Butler County Dissolution of Marriage Search
Dissolution of marriage records in Butler County are filed and maintained at the Circuit Clerk office in Greenville. The 2nd Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases here. Butler County shares this circuit with Crenshaw and Lowndes counties. The clerk office keeps all divorce filings, final decrees, and related documents for public access.
Butler County Quick Facts
Butler County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk in Butler County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new filings, stores case files, and provides copies of divorce decrees. The clerk office is at 700 Court Square in Greenville. Staff can help you search records and get the copies you need.
Butler County is in south-central Alabama. The county seat of Greenville sits along Interstate 65, about 45 miles south of Montgomery. When you file for divorce, you use the county where you or your spouse lives. If that is Butler County, your case goes to the 2nd Circuit Court in Greenville.
The 2nd Judicial Circuit includes Butler, Crenshaw, and Lowndes counties. Court sessions rotate among the three courthouses. The Circuit Clerk in each county handles local filings and records. For dissolution of marriage in Butler County, you file at the Greenville courthouse.
| Office | Butler County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 700 Court Square Greenville, AL 36037 |
| Phone | (334) 382-3521 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | butler.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Butler County Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Butler 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 database. It covers all 67 Alabama counties including Butler. 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 search Butler County dissolution of marriage records.
To search dissolution of marriage records in Butler County, you 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 Greenville. 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 (334) 382-3521 to check what you need for dissolution of marriage records in Butler County.
Butler County Dissolution of Marriage Fees
Butler 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 Butler County.
Common fees in Butler 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 your income. The judge reviews your request. If approved, you can file without paying the fee. Copy fees are usually separate from filing fees.
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 Butler County.
How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Butler County
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Butler 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 Greenville.
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. If you live in Butler 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. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record in Butler County.
What Butler County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
Dissolution of marriage records in Butler 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 Butler 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
Butler 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.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Butler County
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Butler 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 Butler 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 Butler County.
Divorce Certificates in Butler 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 Butler 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 Butler County or share the 2nd Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.