Search Franklin County Dissolution of Marriage

Franklin County dissolution of marriage records are maintained at the Circuit Clerk office in Russellville. The 34th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed in this county.

Franklin County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Franklin 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 410 North Jackson Avenue in Russellville.

Franklin County has its own judicial circuit. The 34th Circuit covers only Franklin County, so the circuit judge focuses entirely on cases here. This can help with scheduling since the judge does not rotate to other counties. Court sessions are held regularly at the Russellville courthouse.

Russellville is the county seat and largest city in Franklin County. The courthouse is in downtown Russellville. Other towns in the county include Phil Campbell and Red Bay. No matter where you live in Franklin County, you file for divorce at the Russellville courthouse.

Do not confuse the Circuit Clerk with the Probate Office. Marriage licenses are handled by Probate. Divorce records are at the Circuit Clerk. Both offices are in the courthouse. For dissolution of marriage matters in Franklin County, always go to the Circuit Clerk.

How to Search Franklin County Dissolution of Marriage Records

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

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

To find 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 Russellville. Staff will 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 (256) 332-1230 ahead of time to check what you need to bring.

Franklin County has records going back many years. Recent cases are in the computer system. Older records may be on paper or microfilm. The clerk staff can help locate records from any time period.

Franklin County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

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

Common fees in Franklin 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 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 separate from court fees. The certificate shows basic facts only. For the complete decree with all terms, get copies from the Franklin County Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Franklin County

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

Go to the Circuit Clerk office in Russellville 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 Franklin County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. Proof of service goes in your 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 34th Circuit judge can sign the final decree.

Since the 34th Circuit serves only Franklin 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.

What Franklin County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Franklin County include multiple documents. The case file grows as the divorce moves through the 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
• Property and debt division
• Child custody and visitation orders
• Child support amounts
• Alimony if ordered

Franklin 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 Franklin County

Several organizations offer help with divorce cases in Franklin 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 Franklin 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 Russellville 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 offers step-by-step guides for people handling their own divorce. The site explains the process for dissolution of marriage in Franklin County.

Divorce Certificates in Franklin 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 Franklin County. Most legal matters need the actual decree, not just a certificate.

Nearby Counties

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