Gwinnett County Family Court Guide
Gwinnett is one of Georgia's largest and most diverse counties, and its family docket reflects that. Divorce, custody, visitation, legitimation, and protective order cases for Gwinnett residents are heard by the Superior Court of Gwinnett County at the Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville.
At a glance
Court: Superior Court of Gwinnett County (domestic relations / family cases)
Location: Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Clerk of Superior Court: main county line commonly listed as (770) 822-8100
Addresses, room numbers, and phone numbers change — verify with the court before visiting or filing.
What the court handles
Gwinnett County Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and hears the full range of family matters:
- Divorce, separate maintenance, and annulment
- Child custody and parenting time, including interstate custody issues under the UCCJEA
- Child support, income deduction orders, and contempt actions
- Legitimation and paternity
- Family violence protective orders (TPOs)
- Adoptions and name changes
Because Gwinnett's population has grown so quickly, its family docket is heavy. Cases are assigned to a specific judge at filing, and each judge's chambers manages its own calendar — expect scheduling to run through the judge's case manager rather than a central family-court desk.
How a custody or visitation case typically flows
- Filing. The petition is filed with the Gwinnett Clerk of Superior Court at the Justice and Administration Center or through the state's e-filing system. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify.
- Service. The sheriff's department or an approved process server serves the respondent, or the respondent signs an acknowledgment of service.
- Temporary hearing. Either party may request temporary orders covering custody, support, and possession of the residence while the case is pending.
- Discovery and investigation. In contested custody matters, expect the possibility of a guardian ad litem appointment, custody evaluation, or court-ordered assessments.
- Mediation. Gwinnett's ADR program routinely requires mediation in contested domestic cases before trial; many parenting plans are finalized at this stage.
- Final hearing. If issues remain, the assigned judge hears evidence and enters a final decree with a parenting plan and support order.
Parenting seminar requirement
Gwinnett County requires parents in divorce and custody actions involving minor children to complete an approved parenting seminar before the final hearing. Verify the current list of approved providers with the court, and see our co-parenting resources guide for what the classes involve.
Supervised visitation in Gwinnett cases
Gwinnett judges order supervised visitation when circumstances call for a neutral adult to be present during parenting time — for example, pending investigation of allegations, during reunification after a long separation, or where substance abuse is a concern. See our supervised visitation explainer for how it works and our guide to finding a supervised visitation provider serving Gwinnett and the wider metro.
Practical tips for the Justice and Administration Center
- The complex at 75 Langley Drive houses many county offices, not just the courts — check the directory for your courtroom, and allow extra time to find it.
- Free surface parking is generally available on site, unlike the downtown Atlanta and Decatur courthouses.
- Bring photo ID and expect airport-style security screening.
- Self-represented litigants can ask the clerk's office about available form packets and the law library.