Search Blount County Dissolution of Marriage

Dissolution of marriage records in Blount County are filed and stored at the Circuit Clerk office in Oneonta. The 41st Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases here. Blount County shares this circuit with Blount County only, making it a single-county circuit. The clerk office keeps all divorce filings, final decrees, and related court documents available for public access.

Blount County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Blount County maintains all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new filings, stores case files, and provides copies of divorce decrees. The clerk office is at 220 2nd Avenue East in Oneonta. Staff can help you search for records and get the copies you need.

Blount County is in north-central Alabama. The county seat of Oneonta is about 35 miles northeast of Birmingham. Many residents work in Birmingham but live in Blount County. When you file for divorce, you use the county where you or your spouse lives. If that is Blount County, your case goes to the 41st Circuit Court.

The courthouse in Oneonta houses both the Circuit Clerk and Probate Office. Marriage licenses come from Probate. Divorce records come from the Circuit Clerk. These are different offices. Make sure you go to the right one for your needs in Blount County.

How to Search Blount County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Blount County online or in person. The state court system has an online database that covers all Alabama counties. In-person visits let you see the full case file and get certified copies on the spot.

Alacourt is the state court records system. It covers all 67 Alabama counties including Blount. You can search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail. Additional cases cost $9.99 each. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Go to pa.alacourt.com to start your search for Blount County dissolution of marriage records.

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

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

You can also visit the clerk office in Oneonta. Staff can look up cases and make copies while you wait. Bring a valid ID. The clerk can search by name or case number. Older records may take longer to find. Call ahead at (205) 625-4153 to check what you need for dissolution of marriage records in Blount County.

Blount County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Blount County sets fees for divorce filings and record copies. The cost to file depends on the type of case. Fees can change. Call the clerk to check current rates before you file for dissolution of marriage in Blount County.

Common fees in Blount 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

Low income filers may ask for a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with the court. You must show proof of your income. The judge reviews your request. If approved, you can file without paying the fee. Copy fees are usually separate from filing fees in Blount County.

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

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Blount County

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

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 Blount County, you file here.

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 process server, or certified mail. Proof of service goes in the court file.

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

What Blount County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Blount County include several types of documents. 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 incompatibility.

The final divorce decree is what most people need. This is the judge's order that ends the marriage. It contains all the terms: property division, custody arrangements, support amounts, and more. You can get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk in Blount 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

Blount 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 redacted in public copies to protect privacy.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Blount County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Blount 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. You can find a family law attorney who handles divorce cases in Blount County through this service.

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 Blount County.

Divorce Certificates in Blount 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 processing.

For the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Blount County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate. Banks, courts, and government agencies often require the full decree.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Blount County or are nearby in north-central Alabama. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.