Dale County Dissolution of Marriage Search

Dale County dissolution of marriage records are maintained at the Circuit Clerk office in Ozark. The 33rd Judicial Circuit Court processes all divorce filings for this county.

Dale County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Dale County handles all dissolution of marriage records. This office processes new filings, stores case files, and provides copies of divorce decrees. The office is located at 100 Court Square in downtown Ozark.

Dale County shares the 33rd Judicial Circuit with Geneva County. One circuit judge serves both counties on a rotating schedule. Court sessions in Dale County are held on set dates. Check with the clerk for the current court calendar when planning your case.

Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker) is a major Army installation in Dale County. Military families often need divorce records for various purposes. The Circuit Clerk is familiar with military-related requests and can help service members and their families get the documents they need.

The Probate Office handles marriage licenses. The Circuit Clerk handles divorce records. Both are at the courthouse but in different locations. Make sure you go to the right office for dissolution of marriage matters in Dale County.

How to Search Dale County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Dale County through the online system or by visiting the courthouse in person. Online searches give you quick access to basic case details. In-person visits let you see the complete file and get certified copies.

Alacourt is Alabama's statewide court records system. It covers all 67 counties including Dale County. Search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail. Extra cases are $9.99 each. Document images cost $5.00 for up to 20 pages. Go to pa.alacourt.com to search Dale County records.

To find a divorce record, you will need:

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Approximate year the divorce was filed or finalized
• Case number if you have it

You can also go to the clerk office in person. Staff will search for records and make copies. Bring your ID. They can look up cases by name or case number. Older records may take more time to find. Call (334) 774-5002 to ask what you should bring.

Fort Novosel personnel may also use the post legal assistance office for help finding records. They can point you to the right resources for obtaining Dale County dissolution of marriage records.

Dale County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Dale County sets fees for divorce filings and record copies. Fees may change. Call the clerk to check the current rates before you file.

Common fees in Dale 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 cannot afford the fees, you can request a waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with the court. Include proof of your income and expenses. The judge reviews the request and decides if you can file without paying. Copy fees may still apply.

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

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Dale County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Dale County follows Alabama state law. The process creates records that become part of your permanent case file.

First, meet 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 lives. Military personnel stationed at Fort Novosel may claim Alabama residency for filing purposes.

File the complaint at the Circuit Clerk office and pay the filing fee. The clerk gives you a case number. Then serve your spouse with the papers. Use the Dale County Sheriff, a private server, or certified mail. Proof of service goes in your case file.

Alabama has 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. After the wait, the 33rd Circuit judge can sign the final decree.

The court holds sessions in Dale County on scheduled dates. Check with the clerk for the calendar. Simple uncontested divorces may not require a court hearing. The judge can approve agreed cases based on the paperwork.

What Dale County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Dale County include multiple documents. Each case file contains all the papers filed during the divorce process.

The complaint starts the case. It names both spouses and 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 people need. This is the judge's order ending the marriage. It has all the terms both parties must follow.

A dissolution of marriage record typically contains:

• Names and addresses of both spouses
• Date and place of marriage
• Date of separation
• Grounds for divorce
• Property and debt division
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support amounts
• Alimony if ordered

Dale County dissolution of marriage records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can request them. Some details about children or sensitive financial information may be redacted.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Dale County

Several organizations help with divorce cases in Dale County. Free and low-cost assistance is available.

Legal Services Alabama offers free legal help to low-income residents. Call (866) 456-4995 to see if you qualify. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505.

Military families can use the Fort Novosel Legal Assistance Office. They provide free legal help to service members, retirees, and dependents. They can help with divorce paperwork and explain the process.

The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service is at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all court forms.

Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has step-by-step guides for people filing without a lawyer. The site explains how to handle dissolution of marriage in Dale County.

Divorce Certificates in Dale County

The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates. A certificate shows only basic facts: names, date, and county. It is not the same as a decree.

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

For the complete divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Dale County Circuit Clerk. Most legal matters need the actual decree.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Dale County or share the 33rd Judicial Circuit. Check the address where you live to determine which county handles your case.