Search Jefferson County Dissolution of Marriage

Jefferson County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Birmingham. This is the most populous county in Alabama with over 674,000 residents. The 10th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed in Jefferson County. Two court divisions serve the area: Birmingham and Bessemer. Where you file depends on where you live in Jefferson County.

Jefferson County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk keeps all divorce records in Jefferson County. This office handles case filings, stores court files, and gives out copies of divorce decrees. Staff can help you find old cases and new ones alike. Jefferson County has two clerk offices since it has two court divisions, and each one serves a different part of the county.

The Birmingham Division serves the east side of Jefferson County. This includes Birmingham, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, and Trussville. Most people who need divorce records in Jefferson County use this office. The Bessemer Division serves the west side, which includes Bessemer, Hueytown, and Pleasant Grove. Both offices can search divorce records and make copies for you. Call ahead to check which one handles your area before you make the trip in Jefferson County.

How to Search Jefferson County Divorce Records

You can search for divorce records in Jefferson County online or in person. The method you pick depends on what you need. Online searches work well for basic case info. In-person visits let you see the full file and get certified copies right away. Both methods give you access to divorce records going back many years in Jefferson County.

AlacourtAccess is the state court records system that covers Jefferson County. It has all divorce cases from the 10th Judicial Circuit. You can search by name or case number. The site charges $9.99 per name search, and this includes one case detail. Extra cases cost $9.99 each. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages. This is a fast way to find divorce records in Jefferson County from home. Visit pa.alacourt.com to start your search.

To search divorce records in Jefferson County, you need the following:

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

You can also search in person at the clerk office in Jefferson County. Go to Room 400 at the Birmingham courthouse or visit Bessemer. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring your ID with you. The clerk can search by name or case number. Old records may take more time to find. For bulk requests, use the NextRequest portal at jeffersoncounty.nextrequest.com to get divorce records in Jefferson County.

Jefferson County Divorce Fees

Jefferson County has set fees for divorce cases and divorce records. These fees apply at both the Birmingham and Bessemer divisions. The cost to file a new divorce case is $199 in Jefferson County. Other court actions cost more. Fees can change, so call the clerk to check the current rates before you file in Jefferson County.

The main fees for divorce in Jefferson County are:

• File a divorce complaint: $199.00
• Modify or enforce a decree: $302.00
• Counter petition: $302.00
• Default judgment motion: $50.00
• Appeal cost: $200.00

Service fees also apply when you file for divorce in Jefferson County. Subpoenas cost $12.00 each. Sheriff service costs $10.00 in Jefferson County. If you need to serve by publication, that costs $65.00 payable to the Alabama Messenger. Copy fees depend on the number of pages, and certified copies cost more than plain ones. The full fee list is at jefferson.alacourt.gov. If you have low income, you may ask for a fee waiver by filing an In Forma Pauperis form with the court in Jefferson County.

Divorce Filing Process in Jefferson County

Filing for divorce in Jefferson County follows a set process under Alabama law. Each step creates records that become part of your case file. The Circuit Clerk keeps all these documents at the courthouse. You can get copies of any paper in your case file once it is filed in Jefferson County.

First, you file a complaint with the Circuit Clerk to start your divorce case in Jefferson County. You pay the $199 filing fee at this time. The clerk gives you a case number. Under Code of Alabama § 30-2-5, at least one spouse must have lived in Alabama for six months before filing. You do not have to live in Jefferson County for the full six months, but you must file in the county where you or your spouse lives now.

Next, you serve your spouse with the divorce papers. You can use the Jefferson County Sheriff for $10.00, a private server, or certified mail. Proof of service goes in the court file. Under Code of Alabama § 30-2-8.1, Alabama has a 30-day waiting period after you file. The court cannot sign the final decree until 30 days pass. If both parties agree, you can schedule a final hearing after the wait. If not, the case may go to mediation or trial in Jefferson County. The final divorce decree ends the marriage and becomes part of the public record in Jefferson County.

Note: Temporary orders for custody or support can be filed while the divorce case is pending in Jefferson County.

What Jefferson County Divorce Records Contain

Divorce records in Jefferson County include many types of papers. The divorce complaint is the first document filed. It states the grounds for divorce under Code of Alabama § 30-2-1 and what the person filing wants. The answer is the response from the other spouse. Settlement papers show what the parties agreed to on property, kids, and support. All of these are public records in Jefferson County.

The final divorce decree is the main document most people need from Jefferson County. This is the judge's order that ends the marriage. It includes all the terms: who gets what property, who has custody, the visitation schedule, and any support amounts. Certified copies of the decree are often needed for legal matters like changing your name or selling a home. You can get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk in Jefferson County.

A divorce record in Jefferson County typically shows:

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

Jefferson County divorce records are public under Code of Alabama § 36-12-40. Anyone can ask to see them. You do not have to be a party to the case. Some facts about children or finances may be blacked out in public copies, but most of the file is open to all in Jefferson County.

Divorce Certificates in Jefferson County

The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates as an alternative to court records in Jefferson County. A certificate is a shorter document that proves a divorce took place. It shows the names, date, and county but not the full terms of the settlement. Many people need a certificate for things like changing their name or getting remarried in Jefferson County.

You can get a divorce certificate from the Jefferson County Health Department in Birmingham. Walk-in service is often same-day. The fee is $15 for one certified copy, and extra copies cost $6 each. You can also order online through VitalChek at vitalchek.com, which adds a service fee. Call VitalChek at 1-888-279-9888 to order by phone. The health department has certificates for divorces from 1950 to the present day in Jefferson County.

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

Legal Help for Divorce in Jefferson County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Jefferson County. Some give free legal help to people who qualify based on income. Others charge a reduced fee for the first meeting. These resources can help you understand divorce law, fill out forms, or find a lawyer in Jefferson County.

Legal Services Alabama has an office in Birmingham that serves Jefferson County. They give free legal help to people with low income. Their focus is on divorce cases that involve domestic violence. Call (205) 328-3540 or the toll-free line at (866) 456-4995 to ask about help with divorce in Jefferson County. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505. The Birmingham Volunteer Lawyers Program also helps low-income residents of Jefferson County. They handle divorce, child support, and custody cases at no cost. Call (205) 250-5198 to see if you qualify.

The Birmingham Bar Association runs a lawyer referral line at (205) 251-8006. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. This covers both Jefferson and Shelby Counties. The Jefferson County Law Library is in the Birmingham courthouse and has free divorce forms. Staff can help you find what you need. Call (205) 325-5628 or visit lawlib.jccal.org. Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the court forms you need to file for divorce in Jefferson County.

Related Records in Jefferson County

Other offices in Jefferson County keep records that may tie to divorce cases. The Jefferson County Probate Court handles marriage records. You may need a marriage record to prove the marriage before the divorce. The Probate Court also handles property transfers that often happen after a divorce in Jefferson County. Online records go back to 1987 for Birmingham and 1965 for Bessemer. Visit jeffcoprobatecourt.com for more on these records.

The Jefferson County Family Court deals with matters that involve children in divorce cases. This includes paternity, child support enforcement, and protective orders. The Birmingham office is at 120 2nd Court North, and you can reach them at (205) 325-5491. For child support questions in Jefferson County, call the DHR line at 1-866-252-4453. These records may help if you need info on support or custody matters tied to a divorce in Jefferson County.

Cities in Jefferson County

Jefferson County has over 35 cities and towns. All of them file divorce cases at the Jefferson County Circuit Court. Which division you use depends on where you live in Jefferson County. Cities on the east side use the Birmingham Division, while cities on the west side use the Bessemer Division.

Other cities in Jefferson County include Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Bessemer, Trussville, Gardendale, Center Point, Hueytown, and Irondale. All of these file dissolution of marriage cases at the Jefferson County Circuit Court. Note that Hoover spans both Jefferson and Shelby counties.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Jefferson County. If you are not sure which county handles your divorce case, check the address where you live. You must file in the right county for the court to have power over your case.