Find Dissolution of Marriage in Cullman County

Cullman County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in the city of Cullman. The 32nd Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed in this county.

Cullman County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Cullman County manages all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new filings, maintains case files, and provides copies of divorce decrees. The clerk office is at 500 Second Avenue SW in downtown Cullman.

Cullman County has its own judicial circuit. The 32nd Circuit covers only Cullman County, so the circuit judge focuses on cases here. This can mean faster processing times compared to counties that share a judge. The courthouse is a large facility with multiple departments under one roof.

Do not confuse the Circuit Clerk with the Probate Office. Marriage licenses are issued by Probate. Divorce records are kept by the Circuit Clerk. Both offices are in the courthouse, but they handle different types of records. For any dissolution of marriage matter in Cullman County, go to the Circuit Clerk.

How to Search Cullman County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Cullman County online or by visiting the courthouse in person. Online searches work well for basic case information. In-person visits let you view the full case file and get certified copies right away.

Alacourt is Alabama's statewide court records database. It covers all 67 counties including Cullman. 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 start your search.

To search for a divorce record in Cullman County, you will need:

• Full name of at least one spouse
• Approximate year the divorce was filed
• Case number if you have it

You can also visit the Circuit Clerk office in person. Staff can search for records and make copies while you wait. Bring a valid ID. They can search by name or case number. Older records may take more time to locate. Call (256) 775-4664 ahead of time to confirm what documents you need to bring.

Cullman County has good record keeping going back many decades. Most recent records are in the computer system. Older cases may require searching paper indexes or archived files. The clerk staff knows how to find records from any time period.

Cullman County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Cullman County charges fees for filing divorce cases and obtaining copies. Fees can change over time. Call the clerk office to confirm current rates before you file.

Common fees in Cullman County include:

• Filing a divorce complaint: $145 - $199
• Filing to 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 request a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with the court. You must provide proof of your income and expenses. The judge reviews your request and decides whether to waive the filing fee. Copy fees may still apply.

The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15 for a divorce certificate. Additional copies cost $6 each. This is separate from court fees. The certificate from the health department shows only basic information. For the full decree with all terms, you need copies from the Cullman County Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Cullman County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Cullman County follows Alabama state law. Each step in the process creates records that become part of your case file at the courthouse.

First, check the residency requirement. 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 currently lives. If you live in Cullman County, this is where you file.

Go to the Circuit Clerk office to file your complaint. Pay the filing fee at that time. The clerk gives you a case number. Next, you must serve your spouse with the divorce papers. You can use the Cullman County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt. The proof of service goes in your file.

Alabama law requires a 30-day waiting period. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, the court cannot finalize the divorce until 30 days after filing. This gives both parties time to respond. The 32nd Circuit judge can sign the final decree after the waiting period ends.

Uncontested divorces where both spouses agree on everything often do not need a court hearing. The judge may approve the case based on the paperwork alone. Contested cases with disputes over property, custody, or support will require court hearings.

What Cullman County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Cullman County include various documents. The case file grows as the divorce moves through the court system.

The complaint is the first document filed. It names both spouses and states the grounds for divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 lists ten legal grounds for divorce including no-fault options like incompatibility.

The final divorce decree is what most people need. This is the judge's order that legally ends the marriage. It includes all the terms both parties must follow going forward.

A dissolution of marriage record in Cullman County typically shows:

• Names and addresses of both spouses
• Date and place of marriage
• Date of separation
• Grounds for the divorce
• Division of property and debts
• Child custody and visitation orders
• Child support amounts
• Alimony if ordered

Cullman County dissolution of marriage records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can request to view them. Some details about children or sensitive financial matters may be redacted in public copies.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Cullman County

Several organizations offer help with divorce cases in Cullman County. Free and low-cost assistance is available for those who qualify.

Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to people with low income. They serve Cullman County residents. Call (866) 456-4995 to find out if you qualify. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505.

The Alabama State Bar has a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. The first consultation costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. They can connect you with a family law attorney in the Cullman area who handles divorce cases.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the court forms you need. You can complete them online and print them out. The site has forms for different types of divorces.

Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org offers step-by-step guides for people handling their own divorce. The site explains the process and helps you understand what forms to use for dissolution of marriage in Cullman County.

Divorce Certificates in Cullman County

The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates. A certificate is different from a decree. It shows only basic facts: the names, date of divorce, and county.

The health department has certificates for divorces from 1950 to present. Order through VitalChek at vitalchek.com or call 1-888-279-9888. The fee is $15 for one certified copy. Extra copies are $6 each. VitalChek adds a service fee.

For the complete divorce decree with property division, custody arrangements, and support orders, contact the Circuit Clerk in Cullman County. Most legal and financial matters require the actual decree, not just a certificate.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Cullman County. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.