Paulding County Court Records
What Is Paulding County Court Records
Court records in Paulding County encompass all official documentation generated during judicial proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the various courts operating within Paulding County jurisdiction.
Court records are distinct from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, liens, mortgages)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voter registration information
In Paulding County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial system:
- Superior Court
- State Court
- Magistrate Court
- Probate Court
- Juvenile Court
The Clerk of Superior Court serves as the primary custodian of court records for major civil and criminal cases in Paulding County. These records document proceedings across various case types including:
- Civil litigation
- Criminal prosecutions
- Family law matters
- Probate proceedings
- Traffic violations
According to Georgia Code § 15-6-61, the clerk of the superior court is required to maintain accurate and complete records of all court proceedings. This statute establishes the legal framework for court record management and public access in Georgia counties, including Paulding County.
Are Court Records Public In Paulding County
Court records in Paulding County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70, which establishes the presumption that public records, including court records, should be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Georgia. Additionally, the principle of open courts is enshrined in the Georgia Constitution, Article I, Section I, Paragraph XI.
The following court records are typically available for public access in Paulding County:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Property records
- Marriage records
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health proceedings
- Records sealed by court order
- Cases involving victims of domestic violence or sexual assault
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records containing sensitive personal information
The Georgia Judicial Council has established rules governing public access to court records that balance transparency with privacy concerns. These rules are implemented consistently across Paulding County courts to ensure appropriate public access while protecting confidential information.
It is important to note that federal court records for cases involving Paulding County residents are maintained separately through the federal judiciary's electronic records system and are not managed by county officials.
How To Find Court Records in Paulding County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Paulding County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both physical and digital record systems to accommodate various research needs.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours:
Paulding County Clerk of Superior Court
240 Constitution Boulevard, Room 1001
Dallas, GA 30132
770-443-7527
Clerk of Superior Court
When requesting records in person, visitors should:
- Bring identification
- Know specific case information (names, case numbers, filing dates)
- Be prepared to complete a records request form
- Have payment ready for any applicable copy fees
For remote requests, the following options are available:
-
Online Access: Paulding County offers electronic access to many court records through its Case Search portal. Users can search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date range
- Case type
-
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the appropriate court clerk with:
- Specific case information
- Return address
- Payment for applicable fees
- Signed request form
-
Email Requests: Some records may be requested via email to the appropriate court clerk's office. Include all relevant case information and contact details.
Pursuant to Georgia Code § 15-6-94, which establishes the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority, many court records are also available through statewide electronic systems.
How To Look Up Court Records in Paulding County Online?
Paulding County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These systems allow for efficient searching without visiting the courthouse in person.
The primary online resources for Paulding County court records include:
-
Paulding County Case Search Portal - This official county website provides access to:
- Civil cases
- Real estate records
- Liens and judgments
- UCC filings
To use this system:
- Select the desired record type
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
- Review results and select specific records to view
- Pay any applicable fees for document copies
-
Georgia Courts E-Access Portal - This statewide system provides access to records from multiple courts, including:
- Superior Court
- State Court
- Magistrate Court
Search steps include:
- Creating a user account
- Selecting Paulding County from jurisdiction list
- Entering search parameters
- Reviewing available case information
-
Paulding County Clerk of State Court - This portal provides access to State Court records including:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases under State Court jurisdiction
- Traffic violations
For criminal records specifically, the Paulding County Sheriff's Office maintains a separate database that may be accessed for information on current inmates and arrest records.
When using these online systems, users should note that:
- Some records may require registration or fees to access
- Older records may not be fully digitized
- Certain confidential records will not appear in public searches
- Document images may require special software to view
How To Search Paulding County Court Records for Free?
Georgia law provides for free public inspection of court records under the Open Records Act § 50-18-71, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Paulding County offers several options for accessing court records without charge.
Free access methods include:
-
In-person inspection at the courthouse:
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- Examine records on-site at no cost
Paulding County Courthouse
240 Constitution Boulevard
Dallas, GA 30132
770-443-7527
Paulding County Government -
Basic online searches:
- The Paulding County Case Search system offers free basic case information
- Search by party name, case number, or case type
- View docket entries and case status information
- Note that document images may require payment
-
Public access terminals:
- Computer terminals at the courthouse provide free access to electronic records
- Available during regular business hours
- May offer more comprehensive access than remote online searches
-
Georgia Courts E-Access provides basic case information at no cost, though document downloads may incur fees.
While inspection is free, the following fee structure typically applies for copies:
- Standard photocopies: $0.25-$1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $2.50-$10.00 per document
- Electronic document downloads: Varies by document type and size
Pursuant to Georgia law, certain individuals may qualify for fee waivers based on financial hardship. Requests for fee waivers should be submitted in writing to the appropriate clerk's office with documentation of financial need.
What's Included in a Paulding County Court Record?
Court records in Paulding County contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type, but typically include the following components:
For Civil Cases:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings and trials
- Orders and judgments
- Post-judgment filings
- Appeal documents
For Criminal Cases:
- Indictment or accusation
- Arrest warrant and booking information
- Bond documentation
- Plea documents
- Motions and responses
- Evidence logs
- Witness lists
- Trial transcripts
- Sentencing information
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Appeal documents
For Probate Cases:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Letters testamentary or administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Guardian/conservator appointments
- Annual accountings
- Final distributions
For Family Law Cases:
- Petitions for divorce or separation
- Child custody and support documents
- Parenting plans
- Financial affidavits
- Temporary and final orders
- Modifications to existing orders
Each court record also contains a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings and court actions. The Probate Court maintains specialized records related to estates, guardianships, and certain licenses.
Pursuant to Georgia Uniform Superior Court Rule 21, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Dates of birth
- Names of minor children
- Home addresses in certain cases
How Long Does Paulding County Keep Court Records?
Paulding County adheres to the Georgia Records Act and retention schedules established by the Georgia Archives for maintaining court records. Retention periods vary based on record type, case disposition, and historical significance.
General retention guidelines include:
For Superior Court Records:
- Felony case files: 75 years after case closure
- Civil case files: 20 years after case closure
- Domestic relations cases: 75 years after case closure
- Real property cases: Permanent retention
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
- Docket books: Permanent retention
For State Court Records:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases: 20 years after case closure
- Civil cases: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic cases: 10 years after case closure
For Probate Court Records:
- Estate administration: 10 years after estate closed
- Guardianships: 10 years after termination
- Wills: Permanent retention
- Marriage records: Permanent retention
For Magistrate Court Records:
- Civil cases: 5 years after case closure
- Criminal cases: 10 years after case closure
- Warrant applications: 5 years after issuance
These retention periods are established under the authority of Georgia Code § 50-18-99, which mandates the creation and implementation of records retention schedules for local governments.
Records with historical significance may be preserved beyond the minimum retention period. After the retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to the Georgia Archives
- Maintained in county archives
- Destroyed according to proper procedures
The Clerk of Superior Court oversees the records management program for Paulding County court records, ensuring compliance with state mandates while preserving historically significant documents.
Types of Courts In Paulding County
Paulding County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and responsibilities within Georgia's unified court system.
Paulding County Superior Court
240 Constitution Boulevard, 3rd Floor
Dallas, GA 30132
770-443-7527
Paulding County Superior Court
The Superior Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, divorce and family law cases, real estate matters, and appeals from lower courts.
Paulding County State Court
240 Constitution Boulevard, Room 2001
Dallas, GA 30132
770-443-7541
Paulding County State Court
The State Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil matters regardless of amount in controversy, except those reserved for Superior Court.
Paulding County Magistrate Court
240 Constitution Boulevard, Room 1001
Dallas, GA 30132
770-443-7540
Paulding County Magistrate Court
The Magistrate Court handles small claims (up to $15,000), dispossessory (eviction) proceedings, county ordinance violations, preliminary hearings, and issues arrest and search warrants.
Paulding County Probate Court
240 Constitution Boulevard, Room 1007
Dallas, GA 30132
770-443-7545
Paulding County Probate Court
The Probate Court handles wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, marriage licenses, weapons carry permits, and certain mental health proceedings.
Paulding County Juvenile Court
280 Constitution Boulevard
Dallas, GA 30132
770-443-7550
Paulding County Juvenile Court
The Juvenile Court handles cases involving delinquent and unruly children under 17, deprivation cases, and termination of parental rights.
The court hierarchy in Georgia places the Superior Court as the main trial court with general jurisdiction, while the Georgia Court of Appeals and Georgia Supreme Court serve as appellate courts for cases originating in Paulding County.
What Types of Cases Do Paulding County Courts Hear?
Each court within Paulding County's judicial system has jurisdiction over specific case types as defined by Georgia law. Understanding which court handles particular matters helps residents navigate the legal system effectively.
Superior Court cases include:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil actions with no monetary limit
- Domestic relations (divorce, child custody, support)
- Real property disputes
- Equity matters
- Habeas corpus petitions
- Appeals from lower courts
- Title to land cases
- Declaratory judgments
State Court cases include:
- Misdemeanor criminal offenses
- Traffic violations
- Civil actions (concurrent with Superior Court)
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Contract disputes
- Personal injury claims
- Property damage claims
Magistrate Court cases include:
- Civil claims up to $15,000
- Dispossessory (eviction) proceedings
- County ordinance violations
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
- Issuance of arrest and search warrants
- Bad check cases
- Abandoned motor vehicle liens
Probate Court cases include:
- Wills and estate administration
- Appointment of guardians and conservators
- Involuntary commitments for mental health treatment
- Marriage license applications
- Weapons carry license applications
- Certain minor criminal offenses
Juvenile Court cases include:
- Delinquent acts by minors
- Children in need of services
- Dependency cases (formerly called deprivation)
- Termination of parental rights
- Legitimation and paternity
- Custody cases involving DFCS
The Georgia Courts system provides a unified framework for these courts, with specific jurisdictional boundaries established by state law. Cases may be transferred between courts when jurisdictional issues arise.
How To Find a Court Docket In Paulding County
Court dockets in Paulding County provide a chronological listing of scheduled cases and proceedings. These public records allow citizens to track case progress and determine when hearings are scheduled.
Several methods exist for accessing Paulding County court dockets:
-
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Paulding County Case Search portal
- Select the appropriate court from the dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria (date range, judge, case type)
- Review results showing scheduled hearings and proceedings
-
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court
- Request to view the current docket or docket for a specific date
- Dockets are typically posted near courtrooms on hearing days
Paulding County Courthouse
240 Constitution Boulevard
Dallas, GA 30132 -
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the appropriate clerk's office
- Provide case information or hearing date
- Staff can verify docket information for upcoming proceedings
-
Court Calendars:
- Weekly or monthly court calendars are often published
- Available at courthouse or on court websites
- Organized by judge, courtroom, or case type
For criminal cases specifically, the District Attorney's Office or the Clerk of Superior Court can provide information about upcoming trial dates and hearings.
Docket information typically includes:
- Case number
- Party names
- Hearing type
- Scheduled date and time
- Assigned judge
- Courtroom location
Pursuant to Georgia Uniform Superior Court Rule 8.4, court calendars must be published and made available to attorneys and the public in advance of court proceedings.
Which Courts in Paulding County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Georgia judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains comprehensive documentation of its proceedings, including verbatim transcripts, and has the authority to punish for contempt. Conversely, courts not of record typically maintain only minimal documentation and have limited contempt powers.
In Paulding County, the following court is not considered a court of record under Georgia law:
Paulding County Magistrate Court
240 Constitution Boulevard, Room 1001
Dallas, GA 30132
770-443-7540
Paulding County Magistrate Court
As established by Georgia Code § 15-10-1, Magistrate Courts are not courts of record. This means:
- Proceedings are not typically recorded verbatim
- Detailed transcripts are not automatically created
- Appeals from Magistrate Court decisions result in de novo trials (new trials) in Superior or State Court
- Limited record-keeping compared to courts of record
The practical implications for Paulding County residents include:
- When appealing a Magistrate Court decision, the case is heard anew in a higher court
- The higher court does not review the Magistrate Court's decision based on a transcript
- Evidence must be presented again in the higher court
- Different rules of evidence and procedure may apply in the higher court
All other courts in Paulding County are courts of record, including:
- Superior Court
- State Court
- Probate Court
- Juvenile Court
These courts maintain comprehensive records of all proceedings, including verbatim transcripts when required, and their decisions are appealed based on the record created during the original proceedings.