Monroe County Dissolution of Marriage
Monroe County dissolution of marriage records are filed and stored at the Circuit Clerk office in Monroeville. The 35th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases for this southwest Alabama county.
Monroe County Quick Facts
Monroe County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk in Monroe 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 Monroe County Courthouse on North Mount Pleasant Avenue in Monroeville. Staff can help you search for records and make copies.
Monroe County is a rural county in southwest Alabama. The clerk office handles fewer cases than urban counties. This often means shorter wait times and more personal service. Staff may be able to help you right away when you visit for dissolution of marriage records.
The 35th Judicial Circuit serves Monroe County along with Conecuh and Butler counties. Circuit judges rotate between these counties. Your divorce case may be heard by a judge who also serves the other counties in the circuit. The clerk office in Monroeville handles all the paperwork for Monroe County cases.
Monroeville is located about an hour north of Mobile. The courthouse is in the center of town and easy to find. Parking is available on nearby streets. The town is small, so you will not have trouble finding your way to the clerk office.
| Office | Monroe County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 65 North Mount Pleasant Avenue Monroeville, AL 36460 |
| Phone | (251) 575-7433 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | monroe.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Monroe County Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Monroe 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 Monroe. 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 Monroe County dissolution of marriage records.
To search dissolution of marriage records in Monroe 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) 575-7433 to check what you need to bring for dissolution of marriage records in Monroe County.
Monroe County has records going back many decades. Very old files may be stored in archives and take time to retrieve. If you need records from before the digital era, call ahead so staff can locate them before your visit.
Monroe County Dissolution of Marriage Fees
Monroe 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 Monroe County.
Common fees in Monroe 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. Many Monroe County residents may qualify for help with court fees.
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 Monroe County.
How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Monroe County
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Monroe 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 Monroeville.
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 anywhere in Monroe County, you file here in Monroeville.
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.
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. In a smaller county like Monroe, the court calendar may have more flexibility once the waiting period ends. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record.
What Monroe County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
Dissolution of marriage records in Monroe 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 Monroe 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
Monroe 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.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Monroe County
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Monroe 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 the southwest Alabama region including Monroe 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. Lawyers in Mobile often take cases in Monroe County since it is nearby. This service can connect you with one who handles family law matters.
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 Monroe County.
The Monroe County Library may have basic legal resources. For more detailed research, the Mobile County Law Library is the closest large legal resource center. It is about an hour south of Monroeville.
Divorce Certificates in Monroe 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 Monroe County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Monroe County or share the 35th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.