Find Dissolution of Marriage Records in Marengo County

Marengo County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Linden. The 17th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed here.

Marengo County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Marengo 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 101 East Coats Avenue in Linden. Staff can help you search for records and make copies of what you need.

Marengo County shares the 17th Judicial Circuit with Choctaw, Greene, and Sumter counties. One set of judges serves all four counties. They travel between courthouses on a rotation. This means court dates may not always be set right away in Marengo County. Check with the clerk about the schedule for family court matters.

The courthouse in Linden is a smaller building. Parking is available on the street nearby. The clerk office has limited staff, so wait times can vary. Plan to visit during morning hours if you can. Bringing exact cash or a check can speed up your visit when you need copies of dissolution of marriage records in Marengo County.

How to Search Marengo County Dissolution of Marriage Records

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

To search dissolution of marriage records in Marengo 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) 295-2285 to check what you need to bring.

Marengo County has records going back over 100 years. Very old records may be stored in a different location. The clerk can tell you how long it will take to pull older files. Some records from the early 1900s may be in fragile condition. The clerk may need to handle them with care when making copies.

Marengo County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Marengo 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 Marengo County.

Common fees in Marengo 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
• Service by sheriff: additional fee

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 Marengo County. The clerk can explain all the fees you will owe.

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 Marengo County.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Marengo County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Marengo 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 Linden.

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 Marengo County but work elsewhere, you can still 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 Marengo 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. Since judges rotate through the 17th Circuit, your final hearing may take longer to schedule. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record.

Uncontested divorces move faster. If both spouses agree on all terms, the process is simpler. You may not even need a hearing. The clerk can tell you what forms to file for an uncontested dissolution of marriage in Marengo County.

What Marengo County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Marengo 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 Marengo 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

Marengo 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. The clerk can tell you what parts are redacted.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Marengo County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Marengo 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 rural counties in west Alabama including Marengo.

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. Many lawyers in the area handle family law cases. Some will travel to Linden for court dates.

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 Marengo County.

The Marengo County Public Library in Linden has computers you can use to access these online resources. Staff can help you print forms if you need them. This is a good option if you do not have internet at home.

Divorce Certificates in Marengo 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 Marengo County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate. If you need proof of divorce for a new marriage license, the certificate may be enough. Check with the Probate Office about what they need.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Marengo County or share the 17th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.