Bartow County Court Records
What Is Bartow County Court Records
Court records in Bartow County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of cases filed, processed, and adjudicated within Bartow County's jurisdiction. Pursuant to Georgia Code § 50-18-70, court records are maintained as part of the state's commitment to governmental transparency and public access to information.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
- Sentencing and disposition records
- Settlement agreements in civil matters
These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments, as they specifically document judicial proceedings rather than administrative functions of government.
In Bartow County, court records are maintained by several courts within the county's judicial system:
- Superior Court of Bartow County
- State Court of Bartow County
- Probate Court of Bartow County
- Magistrate Court of Bartow County
- Juvenile Court of Bartow County
- Municipal Courts (Cartersville, Emerson, Euharlee, Kingston, White, Adairsville)
The Bartow County Clerk of Superior Court serves as the primary custodian for many of these records, particularly those from Superior Court proceedings, which handle both civil and criminal matters of significant jurisdiction.
Are Court Records Public In Bartow County
Court records in Bartow County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Georgia's Open Records Act, codified in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq. This statute establishes the presumption that public records, including court records, shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Georgia.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Civil case files (including complaints, answers, and motions)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and court orders
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Hearing and trial schedules
- Property records and liens
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees filed with the court
However, certain records may be restricted from public access under specific provisions of Georgia law. According to Uniform Superior Court Rule 21, the following records may be subject to restricted access:
- Records in adoption proceedings
- Records in certain domestic relations cases
- Records containing personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records related to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (which includes Bartow County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions.
How To Find Court Records in Bartow County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Bartow County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both traditional in-person services and digital access options.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Bartow County Clerk of Superior Court
Frank Moore Administration & Judicial Center
135 West Cherokee Avenue
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-387-5030
Bartow County Clerk of Superior Court
The process for obtaining court records typically involves:
- Identifying the specific case or document needed (case number, party names, filing date)
- Completing a records request form available at the clerk's office
- Submitting the request to the appropriate court clerk
- Paying applicable search and copy fees
- Receiving copies of requested documents or viewing originals on-site
For records from specific courts, requestors should contact:
Bartow County Probate Court
135 West Cherokee Avenue, Suite 243A
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-387-5075
Bartow County Probate Court
Bartow County Magistrate Court
112 W. Cherokee Avenue
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-387-5052
Bartow County Magistrate Court
Cartersville Municipal Court
112 W. Cherokee Avenue
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-387-5060
Municipal Court Cartersville
When requesting records, individuals should be prepared to provide identification and pay applicable fees as established by O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77, which outlines the fee schedule for court services in Georgia.
How To Look Up Court Records in Bartow County Online?
Bartow County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These online resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits for many record types.
The primary online resources include:
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Georgia Courts E-Access Portal: The E-Access to Court Records system provides a centralized platform for searching court records across participating Georgia counties, including Bartow. Users must create an account to access the system, which allows searches by case number, party name, or filing date.
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Bartow County Civil and Criminal Division Online Records: The Civil and Criminal Division of the Clerk's Office maintains an online portal for accessing civil and criminal case information. The system includes:
- Civil case filings and dispositions
- Criminal case status and proceedings
- Real estate records
- Liens and judgments
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Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA): This statewide system provides access to:
- Real estate records
- Lien information
- Notary public registrations
- Uniform Commercial Code filings
To conduct an online search:
- Navigate to the appropriate portal based on the record type needed
- Create a user account if required
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
- Review search results and select specific records for viewing
- Pay any applicable fees for document access or downloads
Some records may require payment of statutory fees for access or certified copies, as authorized under Georgia law. Fee schedules are typically displayed during the online transaction process.
How To Search Bartow County Court Records for Free?
Georgia law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, "agencies shall provide reasonable access to records being inspected."
Free access options in Bartow County include:
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In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may visit the Bartow County Courthouse during regular business hours to inspect court records without charge. The clerk's office maintains public access terminals where visitors can search case indices and view basic case information.
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals at the courthouse provide free access to:
- Case indices and dockets
- Party information
- Case status and scheduled hearings
- Basic judgment information
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Limited Online Resources: Some basic case information is available without charge through:
- The Bartow County Clerk's website (case status and hearing schedules)
- Georgia Courts Case Search (basic case information)
When utilizing free search options, individuals should note:
- Free searches typically provide limited information (case numbers, party names, filing dates)
- Document images and full case files may require payment of statutory fees
- Certified copies always require payment of certification fees
- Complex searches or requests requiring significant staff assistance may incur research fees
For comprehensive research, the Bartow County Law Library, located in the courthouse, also provides free access to legal research materials and limited assistance with locating public records.
What's Included in a Bartow County Court Record?
Court records in Bartow County contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The content of these records is governed by Georgia court rules and state statutes regarding judicial documentation.
A typical court record file may include:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the case
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Court orders and rulings
- Final judgment or dismissal
- Post-judgment filings (garnishments, satisfaction of judgment)
Criminal Case Records:
- Indictment or accusation
- Arrest warrant and booking information
- Bond documentation
- Plea forms
- Motions filed by prosecution or defense
- Evidence lists and exhibits (if admitted)
- Court orders on pretrial matters
- Trial transcripts (if prepared)
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation terms and conditions
- Appeals documentation
Probate Court Records:
- Wills and testamentary documents
- Petitions for probate
- Letters of administration
- Inventories of estates
- Guardian and conservator appointments
- Annual returns and accountings
- Final settlements of estates
Domestic Relations Records:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Parenting plans
- Financial affidavits
- Temporary and permanent orders
- Modifications to existing orders
Each record contains identifying information including case numbers, party names, filing dates, and the presiding judge's information. Records maintained by the Bartow County Clerk of Superior Court follow standardized formats prescribed by the Judicial Council of Georgia.
How Long Does Bartow County Keep Court Records?
Bartow County adheres to the Georgia Records Act and the retention schedules established by the Georgia Archives for the maintenance and disposition of court records. These schedules vary by record type and significance.
The primary retention periods include:
Permanent Retention:
- Felony case files with sentences of death or life imprisonment
- Civil cases involving real property or title to land
- Adoption proceedings
- Wills and estate administrations
- Divorce decrees and judgments
- Docket books and case indices
- Naturalization records
- Historic court records (pre-1900)
Extended Retention (75+ years):
- Felony case files (non-capital)
- Civil judgments affecting property rights
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Guardianship and conservatorship files
Medium-Term Retention (10-25 years):
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases not involving real property
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Child support enforcement records
- Traffic cases involving serious offenses
Shorter Retention (5-10 years):
- Minor traffic violations
- Small claims court cases
- Administrative appeals
- Dismissed cases without prejudice
These retention periods are established pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-99, which authorizes the State Records Committee to approve retention schedules for court records. The Georgia Archives Court Records Retention Schedules provide the comprehensive framework followed by Bartow County courts.
After the prescribed retention period expires, records may be transferred to the Georgia Archives, maintained in county archives, or properly disposed of according to state regulations. Records with historical significance may be preserved beyond minimum retention requirements.
Types of Courts In Bartow County
Bartow County's judicial system consists of several courts with varying jurisdictions and authority. Each court handles specific types of cases as prescribed by Georgia law.
Superior Court of Bartow County
Frank Moore Administration & Judicial Center
135 West Cherokee Avenue
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-387-5030
Bartow County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
State Court of Bartow County
Frank Moore Administration & Judicial Center
135 West Cherokee Avenue
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-387-5090
Bartow County State Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Probate Court of Bartow County
135 West Cherokee Avenue, Suite 243A
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-387-5075
Bartow County Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Magistrate Court of Bartow County
112 W. Cherokee Avenue
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-387-5052
Bartow County Magistrate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Juvenile Court of Bartow County
135 West Cherokee Avenue
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-387-5039
Bartow County Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Cartersville Municipal Court
112 W. Cherokee Avenue
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-387-5060
Municipal Court Cartersville
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The court hierarchy in Georgia places the Superior Court as the general jurisdiction trial court, with the Georgia Court of Appeals and Georgia Supreme Court serving as appellate courts. Municipal courts and magistrate courts are limited jurisdiction courts that handle specific case types as defined by state law.
What Types of Cases Do Bartow County Courts Hear?
Each court within Bartow County's judicial system has specific jurisdictional authority to hear certain types of cases as established by Georgia law.
Superior Court handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with no monetary limit
- Domestic relations (divorce, child custody, support)
- Land title and property disputes
- Equity matters
- Habeas corpus petitions
- Appeals from lower courts
- Exclusive jurisdiction over certain matters including adoptions
State Court adjudicates:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Civil actions (except those reserved for Superior Court)
- Small claims up to $25,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Contract disputes
- Personal injury cases
Probate Court processes:
- Wills and estate administration
- Appointment of guardians and conservators
- Marriage licenses
- Weapons carry permits
- Certain mental health commitments
- Certain minor traffic cases
Magistrate Court handles:
- Civil claims up to $15,000
- Dispossessory (eviction) proceedings
- County ordinance violations
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
- Issuance of arrest and search warrants
- Small claims proceedings
Juvenile Court adjudicates:
- Delinquency cases involving minors
- Children in need of services (CHINS)
- Dependency cases (abuse, neglect)
- Termination of parental rights
- Juvenile traffic offenses
Municipal Courts (Cartersville and other municipalities) process:
- City ordinance violations
- Traffic offenses occurring within city limits
- Certain misdemeanor cases
- Code enforcement matters
- Preliminary hearings for felonies (bound over to Superior Court)
Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established in the Georgia Constitution, Article VI and various state statutes defining court authority.
How To Find a Court Docket In Bartow County
Court dockets in Bartow County provide schedules of cases to be heard and record proceedings that have occurred. These dockets are accessible through several methods.
To access court dockets:
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Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Georgia Courts E-Access portal for participating courts
- Navigate to the Bartow County Civil and Criminal Division website
- Select the appropriate court and case type
- Enter search criteria (date range, judge, case type)
- Review docket listings for scheduled hearings
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In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office for the specific court
- Request to view the daily or weekly docket
- Provide the case number or party name if searching for a specific case
- Public terminals may be available for self-service docket searches
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Telephone Information:
- Contact the appropriate clerk's office
- Provide case information for docket verification
- Inquire about upcoming hearing dates
For Superior Court dockets, contact:
Bartow County Clerk of Superior Court
Frank Moore Administration & Judicial Center
135 West Cherokee Avenue
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-387-5030
Docket information typically includes:
- Case numbers and style (party names)
- Scheduled hearing date and time
- Assigned courtroom and judge
- Nature of the proceeding (trial, motion hearing, status conference)
- Filing information for documents to be considered
Pursuant to Uniform Superior Court Rule 8.4, court calendars must be published and made available to attorneys and litigants. Most Bartow County courts publish their dockets at least one week in advance of scheduled proceedings.
Which Courts in Bartow County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Georgia's judicial system, "courts of record" maintain comprehensive documentation of all proceedings, including verbatim transcripts when required. Conversely, "courts not of record" typically maintain only basic documentation of case outcomes without detailed transcripts of proceedings.
In Bartow County, the following are not courts of record:
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Magistrate Court of Bartow County: While the Magistrate Court maintains case files and judgment records, it is not required to create verbatim transcripts of proceedings. Appeals from Magistrate Court decisions proceed to Superior Court as de novo hearings, meaning the case is heard anew rather than reviewed based on a lower court record.
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Municipal Courts (Cartersville, Emerson, Euharlee, Kingston, White, Adairsville): These courts handle ordinance violations, traffic cases, and certain misdemeanors within their respective city limits. Municipal courts maintain basic case information but do not typically create verbatim transcripts of proceedings. Appeals from municipal courts are heard de novo in Superior Court.
According to O.C.G.A. § 15-6-61, courts of record in Georgia must maintain comprehensive documentation including:
- Complete case files with all pleadings and orders
- Docket books recording all actions taken
- Indexes of parties and cases
- Verbatim transcripts of proceedings when required
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects:
- Appeal procedures (record review vs. de novo hearing)
- Evidentiary standards for proving prior proceedings
- Requirements for court reporters and transcription
- Precedential value of decisions
Superior Court, State Court, Probate Court, and Juvenile Court in Bartow County are courts of record, maintaining comprehensive documentation of all proceedings as required by state law.