Find Dissolution of Marriage in Lowndes County
Lowndes County dissolution of marriage records are filed and stored at the Circuit Clerk office in Hayneville. The 2nd Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases for this rural county in central Alabama.
Lowndes County Quick Facts
Lowndes County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk in Lowndes 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 Lowndes County Courthouse on South Broad Street in Hayneville. Staff can help you search for records and make copies.
Lowndes County is one of the smaller counties in Alabama by population. The clerk office handles fewer cases than urban counties. This often means shorter wait times and more personal service. Staff may be able to help you right away when you visit.
The 2nd Judicial Circuit covers Lowndes County along with Butler and Crenshaw counties. Circuit judges rotate between these counties. Your divorce case may be heard by a judge who also serves the other counties in the circuit. The clerk office in Hayneville handles all the paperwork for Lowndes County cases.
Hayneville is a small town between Montgomery and Selma. The courthouse is easy to find in the center of town. Parking is usually not a problem. If you are coming from Montgomery, the drive takes about 30 minutes south on Highway 97.
| Office | Lowndes County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 South Broad Street Hayneville, AL 36040 |
| Phone | (334) 548-2331 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | lowndes.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Lowndes County Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Lowndes 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 Lowndes. 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 Lowndes County dissolution of marriage records.
To search dissolution of marriage records in Lowndes 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 (334) 548-2331 to check what you need to bring for dissolution of marriage records in Lowndes County.
For very old records, the clerk may need to check paper files stored in archives. Give the staff extra time if you need records from decades past. The clerk office has records going back to when the county was formed.
Lowndes County Dissolution of Marriage Fees
Lowndes 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 Lowndes County.
Common fees in Lowndes 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. Many residents in Lowndes County qualify for fee waivers based on income limits.
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 Lowndes County.
How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Lowndes County
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Lowndes 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 Hayneville.
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 anywhere in Lowndes County, you file here in Hayneville.
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. In a small county like Lowndes, the court calendar may move cases along faster once the waiting period ends. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record.
What Lowndes County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
Dissolution of marriage records in Lowndes 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 Lowndes 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
Lowndes 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.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Lowndes County
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Lowndes County. Legal Services Alabama gives free legal help to people with low income. Call (866) 456-4995. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505. This is often the best option for Lowndes County residents who cannot afford a lawyer.
The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. Lawyers in Montgomery often take cases in Lowndes County since it is nearby. This service can connect you with one who handles divorce cases.
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 Lowndes County.
The Montgomery County Law Library is the closest large legal resource. It is about 30 minutes north of Hayneville. You can use it to look up laws and find sample forms if you are handling your own case.
Divorce Certificates in Lowndes 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 Lowndes County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Lowndes County or share the 2nd Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.