Search Lauderdale County Dissolution of Marriage

Lauderdale County dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Circuit Clerk office in Florence. The 11th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases for this county.

Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale County Courthouse in Florence. Staff can help you find records or file a new case. Lauderdale is one of the larger counties in northwest Alabama.

Lauderdale County is its own judicial circuit. The 11th Circuit covers only Lauderdale County. This means the circuit judge is based here full time. Court is held regularly in Florence. The clerk office is open on regular business days. Check the court calendar for hearing dates.

The Probate Office handles marriage licenses. Divorce records stay with the Circuit Clerk. These are separate offices. For dissolution of marriage records in Lauderdale County, go to the Circuit Clerk, not Probate. The offices are in the same courthouse but handle different types of records.

How to Search Lauderdale County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Lauderdale County online or in person. Online searches work well for basic case 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 Lauderdale. 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 Lauderdale County dissolution of marriage records online.

To search dissolution of marriage records in Lauderdale 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 Florence. 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) 760-5800 to ask what you should bring.

Lauderdale County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Lauderdale County sets fees for divorce cases and records. The cost varies by case type. Fees may change. Call the clerk to check current rates before you file for dissolution of marriage in Lauderdale County.

Common fees in Lauderdale 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 have low income, you may ask for a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with the court. Show proof of low income such as pay stubs, tax returns, or proof you get public benefits. The judge reviews your request and decides if you can file for free.

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 with all terms, get copies from the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Lauderdale County

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

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. If you live in Florence or anywhere in Lauderdale County, you file here.

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

Alabama requires a 30-day 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 Lauderdale County.

What Lauderdale County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Lauderdale 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 no-fault option.

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 payments, and more. Get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk in Lauderdale 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

Lauderdale 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 to protect their privacy.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Lauderdale County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Lauderdale 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. Florence has many family law attorneys who handle dissolution of marriage cases.

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 filing without a lawyer.

The Decatur office of Legal Services Alabama serves Lauderdale County. They help with family law cases for people who meet income limits. Contact them early in your case since demand is high. The Shoals area also has local bar association referrals for help with dissolution of marriage cases.

Divorce Certificates in Lauderdale County

The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates. A certificate is different from a decree. It shows only the 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 Lauderdale County. Most legal purposes need the decree, not just a certificate. Banks, courts, and agencies usually ask for the full decree.

Nearby Counties

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