Search Montgomery County Dissolution of Marriage

Montgomery County dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Circuit Clerk office in the state capital. The 15th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Montgomery County is the main office for dissolution of marriage records. This office stores all divorce filings, court files, and final decrees. As the state capital, Montgomery County sees a high volume of family law cases each year. The clerk staff can help you find records and make copies of divorce documents.

The courthouse sits in downtown Montgomery. Parking can be hard to find during business hours. There are paid lots nearby. The clerk office is on the first floor. Security screening is at the main entrance, so plan extra time when you visit. Staff at the front desk will point you in the right direction for dissolution of marriage records.

Montgomery County is a single-county circuit. This means the 15th Circuit only covers Montgomery County. All divorce cases filed by Montgomery residents go through this one circuit. The judges here deal only with Montgomery County cases, which can mean faster case handling than in multi-county circuits.

How to Search Montgomery County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You have two main ways to search for dissolution of marriage records in Montgomery County. Online searches work from anywhere. In-person visits give you access to the full case file. Many people start online then visit the clerk for certified copies.

Alacourt is the statewide court records system. It covers all 67 Alabama counties. Montgomery County cases are in this database. You can search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and shows one case in detail. Each extra case costs $9.99 more. Document images run $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Go to pa.alacourt.com to search Montgomery County dissolution of marriage records online.

For an online search, you need:

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Approximate date range of the filing
• Case number if you know it

In-person searches work well when you need to see the whole file. The clerk can pull old records from storage. Bring a valid ID. Cash and checks are accepted for fees. Some offices take cards too. Call ahead at (334) 832-1260 to check payment options for dissolution of marriage copies in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County keeps divorce records going back decades. Very old records may be stored off-site. Ask the clerk how long retrieval takes. Records from recent years are usually available the same day. The clerk can tell you what is in the file before you pay for copies.

Montgomery County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Montgomery County charges fees set by state law and local court rules. Filing fees go to the clerk at the time you submit your case. Copy fees apply when you need documents from existing cases. Fees can change, so call to confirm the current rates.

Common fees in Montgomery County include:

• File a new divorce case: $145 - $199
• File a motion to modify: $248+
• Certified copies: varies by page count
• Plain copies: $0.50 - $1.00 per page
• Online case detail: $9.99 per case

Low income filers may ask for a fee waiver. You must file an In Forma Pauperis petition. Attach proof of income or public benefits. The judge reviews your request. If granted, you pay no filing fee. Copy fees may still apply even with a waiver in Montgomery County.

The Alabama Center for Vital Statistics also issues divorce certificates. A certificate costs $15. It shows only basic facts. The full decree with all terms comes from the Circuit Clerk. Most legal matters need the decree, not just the certificate.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Montgomery County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Montgomery County creates a public court record. The process follows Alabama state law. Each step adds documents to your case file at the clerk office.

First, you must meet residency rules. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-5, one spouse must have lived in Alabama for six months before filing. You file in the county where you or your spouse currently lives. If you live in Montgomery, you file here.

The steps to file are:

• Fill out the complaint for divorce
• Gather required documents (marriage certificate, financial forms)
• File papers at the Circuit Clerk office
• Pay the filing fee
• Serve your spouse with the papers
• Wait for your spouse to respond
• Attend hearings as scheduled
• Get the final decree signed by the judge

Alabama has a 30-day waiting period. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, the court cannot sign the final decree until 30 days after filing. Contested cases take much longer. An uncontested divorce with full agreement can wrap up in 5 to 6 weeks in Montgomery County.

What Montgomery County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Montgomery County include many types of documents. The case file grows as the divorce moves through court. Each filing becomes part of the public record.

The complaint is the first document. It names both spouses and states the grounds for divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 lists ten grounds. Most people file under incompatibility, which is no-fault.

A typical dissolution of marriage file includes:

• Names of both parties
• Date and place of marriage
• Date of separation
• Grounds for divorce
• Property and debt division
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support orders
• Alimony or spousal support
• Final decree signed by judge

The final decree is what most people need. It is the judge's order that ends the marriage. The decree lists all terms of the divorce. You can get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County dissolution of marriage records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can request copies. Some details about children may be redacted. Financial exhibits are usually public.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Montgomery County

Montgomery has more legal resources than most Alabama counties. Legal Services Alabama serves low income residents. Call (866) 456-4995 for help. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505. They can help with uncontested divorces if you qualify.

The Montgomery County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. The Alabama State Bar also runs a referral line at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. This helps you find a family law attorney in Montgomery County.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the court forms you need. The site includes forms for divorce complaints, financial statements, and parenting plans. Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has guides for self-represented litigants filing dissolution of marriage in Montgomery County.

The Montgomery County Family Court Self-Help Center may offer guidance. Check with the clerk office for current hours. Some courthouses have volunteers who help people fill out basic forms.

Divorce Certificates in Montgomery County

The Alabama Center for Vital Statistics issues divorce certificates. This is separate from the court. A certificate shows basic facts only: names, date, and county. It does not include property terms or custody orders.

Order a certificate at vitalchek.com or call 1-888-279-9888. The state fee is $15. Extra copies cost $6 each. VitalChek adds a service fee for processing. Certificates are available for divorces from 1950 to present.

For the full divorce decree, go to the Circuit Clerk in Montgomery County. The decree has all the legal terms. Most employers, banks, and government agencies need the decree, not just the certificate. Get certified copies from the clerk for official use.

Montgomery Dissolution of Marriage

Montgomery is the county seat and state capital. Residents of Montgomery city file for dissolution of marriage at the Montgomery County Circuit Clerk. The courthouse is in downtown Montgomery. For more local details, see our Montgomery dissolution of marriage page.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Montgomery County. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check where you live or where your spouse lives.