Search Madison County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Madison County dissolution of marriage records are stored at the Circuit Clerk office in Huntsville. The 23rd Judicial Circuit handles all divorce filings here.

Madison County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Madison County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office is at the Madison County Courthouse in downtown Huntsville. Staff can help you find divorce filings and make copies. Madison County is the third most populous county in Alabama, so the clerk office handles a large number of divorce cases each year.

Direct access to records at the clerk office now requires an appointment. Call ahead to set up a time. This change helps staff serve you better. The building has tight security, and you will need to pass through metal detectors. Bring a valid photo ID. Leave extra time if this is your first visit to the courthouse.

Madison County sits in the Tennessee Valley region. NASA and Redstone Arsenal bring thousands of jobs and families to the area. Many workers transfer in and out of the region for work. This means the clerk office handles a lot of out-of-state divorce records and case transfers. If you need records from before a move, the clerk can help you track down what you need.

How to Search Madison County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can look up dissolution of marriage records in Madison County online or at the courthouse. Online searches work best for basic case details. In-person visits let you see the full case file and get certified copies on the spot. Both options give you access to divorce records going back many years.

Alacourt is the statewide court records system. It covers all 67 Alabama counties, including Madison. You can search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and comes with one case detail. Each extra case costs $9.99 more. Document images run $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Go to pa.alacourt.com to start your search.

To search for dissolution of marriage records in Madison County, you need:

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Approximate year the divorce was filed
• Case number if you have it

You can also go to the clerk office in person. Remember to make an appointment first by calling (256) 532-3380. Staff can search by name or case number. Older records may take longer to find. Some files from the 1990s and earlier may be in storage. Ask the clerk about turnaround times if you need older Madison County dissolution of marriage records.

The Madison County Law Library is on the third floor of the courthouse. It has resources for people doing their own legal research. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they can help you find forms and statutes related to dissolution of marriage in Madison County.

Madison County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Madison County sets fees for divorce cases and records. Filing costs depend on the type of case. Fees can change, so call the clerk to check current rates before you file.

Common fees in Madison County include:

• File a divorce complaint: $290 - $350
• Modify or enforce a decree: $248+
• Certified copies: varies by page count
• Plain copies: $0.50 - $1.00 per page
• Filing an answer: $145+

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 income. The judge will review your request. Copy fees are separate from filing fees.

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

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Madison County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Madison County follows Alabama state law. Each step creates records that go into your case file. The Circuit Clerk stores all these documents at the courthouse in Huntsville.

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. Many people in the Huntsville area move often for work. If you just moved to Madison County, you may need to wait before you can file here.

You file the complaint at the Circuit Clerk office. Pay the filing fee at that time. The clerk gives you a case number. Next, serve your spouse with the papers. You can use the sheriff, a private process 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. If you have children, the court may also require a parenting class. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record in Madison County.

Madison County uses electronic filing for many cases. Check with the clerk about e-filing options. This can save you a trip to the courthouse. E-filed documents still become part of the public record.

What Madison County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Madison County include many 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 Madison 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
• Name change if requested

Madison 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 redacted in public copies. Sealed records need a court order to access.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Madison County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Madison 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 a North Alabama office that serves Madison County.

The Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Call (256) 539-2275 to find a family law attorney. The first meeting usually costs a set fee. Many local lawyers handle dissolution of marriage cases in Madison 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.

The Alabama State Bar runs a statewide referral service at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. This can help you understand your options before you start the process of dissolution of marriage in Madison County.

Divorce Certificates in Madison 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 online orders.

For the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Madison County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate. Banks, schools, and government agencies often want the full decree.

Major Cities in Madison County

Madison County includes Huntsville and Madison, the two largest cities in North Alabama. Both cities are served by the Madison County Circuit Clerk for dissolution of marriage records.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Madison County or are nearby in North Alabama. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.