Lee County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Lee County in 2026
LeeGERecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Lee County, Georgia. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, and final judgment details through this resource. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final decrees, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Lee County may be searched through several official channels, including the Superior Court Clerk's office, online court access portals, state vital records, and public access terminals located at the courthouse. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce-related court documents.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Lee County Superior Court Clerk maintains case records that may be searched online. Basic case information, including party names, case numbers, and filing dates, is available at no charge. Copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Georgia Courts e-Access portal provides statewide access to court records across participating jurisdictions. Users must create an account to search records. This consolidated database allows searches across multiple Georgia counties, including Lee County Superior Court filings.
3. State Vital Records
Georgia does not issue divorce certificates through the state vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates. The Georgia Department of Public Health maintains a Divorce Verification Letter service, which confirms whether a divorce was granted in Georgia. This letter is not a certified copy of the court record but serves as official verification of the dissolution.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Lee County Superior Court:
- Address: Lee County Courthouse, 109 Leslie Highway, Leesburg, GA 31763
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Phone: (229) 759-6018
- Services:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and case documents
- Staff assistance for locating records
Records Department:
Historical and archived divorce case files are maintained by the Superior Court Clerk. Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format and may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases should be submitted directly to the Clerk's office.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Lee County Superior Court Clerk, P.O. Box 37, Leesburg, GA 31763
- Include:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, depending on volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (229) 759-6018
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Georgia may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may be subject to restricted access. Attorneys may also petition the court for access to sealed records upon a showing of good cause. The State Bar of Georgia provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Lee County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Georgia are filed in the Superior Court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.
Residency Requirement:
Under Georgia law, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Georgia for a minimum of six months prior to filing for divorce. The petition is filed in the Superior Court of the county where the respondent resides, or, if the respondent is not a Georgia resident, in the county where the petitioner resides.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
Cases finalized within the past several weeks may not yet be fully indexed in electronic systems. Members of the public should allow processing time following the final hearing before expecting records to appear in online search tools.
Older Divorces:
Cases filed prior to electronic record-keeping may exist only in paper format and may require special retrieval from archives. Additional time should be anticipated for older records.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records stored in physical archives
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (229) 759-6018
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Request a Divorce Verification Letter from the Georgia Department of Public Health
- Engage a licensed attorney or professional records search service
What Are Lee County Divorce Records?
Lee County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Lee County Superior Court. These records constitute part of the court's permanent family law case files and are maintained by the Superior Court Clerk as the primary custodian.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a divorce proceeding includes:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans, if minor children are involved
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings, if prepared
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the official court order terminating the marital relationship. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support provisions, if any
- Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Superior Court Clerk upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Additional documents that may be part of the case file include:
- Marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Post-judgment modification orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for legal name change
- Property transfer and title documentation
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
- Social Security benefit eligibility determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Lee County Superior Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Clerk indexes records by the names of both parties and provides certified copies upon request. The Georgia Department of Public Health maintains a separate Divorce Verification Letter service but does not hold complete court case files.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Georgia are governed by O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1 et seq., which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural requirements for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq., which establishes the presumption that court records are open to public inspection.
Are Lee County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Lee County Superior Court are public court records subject to the Georgia Open Records Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose.
Public Access Policy:
What Is Public
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties to the proceeding
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled court hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules
- Bank account numbers and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed financial statements may be subject to limited access in certain circumstances
- Tax returns submitted as exhibits may be sealed or restricted
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside may be withheld
- Schools attended by minor children
- Medical and psychological information concerning children
- Child custody evaluations may be sealed by court order
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications, which are confidential under Georgia law
Sealed Records:
A court may seal specific documents or an entire case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
The presumption of public access to court records in Georgia is established under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, which provides that all public records shall be open for personal inspection and copying. Restrictions on access require a specific legal basis, and the burden rests on the party seeking to restrict access to demonstrate that confidentiality is warranted.
Privacy Protections:
State-Specific Protections
- Georgia family law provisions protecting minor children's identifying information
- Domestic violence victim address confidentiality programs
- Confidentiality of mediation proceedings under Georgia law
Federal Protections
- HIPAA protections applicable to medical records submitted as exhibits
- Federal domestic violence protections under the Violence Against Women Act
- Privacy Act provisions applicable to federal agency records
Who Can Access Records:
General Public
Members of the public may access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents. Photo identification may be required at the Clerk's office. Standard copying fees apply.
Parties to the Case
Each party to a divorce proceeding has full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public access.
Attorneys
Licensed attorneys may access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed or restricted documents upon a proper showing.
Researchers and Media
Journalists and academic researchers may access the public portions of divorce case files. Access to sealed records requires a court order. First Amendment considerations apply to media access requests.
Restrictions on Use:
Access to divorce records may not be used for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or violation of existing protective orders. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, and personal verification of marital status.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to confidential or sealed divorce records must file a motion with the Lee County Superior Court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved. Certain parties, including law enforcement agencies, child protective services investigators, and court-appointed evaluators, may be entitled to access restricted records by statute.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Lee County?
The Lee County Superior Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77, which governs fees charged by Superior Court Clerks throughout Georgia.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of final decree (first page) | $2.50 |
| Each additional page (certified copy) | $0.50 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Varies |
| Divorce Verification Letter (Georgia DPH) | $10.00 |
Additional Fee Information:
- Inspection of records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours
- Electronic copies, where available, may be subject to the same per-page fee as paper copies
- Certified copies bear the official seal of the Superior Court and the signature of the Clerk
- The Georgia Department of Public Health charges a separate fee for Divorce Verification Letters, currently $10.00 per letter
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Money order payable to the Lee County Superior Court Clerk
- Personal checks (accepted at the Clerk's discretion)
- Credit and debit cards may be accepted; members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods with the Clerk's office prior to submitting a request
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are parties to the case and who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. A formal application demonstrating financial hardship is required. Fee waivers are granted at the court's discretion and are not automatic.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- In-person inspection of public case documents at the courthouse
- Basic case status information provided verbally by Clerk's staff
- Online docket information available through the Georgia Courts e-Access portal (account required; document viewing may incur fees)
What's Included in Divorce Records in Lee County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Lee County Superior Court Clerk contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court throughout the proceeding. The contents vary depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether minor children were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number and court division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Name of the assigned judge
- Names of attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce, information concerning any minor children, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition sets forth the respondent's position on each issue raised in the petition.
Financial Affidavits:
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment accounts, and retirement accounts, and all liabilities including mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card debt, and other obligations.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and estimated values
- Debt inventory listing all marital liabilities
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations, if applicable
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody
- Timesharing schedule including regular, holiday, and summer provisions
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income information for both parties
- Health insurance and childcare cost documentation
- Child support order specifying amount, payment method, and schedule
- Custody evaluations, if ordered by the court (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed (subject to restricted access)
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support provisions specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Calculation worksheets supporting support determinations
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the parties participated in mediation (note: mediation communications themselves are confidential under Georgia law)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions, if issued
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and timesharing provisions, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), if retirement accounts were divided
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody, timesharing, or support
- Court orders on modification petitions
- Contempt motions and orders
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
- Liens filed in connection with property division
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Addresses and schools of minor children
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How Information Is Organized:
Documents in a divorce case file are maintained in chronological order of filing. Each document is assigned a filing date and appears in the case docket in the sequence received. The docket serves as an index of all documents in the file. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format; older cases may exist in paper format or as scanned images.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Lee County?
Proof of divorce in Lee County is obtained through the Lee County Superior Court Clerk or, for verification purposes only, through the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Certified Copy of Final Decree:
The most comprehensive and legally recognized proof of divorce is a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage. This document bears the official seal of the Superior Court and the signature of the Clerk, confirming its authenticity. A certified copy is accepted for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other legal purposes.
To obtain a certified copy:
- Visit the Lee County Superior Court Clerk's office in person at 109 Leslie Highway, Leesburg, GA 31763
- Submit a written request by mail to P.O. Box 37, Leesburg, GA 31763, including the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and payment of applicable fees
- Contact the Clerk's office at (229) 759-6018 to confirm current fees and processing times
Georgia Divorce Verification Letter:
For purposes that require only confirmation that a divorce occurred in Georgia, the Georgia Department of Public Health issues Divorce Verification Letters. This service is available for divorces granted in Georgia from 1952 to the present. The letter confirms the names of the parties, the county of filing, and the date the divorce was granted. It does not contain the terms of the divorce decree.
Online Access:
Members of the public may access case information and, in some instances, document images through the Georgia Courts e-Access portal. An account is required. Document availability varies by county and case age.
Office Information:
Lee County Superior Court Clerk
109 Leslie Highway
Leesburg, GA 31763
Phone: (229) 759-6018
Lee County Superior Court Clerk
Georgia Department of Public Health — Vital Records
2600 Skyland Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30319
Phone: (404) 679-4702
Georgia Department of Public Health
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Lee County?
Divorce proceedings in Lee County are presumptively public under the Georgia Open Records Act; however, specific documents or entire case files may be made confidential under certain circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Sealed or Restricted:
- A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a showing of good cause
- Cases involving allegations of domestic violence may have victim addresses and identifying information withheld from public access to protect the safety of the parties
- Mental health evaluations, psychological assessments, and substance abuse treatment records submitted as exhibits are subject to restricted access
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order to protect the best interests of minor children
- Mediation communications are confidential by operation of Georgia law and are not part of the public court record
- Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive identifiers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules
Legal Basis:
The authority to seal court records in Georgia derives from the court's inherent power to manage its own proceedings and from specific statutory provisions protecting sensitive categories of information. The Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, establishes the presumption of public access, and any restriction on that access must be supported by a specific legal basis. A party seeking confidentiality must file a motion with the Lee County Superior Court and demonstrate that the privacy interest at stake outweighs the public interest in transparency.
How Long Does Lee County Keep Divorce Records?
Lee County Superior Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Georgia's records retention requirements for court files.
Retention Periods:
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage are permanent records and are retained indefinitely by the Superior Court Clerk
- Complete case files, including all pleadings, orders, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of the period specified under the Georgia Superior Court records retention schedule
- The Georgia Archives and the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority provide guidance on retention schedules applicable to court records
- Cases involving minor children may be retained for extended periods to preserve records relevant to custody and support matters
- Post-judgment modification and enforcement records are retained as part of the original case file
Access to Older Records:
- Cases filed prior to electronic record-keeping exist in paper format and may be stored in on-site or off-site archives
- Retrieval of archived paper records may require additional processing time
- Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Lee County Superior Court Clerk directly at (229) 759-6018 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures
- The Georgia Department of Public Health maintains Divorce Verification Letter records for divorces granted in Georgia from 1952 to the present, providing an alternative source for confirming older divorces
Destruction of Records:
Permanent records, including final judgments, are not subject to destruction. Certain ancillary documents may be subject to disposition after the applicable retention period has elapsed, consistent with the records retention schedule established by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority.