George County Public Records /George County Divorce Records

George County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In George County in 2026

GeorgeRecords.us provides access to publicly available data and information related to divorce records in George County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents. Record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.

Records may be searched through official resources including the George County Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system, and the Mississippi Department of Health Vital Records office. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records.

Online Searches

1. Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) The Mississippi Electronic Courts system allows members of the public to search civil and family court case information online. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document retrieval.

Mississippi Electronic Courts public access portal
Search by party name or case number
Free basic case information
Document copies may require a fee

2. Mississippi Supreme Court Case Search The Mississippi Supreme Court case search provides access to appellate-level records and may reflect cases that have been appealed from George County Circuit Court.

3. Mississippi Department of Health Vital Records Mississippi registers divorce certificates through the state vital records office. The Mississippi Department of Health Vital Records maintains divorce records from January 1, 1926, to the present. These certificates confirm the fact of divorce but contain less detail than full court case files.

Divorce certificates available for a fee
Current fee: $17.00 for the first certified copy; $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
Requests may be submitted online, by mail, or in person

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court — George County Circuit Court:

George County Circuit Court Clerk
355 Cox Street
Lucedale, MS 39452
Phone: (601) 947-4801
George County Circuit Court

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail to: George County Circuit Court Clerk, 355 Cox Street, Lucedale, MS 39452
Include the following in the written request:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, depending on volume and record age

By Phone

Limited Information Available by Phone:

George County Circuit Court Clerk: (601) 947-4801
Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Mississippi may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and assist with complex searches involving multiple counties or older archived records. The Mississippi Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with licensed attorneys.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Previous addresses in Mississippi
Names of children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

In Mississippi, divorce actions are filed in the chancery court of the county where either spouse resides. George County divorce records are maintained by the George County Circuit Court Clerk. If residency is uncertain, it may be necessary to search multiple counties. Under § 93-5-11 of the Mississippi Code, the action must be filed in the county where the defendant resides, or if the defendant is a nonresident, in the county where the complainant resides.

Residency Requirement:

At least one spouse must have been a resident of Mississippi for six months prior to filing
The divorce is filed in the county of the resident spouse

Time Considerations

Recent divorces may not appear in online systems immediately; allow several days to weeks after the final hearing for processing
Older divorces, particularly those predating electronic filing, may be archived in paper format and require additional retrieval time
Cases filed before the implementation of electronic court systems may not be digitized

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Verify the correct county of filing
Attempt alternate name spellings, including maiden names
Search under both spouses' names
Confirm the divorce was finalized, not merely filed
Check the Mississippi Department of Health Vital Records for a divorce certificate
Contact the George County Circuit Court Clerk directly at (601) 947-4801

What Are George County Divorce Records?

George County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in George County, Mississippi. These records are maintained by the George County Circuit Court Clerk as part of the permanent family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable state law.

Types of Divorce Records

Court Case Files:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Response or answer to the petition
Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
Parenting plans and timesharing schedules
Marital settlement agreements
Motions, responses, and court orders
Transcripts of court hearings
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage

Final Decree:

The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes:

The date the marriage was legally dissolved
Division of marital property and debts
Alimony or spousal support provisions, if any
Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
Child support orders, if applicable
Restoration of a former name, if requested Certified copies of the final decree are available through the George County Circuit Court Clerk.

Supporting Documents:

Original marriage certificate submitted to the court
Financial disclosure documents and asset inventories
Parenting plan modifications
Post-judgment modification orders

Purpose of Divorce Records

Legal Purposes:

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Documentation for name change proceedings
Property transfer and title documentation
Estate planning and beneficiary designations
Immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
Social Security benefit eligibility determinations

Personal Purposes:

Genealogical and family history research
Personal record-keeping
Verification of divorce terms and obligations

Who Maintains Divorce Records

Clerk of Court:

The George County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Clerk maintains complete case files, provides certified copies, and indexes records by party name.

George County Circuit Court Clerk
355 Cox Street
Lucedale, MS 39452
Phone: (601) 947-4801
George County Circuit Court

State Vital Records Office:

The Mississippi Department of Health maintains divorce certificates for statistical and verification purposes. These certificates contain limited information compared to full court case files.

Mississippi Department of Health Vital Records
571 Stadium Drive
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601) 576-7960
Mississippi Department of Health Vital Records

Legal Framework

Divorce proceedings in Mississippi are governed by § 93-5-1 of the Mississippi Code Annotated, which establishes the grounds for divorce and the procedural requirements for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act, codified at § 25-61-1 et seq. of the Mississippi Code. Privacy protections for sensitive information within family law cases are addressed through court rules and applicable federal statutes.

Are George County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in George County are public court records under Mississippi law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. Certain categories of information are restricted or may be sealed by court order to protect sensitive personal data, minor children, and domestic violence victims.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and docket entries
Court orders and judgments
Final divorce decree
Property division orders
General case status

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from public filings pursuant to court rules
Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
Salary and income details may carry some restrictions depending on the filing

Children's Information:

Addresses where minor children reside
Schools minor children attend
Medical and psychological information about children
Child custody evaluations may be sealed
Guardian ad litem reports are restricted

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Sexual abuse allegations

Sealed Records:

Cases sealed by specific court order
Cases involving abuse where protective measures are warranted
Confidential mediation communications, which are not part of the public record

Legal Basis for Public Access

The presumption of public access to court records in Mississippi is grounded in the Mississippi Public Records Act, § 25-61-1. Restrictions on access require a specific legal basis, and courts apply a balancing test weighing transparency against privacy interests.

Who Can Access Records

General Public:

May access most case information and docket summaries
May obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
May be required to present identification at the clerk's office

Parties to the Case:

Have full access to their own case file, including confidential information
May obtain all documents without restriction as to their own case

Attorneys:

Have access to case files on behalf of clients
May petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a proper showing

Researchers and Media:

Have access to public portions of the record
Must seek court permission to access sealed records
First Amendment considerations apply to news reporting on matters of public concern

Restrictions on Use

Access to divorce records is prohibited for purposes of stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any fraudulent purpose. Violation of protective orders through misuse of record information may result in criminal liability. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, and academic research.

Obtaining Confidential Records

A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating good cause. The court evaluates the request on a case-by-case basis, provides notice to the parties, and applies a balancing test. Certain entities, including law enforcement agencies, child protective services, and court-appointed evaluators, may be entitled to access by statute.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in George County?

The George County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to Mississippi law and are subject to change by court order or legislative action.

Service	Current Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$1.00 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$1.50 per page + $1.00 certification fee
Divorce certificate (MSDH)	$17.00 first copy; $6.00 each additional
Case search (in person)	No charge for basic search
Public access terminal use	No charge

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash
Money order or cashier's check payable to George County Circuit Court Clerk
Personal checks may be accepted; confirm with the clerk's office prior to submission
Credit and debit card acceptance varies; contact the clerk's office to confirm

Fee Waivers: Indigent parties who are active participants in a pending case may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. Fee waivers for third-party requestors are not standard and require a specific court order.

What Is Available at No Charge:

In-person review of public case documents at the courthouse
Basic case status information provided verbally by clerk's staff
Online case index searches through the Mississippi Electronic Courts public portal

What's Included in Divorce Records in George County

A complete George County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the court from the initiation of the proceeding through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The following describes the standard contents of a dissolution of marriage case file.

Basic Case Information

Case Caption:

Case number assigned by the clerk
Court name and division
Names of petitioner and respondent
Judge assigned to the case
Attorneys of record for each party

Filing Information:

Date the petition was filed
Filing fees paid
Case type designation (dissolution of marriage)
Basis for jurisdiction

Initial Pleadings

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:

Full identifying information for both parties
Date and location of marriage
Date of separation, if applicable
Grounds for divorce (Mississippi recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds under § 93-5-1)
Information regarding minor children, including names and dates of birth
Claims regarding marital property
Requests for spousal support and child support
All relief requested by the petitioner

Response/Answer:

Respondent's admissions or denials
Counterpetition, if filed
Respondent's independent requests for relief

Financial Affidavits:

Income from all sources
Monthly living expenses
Assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property
Liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt
Standard of living during the marriage

Property-Related Documents

Marital asset inventory with descriptions and estimated values
Debt inventory including all joint and individual obligations
Real property appraisals
Business valuations, if applicable
Expert reports on asset values

Children-Related Documents (if applicable)

Parenting Plan:

Legal custody and decision-making authority
Physical custody and primary residence designation
Regular timesharing schedule
Holiday, summer, and vacation schedules
Transportation arrangements
Communication provisions between parents and children
Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
Relocation restrictions

Child Support:

Child support calculation worksheet
Income information for both parties
Number of overnights with each parent
Health insurance and childcare cost allocations
Amount of support ordered and payment schedule
Income deduction order, if applicable

Custody Evaluations (if ordered):

Reports from court-appointed psychologists or evaluators
Home study findings
Parenting assessments and recommendations
These documents may be sealed or subject to restricted access

Support Documents

Alimony/Spousal Support:

Type of alimony awarded (lump sum, periodic, rehabilitative, or permanent)
Amount and duration of payments
Conditions for modification or termination
Payment schedule and method

Settlement Documents

Marital Settlement Agreement:

Comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues
Real and personal property distribution
Debt allocation between the parties
Spousal support terms
Child-related provisions, if applicable
Tax treatment of transfers and support
Allocation of attorney fees
Signatures of both parties and notarization

Mediation Agreement (if applicable):

Terms reached through mediation
May be incorporated into the marital settlement agreement
Mediator identification and certification

Court Orders and Judgments

Temporary Orders:

Temporary custody and timesharing
Temporary support obligations
Temporary use and possession of marital property
Temporary restraining orders or injunctions, if issued

Final Judgment of Dissolution:

Official court order terminating the marriage
Date of dissolution
Findings of fact and conclusions of law
Complete property division with specific awards to each party
Debt allocation
Spousal support orders
Child custody, timesharing, and support orders
Name restoration, if requested
Judge's signature and court seal

Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):

Issued when retirement accounts are divided
Directs the plan administrator to divide benefits
Filed as a separate order

Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable)

Petitions to modify custody, timesharing, or support
Court orders on modification requests
Contempt motions and orders for non-compliance
Income deduction orders for support enforcement
Liens filed against property for unpaid support

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
Addresses and schools of minor children
Domestic violence details, which may be sealed by court order
Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
Mediation communications, which are confidential by statute

How to Get Proof of Divorce in George County?

Proof of divorce in George County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage issued by the George County Circuit Court Clerk, or through a divorce certificate issued by the Mississippi Department of Health.

Certified Copy of Final Decree (Court Record):

Contact the George County Circuit Court Clerk in person, by mail, or by phone
Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce
Pay the applicable certified copy fee (currently $1.50 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee)
The certified copy bears the court seal and clerk's signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes

George County Circuit Court Clerk
355 Cox Street
Lucedale, MS 39452
Phone: (601) 947-4801
George County Circuit Court

Divorce Certificate (State Vital Records):

The Mississippi Department of Health issues divorce certificates for divorces granted in Mississippi from January 1, 1926, to the present
Requests may be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the MSDH Vital Records office
Current fee: $17.00 for the first certified copy
The divorce certificate confirms the fact of divorce, the names of the parties, the county of filing, and the date of the decree, but does not contain the full terms of the judgment

Mississippi Department of Health Vital Records
571 Stadium Drive
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601) 576-7960
Mississippi Department of Health Vital Records

Online Search: Members of the public may verify the existence of a divorce case through the Mississippi Electronic Courts public access portal. Online access provides case index information but does not substitute for a certified copy when official proof is required.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in George County?

Divorce proceedings in George County are presumptively public under Mississippi law; however, specific portions of a case file may be sealed or restricted under defined circumstances.

Domestic violence cases: Courts may seal identifying information, including addresses and contact details, to protect victims of domestic violence from further harm.
Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records of minor children are subject to restriction and are not routinely available to the general public.
Mental health and substance abuse records: Medical records, mental health evaluations, and substance abuse treatment information submitted to the court may be sealed by court order.
Mediation communications: Under Mississippi law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public record.
Sealed by court order: A party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a showing of compelling need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
Confidential settlements: Terms of private settlement negotiations that are not incorporated into a filed court order are not part of the public record.

The legal basis for sealing family court records in Mississippi is addressed through court rules and the Mississippi Public Records Act, § 25-61-1, which permits withholding of records when disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or when a specific statutory exemption applies.

How Long Does George County Keep Divorce Records?

George County divorce records are maintained in accordance with Mississippi court records retention schedules, which establish minimum retention periods for different categories of court documents.

Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention. Final judgments of dissolution of marriage are retained permanently as part of the official court record and are never destroyed.
Complete case files: Circuit court civil case files, including divorce proceedings, are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case under Mississippi court records retention guidelines; many are retained permanently.
Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the duration of the retention period applicable to the case type.
Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule.
Archived paper records: Cases filed before electronic court systems were implemented may be stored in physical archives at the courthouse or an off-site facility; retrieval may require additional time.
State vital records (divorce certificates): The Mississippi Department of Health retains divorce certificates from January 1, 1926, to the present on a permanent basis.

Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the George County Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History also maintains historical court records and may be a resource for very old divorce proceedings.

Mississippi Department of Archives and History
200 North Street
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 576-6850
Mississippi Department of Archives and History