Dade County
Dade County is located on the Northwest corner of Georgia and covers 174 square miles. It was established in 1837 and named after Francis Langhorne Dade. Dade County had a population of 16,251 people during the 2020 census. Trenton serves as its county seat and largest city.
Dade County trial courts are made up of the Superior Court, Probate Court, Juvenile Court, Municipal Court, and Magistrate Court. The Dade County Superior Court has general jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases hearing cases related to felony, title to real estate, and domestic relation. A Family Court Division exists within the Superior Court handling child legitimacy and paternity, child support, and divorce matters.
The Juvenile Court has jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency, mental illness cases involving minors, and juvenile traffic offenses. It does not hear serious crimes which are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Superior Court.
The Dade County Magistrate Court is also known as a small claims court. It handles claims in which the amount involved in dispute is $15,000 or less. The Magistrate Court has a much easier process of resolving cases compared to other courts in the county. It issues warrants and hears cases involving violation of city ordinances. In the Magistrate Court, it is not mandatory that you have an attorney for the presentation or defense of your case. Persons representing themselves may present or defend their own cases, whether civil or criminal.
The Probate Court is a court of limited jurisdiction and exercises original and exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving the appointment of guardians and administration of wills. In addition, it may hold habeas corpus hearings or preside over criminal preliminary hearings.
Preliminary hearings are held for certain criminal cases in Municipal Courts and also these courts have limited jurisdiction over municipal ordinance violations.
Dade County adheres to the Georgia Open Record Act which permits the public to view and copy public records including court records in the county. The Clerk of Superior and Juvenile Courts receives, manages, maintains, and keeps court documents related to the Superior and Probate Courts. The Office of the Clerk also receives court fees, disburses fines, and provides the public with access to court records. You can also obtain civil, family, criminal and other court records that are unavailable on the website of the Clerk of Superior and Juvenile Court from the Dade County courthouse. You can visit in person, send your request by mail, fax or by email to the Clerk of Court at kathy.page@gsccca.org.
