Cherokee County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Cherokee County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Centre. The 9th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed in Cherokee County.

Cherokee County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Cherokee 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 100 Main Street in Centre. Staff can help you search for records and make copies of any documents you need.

Cherokee County is part of the 9th Judicial Circuit along with Blount and DeKalb counties. The county seat in Centre is a small town in northeast Alabama. The courthouse sits near Weiss Lake, which draws visitors but can slow traffic during peak seasons. Plan your visit with extra time if you come in summer months.

Cherokee County offers an online probate portal for some records. The Probate Office handles marriage licenses but divorce records stay with the Circuit Clerk. Make sure you contact the right office. The probate portal may help you find related records but the full divorce file is at the Circuit Clerk office.

How to Search Cherokee County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Cherokee 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 including Cherokee. 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.

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

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

Cherokee County also has an online probate portal. This portal works for some county records. However, divorce records are civil court matters, not probate matters. Use Alacourt for dissolution of marriage searches. The probate portal may help if you also need marriage license info to match up records.

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 (256) 927-3362 to check what you need to bring.

Cherokee County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Cherokee 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.

Common fees in Cherokee 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. Not everyone qualifies, but it can help if you do.

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. Banks and agencies often ask for certified copies with a raised seal.

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 Cherokee County.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Cherokee County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Cherokee 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 Centre.

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. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, the court cannot sign the final decree until 30 days pass from the filing date. The waiting period gives both parties time to consider. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record.

If both parties agree on all terms, you can file an uncontested divorce. This is faster and costs less. The 9th Circuit judges handle many uncontested cases without a hearing. If you disagree on terms, the case is contested and may need a trial.

What Cherokee County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Cherokee 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.

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

Cherokee 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 by court order in special cases.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Cherokee County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Cherokee County. Legal Services Alabama gives free legal help to people with low income. Call (866) 456-4995 to check if you qualify. 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. This gives you a chance to ask questions and see if the lawyer fits your needs.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the court forms you need to file. You can download forms for free. The site also has instructions for filling them out.

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.

Divorce Certificates in Cherokee 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 Cherokee County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate. Remarriage, name changes, and property transfers often need the full decree.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Cherokee County or share the 9th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you lived when you filed.