Hoover Dissolution of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage records in Hoover are filed at one of two county courts. Hoover is split between Jefferson County and Shelby County, so you must check your address to know which court handles your divorce case.

Which County Handles Your Divorce in Hoover

Hoover sits in two counties. This makes filing for divorce a bit more complex than in cities that fall in just one county. About two-thirds of Hoover is in Jefferson County. The rest is in Shelby County. Your home address tells you which court to use. You cannot pick which one you prefer. The law says you must file in the county where you live.

If you are not sure which county your address is in, there are easy ways to check. Look at your property tax bill. It will show the county. You can also check your voter registration card or call the Hoover city hall at (205) 444-7500. The staff there can tell you which county your street falls in. Getting this right matters a lot since filing in the wrong court can cause delays or get your case thrown out.

Most of the older parts of Hoover are in Jefferson County. This includes areas near US 31 and the Galleria mall. Newer parts of Hoover, especially those near Highway 150 and Greystone, tend to be in Shelby County. But do not rely on these rough guides. Always check your exact address before you file for divorce in Hoover.

Jefferson County Circuit Court

Hoover residents whose homes fall in Jefferson County file for divorce at the Jefferson County Circuit Court in Birmingham. This is the Birmingham Division of the 10th Judicial Circuit. The courthouse is about 15 miles from Hoover. You can reach it via I-65 North or US 31. The clerk office handles all divorce filings and gives out copies of divorce decrees for Hoover residents in Jefferson County.

Jefferson County is the most populous county in Alabama. The court handles a high volume of divorce cases each year. Wait times can be longer than in smaller counties. Plan ahead and bring all your forms when you go to file. The clerk cannot give you legal advice, but they can check if your papers are complete before you file for divorce in Hoover.

Shelby County Circuit Court

Hoover residents whose homes fall in Shelby County file for divorce at the Shelby County Circuit Court in Columbiana. This is the 18th Judicial Circuit. Columbiana is about 20 miles south of Hoover on Highway 25. The courthouse is on the town square. The clerk office handles all divorce filings and copies for Hoover residents in Shelby County.

Shelby County has grown fast in recent years. The filing fee is higher than in Jefferson County. But the court may have shorter wait times due to lower case volume. Call ahead to check current wait times if that matters to your divorce case in Hoover.

How to Search Hoover Divorce Records

You can search for divorce records in Hoover online or at the courthouse. The catch is you need to know which county to search. If you are not sure which county a divorce was filed in, you may need to check both. AlacourtAccess covers all Alabama courts, so you can search both counties from one site.

AlacourtAccess is the state court records system. It has divorce cases from both Jefferson and Shelby Counties. You can search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail. Extra cases cost $9.99 each. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Visit pa.alacourt.com to start your search for Hoover divorce records.

To search divorce records in Hoover, you need:

• Full name of at least one spouse
• Year the divorce was filed
• Case number if you know it

You can also search in person at either courthouse. Bring your ID with you. Staff can look up cases by name or case number. They can also make copies from the file. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. For old records, the clerk may need extra time to find the file. Call ahead at (205) 325-5355 for Jefferson County or (205) 669-3760 for Shelby County to ask about Hoover divorce records.

Divorce Filing Process in Hoover

Hoover residents follow Alabama state law when filing for divorce. The process is the same whether you file in Jefferson or Shelby County. The main steps are: file a complaint, serve your spouse, wait 30 days, and attend a final hearing. Uncontested cases can wrap up in 30 to 60 days. Contested cases take much longer in Hoover.

Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-5, at least one spouse must have lived in Alabama for six months before filing. You do not have to live in Hoover for the full six months. You just need to be an Alabama resident. You file in the county where you live now.

You must state your grounds for divorce in the complaint. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1, Hoover residents can use no-fault grounds like "incompatibility" or "irretrievable breakdown." Most divorces in Hoover use one of these. Fault grounds like adultery are also options but require more proof.

Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, there is a 30-day waiting period. The court cannot sign the final decree until 30 days pass from the date you file. If both spouses agree on all terms, the case can be done quickly after the wait ends. The final decree becomes a public record in Hoover.

Hoover Divorce Fees

Fees for divorce in Hoover depend on which county you file in. Jefferson County charges $199 to start a new case. Shelby County charges $279. These are just the filing fees. Other costs add up as your case moves forward.

Common fees for divorce in Hoover:

• Jefferson County filing fee: $199.00
• Shelby County filing fee: $279.00
• Sheriff service: $10.00 to $25.00
• Subpoenas: $12.00 each
• Certified copies: varies by page count

If you have low income, you may ask for a fee waiver. You file an In Forma Pauperis form with your complaint. You must show proof that you cannot pay the fees. The judge reviews your request and decides if you qualify for free filing in Hoover.

Legal Help for Divorce in Hoover

Several groups offer help with divorce cases for Hoover residents. Some give free legal aid to people with low income. Others offer a first meeting at a low cost. These resources can help you understand the law, fill out court forms, or find a family law attorney in Hoover.

Legal Services Alabama serves both Jefferson and Shelby Counties. They give free legal help to people who qualify based on income. Call (205) 328-3540 or the toll-free line at (866) 456-4995 to ask about help with divorce in Hoover. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505. Their website at legalservicesalabama.org has more info.

The Birmingham Bar Association runs a lawyer referral line at (205) 251-8006. This covers both Jefferson and Shelby Counties. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. The Alabama State Bar has a statewide referral line at 1-800-392-5660. Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has step-by-step guides for people filing without a lawyer in Hoover.

Divorce Certificates in Hoover

After a divorce is final in Hoover, you may need a divorce certificate. This is not the same as the divorce decree. A certificate is a shorter document from the state health department. It proves the divorce took place. A decree is the full court order with all terms. Most legal matters need the decree, but some only need the certificate.

The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates. You can get one from the Jefferson County Health Department or Shelby County Health Department, depending on where the divorce was filed. The fee is $15 for one certified copy. Extra copies cost $6 each. You can also order online through VitalChek at vitalchek.com, which adds a service fee.

For the full divorce decree, you get that from the Circuit Clerk in the county where the divorce was filed. The decree shows property division, custody, support, and all court orders. Most people who need to prove their divorce in Hoover will want the decree since it has more detail than a certificate.

County Divorce Records

Hoover is split between two counties. All divorce filings go through the Circuit Court in whichever county your address falls in. For more on each county's court system, fees, and resources, visit the county divorce records pages below.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Hoover. If you moved recently, make sure you file in the right county based on your current address.