Perry County Dissolution of Marriage Search

Perry County dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Marion. The 4th Judicial Circuit processes all divorce filings for Perry County residents.

Perry County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Perry County is the official keeper of dissolution of marriage records. This small rural county has a lower volume of cases than urban areas. The clerk office handles all divorce filings, maintains court records, and provides copies to the public. Staff know most cases well due to the smaller caseload.

The Perry County Courthouse is in Marion, the county seat. Marion is a small town in west-central Alabama. The courthouse has served the county for many years. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The building is easy to navigate. The clerk office is on the main floor.

Perry County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit. This circuit includes Bibb, Dallas, Hale, Perry, and Wilcox counties. Judges serve all five counties and travel between courthouses. Your dissolution of marriage case may be heard by a circuit judge who also handles cases in other counties. The clerk office in Perry County keeps only Perry County records.

How to Search Perry County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Perry County dissolution of marriage records can be searched online or in person. The small population means fewer total cases than in larger counties. This can make searching easier since there are fewer records to sort through.

The statewide Alacourt system includes Perry County records. Search online at pa.alacourt.com. You can look up cases by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail. Each additional case costs $9.99. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages.

To find dissolution of marriage records in Perry County, provide:

• Name of one or both spouses
• Approximate year of the divorce
• Case number if available

In-person searches work well in small counties like Perry. The clerk staff can often find records quickly. Less volume means less backlog. Call ahead at (334) 683-2210 to make sure someone is available to help. Bring your ID when you visit the courthouse.

Perry County has kept divorce records for many decades. Old records may be stored differently than new ones. Very old cases could be on paper or microfilm. The clerk can tell you what format your record is in. Some historical records may take a day or two to retrieve from storage.

Perry County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Perry County charges fees for divorce filings and record copies. The fees follow state guidelines. Small counties like Perry rely on these fees to fund court operations. Always check current rates before you file.

Common fees in Perry County include:

• File a divorce complaint: $145 - $199
• File a modification motion: $248+
• Certified copies: varies by page count
• Plain copies: $0.50 - $1.00 per page
• Online case search: $9.99 per case

Fee waivers are available for low income filers. Submit an In Forma Pauperis form with your case. Attach proof that you cannot afford the fees. This might be benefit letters or pay stubs showing low income. The judge reviews your request. If approved, you do not pay the filing fee for dissolution of marriage in Perry County.

The state health department charges $15 for a divorce certificate. This is separate from court fees. Extra copies cost $6 each. A certificate shows only basic facts. You need the decree from the clerk for the full terms of your divorce.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Perry County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Perry County follows Alabama state procedures. The process is the same as in other counties. Each filing creates records stored at the Circuit Clerk office.

You must meet the residency rule first. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-5, one spouse must have lived in Alabama for at least six months. File in the county where you or your spouse lives. If you are a Perry County resident, file in Marion.

Steps to file for dissolution of marriage in Perry County:

• Get the divorce complaint form
• Fill out all required information
• Gather your marriage certificate
• Complete financial disclosure forms
• Take papers to the Circuit Clerk in Marion
• Pay the filing fee
• Arrange service on your spouse
• Wait for your spouse to respond
• Attend hearings as scheduled
• Get the final decree from the judge

Alabama requires a 30-day waiting period. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, the judge cannot sign the final decree until 30 days pass. Simple uncontested cases can be done shortly after the wait. Contested cases with disputes take much longer in Perry County.

What Perry County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Perry County include all papers filed during a divorce case. The case file builds up over time. Everything filed becomes part of the public record.

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

Perry County dissolution of marriage files usually include:

• Divorce complaint
• Summons and proof of service
• Answer from the other spouse
• Financial statements
• Property settlement agreement
• Parenting plan if there are children
• Child support calculation worksheet
• Final decree of divorce

The final decree is what most people need. This is the judge's order that officially ends the marriage. It has all the terms: property split, support amounts, custody orders. Get certified copies from the Perry County Circuit Clerk for official use.

These records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can request to see them. Information about minor children may be protected. Most financial details are open to the public.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Perry County

Perry County residents can access several sources of legal help. Legal Services Alabama provides free assistance to low income people. Call (866) 456-4995 to check if you qualify. Spanish speakers should call (888) 835-3505.

The Alabama State Bar has a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. This helps you find a family law attorney who can handle your dissolution of marriage case in Perry County.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov provides all court forms free online. You can fill out divorce forms on your computer and print them. Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org offers guides for self-represented litigants.

In small counties like Perry, there may be fewer local attorneys. You might need to look in nearby Selma or Tuscaloosa for a lawyer. The clerk office may have a list of attorneys who take cases in Perry County.

Divorce Certificates in Perry County

The Alabama Center for Vital Statistics issues divorce certificates statewide. A certificate is a short document that confirms a divorce happened. It shows names, date, and county only. It does not have the terms of the divorce.

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

For the full divorce decree with all terms, go to the Perry County Circuit Clerk. Most banks, employers, and agencies need the decree. The certificate alone often is not enough. Get certified copies of your decree for official matters.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Perry County or share the 4th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure where to file, check the county where you live.