Autauga County Dissolution of Marriage

Autauga County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Prattville. The 19th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed here. Autauga County shares its judicial circuit with Chilton and Elmore counties. The Circuit Clerk office maintains all divorce filings, case files, and final decrees for public access.

Autauga County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Autauga County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new filings, stores court files, and provides copies of divorce decrees. The clerk office is at 134 North Court Street in Prattville. Staff can help you search for records and make copies.

The office closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM each day. Plan your visit for morning or afternoon hours. The Probate Office is at a separate location on West 5th Street. Marriage records go to Probate, but divorce records stay with the Circuit Clerk. Make sure you go to the right office for the records you need in Autauga County.

How to Search Autauga County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Autauga County online or in person. Online searches work well for basic case info. In-person visits let you see the full file and get certified copies right away. Both methods give you access to divorce records going back many years.

Alacourt is the state court records database. It covers all 67 Alabama counties including Autauga. 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 Autauga County dissolution of marriage records.

To search dissolution of marriage records in Autauga County, you need:

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Year the divorce was filed
• Case number if you have it

You can also visit the clerk office in person. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring your ID. The clerk can search by name or case number. Old records may take more time to find. Call ahead at (334) 358-6800 to check what you need to bring for dissolution of marriage records in Autauga County.

Autauga County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Autauga County sets fees for divorce cases and records. The cost to file depends on the type of case. Fees can change over time. Call the clerk to check the current rates before you file for dissolution of marriage in Autauga County.

Common fees in Autauga County include:

• File a divorce complaint: $145 - $199
• Modify or enforce a decree: $248+
• Certified copies: varies by page count
• Plain copies: $0.50 - $1.00 per page

If you have low income, you may ask for a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with the court. You must show proof of low income. The judge reviews your request. Copy fees are separate from filing fees in Autauga County.

The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15 for a divorce certificate. Extra copies cost $6 each. This is separate from the court fees. Certificates show basic facts only. For the full decree with all terms, you need copies from the Circuit Clerk in Autauga County.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Autauga County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Autauga County follows Alabama state law. Each step creates records that become part of your case file. The Circuit Clerk keeps all these documents at the courthouse.

First, you must meet the residency rule. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-5, at least one spouse must have lived in Alabama for six months before filing. You file in the county where you or your spouse lives now.

You file the complaint at the Circuit Clerk office. Pay the filing fee at this time. The clerk gives you a case number. Next, serve your spouse with the papers. You can use the sheriff, a private server, or certified mail. Proof of service goes in the court file.

Alabama has a 30-day waiting period after you file. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, the court cannot sign the final decree until 30 days pass. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record in Autauga County.

What Autauga County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Autauga County include several types of papers. The complaint is the first document filed. It states the grounds for divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 lists ten grounds including no-fault options.

The final divorce decree is the main document most people need. This is the judge's order that ends the marriage. It has all the terms: property division, custody, support, and more. You can get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk in Autauga County.

A dissolution of marriage record typically shows:

• Names and addresses of both parties
• Date of marriage and separation
• Grounds for divorce
• Property and debt division
• Child custody and visitation orders
• Child support amounts
• Alimony if ordered

Autauga County dissolution of marriage records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can ask to see them. Some details about children or finances may be blacked out in public copies.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Autauga County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Autauga County. Legal Services Alabama gives free legal help to people with low income. Call (866) 456-4995. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505.

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the court forms you need to file.

Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has step-by-step guides for people filing without a lawyer. The site walks you through the process and helps you fill out forms for dissolution of marriage in Autauga County.

Divorce Certificates in Autauga County

The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates. A certificate is not the same as a decree. It shows only basic facts: names, date, and county. The health department has certificates for divorces from 1950 to now.

You can order a certificate through VitalChek at vitalchek.com or call 1-888-279-9888. The fee is $15 for one certified copy. Extra copies cost $6 each. VitalChek adds a service fee.

For the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Autauga County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Autauga County or share the 19th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.