Find Lawrence County Dissolution of Marriage

Lawrence County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Moulton. The 36th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed in this county.

Lawrence County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Lawrence County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office takes new divorce filings, stores case files, and provides copies of decrees. The clerk office is in the Lawrence County Courthouse in Moulton. Staff can help you search for records or file new cases.

Lawrence County is its own judicial circuit. The 36th Circuit covers only Lawrence County. This means the circuit judge is based here. Court is held regularly in Moulton. The clerk office is open on regular business days even when court is not in session. Check with the clerk for the court schedule.

Lawrence County is in northwest Alabama, south of the Tennessee River. The Probate Office handles marriage licenses. Divorce records stay with the Circuit Clerk. These are different offices. Go to the Circuit Clerk for dissolution of marriage records, not the Probate Office. Both are in the courthouse but keep different records.

How to Search Lawrence County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Lawrence County online or in person. Online is fast for basic info. Going in person lets you see the whole case file and get certified copies right away.

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

To find dissolution of marriage records in Lawrence 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 Moulton. 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 (256) 974-2430 to ask what you should bring.

Lawrence County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

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

Common fees in Lawrence 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 government benefits like food stamps or Medicaid. The judge 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 fee is separate from court fees. Certificates show basic facts only. For the full decree with all the terms, get copies from the Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Lawrence County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Lawrence 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 Moulton.

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 now. If you live in Lawrence 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 divorce papers. 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 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 in Lawrence County that anyone can ask to see.

What Lawrence County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Lawrence 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.

The final divorce decree is what most people need. This is the judge's order that ends the marriage. It has all the terms: who gets what property, child custody, support amounts, and more. Get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk in Lawrence 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

Lawrence 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 to protect their privacy.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Lawrence County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Lawrence 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 Lawrence County or nearby counties.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has the court forms you need. 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 Decatur office of Legal Services Alabama may serve Lawrence County residents. They help with family law cases for people who meet income limits. Call early since they have limited staff and high demand for help with dissolution of marriage matters.

Divorce Certificates in Lawrence 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 on top.

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

Nearby Counties

These counties border Lawrence County. If you need help finding which county handles your case, check where you live now.