Search Baldwin County Dissolution of Marriage

Baldwin County dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Bay Minette. The 28th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed in this county. As Alabama's largest county by land area, Baldwin operates three courthouse locations to serve residents across its vast territory.

Baldwin County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Baldwin County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new filings, stores court files, and gives out copies of divorce decrees. The main office is at 312 Courthouse Square in Bay Minette. Staff can help you search for records and make copies of the documents you need.

Baldwin County has three courthouse locations. The main courthouse is in Bay Minette. Satellite offices operate in Fairhope and Foley. You can file for divorce or get copies at any location. Each office serves a different part of this large county. Call ahead to check hours and what services each office offers for dissolution of marriage records.

The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas are served by these offices too. If you live in the southern part of the county, the Foley office may be closer. Fairhope handles the eastern shore region. All three locations can access the same records and help with your divorce case needs.

How to Search Baldwin County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Baldwin 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 Baldwin. 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 Baldwin County dissolution of marriage records.

Baldwin County requires an official records request form for some requests. You can get this form at any of the three courthouse locations or download it from the county website. The form asks for your name, contact info, and details about the records you need.

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

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Year the divorce was filed or finalized
• Case number if you have it
• Completed records request form for certified copies

You can also visit any 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 (251) 580-1994 to check what you need to bring for dissolution of marriage records in Baldwin County.

Baldwin County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Baldwin County sets fees for divorce cases and records. The cost to file a divorce is $227, which is the same whether you have children or not. This is a bit higher than some other Alabama counties. Fees can change over time. Call the clerk to check the current rates before you file.

Common fees in Baldwin County include:

• File a divorce complaint: $227
• Modify or enforce a decree: $248+
• Certified copies: varies by page count
• Plain copies: $0.50 - $1.00 per page
• Records search: varies

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 and makes a decision. Copy fees are separate from filing fees in Baldwin County. You pay copy fees when you pick up your documents.

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 Baldwin County. The decree has all the details about property, custody, and support.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Baldwin County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Baldwin 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. You can file at any of the three Baldwin County locations.

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. If you live in Baldwin County, you file here.

You file the complaint at the Circuit Clerk office. Pay the $227 filing fee at this time. The clerk gives you a case number. This number tracks your case through the system. 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. This gives both parties time to think and try to work things out. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record in Baldwin County.

Electronic filing is available through AlaFile at alafile.alacourt.gov. This lets you file papers online without going to the courthouse. You still pay the same fees. Many people find e-filing faster and more convenient, especially in a large county like Baldwin.

What Baldwin County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Baldwin 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 like irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

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 Baldwin County at any of the three office locations.

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 and schedules
• Alimony if ordered by the court
• Name change if requested

Baldwin 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 to protect privacy. Sensitive information about minors gets special protection.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Baldwin County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Baldwin County. Legal Services Alabama gives free legal help to people with low income. Call (866) 456-4995. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505. They can help you understand the process and fill out forms.

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. This lets you talk to a lawyer about your case without a big cost upfront. The lawyer can tell you if you need full representation or can handle things yourself.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the court forms you need to file. You can download and print them at home. The forms are free. Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has step-by-step guides for people filing without a lawyer.

Baldwin County has a large population and many family law attorneys. The Bay Minette, Fairhope, and Gulf Shores areas all have law firms that handle divorce cases. Shop around for rates. Some lawyers offer payment plans for dissolution of marriage cases in Baldwin County.

Divorce Certificates in Baldwin 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. Older records are only at the court.

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 on top. Processing takes about two weeks for standard orders.

For the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Baldwin County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate. Banks, courts, and government agencies often want the full decree. The certificate works for simple proof that a divorce happened.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Baldwin County. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live. Baldwin is a large county that borders several others.