Henry County Circuit Court

Henry County Circuit Court handles major civil, criminal, family, and probate cases within the county. It also reviews appeals from lower courts, giving residents a higher level of legal oversight. Unlike smaller courts, this circuit court manages serious matters that require careful judicial attention and ensures that state laws are properly applied.

Serving as a state court with broad jurisdiction, the Henry County Circuit Court plays a key role in the county’s legal system. Cases range from felony criminal trials and large civil disputes to family law issues like divorce and child custody. Its authority in appellate matters allows it to correct errors from lower courts, making it a central part of legal proceedings in Henry County.

How to Search Henry County Circuit Court Records

Accessing Henry County Court records is simple using online resources or by visiting the courthouse in person. Users can quickly locate case information by entering a case number, party name, or filing date into the official search systems

Online Circuit Court Case Search

Henry County, Georgia provides an official portal for searching court cases. This online tool allows users to perform a circuit court case search from home, providing access to dockets, case events, and some public filings.

Official search portal URL: https://www.henrycountyga.gov/610/Locating-Records

Online search:

• Open the Henry County Records Search page in a browser.
• Select the type of case or court division, such as Superior Court or State Court.
• Enter at least one of the following:
  • Case number – the most precise way to find a case.
  • Party name – full or partial names of individuals or businesses involved.
  • Date or date range – narrows down search results.
• Click Search to view results.
• Browse the case list to see docket entries, filing history, and public court documents.

Searching in Person at the Clerk’s Office

For cases not fully available online, the Henry County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in McDonough provides public access to court records. Staff can assist in locating dockets, filings, and case documents.

Steps for in-person searches:

• Visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s office during business hours.
• Provide the case number, party name, or filing date.
• Use public terminals or consult staff for help locating records.
• Request copies of dockets or filings if needed; fees may apply.

Jurisdiction of Henry County Circuit Court

The Henry County Circuit Court holds significant legal authority over both civil and criminal matters within the county. Understanding circuit court jurisdiction Henry County helps residents, attorneys, and researchers know which cases the court can hear and how appeals work within the state judicial system.

Scope of Circuit Court Authority

Henry County Circuit Court serves as a trial-level court with general jurisdiction, handling a broad range of cases. This includes serious criminal offenses, civil disputes involving larger amounts, probate matters, and family law cases. The court also oversees cases from lower courts when appeals are filed, exercising appellate jurisdiction in those matters.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Criminal cases: Felonies and serious misdemeanor trials.
• Civil cases: Lawsuits involving contracts, property disputes, and personal injury claims with higher monetary thresholds.
• Family law matters: Divorce, child custody, and adoption cases.
• Probate and estate matters: Wills, guardianships, and estate administration.

Original vs Appellate Jurisdiction

The court’s jurisdiction is divided into original and appellate authority:

• Original jurisdiction: Cases heard for the first time, such as felony trials, large civil lawsuits, and probate matters. The court conducts trials, hears witnesses, and issues verdicts or judgments.
• Appellate jurisdiction: The court reviews decisions made by lower courts if a party appeals. It ensures the correct application of law and fairness in the trial process, but generally does not retry cases or hear new evidence.

Higher Court Responsibilities

While Henry County Circuit Court is powerful, it is still subordinate to Georgia’s Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Georgia. These higher courts handle appeals involving legal interpretations, constitutional questions, or matters of statewide significance. Henry County Circuit Court may review lower court decisions but must follow precedent and higher court rulings in all cases.

Types of Cases Handled by the Circuit Court

The Henry County Circuit Court manages a wide variety of legal matters, ranging from civil lawsuits to serious criminal trials, as well as family law, probate matters, and appellate cases. Understanding how these cases progress through the court system helps residents and legal professionals know what to expect at each stage.

Civil Cases

Civil cases in Henry County typically involve disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations. These may include contract disagreements, property disputes, personal injury claims, or business litigation.

Example of a docket entry (paraphrased):

• “Smith v. Johnson – Motion for summary judgment filed on May 10, 2025. Status hearing scheduled June 2, 2025.”

Civil cases generally start with the filing of a complaint. The court schedules hearings for motions, discovery, and trial. The Henry County Circuit Court ensures both parties have the opportunity to present evidence before issuing a judgment.

Criminal Cases

Criminal cases involve offenses against the state, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The circuit court handles trials, plea hearings, sentencing, and post-trial motions.

Example docket entry (paraphrased):

• “State v. Thompson – Preliminary hearing completed. Trial set for July 15, 2025.”

Family Law Cases

Family law cases cover divorce, child custody, child support, and adoption proceedings. The circuit court resolves disputes while prioritizing the best interests of children and equitable resolutions.

Example docket entry (paraphrased):

• “Doe v. Doe – Temporary custody hearing scheduled for August 5, 2025.”

Probate Matters

Probate involves the administration of wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. The circuit court ensures legal compliance and fair distribution of assets.

Appellate Cases and Higher Jurisdiction

The circuit court also handles appellate cases, reviewing decisions from lower courts such as magistrate or municipal courts. These cases ensure proper application of law without retrying the case entirely.

Example docket entry (paraphrased):

• “Appeal from Magistrate Court – Defendant challenges judgment. Briefs filed, oral argument set for September 10, 2025.”

Circuit Court Appeals Process

The Henry County Circuit Court handles not only trials but also appellate cases from lower courts. The appeals process Henry County allows parties to request a higher court to review a decision for errors in law or procedure without retrying the case.

Steps to Filing an Appeal

Filing an appeal in Henry County follows a structured process. Understanding each step ensures that parties preserve their legal rights and meet all deadlines.

• Notice of Appeal – The first step is filing a Notice of Appeal with the Circuit Court that issued the original decision. This document informs the court and the opposing party of the intent to appeal.
• Record Preparation – The court prepares the trial record, including pleadings, motions, and transcripts. Parties may need to request or supplement this record.
• Briefs Submission – The appellant (the party filing the appeal) submits a written argument explaining why the lower court’s decision was incorrect. The appellee (the opposing party) then submits a response brief.
• Oral Argument (if applicable) – In some cases, the court schedules an oral argument where attorneys can present key points and answer the judge’s questions.
• Judicial Review and Decision – Judges review the record, briefs, and arguments before issuing a written opinion. The court may affirm, reverse, or remand the case for further proceedings.

Timeline of Appellate Review

Court Calendar and Dockets

The Henry County Circuit Court docket provides a detailed schedule of upcoming trial dates, motion hearings, and other court events. Keeping track of the court calendar is essential for attorneys, parties, and the public to ensure timely participation in proceedings.

Importance of Docket Tracking

A court docket is essentially the official record of all proceedings and scheduled events for cases before the court. Monitoring the docket allows parties to:

• Know when hearings and trials are scheduled.
• Prepare required documents and evidence in advance.
• Avoid missed appearances, which can affect case outcomes.
• Stay informed about procedural updates or rescheduled events.

Categories of Docket Entries

The Henry County Circuit Court docket is organized by case type, making it easier to locate relevant events. Typical categories include:

• Civil Cases: Includes lawsuits involving contracts, personal injury, and property disputes. Entries may include pretrial conferences, motion hearings, and trial dates.
• Criminal Cases: Records of arraignments, preliminary hearings, motions, and trials for felonies and serious misdemeanors.
• Family Law Cases: Shows divorce hearings, child custody proceedings, and support enforcement hearings.
• Probate Matters: Includes wills, guardianships, and estate hearings.
• Appellate Cases: Updates for appeals from lower courts, showing briefs submission deadlines and oral arguments.

Example docket entry (paraphrased for privacy):

• “Smith v. Johnson – Motion to compel discovery scheduled for March 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Courtroom B.”
• “State v. Thompson – Preliminary hearing set for April 5, 2026, 9:00 AM, Judge Williams presiding.”

Dynamic Court Calendar Tool

Henry County offers a dynamic Court Calendar Tool where users can view upcoming hearings and filter by case type, date, or courtroom.

Official Court Calendar Tool (naked URL):
https://www.henrycountyga.gov/477/Courts

How to use the tool:

• Open the link in your browser.
• Select Circuit Court from the list of court types.
• Use filters to choose case type (civil, criminal, probate, family law) or a specific date range.
• Review the scheduled hearings, trials, and motions.
• Print or save calendar entries if needed for reference.

Fees, Filing, and Clerk of Court Information

The Henry County Circuit Court manages filings for civil, criminal, probate, and family law cases. Understanding filing fees and the role of the clerk of court Henry County ensures that documents are submitted correctly and efficiently.

Filing Fees by Case Type

Filing fees vary depending on the type of case. Typical fees include:

• Civil cases: $150–$300 depending on the claim amount.
• Criminal cases: $50–$200 for motions or petitions.
• Family law cases: $100–$200 for divorce, custody, or support filings.
• Probate matters: $75–$200 depending on the estate size.
• Appeals: $150–$250 for filing a notice of appeal.

Methods for Submitting Documents

The Henry County Circuit Court accepts filings in several ways:

• In-Person: Submit documents directly at the Clerk’s office. Payments can be made by cash, check, or card.
• Mail: Documents may be mailed to the Clerk’s office along with the applicable fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want copies returned.
• Online/E-Filing: Certain case types can be filed electronically through the Georgia eFiling portal, streamlining submission and payment.

History and Location of Henry County Circuit Court

The Henry County Circuit Court has been a cornerstone of the local judicial system since its establishment in the early 19th century. As the primary trial-level court in the county, it has overseen significant legal developments and served the community through generations.

Historical Background

Originally created to manage civil and criminal matters within the county, the Circuit Court Henry County has evolved alongside the community it serves. Over the years, it has handled landmark cases in civil disputes, probate matters, and family law. The court has also adapted to modern legal procedures, incorporating electronic filing systems and public access tools while preserving its historic traditions.

Significant milestones include:

• Construction of the current courthouse to accommodate growing caseloads and improve public access.
• Implementation of specialized court divisions for family law and probate matters.
• Integration of digital records and online docket access to streamline case management.

Location and Accessibility

The Henry County Circuit Court is located in the county seat, McDonough, Georgia, making it centrally accessible to residents throughout the county.

Address:
Henry County Judicial Center
141 Henry Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253

Contact Information:

• Phone: (770) 288-8200
• Email: clerkinfo@henrycountyga.gov

Directions & Accessibility:
The courthouse is easily reachable via major highways and offers public parking. It is fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, featuring ramps, elevators, and designated seating areas in courtrooms. Public transportation options are available nearby, and the facility is within walking distance of several local government offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common inquiries regarding the Henry County Circuit Court. These court FAQs provide detailed guidance for residents, attorneys, and anyone interacting with the court system, covering filing procedures, case searches, public access, and attendance at hearings.

What cases does Henry County Circuit Court handle?

The Henry County Circuit Court handles a wide variety of cases, including civil disputes, criminal trials, family law matters, probate cases, and appeals from lower courts such as magistrate or municipal courts. Civil disputes may involve contracts, property issues, or personal injury claims, while criminal trials cover serious offenses such as felonies and significant misdemeanors. Family law cases include divorce, child custody, and support matters, and probate cases involve wills, estates, and guardianships. The court also serves a higher jurisdiction role by reviewing decisions from lower courts, ensuring that legal procedures were correctly applied.

How can I file an appeal?

To file an appeal in Henry County, a Notice of Appeal must be submitted to the Circuit Court within the statutory deadline, which is generally 30 days after the lower court’s judgment. Once filed, the court prepares the case record, including all pleadings, motions, and transcripts. The appellant then submits a written brief outlining the reasons for the appeal, while the appellee provides a response brief. In some cases, the court schedules an oral argument where both parties present key points to the judge. Following review, the court issues a written decision, which may affirm, reverse, or remand the lower court’s ruling.

Are circuit court records public?

Most records maintained by the Henry County Circuit Court are open to the public, including dockets, filings, and certain court documents. However, some sensitive cases, such as sealed family law matters or confidential juvenile cases, may have restricted access. Individuals seeking information can contact the Clerk’s office to determine which records are publicly accessible and how to request copies if necessary.

How do I search for a case online?

Case information can be searched through the Henry County online court portal by entering a case number, the names of the parties involved, or the filing date. The portal displays docket entries, trial dates, and filed documents. If records are not fully digitized, users may need to visit the Clerk’s office to access older or archived cases. The official online portal is https://www.henrycountyga.gov/610/Locating-Records.

What are the fees for filing documents?

Filing fees vary by case type. Civil lawsuits typically require fees ranging from $150 to $300, while criminal filings for motions or petitions may range from $50 to $200. Family law filings generally cost between $100 and $200, probate matters can range from $75 to $200 depending on the estate, and appeals usually require $150 to $250. Fees may be paid in person, by mail, or through electronic filing systems, and waivers may be available for eligible parties.

Can I attend hearings in person?

Yes, the Henry County Circuit Court generally allows public attendance at hearings, including trials, motion hearings, and other court proceedings. Exceptions apply for cases that are sealed or closed by court order. The courthouse, located at 141 Henry Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253, is fully accessible and equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities.