Barbour County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Barbour County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk offices in Clayton and Eufaula. The 3rd Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed here. This county operates a dual courthouse system, with separate divisions serving different parts of the county.

Barbour County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Barbour County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new filings, stores court files, and provides copies of divorce decrees. Barbour County has two courthouse locations. The main office is in Clayton. A second office operates in Eufaula.

The dual courthouse system means you need to know which office has your records. Cases filed before 1993 were divided by where people lived in the county. Records from the Clayton division stay in Clayton. Records from the Eufaula division stay in Eufaula. For newer cases, call either office to find out where your file is kept.

The Eufaula office has limited hours. It is closed on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Plan your visit for morning hours or call ahead. The Clayton office keeps regular hours all week. Both offices can help you with dissolution of marriage records in Barbour County.

How to Search Barbour County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Barbour 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. The dual courthouse system means you may need to check both locations for old records.

Alacourt is the state court records database. It covers all 67 Alabama counties including Barbour. 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.

Barbour County has historical records from 1860. Older dissolution of marriage records may be harder to find. The county has had fires and other events that damaged some records over the years. Staff at the clerk office can help you search what is available.

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

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Year the divorce was filed or finalized
• Case number if you have it
• Which part of the county the parties lived in (for older records)

You can also visit either clerk office in person. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring your ID. The clerk can search by name or case number. For records before 1993, you may need to visit both offices. Call ahead at (334) 775-8328 to check what you need.

Barbour County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Barbour 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 Barbour County.

Common fees in Barbour 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 Barbour County. Both the Clayton and Eufaula offices accept the same forms of payment.

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 Barbour County.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Barbour County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Barbour 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 either the Clayton or Eufaula office.

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 Barbour County, you can file here.

You file the complaint at either 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 Barbour 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. E-filing is a good option if you live far from either courthouse location.

What Barbour County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Barbour 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 Barbour County at either office location.

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

Barbour 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 Barbour County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Barbour 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 serve the entire state including rural areas like Barbour County.

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. They can help you decide if you need full legal representation or can file on your own.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the court forms you need to file. You can download and print them for free. 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 Barbour County. This is a good resource if you are handling an uncontested divorce on your own. Contested divorces with disputes about property or custody usually need a lawyer.

Divorce Certificates in Barbour 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. Processing takes about two weeks.

For the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Barbour County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate. The decree is the legal document that courts and agencies want to see.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Barbour County or share the 3rd Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.