Search Elmore County Dissolution of Marriage

Elmore County dissolution of marriage records are maintained at the Circuit Clerk office in Wetumpka. The 19th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed in this county.

Elmore County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Elmore 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 100 East Commerce Street in Wetumpka.

Elmore County is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit along with Autauga and Chilton counties. This circuit is one of the larger multi-county circuits in the state. One or more judges serve all three counties on a rotating basis. Court sessions in Elmore County are held on scheduled dates each month.

Wetumpka is the county seat, but Millbrook and Prattville (which extends into Elmore County) are also heavily populated areas. Wherever you live in Elmore County, you file for divorce at the Wetumpka courthouse. The Coosa River runs through Wetumpka, and the courthouse is downtown near the historic district.

Do not confuse the Circuit Clerk with the Probate Office. Marriage licenses are handled by Probate. Divorce records stay with the Circuit Clerk. Both offices are in the courthouse complex. For any dissolution of marriage matter in Elmore County, go to the Circuit Clerk.

How to Search Elmore County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Elmore County online or by visiting the courthouse. Online searches work well for basic case information. Going in person lets you see the full case file and get certified copies right away.

Alacourt is Alabama's statewide court records database. It includes all 67 counties, including Elmore County. 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 are $5.00 for up to 20 pages. Visit pa.alacourt.com to search Elmore County dissolution of marriage records.

To search for a divorce record, you will need:

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

You can also visit the clerk office in person in Wetumpka. Staff can search for records and make copies while you wait. Bring your ID. They can look up cases by name or case number. Older records may take more time to find. Call (334) 567-1135 ahead of time to check what you need to bring.

Elmore County has grown fast in recent years. Record keeping has kept up with this growth. The clerk office has staff who know how to find records going back decades.

Elmore County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Elmore County sets fees for filing divorce cases and getting copies of records. Fees may change over time. Call the clerk to check current rates before you file.

Common fees in Elmore 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 ask for a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with the court. You must show proof of your income and bills. 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 not the same as court fees. The health department certificate shows basic facts only. For the complete decree with all terms, you need copies from the Elmore County Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Elmore County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Elmore 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 lives now. If you live in Elmore County, this is where you file.

Go to the Circuit Clerk office in Wetumpka 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 Elmore County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt. 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. After the wait, the 19th Circuit judge can sign the final decree.

The judge rotates between Elmore, Autauga, and Chilton counties. Check with the clerk for when court is in session in Wetumpka. Uncontested divorces where both spouses agree may not need a court hearing. The judge can sign off on agreed cases based on the paperwork.

What Elmore County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Elmore County include several types of 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 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 legally. It has all the terms both parties must follow.

A dissolution of marriage record typically shows:

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

Elmore 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 sensitive financial matters may be blacked out in public copies.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Elmore County

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

Legal Services Alabama gives free legal help to people with low income. They serve Elmore County. Call (866) 456-4995 to see 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 meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. They can match you with a family law attorney who handles divorces in the Wetumpka 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 different types of divorces.

Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has step-by-step guides for people filing without a lawyer. The site explains the process for dissolution of marriage in Elmore County.

Divorce Certificates in Elmore County

The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates. A certificate is different from a decree. It shows only basic facts: names, date, 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 terms, custody orders, and support amounts, contact the Circuit Clerk in Elmore County. Most legal matters need the actual decree, not just a certificate.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Elmore County or share the 19th Judicial Circuit. Check the address where you live to determine which county handles your case.