Search Mobile County Dissolution of Marriage

Mobile County dissolution of marriage records are maintained at the Circuit Clerk office in downtown Mobile. The 13th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases for this large coastal county.

Mobile County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Mobile 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 Mobile Government Plaza in downtown Mobile. Staff can help you search for records and make copies of any documents you need.

Mobile County is the second largest county in Alabama by population. The clerk office handles a high volume of cases every day. Wait times can be long, especially early in the week and around lunch. Plan extra time if you need to visit in person for dissolution of marriage records.

The 13th Judicial Circuit serves only Mobile County. This circuit has multiple judges who handle family law cases. Your case gets assigned to a judge based on the court calendar. Mobile County has family court judges who focus on divorce, custody, and support matters. This helps cases move along faster than in circuits where judges handle all types of cases.

The Government Plaza is in the heart of downtown Mobile. Parking is available in nearby lots and garages. The building has multiple floors, so check the directory for the Circuit Clerk location. Security screening is required at the entrance. Leave extra time to get through the line.

How to Search Mobile County Dissolution of Marriage Records

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

To search dissolution of marriage records in Mobile 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 (251) 574-8806 to check what you need to bring for dissolution of marriage records in Mobile County.

Mobile County has one of the largest court systems in Alabama. The clerk office has processed thousands of divorce cases over the years. Online searching through Alacourt is often faster than an in-person visit, especially for recent cases. Use online search to find the case number first, then visit in person if you need certified copies.

Mobile County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Mobile 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 Mobile County.

Common fees in Mobile 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. Mobile County has many residents who qualify for fee waivers.

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 Mobile County.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Mobile County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Mobile 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 Government Plaza.

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 the city of Mobile, Prichard, Saraland, or anywhere else in Mobile 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 Mobile 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. Mobile County has a busy family court calendar, so contested cases may take longer to resolve. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record.

What Mobile County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Mobile 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 Mobile 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

Mobile 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 access.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Mobile County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Mobile 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 an office in Mobile that serves the coastal region.

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. Mobile has many family law attorneys. This service can connect you with one who handles divorce cases in Mobile 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 for dissolution of marriage in Mobile County.

The Mobile County Law Library is at the Government Plaza. It has legal books, sample forms, and computer terminals. Staff cannot give legal advice but can help you find resources. The library is free to use for Mobile County residents.

Divorce Certificates in Mobile 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. The Mobile County Health Department can also help with certificate requests.

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

Cities in Mobile County

Mobile County includes the city of Mobile and several smaller cities. All Mobile County residents file for dissolution of marriage through the Circuit Clerk at the Government Plaza, no matter which city they live in.

Other cities in Mobile County include Prichard, Saraland, Chickasaw, Bayou La Batre, and Citronelle. Residents of these cities use the Mobile County Circuit Clerk for divorce filings. The city of Mobile is the only qualifying city with its own page.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Mobile County. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.