Find Dissolution of Marriage in Geneva County

Geneva County dissolution of marriage records are filed and stored at the Circuit Clerk office in the city of Geneva. The 33rd Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases for this county.

Geneva County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Geneva 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 200 North Commerce Street in the city of Geneva.

Geneva County shares the 33rd Judicial Circuit with Dale County. One circuit judge serves both counties on a rotating schedule. Court sessions in Geneva County happen on set dates each month. Check with the clerk for when the judge will be in Geneva to hear cases.

The city of Geneva is the county seat and is located in the southeastern part of Alabama near the Florida state line. The courthouse is in downtown Geneva. Other towns in the county include Hartford and Samson. Residents from anywhere in Geneva County file for divorce at the Geneva courthouse.

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

How to Search Geneva County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Geneva 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 complete case files and get certified copies the same day.

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

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 a valid ID. They can look up cases by name or case number. Older records may take longer to find. Call (334) 684-5640 ahead of time to ask what you should bring.

Geneva County is close to the Florida state line. If you or your spouse lived in Florida before, make sure you are searching in the right state for your divorce records.

Geneva County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva County Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Geneva County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Geneva 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 Geneva County, you file at the Geneva 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 Geneva 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 33rd Circuit judge can sign the final decree when in Geneva County.

The judge rotates between Geneva and Dale 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 Geneva County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Geneva County include several documents. Each case file has all the papers filed during the divorce process.

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 what most 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 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

Geneva 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 Geneva County

Several organizations help with divorce cases in Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva County.

Divorce Certificates in Geneva 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 Geneva County. Most legal matters need the actual decree.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Geneva County or share the 33rd Judicial Circuit. Check the address where you live to determine which county handles your case.