Access Macon County Dissolution of Marriage

Macon County dissolution of marriage records are maintained at the Circuit Clerk office in Tuskegee. The 5th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases for Macon County residents.

Macon County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Macon 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 Macon County Courthouse on Main Street in Tuskegee. Staff can help you search for records and make copies of documents.

Macon County is home to Tuskegee University. The county has a mix of students, faculty, and long-time residents. The clerk office handles a moderate number of divorce cases each year. Wait times are typically shorter than in larger counties.

The 5th Judicial Circuit serves Macon County along with Chambers, Randolph, and Tallapoosa 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. All paperwork stays at the Macon County clerk office for local cases.

Tuskegee is located between Montgomery and Auburn. The courthouse is in the center of town. Parking is available on nearby streets and in a small lot. If you are coming from Auburn, the drive takes about 20 minutes west on Highway 80.

How to Search Macon County Dissolution of Marriage Records

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

To search dissolution of marriage records in Macon 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) 727-5120 to check what you need to bring for dissolution of marriage records in Macon County.

If your divorce was filed years ago, the clerk may need to pull paper files from storage. This can take extra time. Calling ahead helps the staff prepare for your visit and locate older records before you arrive.

Macon County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Macon 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 Macon County.

Common fees in Macon 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 Macon County residents qualify for help with court fees based on income.

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 Macon County.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Macon County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Macon 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 Tuskegee.

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 Tuskegee or anywhere else in Macon 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.

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 Macon County. Once signed, you can get certified copies from the clerk.

What Macon County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Macon 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 Macon 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

Macon 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.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Macon County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Macon 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 east Alabama region including Macon 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. Lawyers in Montgomery and Auburn often take cases in Macon County. This service can help you find one who handles family law.

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 Macon County.

Tuskegee University students may be able to access legal resources through the school. Contact the university's student services to ask about help with legal matters including divorce cases.

Divorce Certificates in Macon 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 Macon County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Macon County or share the 5th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.