Fayette County Dissolution of Marriage Search

Fayette County dissolution of marriage records are filed and stored at the Circuit Clerk office in the city of Fayette. The 24th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases for this county.

Fayette County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Fayette 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 113 Temple Avenue North in the city of Fayette.

Fayette County shares the 24th Judicial Circuit with Lamar and Pickens counties. One circuit judge serves all three counties on a rotating schedule. Court sessions in Fayette County happen on set dates each month. Check with the clerk for when the judge will be in Fayette.

The city of Fayette serves as both the county seat and the largest town in Fayette County. The courthouse is in the center of town. It is a smaller county, which can sometimes mean faster service and shorter wait times at the clerk office.

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

How to Search Fayette County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Fayette County online or by visiting the courthouse in person. Online searches give quick access to basic case information. Going in person lets you see the complete file and get certified copies right away.

Alacourt is Alabama's statewide court records database. It covers all 67 counties including Fayette 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 Fayette County dissolution of marriage records.

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 your ID. They can look up cases by name or case number. Older records may take more time to locate. Call (205) 932-4519 ahead of time to ask what you should bring.

Fayette County has good record keeping going back many years. The smaller population means the clerk office has manageable workloads and staff can often give personal attention to record requests.

Fayette County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Fayette County sets fees for filing divorce cases and obtaining copies. Fees can change. Call the clerk to check current rates before you file.

Common fees in Fayette 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 your request. 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 certificate shows basic facts only. For the full decree with all terms, get copies from the Fayette County Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Fayette County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Fayette 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 Fayette County, this is where you file.

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 Fayette 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. After the wait, the 24th Circuit judge can sign the final decree when in Fayette County.

The judge rotates between Fayette, Lamar, and Pickens counties. Check with the clerk for the court calendar. Uncontested divorces may not need a hearing. The judge can approve agreed cases based on paperwork.

What Fayette County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Fayette County include several 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 most important document. 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 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

Fayette 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 Fayette County

Several organizations help with divorce cases in Fayette 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 who handles cases in the Fayette 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 Fayette County.

Divorce Certificates in Fayette County

The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates. A certificate shows basic facts only: names, date, and county. It is not the same as 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 Fayette County. Most legal matters need the actual decree.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Fayette County or share the 24th Judicial Circuit. Check the address where you live to determine which county handles your case.