Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Detailed Answer
Locating and identifying assets held in different counties or states under Georgia law ensures fair division in divorce, proper estate administration, and effective debt collection. Follow these steps to uncover real estate, personal property, business interests, financial accounts and vehicles.
1. Real Property Records
Every Georgia county maintains deed and mortgage records through the Clerk of Superior Court. Search online portals or visit county offices to review recorded instruments. Recorded deeds include buyer, seller, legal description and date. Mortgages and liens also appear in this system. See O.C.G.A. § 44-2-2 for recordation requirements.
2. Personal Property and UCC Filings
Security interests in equipment, inventory or accounts receivable often appear as UCC financing statements. Use the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) database to search UCC records statewide. UCC filings reveal creditor names, debtor names and collateral descriptions. See O.C.G.A. § 11-9-502 for filing requirements.
3. Business Interests and Corporate Filings
The Georgia Secretary of State maintains records for corporations, LLCs and partnerships. Search the online business entity database for registered agents, principal offices and annual registration filings. This search identifies ownership percentages and related entities. Visit Georgia Corporations Division.
4. Financial Accounts and Investments
Georgia law limits direct public access to bank accounts. However, you can subpoena financial institutions in pending litigation under O.C.G.A. § 9-11-34. For routine investigation, consider asset search vendors or interpleader actions. Retirement plans and brokerage accounts often require plan administrator records.
5. Vehicles and Titles
The Georgia Department of Revenue issues titles for vehicles. You can request title history by submitting Form MV-10T and paying the fee. Out-of-state titles require contacting the issuing state’s DMV or tag agency.
6. Probate and Estate Records
Probate court files disclose decedent assets, heirs and distribution plans. Each Georgia county Superior Court clerk handles estates. Review wills, inventories and accountings to identify real and personal property.
7. Out-of-State Searches
Apply the same approach in other states: real property records at county recorders, UCC filings under that state’s UCC, business entities via the state Secretary of State, and DMV for vehicles. Many jurisdictions offer online access or request by mail.
Helpful Hints
- Compile a spreadsheet listing jurisdictions, record types and contact information.
- Use exact legal names and known aliases when searching databases to improve accuracy.
- Monitor UCC filings for new liens or releases periodically during litigation.
- Consider a title company for deep property searches or chain-of-title reports.
- Track annual reports and statements of change for business entities to capture ownership shifts.
- Consult a private investigator for complex asset hiding or fraud schemes involving shell companies.