Access Etowah County Dissolution of Marriage

Etowah County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Gadsden. The 16th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed in this county.

Etowah County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Etowah County maintains all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new filings, stores case files, and provides copies of divorce decrees. The clerk office is at 800 Forrest Avenue in downtown Gadsden, inside the judicial building.

Etowah County has its own judicial circuit. The 16th Circuit covers only Etowah County, which means multiple judges serve this single county. With over 100,000 residents, Etowah is one of the larger counties in the state. The dedicated circuit helps process the high volume of cases efficiently.

Gadsden is the county seat and the largest city in Etowah County. The courthouse complex is in downtown Gadsden near the Coosa River. Other cities in the county include Attalla, Rainbow City, and Glencoe. Residents from anywhere in the county file for divorce at the Gadsden courthouse.

The Probate Office handles marriage licenses. The Circuit Clerk handles divorce records. These are separate offices with different functions. For all dissolution of marriage matters in Etowah County, go to the Circuit Clerk.

How to Search Etowah County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Etowah County online or in person at the courthouse. Online searches work well for finding basic case information. Visiting in person lets you view the full case file and get certified copies right away.

Alacourt is Alabama's statewide court records database. It includes all 67 counties, including Etowah 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 Etowah County dissolution of marriage records online.

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 at the Gadsden courthouse. Staff will search for records and make copies while you wait. Bring your ID. They can look up cases by name or case number. With Etowah County's large population, the clerk office processes many requests daily. Call (256) 549-5313 ahead of time to check what you need to bring.

Etowah County has decades of records available. Recent cases are in the computer system. Older records may be in paper files or on microfilm. The experienced staff can help locate records from any time period.

Etowah County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Etowah County sets fees for filing divorce cases and getting copies of records. Fees can change over time. Call the clerk office to verify current rates before you file.

Common fees in Etowah 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 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 qualify. Copy fees may still apply even with a waiver.

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

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Etowah County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Etowah County follows Alabama state law. The process creates records that become part of your permanent 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. If you live in Etowah County, this is where you file.

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

Alabama law 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. This gives both parties time to respond. After the waiting period, the 16th Circuit judge can sign the final decree.

Because the 16th Circuit serves only Etowah County, court is in session regularly. Uncontested divorces where both spouses agree may not need a hearing. The judge can approve agreed cases based on paperwork alone.

What Etowah County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Etowah County include many 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 legal grounds 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 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
• Division of property and debts
• Child custody and visitation orders
• Child support amounts
• Alimony if ordered

Etowah 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 Etowah County

Several organizations offer help with divorce cases in Etowah 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 Etowah County residents. 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 consultation costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. They can connect you with a family law attorney in the Gadsden area who handles divorces.

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 offers step-by-step guides for people handling their own divorce. The site explains the process for dissolution of marriage in Etowah County.

Divorce Certificates in Etowah 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 complete divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Etowah County. Most legal and financial matters require the actual decree, not just a certificate.

Nearby Counties

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