Coffee County Public Records /Coffee County Divorce Records

Coffee County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Coffee County in 2026

CoffeeCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available data and information related to divorce records in Coffee County. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, and settlement agreements. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable privacy restrictions.

Divorce records in Coffee County may be searched through official resources including the Clerk of Court's online case search system, in-person visits to the courthouse, written mail requests, and state vital records portals. The following sections outline each available method in detail.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Coffee County Clerk of Courts maintains an online case search portal where members of the public may search for divorce case information at no charge for basic results. Document copies may require a fee.

Access the Coffee County Clerk of Courts case search to search by party name or case number.
Basic case information, including filing date and case status, is available without charge.
Certified copies and full document downloads require payment of applicable fees.

2. State Court System Portal

The Florida Courts system provides a statewide portal for searching court records across jurisdictions.

The Florida Courts eCaseView portal allows searches across participating counties.
Users may search consolidated databases for cases filed in multiple Florida counties.

3. State Vital Records

Florida does not issue divorce certificates through the vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates; however, the Florida Department of Health maintains a divorce index.

The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics provides verification letters confirming a divorce occurred.
Verification letters are not certified copies of the court decree but serve as official confirmation of the dissolution.
Fees apply for verification letters.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court Family Division:

Coffee County Clerk of Courts
101 E. Cleveland Street
Douglas, GA 31533
Phone: (912) 384-2865
Coffee County Clerk of Courts

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or case number
- Viewing documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived records

Note: Coffee County is located in Georgia. Divorce records are maintained by the Superior Court Clerk of Coffee County.

Coffee County Superior Court Clerk
101 E. Cleveland Street
Douglas, GA 31533
Phone: (912) 384-2865
Coffee County Superior Court

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail requests to: Coffee County Superior Court Clerk, 101 E. Cleveland Street, Douglas, GA 31533
Include the following with each written request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- 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 correspondence
Processing time is typically one to two weeks, depending on record age and volume of requests.

By Phone

Limited Information:

Coffee County Superior Court Clerk: (912) 384-2865
Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- The assigned case number
- Current case status
- Original filing date
Staff are not able to provide detailed document contents, copies of records, or confidential case information by telephone.

Through Attorneys

Members of the public involved in complex divorce matters may retain legal counsel to access court records on their behalf. An attorney may request sealed documents upon demonstrating a legitimate legal basis to the court. The State Bar of Georgia Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed family law attorneys practicing in Coffee County.

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 previously obtained

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Prior addresses of either spouse
Names of minor children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

In Georgia, divorce actions are filed in the Superior Court of the county where the defendant (respondent) resides at the time of filing, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.

Residency Requirement:

Under Georgia law, one spouse must have been a resident of Georgia for a minimum of six months prior to filing.
The divorce petition is filed in the Superior Court of the county where the respondent resides.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final order is entered.

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing systems may be archived in paper format.
Archived records may require additional retrieval time and may not be available through online search portals.
Special requests for archived materials should be directed to the Clerk's office in writing.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

The divorce was filed in a different county
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
The case remains pending and has not been finalized
Very old records stored in off-site archives
The case has been sealed by court order

Next Steps:

Contact the Coffee County Superior Court Clerk at (912) 384-2865
Attempt alternate name spellings or maiden name variations
Search under both spouses' names
Check the Georgia Department of Public Health for divorce verification records
Retain a licensed attorney or professional records search service for complex searches

What Are Coffee County Divorce Records?

Coffee County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Coffee County Superior Court. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court as the primary custodian. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 19-5-1, Georgia recognizes the total divorce, or dissolution of marriage, as the legal mechanism for terminating a marital relationship, and all related filings become part of the official court record.

Court Case Files

A complete divorce case file in Coffee County contains the following categories of documents:

Petition for divorce (complaint for total divorce)
Respondent's answer and any counterclaim
Financial affidavits from both parties
Parenting plans and child support worksheets, if minor children are involved
Marital settlement agreements
Motions, responses, and court orders entered during the proceeding
Transcripts of court hearings, if prepared
Final judgment and decree of divorce

Final Decree

The final judgment of divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:

The date the marriage was legally dissolved
Division of marital property and allocation of debts
Alimony or spousal support provisions, if ordered
Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
Child support obligations, if applicable
Restoration of a former name, if requested

Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Coffee County Superior Court Clerk upon payment of applicable fees.

Supporting Documents

Supporting materials filed as part of the divorce case record include:

Marriage certificate (submitted as evidence)
Financial disclosure statements and supporting exhibits
Real and personal property inventories
Post-judgment modification orders
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts

Purpose of Divorce Records

Legal Purposes:

Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
Documenting name changes
Supporting property transfer and title changes
Estate planning and beneficiary designations
Immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
Social Security benefit applications

Personal Purposes:

Genealogical and family history research
Personal recordkeeping
Verification of divorce terms for compliance purposes

Who Maintains Divorce Records

The Coffee County Superior Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce records filed in the county. The Georgia Department of Public Health Vital Records maintains a statewide divorce index and issues verification letters, though the complete case file remains with the Superior Court Clerk.

Are Coffee County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Coffee County Superior Court are public court records subject to the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. Certain categories of information are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data and the privacy of minor children.

What Is Public

The following information is accessible to any member of the public:

Case number and original filing date
Full names of both parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Scheduled court hearing dates
Court orders and judgments, including the final 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
Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
Specific salary and income details may carry limited access protections

Children's Information:

Addresses where minor children reside
Names of schools children attend
Medical and psychological evaluation records pertaining to children
Child custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order
Guardian ad litem reports are restricted

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:

Cases sealed by specific court order
Cases involving allegations of abuse where protective measures are warranted
Confidential settlement terms incorporated by reference but not filed publicly

Legal Basis for Public Access

Georgia courts operate under a presumption of public access to court records. Restrictions require a specific legal basis, and courts apply a balancing test weighing transparency against individual privacy interests. The Georgia Courts system provides guidance on public access policies applicable to Superior Court records.

Who Can Access Records

General Public:

May access most case information and docket summaries
May obtain copies of public documents upon payment of fees
May be required to present valid identification at the clerk's window

Parties to the Case:

Retain full access to their own case file, including confidential portions
May obtain all documents filed in their case without restriction

Attorneys:

Access case files in their capacity as counsel of record
May petition the court for access to sealed materials upon demonstrating a legitimate legal basis

Researchers and Media:

Access is limited to public portions of the record
Court permission is required for access to sealed records
First Amendment protections apply to news reporting on public court proceedings

Restrictions on Use

Prohibited uses of divorce record information include stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, and any use that violates an existing protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research conducted within applicable law, genealogical research, news reporting, and academic study.

Obtaining Confidential Records

A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Coffee County Superior Court demonstrating good cause. The court evaluates each request individually, provides notice to the opposing party, and applies a balancing test before granting or denying access. Certain entities, 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 Coffee County?

The Coffee County Superior Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Georgia law. Under O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77, Superior Court Clerks are authorized to collect fees for copies and certifications of court records.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Service	Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$0.25 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$2.50 per document + $0.25 per page
Exemplified (triple-certified) copy	Additional certification fee applies
Divorce verification letter (state vital records)	$10.00 per request

Fees are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Coffee County Superior Court Clerk at (912) 384-2865 prior to submitting a request.
Accepted payment methods at the clerk's office include cash, money order, and credit or debit card; mail requests should include a money order or cashier's check made payable to the Coffee County Clerk of Superior Court.
Electronic copy fees may differ from paper copy fees depending on the format requested.
Fee waiver provisions may apply in limited circumstances for indigent parties; a formal application is required.

What Is Available at No Charge:

Viewing case docket entries and basic case information through the online case search portal
In-person inspection of public case documents at the courthouse public access terminal, without obtaining copies

What's Included in Divorce Records in Coffee County

A complete Coffee County divorce case file is organized chronologically and indexed by document type. The following outlines the standard contents of a dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Coffee County Superior Court Clerk.

Basic Case Information

Case Caption:

Assigned case number
Court name (Coffee County Superior Court) and division
Petitioner's full name
Respondent's full name
Name of the assigned judge
Names and bar numbers of attorneys of record

Filing Information:

Date the petition was originally filed
Filing fees paid and receipt number
Case type designation (divorce/total divorce)
Jurisdictional basis for filing

Initial Pleadings

Petition for Divorce:

Petitioner's identifying information
Respondent's identifying information
Date and location of marriage
Date of separation, if applicable
Grounds for divorce (irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the standard no-fault ground in Georgia)
Information regarding minor children, including names and dates of birth
Claims regarding marital property and debt
Requests for spousal support, child custody, and child support
Relief requested from the court

Response/Answer:

Respondent's admissions or denials of the petition's allegations
Counterclaim for divorce, if filed
Respondent's independent requests for relief

Financial Affidavits:

Both parties' sworn statements of income from all sources
Monthly living expenses
Complete asset inventory including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property
Complete liability inventory including mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other debts
Standard of living during the marriage

Discovery Documents

Discovery materials filed with the court include:

Recent federal and state tax returns
Pay stubs and employer verification documents
Bank and investment account statements
Retirement account statements
Credit card and loan statements
Business financial statements, if either party owns a business
Written interrogatories and sworn answers
Requests for production of documents and responses
Property inventories and supporting appraisals

Property-Related Documents

Marital Asset Inventory:

Descriptions and estimated values of all real property
Vehicle identification and values
Account balances for all financial accounts
Retirement and pension account values
Business ownership interests and valuations
Personal property, jewelry, art, and collectibles

Debt Inventory:

Mortgage balances and lender information
Vehicle loan balances
Credit card debt by account
Personal and business loan obligations
Tax liabilities
Other outstanding debts

Appraisals and Valuations:

Licensed real estate appraisal reports
Business valuation expert reports
Personal property appraisals
Pension and retirement benefit valuations

Children-Related Documents

Parenting Plan:

Legal custody designation (joint or sole decision-making authority)
Physical custody and primary residence designation
Regular weekly timesharing schedule
Holiday and school break schedule
Summer vacation provisions
Transportation and exchange arrangements
Communication protocols between co-parents
Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
Relocation restrictions and notification requirements

Child Support:

Georgia Child Support Worksheet (Schedule E)
Both parties' gross income figures
Number of overnight visits per year
Health insurance premium costs
Work-related childcare costs
Final child support amount ordered
Payment method and schedule
Income deduction order, if applicable

Custody Evaluations (if ordered):

Reports from court-appointed psychologists or custody evaluators
Home study reports
Parenting capacity assessments
Recommendations regarding custody and timesharing

Guardian ad Litem Reports (if appointed):

Attorney for the child's written report
Best interests findings and recommendations to the court

Support Documents

Alimony/Spousal Support:

Type of alimony awarded (temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent periodic)
Monthly amount and duration
Payment schedule and method
Conditions for modification or termination
Tax treatment provisions

Settlement Documents

Marital Settlement Agreement:

Comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues
Real and personal property distribution to each party
Debt allocation between parties
Spousal support terms
Child custody and support provisions, if applicable
Tax filing and dependency exemption provisions
Attorney fee allocation
Signatures of both parties and notarization

Mediation Agreement (if applicable):

Terms reached during court-ordered or voluntary mediation
Mediator's certificate of completion
Incorporation into the final settlement agreement

Court Orders and Judgments

Temporary Orders:

Temporary custody and visitation arrangements
Temporary support obligations
Temporary use and possession of marital residence
Temporary restraining orders or injunctions

Final Judgment and Decree of Divorce:

Court's official order dissolving the marriage
Date of legal dissolution
Findings of fact and conclusions of law
Complete property division awards
Debt allocation orders
Spousal support orders
Child custody and timesharing orders
Child support orders
Name restoration order, if requested
Judge's signature and court seal

Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):

Separate order directing retirement plan administrators to divide benefits
Issued when retirement accounts are part of the property division

Post-Judgment Documents

Modifications:

Petitions to modify child custody, visitation, or support
Evidence of substantial change in circumstances
Court orders granting or denying modification

Contempt and Enforcement Actions:

Motions for contempt alleging non-compliance with court orders
Income deduction orders for support enforcement
Liens filed against property for unpaid support or debt obligations

Miscellaneous Documents

Proof of service of the original petition and summons
Acceptance of service, if executed
Notices of hearings and depositions
Certificates of service for all filed documents
Correspondence filed with the court

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed

Social Security numbers (redacted from all public-facing documents)
Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
Residential addresses of minor children and schools attended
Domestic violence details where a protective order is in place
Mental health evaluation reports
Substance abuse treatment records
Trade secret information in business valuations
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiations not reduced to a filed agreement

How Information Is Organized

Case files are organized in chronological order of filing, with each document assigned a filing date and document number. The case docket serves as the index, listing all filed documents in sequence. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format through the court's case management system. Older cases may exist in paper format or as scanned digital images, depending on the year of filing.

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Coffee County

Proof of divorce in Coffee County is obtained through the Coffee County Superior Court Clerk, which serves as the official custodian of all dissolution of marriage records. A certified copy of the final judgment and decree of divorce is the standard document accepted as legal proof of divorce for purposes of remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official proceedings.

Step 1 – Identify the Case

Members of the public should first confirm the case number and filing county using the Coffee County Clerk of Courts case search or by contacting the clerk's office directly at (912) 384-2865.

Step 2 – Submit a Request

Certified copies may be requested through any of the following methods:

In Person: Visit the Coffee County Superior Court Clerk at 101 E. Cleveland Street, Douglas, GA 31533, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). Present valid photo identification and pay applicable fees.
By Mail: Submit a written request to the same address, including the case number, names of both parties, approximate divorce date, requestor's contact information, payment by money order or cashier's check, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
State Verification Letter: For a less detailed confirmation, members of the public may request a divorce verification letter from the Georgia Department of Public Health Vital Records. This letter confirms that a divorce occurred but does not reproduce the full decree.

Step 3 – Pay Applicable Fees

Certified copy fees are assessed per the schedule established under O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77. Current fees should be confirmed with the clerk's office prior to submitting payment.

Step 4 – Receive Documents

In-person requests are processed at the time of the visit when records are available electronically. Mail requests are processed within one to two weeks. Archived paper records may require additional retrieval time.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Coffee County?

Divorce proceedings in Coffee County are presumptively public, but certain records or portions of records may be sealed or restricted by court order under specific circumstances.

Domestic Violence Cases: When a party has obtained a protective order or when domestic violence allegations are central to the case, the court may seal residential addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the victim.
Children's Information: Under Georgia court rules, information identifying the residential address, school, or medical providers of minor children may be restricted from public access.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Records: Psychological evaluations, mental health treatment records, and substance abuse records submitted as exhibits may be filed under seal.
Mediation Records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
Court-Ordered Sealing: Any party may petition the Coffee County Superior Court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon demonstrating a compelling interest that outweighs the public's right of access. The court evaluates each petition individually.
Financial Account Numbers and Social Security Numbers: These are redacted from all publicly accessible documents as a matter of standard court practice, consistent with Georgia court rules.

Members of the public seeking to seal records must file a formal motion with the Coffee County Superior Court. The Georgia Courts website provides procedural guidance on filing motions in Superior Court.

How Long Does Coffee County Keep Divorce Records?

Coffee County Superior Court divorce records are retained in accordance with the Georgia Superior Court records retention schedule established by the Georgia Secretary of State's office and applicable state law.

Permanent Retention: Final judgments and decrees of divorce are retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents do not expire and remain accessible indefinitely.
Complete Case Files: The full case file, including all pleadings, orders, and supporting documents, is retained for a minimum of the period specified in the Georgia Superior Court records retention schedule, which designates civil case files for long-term or permanent retention.
Electronic Records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are accessible through the online portal for as long as the system remains operational.
Paper and Archived Records: Older paper case files may be transferred to off-site storage or converted to microfilm or digital format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
Post-Judgment Modifications: Modification orders and post-judgment filings are retained as part of the original case file and follow the same retention schedule.
State Divorce Index: The Georgia Department of Public Health maintains a statewide divorce index for records dating back to June 9, 1952, which is retained indefinitely for public verification purposes.

Members of the public seeking records from cases filed many decades ago should contact the Coffee County Superior Court Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.