Court records in Chatham County, Georgia can be searched through several channels. ChathamCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Chatham County Court System website, the Clerk of Superior Court's office, and public terminals located at the courthouse. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70) governs public access to most government records in the state.
Chatham Court System & Jurisdictions
Chatham County is part of Georgia's Eastern Judicial Circuit, and several courts operate within the county. Knowing which court handles your case type is essential before searching for docket information.
- Superior Court — Has general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases. Handles felonies, civil disputes exceeding Magistrate Court limits, divorces, equity cases, and appeals from lower courts. The Criminal Division maintains official records for criminal matters heard in this court.
- State Court — Handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses, and civil actions where Superior Court does not have exclusive jurisdiction. State Court does not hear felony cases.
- Magistrate Court — Processes civil claims of $15,000 or less (including small claims), county ordinance violations, preliminary hearings in criminal cases, and warrant applications. Small claims cases are filed here.
- Probate Court — Manages wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, involuntary commitments, marriage licenses, and firearms permits. The Chatham County Court System website offers a Probate Court Records Search tool.
- 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 Savannah and other incorporated municipalities in Chatham County operate their own municipal courts for city ordinance violations and some traffic offenses.
Chatham Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Chatham County are managed by each individual court division. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the Chatham County Court System home page, which provides links to each court's calendar and announcements.
- For Superior Court cases, check with the Clerk of Superior Court's website, where eFiled documents and case information are accessible electronically per O.C.G.A. § 15-6-11.
- The statewide E-Access to Court Records portal may also provide case scheduling details — you will need an account to search.
Calendar information can also be obtained by calling the clerk's office for the specific court division. During a State-Wide Judicial Emergency, court functions and schedules may change; the court system website posts updated information when this occurs.
For recent arrest and booking information (not court calendars, but often the first step in tracking a criminal case), the Chatham County Sheriff's Office publishes bookings from the past 24 hours and bookings from the past 72 hours online.
How to Get a Copy of a Chatham Court Document
Chatham County court documents can be obtained as certified or uncertified copies. Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and signature and are typically required for legal proceedings, while uncertified copies work for personal reference.
Online
The Clerk of Superior Court has scanned documents recorded and filed in the office, making many of them accessible electronically. The re:Search tool available through the court system website allows public access to view cases and eFiled documents. For certified copies, you will generally need to follow up with the clerk's office directly.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse:
Bring the case number or party names to help staff locate the record. Photo identification may be required for certain restricted records.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes:
- 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 applicable fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
Records That May Be Restricted
- Juvenile court records
- Adoption records
- Sealed or expunged records
- Records subject to a protective order
- Certain mental health and commitment proceedings
Under the Georgia Open Records Act, most court filings are generally public, but exceptions apply. Ask the clerk whether the specific record you need is available for public inspection.
Chatham Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies in Georgia are set by statute and local court policy. The schedule below reflects standard fees under Georgia law (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 |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $2.50 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $0.25 |
| Certificate and seal (no copy) | $2.50 |
| Record search (per name, per type of record) | Varies — contact clerk |
| Criminal history background check (GCIC) | Contact the Criminal History & Fingerprint Unit |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order are typically accepted. Some offices may accept credit or debit cards — confirm with the clerk before visiting.
- By mail: Check or money order made payable to the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court.
- Online: Fees for electronic document access may vary depending on the platform used. The re:Search system and statewide E-Access portal may have their own fee structures.
For police records and incident reports, the Chatham County Police Department Records Request portal handles those separately from court records. Open records requests to the City of Savannah should be directed through the City's Open Records page.