Search Greene County Dissolution of Marriage

Greene County dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Circuit Clerk office in Eutaw. The 17th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases in this county.

Greene County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Greene County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office takes new divorce filings, stores court files, and gives out copies of decrees. Staff can help you find what you need. The clerk office is in the Greene County Courthouse in downtown Eutaw.

Greene County shares the 17th Judicial Circuit with Marengo, Sumter, Pickens, and Choctaw counties. Judges rotate between these counties for court days. Check the court schedule to know when the judge will be in Eutaw for your hearing. The clerk office is open on regular weekdays even when court is not in session.

The Probate Office handles marriage licenses. Divorce records stay with the Circuit Clerk. Make sure you go to the right office. The courthouse has both offices, but they keep different types of records in Greene County.

How to Search Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Greene County online or in person. Both ways work fine. Online is faster for basic case info. In-person visits let you see the whole file and get certified copies the same day.

Alacourt is the state court records database. It covers all 67 Alabama counties including Greene. Search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and shows one case detail. Each extra case costs $9.99 more. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Go to pa.alacourt.com to search Greene County dissolution of marriage records online.

To find dissolution of marriage records in Greene County, you need:

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Year the divorce was filed (helps narrow results)
• Case number if you have it

You can also go to the clerk office in Eutaw. Staff can look up cases and print copies for you. Bring your ID. The clerk can search by name or case number. Old records may take extra time to find. Call ahead at (205) 372-3349 to ask what you need to bring.

Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Greene County sets fees for divorce cases. The cost to file varies by case type. Fees can change. Call the clerk to check rates before you file for dissolution of marriage in Greene County.

Common fees in Greene County include:

• File a divorce complaint: $145 - $199
• 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 may ask for a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with the court. Show proof of low income or that you get public benefits. The judge will review your request and decide if you qualify for free filing in Greene County.

The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15 for a divorce certificate. Extra copies cost $6 each. This fee is separate from court fees. Certificates show basic facts only. For the full decree with all terms, you need copies from the Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Greene County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Greene County follows Alabama state law. Each step adds papers to your case file. The Circuit Clerk keeps all these records at the courthouse in Eutaw.

First, check the residency rule. 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 now. If you live in Greene County, you file here.

Take your complaint to the Circuit Clerk office. Pay the filing fee. The clerk gives you a case number. Next, serve your spouse with the papers. You can use the sheriff, a private server, or certified mail. Proof of service goes in the court file. Your spouse then has 30 days to respond.

Alabama has a waiting period after you file. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, the court cannot sign the final decree until 30 days pass from the date of filing. The final decree ends the marriage. It becomes a public record in Greene County that anyone can ask to see.

What Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Greene County include many papers. The complaint is the first document. It 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. It has all the terms: who gets what property, custody of kids, support payments, and more. Certified copies come from the Circuit Clerk in Greene County.

A dissolution of marriage record in Greene County typically shows:

• Names and addresses of both parties
• Date of marriage and date of separation
• Grounds for the divorce
• Property and debt division
• Child custody and visitation orders
• Child support amounts
• Alimony if the judge ordered it

Greene County dissolution of marriage records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can ask to see them. Some details about children may be redacted in public copies to protect their privacy.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Greene County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Greene County. Legal Services Alabama gives free legal help to people with low income. Call (866) 456-4995 to apply. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505.

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. This helps you find a lawyer who handles divorce cases in Greene County or nearby.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has court forms you need to file. Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has guides for people filing without a lawyer. The site walks you through each step.

The University of Alabama School of Law runs clinics that may help with family law matters. Check their website for current programs. West Alabama also has local legal aid offices that serve Greene County residents with dissolution of marriage cases.

Divorce Certificates in Greene 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 of both parties, date of the divorce, and the county where it was filed. The health department has certificates for divorces from 1950 to now.

Order a certificate through VitalChek at vitalchek.com or call 1-888-279-9888. The fee is $15 for one certified copy. Extra copies cost $6 each. VitalChek adds a service fee on top.

For the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Greene County. Most legal matters need the actual decree. Banks, courts, and government agencies often ask for the decree, not just a certificate.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Greene County or share the 17th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check where you live.