Hale County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Hale County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Greensboro. The 4th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed in this county.
Hale County Quick Facts
Hale County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk in Hale County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office takes new divorce filings, stores court files, and provides copies of decrees. The clerk office is in the Hale County Courthouse in downtown Greensboro. Staff there can help you search for records.
Hale County shares the 4th Judicial Circuit with Bibb, Dallas, Perry, and Wilcox counties. Judges rotate through these counties for hearings. Check with the clerk to find out when the judge will be in Greensboro for your case. The clerk office stays open on regular business days even when court is not in session.
The Probate Office in Hale County handles marriage licenses. Divorce records are kept with the Circuit Clerk. These are two different offices. Make sure you go to the Circuit Clerk for dissolution of marriage records. Both offices are in the courthouse but handle different types of records.
| Office | Hale County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1001 Main Street Greensboro, AL 36744 |
| Phone | (334) 624-4335 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | hale.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Hale County Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Hale County online or in person. Online searches work well for basic case details. In-person visits let you look at the full file and get certified copies right away.
Alacourt is the state court records database. It covers all 67 Alabama counties including Hale. You search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail view. Extra cases cost $9.99 each. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Visit pa.alacourt.com to search Hale County dissolution of marriage records online.
To find dissolution of marriage records in Hale County, you need:
- Full name of one or both spouses
- Year the divorce was filed
- Case number if you have it
You can also visit the clerk office in Greensboro. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring a photo ID. The clerk can search by name or case number. Older records may take more time to locate. Call ahead at (334) 624-4335 to check what you should bring for your search.
Hale County Dissolution of Marriage Fees
Hale County sets fees for divorce cases and records. The cost depends on what type of case you file. Fees can change over time. Call the clerk to confirm current rates before you file for dissolution of marriage in Hale County.
Common fees in Hale 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
Low income filers may ask for a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with the court. You must show proof of low income. This could be pay stubs, tax returns, or proof you get public benefits. The judge reviews your request and decides if you can file without paying the fee.
The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15 for a divorce certificate. Extra copies are $6 each. This is separate from court fees. Certificates show basic facts only. For the full decree with all terms, get copies from the Circuit Clerk in Hale County.
How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Hale County
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Hale County follows Alabama state law. Each step creates records that go in your case file. The Circuit Clerk stores all these papers at the courthouse in Greensboro.
First, you need to meet 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 currently lives.
Bring your complaint to the Circuit Clerk office. Pay the filing fee at that time. The clerk assigns you a case number. Next, serve your spouse with the divorce papers. You can use the sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. Keep proof of service for the court file.
Alabama has a 30-day waiting period. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, the court cannot sign the final decree until 30 days pass from filing. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record in Hale County.
What Hale County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
Dissolution of marriage records in Hale County include several types of documents. The complaint is the first paper filed. It states why the person wants a divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 lists ten legal grounds for divorce in the state.
The final divorce decree is what most people need. This is the judge's order that ends the marriage. It includes all the terms: property division, child custody, support payments, and any other orders. Get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk in Hale County.
A dissolution of marriage record typically shows:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date of the marriage and separation
- Grounds for the divorce
- Division of property and debts
- Child custody and visitation schedule
- Child support amounts
- Alimony if ordered by the judge
Hale County dissolution of marriage records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can request to see them. Some information about minor children may be blacked out in public copies.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Hale County
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Hale County. Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to people with low income. 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 meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. This helps you find a lawyer who handles divorce cases in Hale County or the surrounding area.
Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has the court forms you need to file. You can fill them out online and print them. Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has guides for people who want to file without a lawyer.
The Tuscaloosa office of Legal Services Alabama serves Hale County. They handle family law cases for people who meet income limits. Contact them early in your case since they have limited staff and many requests for help with dissolution of marriage matters.
Divorce Certificates in Hale County
The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates. A certificate is not the same as a decree. It shows only the basic facts: names, date of divorce, and county. 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 charges a service fee on top of that.
For the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Hale County. Most banks, courts, and agencies need the actual decree. A certificate alone may not be enough for legal purposes.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Hale County or share the 4th Judicial Circuit. If you need help finding which county handles your case, check where you live now.