Find Dissolution of Marriage in Morgan County

Morgan County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Decatur. The 8th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases filed in Morgan County.

Morgan County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Morgan County handles all dissolution of marriage filings and records. This office stores divorce complaints, responses, motions, and final decrees. The clerk staff processes new filings and helps the public access existing records. Morgan County is one of the larger counties in north Alabama by population.

The courthouse is in downtown Decatur on Lee Street. Parking is available on nearby streets and in public lots. The building has security at the entrance. Bring a valid ID when you visit. The clerk office is inside the main courthouse building. Staff can direct you to the right window for dissolution of marriage records.

Morgan County shares the 8th Judicial Circuit with Limestone and Madison counties. The circuit covers a large part of the Tennessee Valley region. Judges rotate between counties. Your case may be heard by different judges at various stages. The clerk office in each county keeps its own records.

How to Search Morgan County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search dissolution of marriage records in Morgan County online or at the courthouse. Both methods give you access to public divorce records. Online searches are fast and work from home. In-person visits let you see the full file and get certified copies right away.

Alacourt is the state court records system. All 67 Alabama counties use it, including Morgan County. Search by name or case number at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99 and shows one case detail. Extra cases cost $9.99 each. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages.

To search Morgan County dissolution of marriage records, you need:

• Full name of at least one spouse
• Year the case was filed (if known)
• Case number (optional but helpful)

In-person searches at the clerk office work well for detailed research. Staff can look up cases by name. Old files may be in storage and take time to retrieve. Call ahead at (256) 351-4790 to check if the record you need is available. Bring your ID and payment for copy fees.

Morgan County keeps dissolution of marriage records for many years. Recent cases are in the computer system. Older records may be on paper or microfilm. The clerk can tell you what format your case is in and how to get copies.

Morgan County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Morgan County charges fees for filing cases and getting copies. These fees help fund court operations. Rates follow state guidelines with some local variation. Always confirm current fees with the clerk before you file.

Typical fees in Morgan County include:

• File a divorce complaint: $145 - $199
• File a motion to modify: $248+
• Certified copy of decree: varies
• Plain copies: $0.50 - $1.00 per page
• Alacourt online case detail: $9.99

If you cannot afford the fees, you may request a waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis petition with your case. You must show proof of low income. Public benefits records or pay stubs work as proof. The judge decides whether to grant the waiver for dissolution of marriage fees in Morgan County.

The Alabama Department of Public Health charges separately for divorce certificates. A certificate is $15 with extra copies at $6 each. The certificate shows basic facts only. For the full decree with property and custody terms, get copies from the Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Morgan County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Morgan County starts at the Circuit Clerk office. You must follow Alabama state law. The process creates public records that anyone can access later.

Alabama requires residency before filing. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-5, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months. You file in the county where you or your spouse currently lives. If you both live in Morgan County, you file here.

Basic steps to file for dissolution of marriage:

• Complete the divorce complaint form
• Gather marriage certificate and financial documents
• File papers at the Circuit Clerk window
• Pay the filing fee
• Have your spouse served with papers
• Wait for response (30 days typical)
• Attend court hearings as needed
• Receive the final decree from the judge

Alabama has a mandatory 30-day waiting period. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, no final decree can be signed until 30 days after filing. Uncontested cases where both parties agree can finish soon after the wait ends. Contested cases take longer in Morgan County.

What Morgan County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Morgan County include all documents filed in a divorce case. The file grows as the case moves through court. Each paper becomes part of the public record.

The complaint starts the case. It lists both spouses and states why the marriage should end. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 lists the legal grounds for divorce. Incompatibility is the most common ground used today.

A dissolution of marriage file typically contains:

• Complaint for divorce
• Answer or response from spouse
• Financial disclosure forms
• Property settlement agreement
• Parenting plan (if children involved)
• Child support worksheets
• Court hearing transcripts
• Final decree of divorce

The final decree is the key document. It is the court order that ends the marriage. The decree spells out all terms: who gets what property, who pays support, and custody arrangements. Get certified copies of the decree from the Morgan County Circuit Clerk.

Dissolution of marriage records are public in Alabama. Under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40, anyone can request copies. Some details about minor children may be protected. Financial records are generally open to the public.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Morgan County

Morgan County residents have several options for legal help with divorce. Legal Services Alabama offers free help to people with low income. Call (866) 456-4995 to see if you qualify. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505 for assistance.

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. You pay up to $50 for the first 30 minutes with an attorney. This is a good way to get basic advice and find a family law attorney in the Decatur area.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the forms for dissolution of marriage. You can fill them out online and print them. Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has step-by-step guides for people who file without a lawyer in Morgan County.

The Morgan County Law Library may have resources too. Ask the clerk office for the current location and hours. Some counties have self-help centers at the courthouse.

Divorce Certificates in Morgan County

The Alabama Center for Vital Statistics issues divorce certificates. A certificate is not the same as a decree. It shows only basic information: the names of both parties, the date of divorce, and the county where it happened.

Order a certificate through vitalchek.com or call 1-888-279-9888. The fee is $15 for one certified copy. Extra copies cost $6 each. VitalChek adds a processing fee. Certificates exist for divorces from 1950 onward.

Most legal and official uses require the actual decree, not just a certificate. The decree has all the specific terms of your divorce. Get copies of the decree from the Circuit Clerk in Morgan County. Banks, employers, and government agencies usually need the decree.

Decatur Dissolution of Marriage

Decatur is the county seat of Morgan County. It is the largest city in the county. Residents of Decatur file dissolution of marriage cases at the Morgan County Circuit Clerk. The courthouse is in downtown Decatur. For more details about filing in the city, see our Decatur dissolution of marriage page.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Morgan County or share the 8th Judicial Circuit. Check where you live to know which county handles your dissolution of marriage case.