DeKalb County Court Dockets

Court records in DeKalb County, Georgia can be searched through several channels. DeKalbCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through official court websites, clerk of court offices, and public terminals at the DeKalb County Courthouse. The DeKalb County Judicial System maintains multiple courts, each with its own records and docket systems.

DeKalb Court System & Jurisdictions

DeKalb County operates several courts, each handling specific case types. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over your matter determines where to search for docket information.

• Superior Court — Felony criminal cases, civil cases with no dollar limit, divorce and family law, land title disputes, equity cases, and appeals from lower courts. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains these records and also records deeds, liens, and other official documents.
• State Court — Misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil actions (typically where no equitable relief is sought). The DeKalb County State Court website offers online case searches for both civil and criminal misdemeanor cases.
• Magistrate Court — Small claims (currently up to $15,000), county ordinance violations, preliminary hearings in criminal cases, warrant applications, and landlord-tenant disputes such as dispossessory actions. Magistrate Court records in DeKalb County are maintained by the State & Magistrate Court Clerk's Office.
• Probate Court — Wills, estate administration, guardianships and conservatorships, involuntary commitments, marriage licenses, firearms permits, and birth and death certificate copies.
• Juvenile Court — Delinquency, dependency, and child deprivation cases. Most juvenile records are confidential under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 15-11-700 et seq.) and are not available through public docket searches.

Municipal courts within DeKalb County (such as those in Decatur, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, and other cities) handle city ordinance violations and some traffic offenses independently from the county courts.

DeKalb Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings

Finding today's or this week's court calendar depends on which court is hearing the case.

• Superior Court — Court calendars are typically published by the individual judge's office or division. Contact the Clerk of Superior Court or check the DeKalb County Judicial System page for links to specific courtroom calendars and scheduling information.
• State Court — The DeKalb County State Court website posts calendar and case search tools. You can search civil and criminal misdemeanor cases online to find scheduled hearing dates.
• Magistrate Court — Hearing schedules are generally available through the State & Magistrate Court Clerk's Office. Call 404-294-2099 for current calendar information.
• Probate Court — Contact the Probate Court directly for hearing dates on estate, guardianship, or other probate matters.

The statewide E-Access to Court Records portal maintained by the Georgia Courts also provides electronic access to case information for participating courts across the state. For the most current daily calendar, calling the specific court division or visiting the courthouse remains the most reliable approach.

How to Get a Copy of a DeKalb Court Document

You can obtain court documents as either certified or uncertified copies. Certified copies bear an official seal and clerk signature, which is typically required for legal proceedings. Uncertified copies are suitable for personal reference.

Steps to Request Documents

1. Identify the court — Determine whether your case was filed in Superior, State, Magistrate, or Probate Court.
2. Search online — For Superior Court land and deed records, use the Landmark Web Official Records Search. For State and Magistrate Court cases, search through the State Court website.
3. Request in person — Visit the appropriate clerk's office at the DeKalb County Courthouse. Bring the case number or party names to help staff locate the file.
4. Request by mail — Send a written request specifying the case number, party names, document type, and whether you need certified or uncertified copies. Include payment (check or money order made payable to the appropriate clerk's office).

Clerk of Superior Court — Mailing Address

State & Magistrate Court Clerk's Office

You may also submit a formal Open Records Request under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). The county has three business days to determine whether responsive records exist and to provide a timeline for production.

Restricted records: Juvenile cases, sealed records, adoption files, and certain mental health proceedings are generally not available to the public. Some criminal records may also be restricted if they have been expunged or are subject to first-offender treatment under Georgia law.

DeKalb Court Records Fees & Payment

Fees for court documents in DeKalb County are set by Georgia statute and local court policy. The following table reflects commonly charged fees based on Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77 and related statutes). Actual fees may vary — confirm with the specific clerk's office before submitting payment.

Payment Methods

• In person: Cash, money order, or certified check are generally accepted. Some clerk offices accept credit/debit cards (a convenience fee may apply).
• By mail: Check or money order payable to the relevant clerk's office.
• Online: Where electronic filing or payment portals are available (such as through eFileGA for State Court filings), credit card payments are typically accepted with processing fees.

If you are unsure about the exact fee for your request, call the clerk's office before visiting or mailing payment. Fees are subject to change as statutes are updated.