Find Dissolution of Marriage in Bibb County
Bibb County dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Centreville. The 4th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed here. Bibb County is one of Alabama's oldest counties, created on February 7, 1818.
Bibb County Quick Facts
Bibb County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk in Bibb County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new filings, stores court files, and provides copies of divorce decrees. The office is at 35 Court Square East in Centreville. 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. All county offices are clustered around the historic Centreville Court Square. This makes it easy to handle multiple tasks in one trip. The Probate Office is nearby but handles different records.
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 Bibb County. The Circuit Clerk deals with all dissolution of marriage cases, decrees, and modifications.
| Office | Bibb County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 35 Court Square East Centreville, AL 35042 |
| Phone | (205) 926-3108 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed noon - 1:00 PM) |
| Website | bibb.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Bibb County Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Bibb 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 Bibb. 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 Bibb County dissolution of marriage records.
As one of Alabama's oldest counties, Bibb has records going back to 1818. Older records may be harder to find or in different formats. The clerk office can help you search historical files. Some very old records may be stored off-site.
To search dissolution of marriage records in Bibb 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 (205) 926-3108 to check what you need to bring for dissolution of marriage records in Bibb County.
Bibb County Dissolution of Marriage Fees
Bibb 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 Bibb County.
Common fees in Bibb 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 Bibb 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 Bibb County.
How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Bibb County
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Bibb 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 in Centreville.
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. The Bibb County Sheriff can serve papers for a fee.
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 Bibb 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 saves a trip to Centreville for many people.
What Bibb County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
Dissolution of marriage records in Bibb 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 Bibb 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
Bibb 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.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Bibb County
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Bibb 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 rural areas like Bibb 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 and get advice on how to proceed.
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 Bibb County. This is helpful for uncontested divorces where both parties agree on the terms. More complex cases may need a lawyer's help.
Divorce Certificates in Bibb 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 on top of the state fee.
For the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Bibb County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate. Banks, courts, and other agencies usually want the complete decree.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Bibb County or share the 4th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.