DeKalb County Dissolution of Marriage

DeKalb County dissolution of marriage records are filed and stored at the Circuit Clerk office in Fort Payne. The 9th Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases for this county.

DeKalb County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in DeKalb County maintains all dissolution of marriage records. This office processes new filings, stores case files, and provides copies of divorce decrees. The office is located at 300 Grand Avenue SW in Fort Payne, inside the courthouse building.

DeKalb County shares the 9th Judicial Circuit with Cherokee County. One circuit judge handles cases in both counties on a rotating schedule. Court sessions in DeKalb County occur on set dates each month. Check with the clerk office for the current court calendar when planning your divorce case.

Fort Payne serves as both the county seat and the largest city in DeKalb County. The courthouse is in downtown Fort Payne and is easy to find. The Circuit Clerk office has knowledgeable staff who can help you understand the filing process and locate records you need.

The Probate Office handles marriage licenses. The Circuit Clerk handles divorce records. Both are in the courthouse but serve different functions. For dissolution of marriage matters, always go to the Circuit Clerk in DeKalb County.

How to Search DeKalb County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in DeKalb County either online or in person at the courthouse. Online searches give you quick access to basic case information. Visiting in person lets you see the complete case file and get certified copies the same day.

Alacourt is Alabama's statewide court records database. It covers all 67 counties including DeKalb. 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 are $5.00 for up to 20 pages. Go to pa.alacourt.com to search DeKalb County dissolution of marriage records online.

To find a divorce record, you 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 visit the clerk office in person. Staff will search for records and make copies. Bring a valid ID. They can look up cases by name or case number. Older records may take more time to locate since some are stored in archives. Call (256) 845-8512 first to ask what you should bring.

DeKalb County has good record keeping going back many years. Recent records are in the computer system. Older cases may be on paper or microfilm. The clerk staff can help you find records from any time period.

DeKalb County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

DeKalb County charges fees for filing divorce cases and obtaining copies of records. Fees can change. Always call the clerk to verify current rates before you file.

Common fees in DeKalb 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 fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with the court. Include proof of your income and expenses. The judge reviews your request and decides if you can file without paying. Copy fees may still apply even with a waiver.

The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15 for a divorce certificate. Extra copies cost $6 each. This is not the same as court fees. The health department certificate shows only basic facts. For the complete decree with all terms, get copies from the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in DeKalb County

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

First, you must 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 currently lives. If you live in DeKalb County, you file here.

Start by filing the complaint at the Circuit Clerk office. Pay the filing fee at that time. The clerk gives you a case number. Then you must serve your spouse with the divorce papers. You can use the DeKalb County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. Proof of service goes in your case file.

Alabama has a mandatory 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. After the waiting period ends, the 9th Circuit judge can sign the final decree.

Court sessions rotate between DeKalb and Cherokee counties. Check with the clerk for when the judge will be in Fort Payne. Uncontested divorces may not require a hearing. The judge can approve agreed cases based on paperwork alone.

What DeKalb County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

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

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 grounds including no-fault options like incompatibility.

The final divorce decree is the most important document. This is the judge's order that legally ends the marriage. It contains all the terms both parties must follow going forward.

A dissolution of marriage record typically shows:

• 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 schedule
• Child support amounts
• Alimony if ordered

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

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in DeKalb County

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

Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to people with low income. They serve DeKalb County. 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 Fort Payne area.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the court forms you need. You can fill them out online and print them. The site has forms for simple divorces, divorces with children, and divorces with property.

Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org offers step-by-step guides for people filing without a lawyer. The site walks you through the process for dissolution of marriage in DeKalb County.

Divorce Certificates in DeKalb 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 of the divorce.

The health department has certificates 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 full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in DeKalb County. Most legal and financial matters need the actual decree, not just a certificate.

Nearby Counties

These counties border DeKalb County or share the 9th Judicial Circuit. Check the address where you live to determine which county handles your case.