Fayette County, Georgia State Court Records
A court record is any document created or filed with the court during a legal case. Court records in Fayette County are primarily maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court’s Office and are generally classified into civil, criminal, juvenile, and probate records. The Clerk of Superior Court also maintains property records, although these are not conventional court records.
Court records in Fayette are generally considered public records; however, they are not subject to the Georgia Open Records Act, which oversees executive branch records. Instead, access is governed by the Georgia Superior Court Uniform Rules.
Are Fayette County Court Records Public?
Yes. Court records are considered public in Fayette County based on the presumption of openness established in court rules, such as Georgia Superior Court Uniform Rules, Rule 21. However, restrictions apply to certain records that may reveal confidential information, unreasonably intrude into a person’s privacy, or risk an individual’s safety.
These restricted records include sealed records, juvenile records, restricted criminal records under the Georgia Second Chance Act (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37), and adoption records. Members of the public who want to access these records must obtain a court order.
What Information is Available in Fayette County Court Records?
Public court records in Fayette County generally display these primary details:
- Party information: The full names of plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys, and sometimes witnesses
- Case number and filing date
- Case status
- Docket entries
- Filings
- Court orders and judgments
Fayette County Court Records Search
The following methods can be used to search and access Fayette County court records:
Online Access
Official online access to court records in Fayette County is limited to docket information. Individuals can access docket information on a civil case (including that from the Magistrate Court) or a criminal case through the Fayette County Clerk of Courts Court Docket page. Individuals may use the party’s name, case number, or CSE number to locate a record. A docket search is free.
To request a regular or certified copy of the record online, individuals may use the Fayette County eCertification Service. Third-party websites may also be used to access Fayette County court records online.
In-Person Access
Visiting the Fayette County courthouse is the fastest way to view the actual contents of court filings in the county. Individuals are allowed to make walk-in requests at the Clerk of Court’s Office during regular business hours. Inquirers may provide the name on the record or the case number to the court staff for the record to be located. The inspection of the record must be under the supervision of the staff. Personal copies can be obtained by request and may cost a fee.
Mail and Phone Requests
Requests for copies can be sent by mail to the Clerk of Court’s Office. The request should be in written form and contain sufficient identifying information about the court record needed. Mail-in requests may require payment via money order or cashier’s check made out to the Clerk of Court for copies of the records.
Individuals who only need a copy of a record for personal review and not for legal purposes can instead of mailing, send the request to the Clerk’s email address for record copies.
Fees for Court Records in Fayette County
The fees for obtaining a court record in Fayette County generally depend on the mode of access and whether the request is for plain copies or certified copies. The Fayette County Clerk of Court’s fee schedule is as follows.
- Plain copies (unassisted): 50 cents per page
- Plain copies (assisted): $1 per page
- Certification of a document: 50 cents per page
- Certified or exemplified copies with seal: $2.50 for the first page and 50 cents for each extra page
- Certificate of Authority: $2
- Electronic copies: $2.50 for the first page and 50 cents for each additional page
Fayette County Courthouse Locations
The Fayette County court system consists of a Superior Court, State Court, Magistrate Court, Juvenile Court, and Probate Court, all operating from the Fayette County Justice Center. There are also several municipal courts in the county that specialize in handling local city ordinance violations. The addresses of the courthouses are as follows:
Fayette County Justice Center
One Center Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214
Superior Court Phone: (770) 716-4290
State Court Phone: (770) 716-4270
Magistrate Court Phone: (770) 716-4230
Juvenile Court Phone: (770) 716-4210
Probate Court Phone: (770) 716-4220
Fayetteville Municipal Court
760 Jimmie Mayfield Boulevard
Fayetteville, GA 30215
Phone: (770)719-4277
Peachtree Municipal Court
151 Willowbend Road
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Phone: (770) 631-2096
Fax: (678) 364-6654
Tyrone Municipal Court
950 Senoia Road
Tyrone, GA 30290
Phone: (770) 487-4732
Criminal Records Access in Fayette County
Criminal records in Fayette County are generally divided into local court case files, which are documents of a specific trial, and the official Georgia Criminal History record, which is a consolidated report of all arrests and convictions in the state.
The official criminal history records of individuals in Fayette County are maintained by the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), a division of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. These records may be accessed through the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. Individuals can only request their own records and must be at least 17 years old at the time of the request, with ID proof. Requests for a criminal history record are accepted only in person. The fee for a request is $20.
Local court records are filed with the Fayette County courts and may be accessed in person at the Clerk of Court’s Office or through the Court Docket page.
Fayette County Probate Records
Fayette County probate records are documents primarily related to the administration or settlement of a deceased individual’s estate. However, they also cover guardianships and conservatorships. These records are exclusively maintained by the Fayette County Probate Court.
Probate records are public in the county, meaning members of the public can examine and obtain copies of the records. However, public access does not apply to confidential probate records, like guardianships, wills filed for safekeeping, and medical evaluations.
Docket information for probate records can be viewed on the Fayette County Court Docket portal, while actual copies can be requested through the eCertification service. Individuals may also visit the Fayette County Justice Center to obtain copies or view records in person.
Fayette County Family Court Records
Fayette County family court records document legal disputes and actions involving domestic relationships. These include adoption, paternity, temporary protection orders, divorce (contested or uncontested), and child custody. These records are managed exclusively by the Fayette County Clerk of Superior Court.
Individuals who want to view a family court record can search the Court Docket portal by name to see if the record exists and to access the event history. However, actual case filings cannot be viewed online and may be viewed in person at the Clerk’s Office or by written request sent by mail.
Federal Court Records in Fayette County
Fayette County does not have a federal courthouse within its borders. Instead, the county is part of the Newnan Division of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. This court handles all federal cases arising in Fayette County and manages the corresponding records.
Federal court records are generally available for review through the PACER Case Locator. Users must register for an account to search by name or case number. There is a fee to access the locator.