Polk County
Polk County, Georgia, was established in 1851 and named after James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States. The county covers approximately 310.3 square miles, hosting various annual events, such as the Polk County Fair, which celebrates the area's heritage. As of 2022, Polk County had a population of around 43,019. Its county seat is Cedartown
Polk County's court system comprises various trial courts, including the Superior, State, Probate, Magistrate, and Juvenile Courts. Polk County Superior Court hears all felony trials, land title disputes, and civil equity cases. The Family Division of the Superior Court resolves cases regarding divorce, child custody, domestic violence, and parentage actions. The State Court manages misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and civil cases outside the Superior Court's purview. The Probate Court oversees wills, estates, guardianships, and marriage licenses. On the other hand, the Magistrate Court handles small claims, issues warrants, and conducts preliminary hearings. Meanwhile, legal proceedings involving delinquent acts, dependency matters, and truancy are resolved in the Juvenile Court.
The Clerk of Courts is tasked with creating and maintaining court records, which are generally accessible to the public, except for sensitive records like juvenile or mental health cases, as restricted under Georgia's Open Records Act. These documents contain details of court proceedings, including transcripts, dispositions, and court judgments. This way, the county's judicial process remains transparent, allowing individuals to review case information and hold the justice system accountable. Having access to public court records also facilitates research and historical documentation. The following are common court records:
- Criminal court records
- Probate court records
- Small claims court records
- Civil records
- Family law records.
Public court records in Polk County are accessible online using the county's eSearch or the state's re:SearchGA tool. Members of the public can view records via the county's online portal free of charge but will be charged $0.50 per page to print documents. However, requesters must sign in to the state's online platform to access limited information on criminal and civil cases. Interested persons can also request court records by visiting the Clerk's Office at:
100 Prior Street
Cedartown, GA 30125
Phone: (770) 749-2114
