Find Dissolution of Marriage in Escambia County

Escambia County dissolution of marriage records are filed and stored at the Circuit Clerk office in Brewton. The 21st Judicial Circuit Court processes all divorce cases for this county.

Escambia County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Escambia 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 314 Belleville Avenue in Brewton.

Escambia County has its own judicial circuit. The 21st Circuit covers only Escambia County, so the circuit judge gives full attention to cases here. This can help with scheduling and case processing times. The courthouse in Brewton is the center of county government.

Brewton is the county seat and located in the southern part of the county. Atmore is another major city in Escambia County. No matter where you live in the county, you file for divorce at the Brewton courthouse. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians reservation is also in Escambia County, and tribal members may have options for certain legal matters, though state court handles most divorces.

Remember that the Probate Office handles marriage licenses. The Circuit Clerk handles divorce records. Both are at the courthouse but in different offices. Go to the Circuit Clerk for all dissolution of marriage matters in Escambia County.

How to Search Escambia County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Escambia County online or by visiting the courthouse in person. Online searches give you quick access to basic case info. Going to the courthouse 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 Escambia 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. Visit pa.alacourt.com to search Escambia County dissolution of marriage records.

To search for 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 Brewton 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 longer to find. Call (251) 867-0226 ahead of time to ask what you should bring.

Escambia County is in the southern part of Alabama near the Florida state line. If you lived in Florida before or your spouse did, make sure you are searching in the right state for your divorce records.

Escambia County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Escambia County charges fees for filing divorce cases and getting copies. Fees can change over time. Call the clerk to check current rates before you file.

Common fees in Escambia 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. You must show proof of your income and expenses. The judge reviews the request and decides if you qualify. 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 basic facts only. For the full decree with all terms, get copies from the Escambia County Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Escambia County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Escambia 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. If you live in Escambia County, you file at the Brewton courthouse.

File your complaint at the Circuit Clerk office. Pay the filing fee at that time. The clerk gives you a case number. Then serve your spouse with the papers. You can use the Escambia County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. Proof of service goes in your 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 pass. This gives both parties time to respond. After the waiting period, the 21st Circuit judge can sign the final decree.

The 21st Circuit serves only Escambia County, so the judge is based here. Court is held on a regular schedule. Uncontested divorces may not need a court hearing. The judge can approve agreed cases based on paperwork.

What Escambia County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Escambia County include various documents. Each case file has all the papers filed during the divorce.

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.

The final divorce decree is the main document people need. This is the judge's order that ends the marriage. It has all the terms both parties must follow.

A dissolution of marriage record typically includes:

• 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

Escambia 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 info may be redacted.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Escambia County

Several organizations help with divorce cases in Escambia 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.

The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service is at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. They can match you with a family law attorney in the Brewton area.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the court forms you need. You can fill them out online and print them.

Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has step-by-step guides for people handling their own divorce. The site explains the process for dissolution of marriage in Escambia County.

Divorce Certificates in Escambia County

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

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 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 Circuit Clerk in Escambia County. Most legal matters need the actual decree.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Escambia County. Check the address where you live to determine which county handles your case.