Court records in Clayton County, Georgia can be searched through several channels. ClaytonCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official court portals such as the Clayton County Court Case Inquiry system, the Clerk of Superior Court's office, the statewide Georgia Courts portal, and public-access terminals located inside the courthouse in Jonesboro.
Clayton County Court System & Jurisdictions
Clayton County operates several distinct courts, each handling specific case types. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over your matter determines where to search for docket information.
- Superior Court — The Superior Court of the Clayton Judicial Circuit is the trial court of general jurisdiction. It has exclusive authority over felony criminal cases, divorce and domestic relations matters, cases involving title to land, and equity cases. It also hears civil cases without a dollar-amount cap and handles appeals from lower courts.
- State Court — Handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses, and civil actions where equitable relief is not sought. If you received a traffic citation or were charged with a misdemeanor in Clayton County, your case is most likely docketed here.
- Magistrate Court — Issues arrest warrants and search warrants, conducts preliminary hearings in criminal cases, and presides over civil claims of $15,000 or less (Georgia's current magistrate court civil jurisdiction limit). Small claims cases — typically informal disputes involving smaller dollar amounts — are also filed in Magistrate Court.
- Probate Court — Exercises exclusive, original jurisdiction over the probate of wills, administration of estates, appointment of guardians, involuntary hospitalizations, and marriage licenses. The Probate Court is located in the Annex 3 Building in Jonesboro.
- Juvenile Court — Handles cases involving minors, including delinquency, dependency, and child deprivation matters. Juvenile Court records are generally not accessible to the public.
For divorce filings, start with the Superior Court Clerk's office. The Clerk's office strongly recommends consulting an attorney for domestic relations matters.
Clayton County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding a specific hearing date in Clayton County depends on which court is handling the case.
- Search online first. The Court Case Inquiry tool on the Clayton County website lets you search by name or case number. Results may include scheduled hearing dates for cases entered into the Judicial Information System (JIS).
- Check the statewide portal. The Georgia Courts E-Access page links to court record systems across the state. You may need to create an account to search some databases.
- Call or visit the clerk's office. For today's or tomorrow's calendar, contacting the specific court division directly is often the fastest approach. The Clerk of Superior Court can confirm Superior Court and State Court hearing schedules.
- Check in person. Court calendars are typically posted at the courthouse. Public terminals inside the Harold R. Banke Justice Center in Jonesboro may display current docket information.
What you will not find online:
- Cases filed before the court began entering data into JIS
- Sealed cases
- Adoption and Juvenile Court cases
- Cases from outside Clayton County
How to Get a Copy of a Clayton County Court Document
The Clerk of Superior Court is the custodian of most court and real estate records in Clayton County. Here is how to request copies:
Online (eCertification)
Clayton County offers an eCertification service that lets you electronically request certified and regular court and real estate records around the clock, 365 days a year. Visit the Clerk of Superior Court's website to access the system. You can also download commonly used court forms directly from the county website.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Superior Court's office during business hours:
Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can locate the file and produce copies while you wait, depending on volume.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties
- Type of document requested
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. These are usually required for legal proceedings, government applications, and official use.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the clerk's authentication. They work for personal reference or informal review.
Records You Cannot Obtain
Certain records are restricted under Georgia law, including:
- Juvenile Court records
- Adoption records
- Sealed or expunged cases
- Records subject to a protective order
Clayton County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Clayton County are set by Georgia statute (primarily O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77) and local administrative orders. The following table reflects standard fees commonly charged by the Clerk of Superior Court. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Search fee (per name/case lookup by clerk staff) | Varies; contact clerk's office |
| Copy of court document (uncertified, per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 per page |
| Certification fee (per document) | $2.50 per certification (per O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77) |
| Exemplification (triple seal) | $5.00 |
| Filing a civil action (Superior Court) | Varies by case type; contact clerk |
| Filing a divorce petition | Varies; contact clerk's office |
| Real estate document recording (first page) | Set by statute; contact Real Estate Division |
| eCertification online orders | Service fees apply; see eCertification portal |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards are generally accepted. A convenience fee may apply to card payments.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the Clayton County Clerk of Superior Court.
- Online: The eCertification portal accepts electronic payment. Additional processing fees may apply.
For questions about specific fees not listed above, call the Clerk of Superior Court at (770) 477-3399 or visit the Public Records and Forms page on the Clayton County website. Fee amounts cited here are based on Georgia statutory schedules and are subject to change.