Court records in Bartow County, Georgia can be searched through several channels. BartowCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Bartow County Clerk of Superior Court, the Georgia Courts E-Access portal, and public terminals at the courthouse. In-person visits to the clerk's office remain an option for records that are not available online.
Bartow Court System & Jurisdictions
Bartow County has several courts, each handling different types of cases. Knowing which court heard a case is the fastest way to find the right docket.
- Superior Court — The court of general jurisdiction in Georgia. Handles felony criminal cases, civil actions with no dollar limit, divorce and family law matters, equity cases, and appeals from lower courts. The Civil and Criminal Division of the Clerk of Superior Court maintains these records.
- State Court — Hears misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses, and civil claims of any dollar amount. State Court does not handle felonies.
- Magistrate Court — Processes civil claims of $15,000 or less (including small claims), county ordinance violations, preliminary hearings in criminal cases, and applications for arrest and search warrants. Magistrate Court also handles dispossessory (eviction) proceedings.
- Probate Court — Manages wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, involuntary commitments, marriage licenses, and firearms licenses in Bartow County.
- Juvenile Court — Handles cases involving minors, including delinquency, dependency, and child deprivation matters. Most juvenile records are confidential under Georgia law.
- Municipal Court (City of Cartersville) — The Cartersville Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and certain traffic offenses occurring within city limits.
If you are unsure which court handled a particular case, start by contacting the Clerk of Superior Court or searching the statewide Georgia Courts portal.
Bartow Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Bartow County are typically published by each court or division. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Check the Bartow County government website — The Bartow County website posts announcements and may link to current court calendars under its Courts section.
- Contact the Clerk of Superior Court — For Superior Court and State Court calendars, call or visit the clerk's office at the Frank Moore Administration & Judicial Center.
- Georgia Courts E-Access — The E-Access system may provide scheduling information for cases filed in participating courts. You will need an account to search.
- Municipal Court — For Cartersville city cases, contact the Municipal Court Clerk's Office directly.
Calendar availability varies by court. Criminal term calendars for Superior Court are generally posted in advance by the District Attorney's office or the court clerk. Magistrate and Probate Court schedules are typically available by calling those offices.
How to Get a Copy of a Bartow Court Document
You can obtain court documents in Bartow County through three main channels:
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Superior Court at the Frank Moore Administration & Judicial Center. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can look up civil and criminal filings and provide copies on the spot.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes:
- Case number (if known)
- Full names of the parties
- Description of the document needed
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
- Payment for applicable fees (check or money order payable to the Bartow County Clerk of Superior Court)
Mail requests to the address above.
Online
Real estate records and certain other filings can be searched through the Real Estate Division page, which links to the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) online search tools. For broader case searches, try the Georgia E-Access portal.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents. They work for personal reference.
- Certified copies carry 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 real estate transactions.
Ask the clerk whether a certified or uncertified copy is needed before placing your request — certified copies cost more.
Bartow Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Bartow County are set by Georgia statute and local fee schedules. 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.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Certification of document | $2.50 per certification |
| Search fee (per name, per type of record) | Varies — contact clerk |
| Exemplification (for out-of-state use) | $5.00 |
| Real estate record search (GSCCCA online) | Fees set by GSCCCA |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Ask about credit or debit card acceptance when you visit or call. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to the Bartow County Clerk of Superior Court.
Important notes:
- Some records — including juvenile cases, adoption files, and sealed cases — are not available to the general public under Georgia law.
- Incarceration records for individuals in the state prison system can be searched through the Georgia Department of Corrections offender query.
- Fees listed above are standard ranges; the clerk may charge additional fees for extensive searches or expedited processing.