Limestone County Dissolution of Marriage

Limestone County dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk office in Athens. The 39th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases for Limestone County residents.

Limestone County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Limestone 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 Limestone County Courthouse on West Washington Street in Athens. Staff can help you search for records and make copies of documents you need.

Limestone County sits in the northern part of Alabama. The county has grown fast in recent years due to jobs in Huntsville and Decatur. Many people who work in Madison County live in Limestone County. This means the clerk office sees a steady flow of divorce cases. Wait times can be longer than in rural counties.

The 39th Judicial Circuit serves only Limestone County. All divorce cases filed by Limestone County residents go through this circuit. The circuit has judges who handle family law cases. Your case gets assigned to a judge based on the court calendar and caseload.

Athens is easy to reach from Huntsville, Decatur, and other nearby cities. The courthouse is in the center of town. Parking can be tight during business hours. Plan extra time if you need to visit in person for dissolution of marriage records.

How to Search Limestone County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Limestone 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 Limestone. 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 Limestone County dissolution of marriage records.

To search dissolution of marriage records in Limestone 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. 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 (256) 233-6406 to check what you need to bring for dissolution of marriage records in Limestone County.

If you live in the Huntsville area but your divorce was filed in Limestone County, you must get records from the Limestone clerk. Madison County cannot help you with a Limestone County case. Make sure you know which county handled your case before you start searching.

Limestone County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Limestone 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 Limestone County.

Common fees in Limestone 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. This waiver only covers filing fees. Copy fees are separate.

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 Limestone County.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Limestone County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Limestone 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 courthouse in Athens.

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 Athens or anywhere else in Limestone County, you file here.

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. The Limestone County Sheriff can serve papers for a fee.

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. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record in Limestone County. You can get certified copies once the judge signs the decree.

What Limestone County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Limestone 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 Limestone County. Many agencies and employers want certified copies, not plain copies.

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

Limestone 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 need a court order to access.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Limestone County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Limestone 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 serve the north Alabama region including Limestone County.

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. Athens and the surrounding area have family law attorneys who handle divorce cases. This service can connect you with one who takes cases in Limestone 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 Limestone County.

The Limestone County Law Library at the courthouse may have resources. You can use it to look up laws and find sample forms. Staff cannot give legal advice but can point you to helpful books and guides.

Divorce Certificates in Limestone 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. You can also order by mail from the health department.

For the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Limestone County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate. If you need to prove a divorce for remarriage or name change, check which document the agency requires first.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Limestone County. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live. Many people in the Huntsville metro area live in Limestone County but work in Madison County.