Choctaw County Dissolution of Marriage

Choctaw County dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Circuit Clerk office in Butler. The 1st Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases in this county.

Choctaw County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Choctaw 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 117 South Mulberry Avenue in Butler. Staff can help you search for records and make copies of any documents you need.

Choctaw County is part of the 1st Judicial Circuit along with Clarke and Washington counties. The county sits in southwest Alabama near the Mississippi border. The 1st Circuit is the oldest judicial circuit in Alabama, dating back to the state's early years. This means the courthouse holds some very old records.

Butler is a small town, and the courthouse may have limited staff. Call ahead to make sure someone can help you when you arrive. The clerk can search for records by name or case number. Older dissolution of marriage records may take more time to find.

How to Search Choctaw County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Choctaw 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 Choctaw. 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 Choctaw 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. Old records may take more time to find in a small county like Choctaw.

Call ahead at (205) 459-2125 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 what to expect when you visit.

Choctaw County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Choctaw 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 Choctaw 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 for help.

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 with an official 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.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Choctaw County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Choctaw 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 Butler.

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 final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record in Choctaw County.

If both parties agree on all terms, you can file an uncontested divorce. This is faster and costs less. The 1st Circuit judges handle many uncontested cases without a full hearing. If you disagree on terms, the case is contested and may need a trial.

What Choctaw County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Choctaw 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

Choctaw 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 Choctaw County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Choctaw 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 learn about your options.

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 guides for people filing without a lawyer. The site walks you through the process and helps you fill out forms. This can be a big help in a rural county like Choctaw where lawyers may be harder to find.

Divorce Certificates in Choctaw 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 Choctaw County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate. The full decree has all the details the certificate lacks.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Choctaw County or share the 1st Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you lived when you filed.