Find Dissolution of Marriage in Henry County

Henry County dissolution of marriage records are maintained at the Circuit Clerk office in Abbeville. The 20th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce filings for this county.

Henry County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Henry County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office accepts new filings, stores case files, and provides copies of divorce decrees. The clerk office is in the Henry County Courthouse on Court Square in Abbeville. Staff can help you find records or file new cases.

Henry County shares the 20th Judicial Circuit with Houston County. Judges rotate between these two counties. This means your hearing may be set based on when the judge is in Abbeville. Check the court calendar or call the clerk to find out court dates. The clerk office is open regular business hours even when court is not in session.

Marriage licenses go through the Probate Office. Divorce records stay with the Circuit Clerk. These are separate offices. If you need dissolution of marriage records in Henry County, go to the Circuit Clerk. If you need a marriage license, go to Probate.

How to Search Henry County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Henry County online or in person. Online works well for basic info. Going in person lets 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 Henry. 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 Henry County dissolution of marriage records.

To search dissolution of marriage records in Henry County, you need:

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Approximate year the divorce was filed
• Case number if you have it

You can also go to the clerk office in Abbeville. Staff will look up cases and make copies. Bring your ID. The clerk searches by name or case number. Old records may take extra time to find. Call ahead at (334) 585-3022 to ask what you should bring.

Henry County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Henry County sets fees for divorce cases and records. The amount depends on the type of case. Fees can change. Check with the clerk for current rates before you file for dissolution of marriage in Henry County.

Common fees in Henry 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 cannot afford the filing fee, you may ask the court to waive it. File an In Forma Pauperis form. Show proof of low income such as pay stubs, tax returns, or proof you get government benefits. The judge decides if you qualify. This is not automatic. Many people must still pay the fee.

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

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Henry County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Henry County follows Alabama state law. Each step adds papers to your case file. The Circuit Clerk stores all these documents at the courthouse in Abbeville.

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 now.

Take your complaint to the Circuit Clerk office. Pay the filing fee. The clerk gives you a case number. Next, you must serve your spouse. Use the sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. File proof of service with the court. Your spouse has 30 days to respond to the complaint.

Alabama requires a 30-day waiting period. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, the court cannot finalize the divorce until 30 days pass. The final decree ends the marriage. It becomes a public record in Henry County.

What Henry County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Henry County include many types of papers. The complaint starts the case. It states the grounds for divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 lists ten grounds including incompatibility, which is the no-fault option most people use.

The final divorce decree is what most people want. This is the judge's order that ends the marriage. It has all the terms: property, custody, support, and more. You get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk in Henry County.

A dissolution of marriage record typically shows:

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

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

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Henry County

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

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. You pay up to $50 for a 30-minute meeting. This helps you find a lawyer who handles dissolution of marriage cases in Henry County or nearby counties.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has court forms you need. You can fill them out online and print them. Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has guides for people filing without a lawyer in Henry County.

The Dothan office of Legal Services Alabama serves Henry County residents. They help with family law cases for people who meet income guidelines. Call early because they have limited staff and high demand for help with dissolution of marriage matters.

Divorce Certificates in Henry 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 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 its own service fee.

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

Nearby Counties

These counties border Henry County or share the 20th Judicial Circuit. Check where you live now to find which county handles your case.