Some of the more common services provided are:

The Clerk of Superior Court office is not a static entity. Needs of the citizenry change and functions expand and evolve. Beginning January 1, 2011, the Superior Court Clerks were tasked by the legislature to provide oversight and supervision to the Board of Equalization (BOE) in each county. While this duty is far removed from traditional court functions, the legislature determined changing the supervision of the BOE from the taxing authority and/or the property appraisal authority was in the best interest of the citizens of Georgia.

In keeping with the changing needs of the public, it is one of our goals to expand our on-line services each year. It is our desire for you to take care of as much of your court business as possible on-line rather than in line. We currently provide E-Notary and e-filing of UCC’s, e-filing of Real Estate documents and plats, and e-filing of civil and family documents. Criminal filings, Adoptions and Temporary Protective Orders are not accepted via e-file at this time.

The public can search open cases and see the parties and all the proceedings. They can view closed cases if the case number is known. However, we must balance what is provided on-line. Your privacy is important to us so we do not allow scanned images of filings to be displayed on the internet. Many factors that can be used for identity theft are found in court filings and we make every effort to safeguard your privacy while complying with Georgia’s Public Record Statutes.

Limitations:
We recognize that the courthouse can be a strange, confusing and sometimes an intimidating place for much of our population. The clerk and deputy clerks have a strong desire to help all parties who ask for assistance. But please be aware that the clerk and deputy clerks are STRICTLY FORBIDDEN to practice law or to give legal advice. Sound legal advice should only come from a licensed practicing attorney and we highly recommend all parties seek competent legal services. Please be understanding when we say that we cannot answer your legal questions.

We are here to serve you to the best of our abilities.

Goals

• To decrease document retrieval time to a minimum.
  
• To help eliminate the confusion caused by cross over services between county agencies.
  
• To give the best possible customer service.
  
• To protect and secure all records entrusted to us.
  
• To use the most cost effective and efficient means in order to complete our public duty.

Vision

To learn as time marches on. Using both paper hard copy and electronic capabilities, from our early 1700 records to present, we will use every available tool at our disposal to the best of our ability within the guise of the law. We will face the challenges given to us in order that we can maintain the valuable and irreplaceable records under our care.

Mission Statement

This office is charged with the duty of keeping and maintaining all records for the Superior Court, Eastern Judicial Circuit. Our mission is to provide quality, professional service to the citizens of Chatham County. We will protect and maintain the public’s records with the utmost integrity and trust. We will provide said records to the court, members of the law enforcement community, and the public that we serve.