Access Jackson County Dissolution of Marriage

Jackson County dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Circuit Clerk office in Scottsboro. The 38th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases in this county.

Jackson County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Jackson 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 Jackson County Courthouse in Scottsboro. Staff can help you find records or start a new case.

Jackson County is its own judicial circuit. The 38th Circuit covers only Jackson County. This means the circuit judge is based here full time. Court is held regularly in Scottsboro. Check with the clerk for the court calendar. The clerk office is open on regular business days even when no hearings are set.

Jackson County is in northeast Alabama, near the Tennessee border. The Probate Office handles marriage licenses. Divorce records stay with the Circuit Clerk. These are separate offices. For dissolution of marriage records, go to the Circuit Clerk, not Probate.

How to Search Jackson County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Jackson County online or in person. Online is quick 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 Jackson. 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 Jackson County dissolution of marriage records online.

To search dissolution of marriage records in Jackson 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 Scottsboro. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring your ID. The clerk searches by name or case number. Older records may take extra time to find. Call ahead at (256) 574-9320 to ask what you need to bring.

Jackson County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Jackson County sets fees for divorce cases and records. The cost varies by case type. Fees may change over time. Check with the clerk for current rates before you file for dissolution of marriage in Jackson County.

Common fees in Jackson 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 fee, you may ask for a waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with the court. Show proof of low income such as pay stubs, tax returns, or proof you receive government benefits. The judge reviews your request and decides if you qualify to file without paying.

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 facts. For the full decree with all terms, get copies from the Circuit Clerk in Jackson County.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Jackson County

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

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. If you live in Jackson 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. File proof of service with the court. Your spouse then has 30 days to answer.

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

What Jackson County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Jackson County include several types of papers. The complaint starts the case. It states the grounds for divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 lists ten legal grounds including incompatibility.

The final divorce decree is what most people need. This is the judge's order that ends the marriage. It includes all the terms: who gets what property, custody of kids, support payments, and more. Get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk in Jackson 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 orders
• Child support amounts
• Alimony if ordered

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

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Jackson County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Jackson County. Legal Services Alabama provides 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 dissolution of marriage cases in Jackson County or nearby areas.

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

The Huntsville office of Legal Services Alabama may serve Jackson County residents. Contact them to see if you qualify for free legal help with your dissolution of marriage case. Call early since they have limited staff and many requests.

Divorce Certificates in Jackson 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 a service fee.

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

Nearby Counties

These counties border Jackson County. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check where you live now.