Search Chambers County Dissolution of Marriage

Chambers County dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Circuit Clerk office in LaFayette. The 5th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases in Chambers County.

Chambers County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Chambers County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new filings, stores case files, and gives out copies of divorce decrees. The main office is in LaFayette at the courthouse. Chambers County is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit along with Macon, Randolph, and Tallapoosa counties.

Chambers County sits on the Alabama-Georgia border. The county has two distinct time zones because a small part falls into Eastern Time while most of the county uses Central Time. The courthouse in LaFayette runs on Central Time. Call ahead if you plan to visit so you know the right hours. Staff can help you search for records and make copies of any dissolution of marriage documents you need.

The Probate Office handles marriage licenses but divorce records stay with the Circuit Clerk. Make sure you go to the right office for the records you need. The clerk office also has a location in Lanett for some services. Most dissolution of marriage work happens at the main courthouse in LaFayette.

How to Search Chambers County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Chambers County online or in person. Online searches work well for basic case info. In-person visits let you see the full case file and get certified copies right away.

Alacourt is the state court records database. It covers all 67 Alabama counties. 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 Chambers County dissolution of marriage records.

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

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Approximate 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. Older records may take more time to find. Call ahead at (334) 864-4348 to check what you need to bring for dissolution of marriage records in Chambers County.

The 5th Circuit covers a large area. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you lived when the divorce was filed. Chambers County handles cases for people who lived in Chambers County at the time of filing.

Chambers County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Chambers County sets fees for divorce cases and record copies. 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 Chambers County.

Common fees in Chambers 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 income. The judge reviews your request. This can save you money if you qualify.

Copy fees are separate from filing fees. The clerk charges for each page. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Most legal matters need certified copies of the final decree.

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 Chambers County.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Chambers County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Chambers 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 LaFayette.

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.

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 Chambers County.

If both parties agree on all terms, you can file an uncontested divorce. This is faster and costs less. The court may not need a hearing. If you disagree on terms, the case is contested. Contested cases take longer and may need a trial before a judge in the 5th Circuit.

What Chambers County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Chambers 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 Chambers 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

Chambers 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 sealed in certain cases.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Chambers County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Chambers 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 all of east Alabama including Chambers 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. 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 Chambers County.

The Lee County Bar Association also serves this area. Local lawyers can help with contested cases, property division, and custody issues. Ask about payment plans if cost is a concern.

Divorce Certificates in Chambers 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 online orders.

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

Nearby Counties

These counties border Chambers County or share the 5th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you lived when you filed.