Court records in Fulton County, Georgia can be searched through several channels. FultonCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through official court websites, the Clerk of Superior and Magistrate Courts, the statewide E-Access court records portal, and public terminals located inside county courthouses. In-person visits to the clerk's office remain an option for records not available online.
Fulton Court System & Jurisdictions
Fulton County is part of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit and operates several courts, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over a matter is the first step to finding the right docket.
- Superior Court – The Superior Court of Fulton County is the court of general jurisdiction. It handles felony criminal cases, civil actions with no dollar limit, equity cases, divorce and domestic relations matters, land title disputes, and appeals from lower courts. The court's Family Division specifically handles divorce, separation, annulment, custody, and visitation cases.
- State Court – The State Court of Fulton County presides over misdemeanor criminal cases (offenses below the grade of felony), traffic violations, and civil cases. It does not have jurisdiction over felonies.
- Magistrate Court – Handles civil claims of $15,000 or less (including small claims), county ordinance violations, preliminary hearings in criminal cases, warrant applications, and deposit account fraud (bad check) cases. The Clerk of Superior and Magistrate Courts maintains these records.
- Probate Court – Oversees wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, involuntary commitments, marriage licenses, and firearms permits in Fulton County.
- Juvenile Court – Handles cases involving minors, including delinquency, deprivation, and certain custody matters. Most juvenile records are confidential under Georgia law.
- Municipal Courts – The City of Atlanta Municipal Court and courts in other Fulton County municipalities handle city ordinance violations and some traffic offenses within their jurisdictions.
Criminal cases in Fulton County are prosecuted by the Fulton County District Attorney's Office. The Fulton County Sheriff's Office provides courtroom security and operates the county jail.
Fulton Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding today's or this week's court calendar in Fulton County depends on which court is hearing the case.
- Superior Court – The Superior Court of Fulton County website publishes calendar information organized by division (civil, criminal, family). Individual judge calendars and term schedules are typically posted there. You can also call the court clerk's office to confirm a specific hearing date.
- State Court – Visit the State Court page on the Fulton County Government website for scheduling information on misdemeanor and civil matters.
- Magistrate Court – Calendar details for small claims and preliminary hearings can be obtained by contacting the Magistrate Court clerk's office directly.
- Statewide Portal – The Georgia Courts E-Access portal allows searches across participating courts. You will need an account to search case records and view scheduled hearing dates.
If you have a case number, searching by that number is the fastest way to find upcoming hearing dates. Walk-in visitors can check posted docket sheets at the courthouse or use public access terminals on-site. Court calendars may change on short notice, so confirming with the clerk's office before appearing is always a good practice.
How to Get a Copy of a Fulton Court Document
The Fulton County Clerk of Superior and Magistrate Courts is the custodian of most court records in the county. You can request copies through several channels:
Online
The Clerk's eServices platform allows you to search and access judicial records and real estate filings online. Attorneys of record may access documents for free on cases where they are e-filing participants. The District Attorney's public record access page also provides case information searches across multiple Georgia counties.
In Person
Visit the Clerk's office at the Fulton County Courthouse to request copies at the counter. Bring the case number, party names, or as much identifying information as possible. Staff can print uncertified or certified copies while you wait, depending on volume.
By Mail
Mail a written request to the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- Type of document requested
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the estimated fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Certified vs. uncertified copies: A certified copy bears the clerk's seal and signature, confirming it is a true copy of the court record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, or government filings. Uncertified copies are suitable for personal review or informational purposes.
Open Records Requests
For records held by other Fulton County departments (such as the Sheriff's Office or County Attorney), submit a request through the Fulton County Open Records Request Center. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 (Georgia Open Records Act), public agencies must respond within three business days.
Fulton Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Fulton County are set by Georgia statute and the Clerk's fee schedule. The following table reflects standard fees established under O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77 and related provisions. Contact the Clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by legislative action or administrative order.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (first page) | $2.50 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $0.50 |
| Uncertified photocopy (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Certification / seal only (per document) | $2.50 |
| Search fee (per name, per year searched) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Exemplification of documents | $5.00 |
| Open records search / retrieval (administrative cost) | Varies per O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c) |
Payment methods: The Clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Some online services may accept credit or debit card payments; check the eServices portal for accepted payment types when requesting records electronically.
For Sheriff's Office open records requests, the office may charge for search time, copying, and direct administrative costs as permitted under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c). The first quarter-hour of search time is generally free; charges for additional time and copies will be quoted before processing.
If you are unsure which court holds the record you need, FultonCourt.us can help you identify publicly available case information and point you toward the correct office.