Marshall County Dissolution of Marriage Search

Marshall County dissolution of marriage records are filed and maintained at the Circuit Clerk office in Guntersville. The 27th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases for Marshall County residents.

Marshall County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Marshall 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 Marshall County Courthouse in Guntersville. Staff can help you search for records and make copies.

Marshall County is located in northeast Alabama on Lake Guntersville. The county has a sizable population and the clerk office stays busy. Expect some wait time if you visit in person, especially on Monday mornings or right before closing time.

The 27th Judicial Circuit serves only Marshall County. This means all divorce cases filed by Marshall County residents go through judges in this circuit. The court handles a steady number of family law cases each month. Case processing times depend on how complex your situation is and whether both parties agree.

Guntersville sits on the Tennessee River. The courthouse is in the downtown area near the lake. Parking is available on the street and in lots nearby. If you are coming from Huntsville or Albertville, plan for the drive to take 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.

How to Search Marshall County Dissolution of Marriage Records

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

To search dissolution of marriage records in Marshall 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 (256) 571-7764 to check what you need to bring for dissolution of marriage records in Marshall County.

Marshall County has digitized many of its records. Recent cases are easy to find in the computer system. Older cases from before digital records may require staff to pull paper files. Give the office extra time if you need records from many years ago.

Marshall County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Marshall 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 Marshall County.

Common fees in Marshall 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. This can help you avoid the filing fee but copy fees are usually separate.

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 Marshall County.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Marshall County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Marshall 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 Guntersville.

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 Guntersville, Albertville, Arab, Boaz, or anywhere else in Marshall 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. The Marshall 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. This gives both parties time to respond and work out details. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record in Marshall County.

What Marshall County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Marshall 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 Marshall 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

Marshall 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 to view.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Marshall County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Marshall 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 north Alabama including Marshall 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. Marshall County has lawyers who handle family law cases. Guntersville, Albertville, and Arab all have law offices that take 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 Marshall County.

The Marshall County Law Library at the courthouse may have resources you can use. Ask the clerk office about access. The library has legal books and sample forms that can help if you are handling your own divorce.

Divorce Certificates in Marshall 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 Marshall County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate. Check what document the agency or employer wants before you order.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Marshall County. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live. Some cities like Arab are split between Marshall and Cullman counties.