Find Dissolution of Marriage Records in Chilton County
Chilton County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Clanton. The 19th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce filings in this county.
Chilton County Quick Facts
Chilton County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk in Chilton 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 located on 2nd Avenue North in Clanton. Staff can help you search for records and make copies of any documents you need.
Chilton County is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit along with Autauga and Elmore counties. The county seat in Clanton sits along Interstate 65 between Birmingham and Montgomery. This central location makes it easy to reach from most parts of Alabama.
The clerk office does not take phone or online payments for filings or copies. You must pay in person. Bring cash, check, or money order. Some credit cards may work but call ahead to confirm. This is an important detail to know before you visit for dissolution of marriage matters in Chilton County.
| Office | Chilton County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 2nd Avenue North Clanton, AL 35045 |
| Phone | (205) 755-1551 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | chilton.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Chilton County Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Chilton 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 Chilton. 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 Chilton 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. Remember that the office does not take phone or online payments. You must visit in person to pay for copies of dissolution of marriage records.
Call ahead at (205) 755-1551 to check what you need to bring. Staff can tell you if they found the case and how many pages are in the file. This helps you know the cost before you visit.
Chilton County Dissolution of Marriage Fees
Chilton 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 Chilton 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 and decides if you qualify.
The Chilton County clerk office requires payment in person. They do not accept phone or online payments. Bring cash, check, or money order. Some credit cards may work but verify before you go. This applies to both filing fees and copy fees for dissolution of marriage matters.
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.
How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Chilton County
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Chilton 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 Clanton.
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 in person. 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. After 30 days, the court can grant the divorce and it becomes a public record.
If both parties agree on all terms, you can file an uncontested divorce. This is faster and costs less. The 19th Circuit judges handle many uncontested cases without a hearing. If you disagree on terms, the case is contested and will take longer.
What Chilton County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
Dissolution of marriage records in Chilton 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 Clanton.
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
Chilton 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 Chilton County
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Chilton 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 is right for your case.
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 step by step.
Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has guides for people filing without a lawyer. The site walks you through the process and helps you fill out forms for dissolution of marriage. The guides cover both contested and uncontested cases.
Divorce Certificates in Chilton 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 Chilton County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate. Remember that Chilton County requires in-person payment for copies.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Chilton County or share the 19th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you lived when you filed.