems
For comprehensive divorce record searches, particularly for cases filed before digital record-keeping was implemented, in-person visits to the Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's Office remain the most reliable method. Online searches serve primarily as a preliminary research tool.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Cobb County?
Individuals seeking to access divorce records in Cobb County without incurring fees have several limited options available. While most official copies and certified documents require payment of statutory fees, the following methods may be utilized to view basic divorce record information at no cost:
Public Access Terminals:
- The Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's Office provides public access computer terminals at:
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk
70 Haynes Street
Marietta, GA 30090
(770) 528-1300
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk
- These terminals allow free viewing of non-sealed court records
- Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- No appointment necessary, though wait times may vary
Law Library Resources:
- The Cobb County Law Library maintains public records that may be accessed free of charge:
Cobb County Law Library
70 Haynes Street, 3rd Floor
Marietta, GA 30090
(770) 528-1884
Cobb County Law Library
- Reference librarians can assist with locating divorce case information
- No fees for viewing records, though printing charges may apply
Online Case Information:
- Basic case information may be viewed online through the Cobb County Superior Court Case Search
- Limited to docket information and case status
- No charge for basic searches, though user registration may be required
It is important to note that while viewing basic record information may be available at no cost, fees will apply for obtaining official copies, certified documents, or extensive searches requiring staff assistance, as authorized under Georgia Code § 15-6-77.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Cobb County
Divorce records in Cobb County comprise a comprehensive collection of legal documents that chronicle the dissolution of marriage process from initiation to conclusion. These records are maintained by the Superior Court of Cobb County and typically contain the following components:
Petition for Divorce:
- Legal document initiating the divorce proceeding
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Grounds for divorce as specified under Georgia Code § 19-5-3
- Statement regarding residency requirements
- Initial requests regarding property division, support, and child custody
Summons and Service Documentation:
- Proof that the non-filing spouse received legal notice of the divorce action
- Affidavits of service or waiver of service forms
Response/Answer from Respondent:
- Non-filing spouse's formal response to divorce petition
- Counterclaims or defenses, if any
Financial Affidavits:
- Sworn statements detailing each party's income, assets, expenses, and liabilities
- Supporting financial documentation
Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Custody evaluations
- Guardian ad litem reports
Settlement Agreements:
- Negotiated terms regarding:
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony/spousal support arrangements
- Child custody and visitation schedules
- Child support obligations
Court Orders:
- Temporary orders issued during the pendency of the case
- Final judgment and decree of divorce
- Post-judgment modifications, if any
Hearing Transcripts:
- Records of testimony and proceedings for contested matters
- Judge's findings of fact and conclusions of law
The completeness of divorce records varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, the complexity of the marital estate, and whether minor children were involved. Certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal pursuant to Georgia Code § 9-11-7.1.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Cobb County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Cobb County have several options for obtaining this documentation, depending on the specific type of proof needed and its intended use. The following procedures apply to obtaining various forms of divorce verification:
For Certified Copy of Final Judgment and Decree:
- Visit or contact the Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's Office:
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk
70 Haynes Street
Marietta, GA 30090
(770) 528-1300
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk
- Provide the case number if available, or names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
- Complete the records request form
- Pay the certification fee (currently $10.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page)
- Present valid photo identification
For Certificate of Divorce (Vital Record):
- Contact the Georgia Department of Public Health's Vital Records Office:
Georgia Department of Public Health - Vital Records
2600 Skyland Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30319
(404) 679-4702
Georgia Department of Public Health
- Complete the Certificate of Divorce Request Form
- Provide required identification and documentation of eligibility
- Submit the current fee (approximately $15.00 per certificate)
- Allow 4-6 weeks for processing by mail, or obtain same-day service in person when available
For Apostille or Authentication (International Use): If proof of divorce is needed for use in another country, additional authentication may be required:
- First obtain a certified copy from the Cobb County Superior Court Clerk
- Submit the certified copy to:
Georgia Secretary of State - Authentications Office
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE
Suite 313, West Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-2881
Georgia Secretary of State
- Include the appropriate authentication request form and fee
Requestors should specify the intended use of the divorce verification, as different purposes may require different forms of documentation. For example, name changes on federal documents may require the full divorce decree, while remarriage licenses might only require a certificate of divorce.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Cobb County?
Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and associated records in Cobb County may be granted confidential status, though complete confidentiality is rare. The Georgia judicial system generally maintains a presumption of openness for court records, but recognizes specific situations where privacy interests may outweigh public access rights, as established in Georgia Uniform Superior Court Rule 21.
Grounds for Confidentiality:
Divorce records may be sealed or redacted in Cobb County under the following circumstances:
- When disclosure would compromise the safety of a party or child (domestic violence cases)
- To protect sensitive financial information or trade secrets
- When records contain sensitive medical or mental health information
- In cases involving allegations of child abuse or neglect
- When publicity would cause undue harm to minor children
- By mutual agreement of parties, subject to judicial approval
Process for Requesting Confidentiality:
- File a motion to seal records with the Superior Court of Cobb County
- Demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the public interest in access
- Request specific sealing of particular documents rather than entire case files
- Attend a hearing where the judge will determine whether sealing is warranted
Limitations on Confidentiality:
Even when records are sealed from general public access, the following limitations apply:
- Parties to the case and their attorneys retain access
- Court personnel maintain administrative access
- Law enforcement agencies may access records with proper authorization
- Certain statistical information remains public (case numbers, parties' names, general case type)
- Sealing orders may be temporary or subject to later modification
The court applies a balancing test when considering confidentiality requests, weighing the potential harm from disclosure against the public's right to access judicial records. Blanket sealing of entire divorce cases is rare and generally requires extraordinary circumstances as determined by the presiding judge.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Cobb County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Cobb County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseload, and statutory waiting periods. The following timeframes represent typical processing periods under current conditions:
Uncontested Divorces:
- Minimum waiting period: 31 days from date of service on respondent, as required by Georgia Code § 19-5-3
- Typical processing time: 45-60 days from filing to final decree
- Factors affecting timeline:
- Completeness of initial paperwork
- Court calendar availability
- Judge's review schedule
Contested Divorces:
- Range: 6 months to 2+ years
- Median time to disposition: Approximately 9 months
- Variables affecting duration:
- Complexity of asset division
- Child custody disputes
- Discovery process length
- Motion practice
- Court congestion
- Attorney and party availability
Expedited Processes:
- Cases involving domestic violence may receive priority scheduling
- Military deployments may affect timelines (expediting or staying proceedings)
Statistical Benchmarks: According to the Administrative Office of the Courts of Georgia, the average disposition time for domestic relations cases in Cobb County Superior Court is approximately:
- 60 days for uncontested divorces without children
- 90 days for uncontested divorces with children
- 270 days for contested divorces with significant property or custody issues
Parties seeking to minimize the duration of divorce proceedings are advised to:
- Prepare complete and accurate documentation
- Consider mediation or collaborative divorce approaches
- Respond promptly to discovery requests
- Maintain realistic expectations regarding property division and custody
- Consider settlement options at each stage of litigation
The court may establish case management schedules in complex matters to ensure timely progression through required procedural steps.
How Long Does Cobb County Keep Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Cobb County are subject to retention schedules established by the Georgia Records Act § 50-18-90 and the Judicial Council of Georgia's records retention guidelines. These records are maintained for extensive periods due to their legal and historical significance.
Superior Court Divorce Records Retention:
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Final Judgments and Decrees: Permanent retention
- Original signed orders are never destroyed
- Microfilm or digital preservation methods are employed for long-term storage
- Records dating back to county formation (1832) are maintained
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Case Files and Supporting Documents:
- Current retention period: 75 years from date of final disposition
- After retention period, records may be transferred to the Georgia Archives for historical preservation
- Records containing historically significant information may be selected for permanent retention
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Docket Books and Indices:
- Permanent retention
- Serve as finding aids for locating specific case records
- Historical dockets may be transferred to microfilm or digital format
Vital Records Divorce Certificates:
The Georgia Department of Public Health maintains divorce certificates (statistical records) according to the following schedule:
- Permanent retention for all divorce certificates
- Records from 1952 to present are maintained in centralized state repositories
- Pre-1952 records may be maintained at county level with varying availability
Digital Records Management:
- Records created after approximately 2000 are typically maintained in digital format
- Legacy paper records are being progressively digitized
- Multiple backup systems ensure preservation of electronic records
- Disaster recovery protocols protect against loss of information
Individuals seeking historical divorce records should note that older records may require specialized search assistance and may not be immediately accessible through standard public terminals. The Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's Office can provide guidance on accessing archival divorce records.
How To Get a Divorce In Cobb County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Cobb County must follow specific procedures established by Georgia law and local court rules. The divorce process involves several distinct steps, which vary depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
Residency Requirements:
- At least one spouse must have been a Georgia resident for six months immediately preceding the filing, as required by Georgia Code § 19-5-2
- The petition must be filed in the defendant's county of residence, or in the petitioner's county if the defendant is a non-resident or has moved from the state
Uncontested Divorce Procedure:
- Prepare and file a Petition for Divorce with the Cobb County Superior Court Clerk
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $225, subject to change)
- Serve the non-filing spouse with divorce papers through:
- Sheriff's service
- Private process server
- Acknowledgment of Service (if cooperative)
- File financial affidavits if property or support issues exist
- Submit a Settlement Agreement addressing all issues
- Wait the mandatory 31-day waiting period
- Schedule and attend the final hearing
- Receive the Final Judgment and Decree of Divorce
Contested Divorce Procedure:
- File the Petition for Divorce
- Serve the respondent spouse
- Receive and respond to the Answer and possible Counterclaim
- Participate in temporary hearing if immediate issues need resolution
- Engage in discovery process (document exchanges, depositions)
- Attend mediation (mandatory in Cobb County for most cases)
- Prepare for and participate in trial if settlement not reached
- Receive Final Judgment and Decree after trial
Resources for Divorce Filers:
Cobb County Superior Court - Family Law Division
70 Haynes Street
Marietta, GA 30090
(770) 528-1100
Cobb County Superior Court
Cobb County Law Library
70 Haynes Street, 3rd Floor
Marietta, GA 30090
(770) 528-1884
Cobb County Law Library
Atlanta Legal Aid Society - Cobb County Office
30 South Park Square
Marietta, GA 30060
(770) 528-2565
Atlanta Legal Aid Society
Individuals with complex property issues, child custody concerns, or significant assets are advised to consult with a qualified family law attorney. Those with limited financial resources may qualify for assistance through Atlanta Legal Aid or the Cobb County Bar Association's lawyer referral service.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Cobb County
Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Cobb County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documentation. The required paperwork varies based on case specifics, including whether children are involved and if the divorce is contested or uncontested.
Sources for Divorce Forms:
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's Office
70 Haynes Street
Marietta, GA 30090
(770) 528-1300
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk
- In-person assistance available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Basic divorce packet available for a nominal fee
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can answer procedural questions
Cobb County Law Library
70 Haynes Street, 3rd Floor
Marietta, GA 30090
(770) 528-1884
Cobb County Law Library
- Reference materials and form books available
- Computer access for online form retrieval
- Librarians can direct patrons to appropriate resources
Georgia Legal Aid Website
Georgia Legal Aid
- Free downloadable divorce forms
- Interactive form preparation tools
- Self-help resources and instructions
Judicial Council of Georgia
Georgia Courts
- Standardized family law forms approved for statewide use
- Comprehensive instructions for form completion
- Available in multiple languages
Essential Documents for Filing:
- Petition for Divorce - The initial pleading stating grounds for divorce and requested relief
- Verification Form - Sworn statement attesting to truth of petition contents
- Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit - Detailed disclosure of income, assets, and expenses
- Standing Order - Acknowledgment of automatic restraining provisions
- Summons - Formal notice to respondent of legal action
- Child Support Worksheet (if applicable) - Calculation of support obligations
- Parenting Plan (if applicable) - Proposed custody and visitation arrangements
- Settlement Agreement (if uncontested) - Resolution of all divorce issues
Individuals with complex cases or those unfamiliar with legal procedures may benefit from consulting with an attorney. The Cobb County Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service for those seeking legal representation:
Cobb County Bar Association
70 Haynes Street, Suite 2000
Marietta, GA 30090
(770) 424-2947
Cobb County Bar Association
Self-represented litigants should carefully review all instructions and consider attending the free divorce workshops periodically offered through the Cobb County Superior Court's Family Law Information Center.