Court records in Henry County, Georgia can be searched through several channels. HenryGACourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through official court websites, the Clerk of Superior Court's office, the Georgia Courts e-access portal, and public terminals located at the courthouse in McDonough.
Henry County Court System & Jurisdictions
Henry County operates several courts, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over a matter is essential before searching for a docket entry or requesting records.
- Superior Court — The court of general jurisdiction in Henry County. It handles all felony criminal cases, civil actions (including those exceeding Magistrate Court limits), divorce and family law matters, equity cases, and appeals from lower courts. Superior Court also has concurrent jurisdiction with State Court over misdemeanors, contract disputes, and premises liability cases.
- State Court — Hears misdemeanor criminal cases and general civil cases, including medical and legal malpractice, wrongful death, and serious personal injury claims. State Court does not handle felonies.
- Magistrate Court — Processes small claims (civil disputes up to $15,000 under Georgia law), county ordinance violations, preliminary hearings in criminal cases, warrant applications, and first appearance hearings. Hearings are held at 120 Henry Parkway in McDonough.
- Probate Court — Manages the probate of wills, estate administration, guardianship and conservatorship petitions, marriage licenses, and firearms permits.
- Juvenile Court — Handles cases involving minors, including delinquency, dependency, and child custody matters when referred. Juvenile records are generally not public.
Traffic violations may be heard in either State Court or Magistrate Court depending on the offense. The Henry County Courts page provides links to each court division.
Henry County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Henry County publishes court calendars and docket information through its official website. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the Henry County Courts page, which offers links to docket search tools and judges' calendars.
- Use the Docket Search function to look up cases by party name, case number, or hearing date.
- Check Judges Calendars for Superior Court and State Court term schedules, motion days, and trial calendars.
Weekend first appearance hearings for Magistrate Court are held at the Henry County Jail courtroom at 120 Henry Parkway, McDonough. For criminal cases, you can also contact the Criminal Division of the Clerk's office to confirm upcoming hearing dates.
How to Get a Copy of a Henry County Court Document
The Clerk of Superior Court maintains civil and criminal case files for both Superior Court and State Court. There are three main ways to obtain copies:
Online
Access uncertified copies of court documents at no cost through the Clerk's ePortal. You will need to create an account. This is useful for quickly reviewing filings, but uncertified copies are not accepted where official certification is required.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Superior Court office to request certified or uncertified copies. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can assist with locating records.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes the case number (if known), party names, the type of document needed, and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Include payment by check or money order payable to the Henry County Clerk of Superior Court. Mail to the address above.
Certified vs. uncertified copies: Certified copies bear the Clerk's seal and signature and are typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, or official filings. Uncertified copies are suitable for personal reference.
For police reports and pre-trial arrest reports, contact the Henry County Police Department Records Unit or email the contact listed on the county's Open Record Requests page. Police reports cost $5 by mail via cashier's check or money order.
Henry County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in Henry County are set by Georgia statute and local administrative schedules. The table below reflects commonly requested items. Contact the Clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (via ePortal) | Free | Account registration required |
| Certified copy — first page | $2.50 | Per O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77(f) |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $0.50 | Same statute |
| Certificate and seal (no copy attached) | $2.50 | Per Georgia fee schedule |
| Police report copy | $5.00 | Payable to Henry County Police Department |
| Georgia criminal history check (HCSO) | Varies | Contact Sheriff's Office for current fee |
| Open records request (county agencies) | Varies | Charges based on search/retrieval time per Georgia Open Records Act |
Payment methods: The Clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person requests. For mailed requests, send a cashier's check or money order. Check with the specific court or agency for online payment options.
Under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.), most court records are public. However, certain records — including juvenile proceedings, sealed cases, adoption files, and some mental health records — are restricted. The custodial office has three business days after receiving a request to determine whether responsive records exist and to provide a cost estimate if fees apply.