Lamar County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Lamar County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Vernon. The 24th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed in this county.

Lamar County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Lamar 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 Lamar County Courthouse in Vernon. Staff there can help you search for records or file a new case.

Lamar County shares the 24th Judicial Circuit with Fayette and Pickens counties. Judges rotate through these counties for hearings. Check with the clerk to find out when the judge will be in Vernon for your case. The clerk office stays open on regular business days even when court is not in session.

Lamar County is in northwest Alabama, near the Mississippi border. The Probate Office handles marriage licenses. Divorce records stay with the Circuit Clerk. These are different offices with different records. Go to the Circuit Clerk for dissolution of marriage records in Lamar County.

How to Search Lamar County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Lamar County online or in person. Online works well for basic case info. In-person visits let you see the full file and get certified copies right away.

Alacourt is the state court records database. It covers all 67 Alabama counties including Lamar. You 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 Lamar County dissolution of marriage records online.

To find dissolution of marriage records in Lamar 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 Vernon. Staff can look up cases and make copies for you. Bring your ID. The clerk searches by name or case number. Old records may take more time to find. Call ahead at (205) 695-9119 to ask what you should bring.

Lamar County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Lamar County sets fees for divorce cases and records. The cost depends on the type of case. Fees can change. Call the clerk to check current rates before you file for dissolution of marriage in Lamar County.

Common fees in Lamar 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. The judge decides if you can file without paying the fee in Lamar County.

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

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Lamar County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Lamar County follows Alabama state law. Each step creates papers that go in your case file. The Circuit Clerk stores all these documents at the courthouse in Vernon.

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.

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

Alabama requires a 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 Lamar County.

What Lamar County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Lamar County include several types of documents. The complaint is the first paper filed. It states the grounds for divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 lists ten grounds including no-fault options like incompatibility.

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, custody, support, and other orders. Get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk in Lamar 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 the judge ordered it

Lamar County dissolution of marriage records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can request to see them. Some info about minor children may be blacked out in public copies.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Lamar County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Lamar 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 dissolution of marriage cases in Lamar County or the area.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has the court forms you need to file. Fill them out online and print them. Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has step-by-step guides for people who want to file without a lawyer.

The Tuscaloosa office of Legal Services Alabama may serve Lamar County. They help with family law cases for people who meet income limits. Contact them early since they have limited staff and high demand for help with dissolution of marriage matters.

Divorce Certificates in Lamar 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, 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 on top.

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

Nearby Counties

These counties border Lamar County or share the 24th Judicial Circuit. If you need help finding which county handles your case, check where you live.