Search Lee County Dissolution of Marriage

Lee County dissolution of marriage records are filed and stored at the Circuit Clerk office in Opelika. The 37th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases for Lee County residents, including those in Auburn and surrounding areas.

Lee County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Lee County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new filings, stores court files, and provides copies of divorce decrees. The clerk office is at the Lee County Justice Center on South 6th Street in Opelika. Staff can help you search for records and make copies.

Lee County is home to Auburn University, which brings a large student population to the area. Many divorce cases involve people who moved here for school or work. The clerk office sees a higher volume of cases than some smaller counties. Plan for wait times if you visit in person. It can help to call ahead and ask about the best time to come in for dissolution of marriage records.

The 37th Judicial Circuit serves only Lee County. This means all divorce cases filed by Lee County residents go through this one circuit. The circuit has multiple judges who handle family law matters. Your case may be assigned to any of them based on the court calendar.

How to Search Lee County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Lee County online or in person. 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.

Alacourt is the state court records database. It covers all 67 Alabama counties including Lee. You can 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 start your search for Lee County dissolution of marriage records.

To search dissolution of marriage records in Lee 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 person at the Justice Center. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring your ID. The clerk can search by name or case number. Old records may take more time to find. Call ahead at (334) 737-3526 to check what you need to bring for dissolution of marriage records in Lee County.

Lee County has a high volume of cases due to its population. Online searches may be faster than in-person visits. The Alacourt system lets you search from home and download documents. This can save you a trip to Opelika, especially if you live in Auburn or another part of the county.

Lee County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

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

Common fees in Lee 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. You must show proof of low income. The judge reviews your request. Copy fees are separate from filing fees in Lee County.

The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15 for a divorce certificate. Extra copies cost $6 each. This is separate from the court fees. Certificates show basic facts only. For the full decree with all terms, you need copies from the Circuit Clerk in Lee County.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Lee County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Lee County follows Alabama state law. Each step creates records that become part of your case file. The Circuit Clerk keeps all these documents at the Justice Center in Opelika.

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 now. If you live in Auburn, you file in Lee County.

You file the complaint at the Circuit Clerk office. Pay the filing fee at this time. 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. Proof of service goes in the court file.

Alabama has a 30-day waiting period after you file. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, the court cannot sign the final decree until 30 days pass. This gives both parties time to respond and negotiate. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record in Lee County.

What Lee County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Lee County include several types of papers. The complaint is the first document 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 the main document most people need. This is the judge's order that ends the marriage. It has all the terms: property division, custody, support, and more. You can get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk in Lee County.

A dissolution of marriage record typically shows:

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

Lee County dissolution of marriage records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can ask to see them. Some details about children or finances may be blacked out in public copies. Sealed records require a court order to access.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Lee County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Lee County. Legal Services Alabama gives free legal help to people with low income. Call (866) 456-4995. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505. They have an office in the area that serves Lee County residents.

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 is a good way to get advice from a local family law attorney. Auburn has many lawyers who handle divorce cases in Lee County.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the court forms you need to file. Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has step-by-step guides for people filing without a lawyer. The site walks you through the process and helps you fill out forms for dissolution of marriage in Lee County.

Auburn University students may have access to legal services through the school. Check with the university's student services office if you are a current student going through a divorce.

Divorce Certificates in Lee 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.

You can 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 Lee County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate. Banks, employers, and other agencies often want to see the full decree.

Cities in Lee County

Lee County includes several cities and towns. The largest is Auburn, home to Auburn University. All Lee County residents file for dissolution of marriage through the Circuit Clerk in Opelika, no matter which city they live in.

Opelika is the county seat but does not have its own city page. Residents of Opelika, Smiths Station, Phenix City (Lee County portion), and other areas all use the Lee County Circuit Clerk for divorce filings.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Lee County. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.