Coffee County Dissolution of Marriage Search
Dissolution of marriage records in Coffee County are maintained at the Circuit Clerk office in Elba, the county seat. The 12th Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases filed here. Coffee County shares this circuit with Pike County. The clerk office keeps all divorce filings, case files, and final decrees for public access.
Coffee County Quick Facts
Coffee County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk in Coffee County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new filings, stores case files, and provides copies of divorce decrees. The main clerk office is at 230 Court Avenue in Elba. Staff can help you search for records and get copies.
Coffee County is in southeast Alabama. It has two courthouses, one in Elba and one in Enterprise. Enterprise is the larger city, home to Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker). The county seat is Elba, where most court business takes place. When you file for divorce, you use the county where you or your spouse lives.
The 12th Judicial Circuit includes Coffee and Pike counties. Court sessions rotate between Elba and Troy. The Circuit Clerk in Coffee County handles all local filings. Enterprise residents file at the Elba courthouse since that is the county seat.
| Office | Coffee County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 230 Court Avenue Elba, AL 36323 |
| Phone | (334) 347-2519 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | coffee.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Coffee County Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Coffee 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 Coffee. 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 Coffee County dissolution of marriage records.
To search dissolution of marriage records in Coffee 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 Elba. 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 (334) 347-2519 to check what you need for dissolution of marriage records in Coffee County.
Coffee County Dissolution of Marriage Fees
Coffee 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 Coffee County.
Common fees in Coffee 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 Coffee County.
How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Coffee County
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Coffee 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 Elba.
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 Coffee 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 Coffee County.
What Coffee County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
Dissolution of marriage records in Coffee 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.
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 Coffee 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
Coffee 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 Coffee County
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Coffee 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 southeast Alabama including Coffee 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. Coffee County has family law attorneys in both Elba and Enterprise who handle divorce cases.
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 helps you fill out forms for dissolution of marriage in Coffee County.
Divorce Certificates in Coffee 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 Coffee County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Coffee County or share the 12th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.