Search Clay County Dissolution of Marriage
Dissolution of marriage records in Clay County are filed and stored at the Circuit Clerk office in Ashland. The 40th Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases here. Clay County shares its judicial circuit with Coosa and Tallapoosa counties. The clerk office keeps all divorce filings, case files, and final decrees for public access.
Clay County Quick Facts
Clay County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk in Clay 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 the Clay County Courthouse in Ashland. Staff can help you search for records and get the copies you need.
Clay County is in east-central Alabama. The county seat of Ashland is about 50 miles southeast of Birmingham. When you file for divorce, you use the county where you or your spouse lives. If that is Clay County, your case goes to the 40th Circuit Court.
The 40th Judicial Circuit includes Clay, Coosa, and Tallapoosa counties. One judge serves all three counties. Court dates rotate among Ashland, Rockford, and Dadeville. The Circuit Clerk in each county handles local filings. For dissolution of marriage in Clay County, you file at the Ashland courthouse.
| Office | Clay County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Court Square Ashland, AL 36251 |
| Phone | (256) 354-7890 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | clay.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Clay County Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Clay County online or in person. The state court system has an online database. 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 Clay. 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. Visit pa.alacourt.com to search Clay County dissolution of marriage records.
To search dissolution of marriage records in Clay 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 Ashland. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring a valid ID. The clerk can search by name or case number. Older records may take longer to find. Call ahead at (256) 354-7890 to check what you need for dissolution of marriage records in Clay County.
Clay County Dissolution of Marriage Fees
Clay 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 Clay County.
Common fees in Clay 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
Low income filers 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.
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 Clay County.
How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Clay County
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Clay 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 Ashland.
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 Clay 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 Clay County.
What Clay County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
Dissolution of marriage records in Clay 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 Clay 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
Clay 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 to protect privacy.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Clay County
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Clay 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-central Alabama.
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 the area 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 Clay County.
Divorce Certificates in Clay 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 the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Clay County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Clay County or share the 40th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.