Marion County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Marion County dissolution of marriage records are stored at the Circuit Clerk office in Hamilton. The 25th Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases filed in this northwest Alabama county.

Marion County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Marion 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 132 Military Street South in Hamilton. Staff can help you search for records and make copies of what you need.

Marion County has been scanning court documents since 2007. This means many recent records are available in digital form. The clerk can often pull up files faster than in counties that still use only paper records. Older files from before 2007 may take longer to locate. They are stored in the courthouse basement or at an offsite storage location.

The 25th Judicial Circuit serves Marion County along with Lamar and Fayette counties. Judges rotate between the three courthouses. Court dates for divorce cases depend on when the judge is in Hamilton. The clerk can tell you the schedule and help you plan your filing timeline.

How to Search Marion County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Marion 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 from recent years and going back decades.

Alacourt is the state court records database. It covers all 67 Alabama counties including Marion. 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 Marion County dissolution of marriage records.

Because Marion County has scanned records since 2007, you may find more documents available online compared to some other rural counties. The Alacourt system can show you document images for cases filed in the last 15+ years. Older cases may only show basic docket info online.

To search dissolution of marriage records in Marion 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. Call ahead at (205) 921-7451 to check what you need to bring for dissolution of marriage records in Marion County.

Marion County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Marion 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 Marion County.

Common fees in Marion 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
• Sheriff service: 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. This can save you hundreds of dollars on filing fees. Copy fees are usually separate and may still apply.

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 Marion County.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Marion County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Marion 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 Hamilton.

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. Marion County borders Mississippi, so some residents may have questions about which state to file in.

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 Marion County Sheriff handles most local service.

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 Marion County.

If both spouses agree on all terms, you can file an uncontested divorce. This moves faster and costs less. The clerk can tell you what forms to use. Many couples in Marion County choose this option when they have worked out property and custody issues before filing.

What Marion County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Marion 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 Marion 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

Marion 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 digital scanning system makes it easier to redact sensitive info.

Because Marion County has been scanning since 2007, you may be able to get electronic copies of recent documents. Ask the clerk about digital copy options. This can save time if you do not need a certified paper copy.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Marion County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Marion 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 northwest Alabama.

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. Several family law attorneys practice in the Hamilton area and nearby Jasper. Some will meet with you by phone or video if you cannot travel easily.

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 Marion County.

Northwest Alabama Legal Aid may also help with family law cases. Check their website or call to see if you qualify for free services. Many people in Marion County handle their own divorces with help from these free resources.

Divorce Certificates in Marion 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 and phone orders.

For the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Marion County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate. If someone asks for proof of your divorce, check what type of document they need before ordering.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Marion County or share the 25th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.