Houston County Dissolution of Marriage Search
Houston County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Dothan. The 20th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed in this county.
Houston County Quick Facts
Houston County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk in Houston County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new divorce filings, stores case files, and provides copies of decrees. The clerk office is at the Houston County Courthouse in Dothan. Staff can help you search for records or file new cases. Houston County is one of the larger counties in southeast Alabama.
Houston County shares the 20th Judicial Circuit with Henry County. The circuit has multiple judges to handle the caseload. Dothan is the main courthouse location. Court is held here most days. Check with the clerk for the court schedule. The clerk office is open on regular business days even when no hearings are set.
Marriage licenses go through the Probate Office. Divorce records stay with the Circuit Clerk. These are different offices in the courthouse. For dissolution of marriage records in Houston County, go to the Circuit Clerk on the second floor. Do not go to Probate for divorce papers.
| Office | Houston County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 462 North Oates Street Dothan, AL 36303 |
| Phone | (334) 677-4800 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | houston.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Houston County Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Houston County online or in person. Online works best for quick lookups. In-person visits let you see the full case file and get certified copies right away. Both methods give you access to divorce records going back many years.
Alacourt is the state court records database. It covers all 67 Alabama counties including Houston. You can search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail. Extra cases cost $9.99 each. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Visit pa.alacourt.com to search Houston County dissolution of marriage records online.
To search dissolution of marriage records in Houston 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 Dothan. Staff can look up cases and make copies for you. Bring your ID. The clerk can search by name or case number. Old records may take more time to find. Call ahead at (334) 677-4800 to ask what you should bring for your search.
Houston County Dissolution of Marriage Fees
Houston County sets fees for divorce cases and record copies. The cost varies by case type. Fees can change over time. Call the clerk to check current rates before you file for dissolution of marriage in Houston County.
Common fees in Houston 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. Show proof of low income. This could be pay stubs, tax returns, or proof you get public benefits like food stamps or Medicaid. The judge reviews your request and decides if you qualify.
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 basic facts only. For the full decree with property terms and support orders, get copies from the Houston County Circuit Clerk.
How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Houston County
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Houston County follows Alabama state law. Each step creates records that become part of your case file. The Circuit Clerk keeps all these documents at the courthouse in Dothan.
First, you must 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 lives now. If you live in Dothan or elsewhere in Houston County, file here.
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 papers. Use the sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. Keep proof of service for the court file. Your spouse then has 30 days to respond.
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. It becomes a public record that anyone can request to see.
What Houston County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
Dissolution of marriage records in Houston 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 grounds for divorce 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: property division, child custody, support amounts, and other orders. Get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk in Houston 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 schedule
- Child support amounts
- Alimony if ordered by the judge
Houston County dissolution of marriage records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can ask to see them. Some info about minor children may be blacked out in public copies.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Houston County
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Houston 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 runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. Dothan has many family law attorneys who handle dissolution of marriage cases in Houston County.
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 guides for people who want to file without a lawyer.
The Dothan Bar Association may have referrals to local lawyers. Legal Services Alabama has an office in Dothan that serves Houston County and nearby counties. Contact them early since demand for free legal help is high for dissolution of marriage cases.
Divorce Certificates in Houston 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, 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 adds a service fee.
For the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Houston County. Most legal purposes need the decree, not just a certificate. Banks, courts, and other agencies usually ask for the full decree.
Major City in Houston County
Dothan is the largest city in Houston County and the county seat. Residents of Dothan file for dissolution of marriage at the Houston County Circuit Clerk office. The courthouse is in downtown Dothan.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Houston County or share the 20th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.