Find Brookhaven Genealogy Records
Brookhaven genealogy records are at the DeKalb County Probate Court and Superior Court Clerk in Decatur. Brookhaven incorporated in 2012, but this area has been part of DeKalb County since 1842. All marriage licenses, wills, estate files, land deeds, and court cases for Brookhaven families are filed at the DeKalb County courthouse. The county holds records going back to 1842, making it one of the older record sets in the Atlanta metro area.
Brookhaven Quick Facts
DeKalb County Probate Court
The DeKalb County Probate Court is the primary source for Brookhaven genealogy records. Marriage licenses go back to 1842. The court also has wills, estate inventories, guardianship records, and letters of administration. Under O.C.G.A. § 15-9-30, the Probate Court handles all estate and marriage matters for DeKalb County.
The courthouse is at 556 North McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030. Call (404) 371-2836 for questions. You can visit in person or send requests by mail with a search fee. The DeKalb County website has forms, fees, and office hours.
DeKalb County marriage and probate records from 1842 are older than the records in Fulton County next door. If your Brookhaven ancestors were here before 1853, you may find records in DeKalb that don't exist anywhere else in metro Atlanta.
| Address | 556 North McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (404) 371-2836 |
| Website | dekalbcountyga.gov |
Land Records and Superior Court
Land deeds, divorce files, and civil case records for Brookhaven are at the DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk at the courthouse in Decatur. Land records go back to 1842.
The Brookhaven area was farmland and estates before suburban development. Old deed books show property sales, family transfers, and neighbor connections that help trace families over time. Plat maps from the early years give a picture of land divisions. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, these records are public and open to anyone.
Divorce records at the Superior Court can also be useful. They often list children, divide property, and include ages or dates of birth. These details help confirm family connections when other sources are incomplete.
DeKalb History Center
The DeKalb History Center has collections that matter for Brookhaven genealogy. Their holdings include church records, photos, Decatur City Court Minute Books from 1923 to 1956, and Superior Court Records from 1860 to 1910. The Superior Court Minutes Book A covers 1836 to 1843, the very earliest years of the county.
These records go deeper than what you find at the courthouse. Church baptism and burial records fill gaps before Georgia started statewide vital records in 1919. Historical photos can put faces to names on your family tree. The History Center is in Decatur and open to researchers.
The DeKalb County Courts public records page shows how to search court records for genealogy research in the county.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for Brookhaven residents are available from the Georgia Department of Public Health or local health offices. Georgia began statewide vital records in 1919 under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-9.
Birth certificates cost $25 for the first copy. Extra copies are $5. Death certificates are the same. Under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-26, birth certificates are restricted to close family members. Death certificates are easier to get and list the person's name, death date, parents' names, and burial information.
The Virtual Vault has free online death certificates from 1919 to 1943. FamilySearch has Georgia death records from 1914 to 1943. For earlier records, check the Georgia Archives in Morrow for microfilmed DeKalb County records.
Online Research Resources
Search Brookhaven genealogy records from home. The E-Access to Court Records system covers DeKalb County probate and court files. Registration is free. Basic case data costs nothing. Documents are $2.50 for the first page and $1.00 after.
FamilySearch offers free indexed Georgia records. Marriages from 1754 to 1960. Probate records from 1742 to 1990. Death records from 1914 to 1943. The Georgia Historic Newspapers archive has old newspapers from the DeKalb County area with obituaries and family notices.
The Georgia Archives at 5800 Jonesboro Road, Morrow has microfilmed county records, census data, and military files. Call (678) 364-3710. Free Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, and Fold3 access in the search room. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, public records are open for inspection across Georgia.
Research Tips
Brookhaven was not a city until 2012. Older records will show this area as unincorporated DeKalb County. Search by county, not city name.
Brookhaven sits near the Fulton County line. Some families straddled both counties. If you don't find what you need in DeKalb records, check Fulton County as well. The 1890 census is mostly gone. For that gap, use tax digests, city directories, church records, and cemetery inscriptions.
Census records from 1820 to 1950 cover DeKalb County. The 1850 census first listed all household members by name. Tax digests track families between census years. Cemetery transcriptions are sometimes on FindAGrave or the DeKalb County GAGenWeb project. Family Bible records at the Georgia Archives can add personal details no official document captures.
DeKalb County Genealogy Records
Brookhaven is in DeKalb County. All marriage licenses, probate records, land deeds, and court cases are filed at the DeKalb County courthouse in Decatur. Records go back to 1842 when the county was formed.
Nearby Georgia Cities
These cities are near Brookhaven and share access to DeKalb County genealogy records.