Pike County Dissolution of Marriage

Pike County dissolution of marriage records are maintained at the Circuit Clerk office in Troy. The 12th Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce filings in Pike County.

Pike County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Pike County is the official custodian of dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new divorce filings, stores case files, and provides copies to the public. Troy is a college town, home to Troy University, so the population has a mix of permanent residents and students.

The Pike County Courthouse is in downtown Troy. The building is on the town square, easy to find and access. Parking is available on surrounding streets. The courthouse has standard security at the entrance. The clerk office is inside on the main level. Staff can help you locate records and make copies.

Pike County is part of the 12th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Coffee and Geneva counties. Circuit judges rotate between these three counties. Court dates for dissolution of marriage cases depend on when judges are in Pike County. The clerk office can tell you when family law cases are scheduled.

How to Search Pike County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Pike County dissolution of marriage records are available online and in person. Either method works for finding divorce cases. Online searches are fast. In-person visits at the courthouse let you see complete files and get certified copies.

The statewide Alacourt system includes Pike County records. Go to pa.alacourt.com to search online. A name search costs $9.99 and shows one case in detail. Additional cases are $9.99 each. Document images run $5.00 for the first 20 pages. You can search from home anytime.

For a successful search, have these ready:

• Full name of at least one spouse
• Approximate year of filing
• Case number if you have it

The clerk office in Troy also handles searches. Staff can look up cases by name or case number. Bring a valid ID. There may be a short wait during busy times. Call ahead at (334) 566-6374 to check on record availability before you drive to the courthouse.

Pike County has maintained dissolution of marriage records for many decades. Recent cases are in the electronic system. Older records may be on paper or microfilm. The clerk can advise on the format of records you seek and how long retrieval takes.

Pike County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Pike County charges fees when you file a dissolution of marriage case or request copies. These fees support court operations. Amounts follow state guidelines. Always verify current fees with the clerk before filing.

Common fees in Pike County include:

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

Fee waivers exist for people who cannot afford to pay. File an In Forma Pauperis request with your case. Include proof of low income such as benefit statements or tax returns. The judge reviews each request. If approved, you do not pay the filing fee in Pike County.

The Alabama health department charges $15 for a divorce certificate. This is a separate fee from court costs. Extra copies are $6 each. A certificate shows basic facts only. For the full decree with all terms, get copies from the Pike County Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Pike County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Pike County creates a court record. The process follows Alabama law. Each step generates documents that become part of your case file at the Circuit Clerk office.

Residency is the first requirement. 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 lives. Pike County residents file at the courthouse in Troy.

The filing process works like this:

• Get divorce complaint forms from the clerk or online
• Fill out all required information accurately
• Gather supporting documents like marriage certificate
• Complete financial statement forms
• Submit papers to the Circuit Clerk
• Pay the filing fee
• Arrange service of process on your spouse
• Wait for your spouse to respond
• Appear at scheduled hearings
• Receive the final decree when judge signs it

Alabama mandates a 30-day waiting period. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, the final decree cannot be signed until 30 days after filing. Simple cases with full agreement can be done shortly after the wait ends. Contested cases where spouses disagree take much longer in Pike County.

What Pike County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Pike County include many types of documents. Each filing adds to the case file. All papers become part of the permanent court record once filed.

The complaint is filed first. It names both spouses and gives the grounds for divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 lists ten grounds for divorce. Incompatibility is the most used. It is a no-fault option.

A Pike County dissolution of marriage file typically includes:

• Complaint for divorce
• Summons and proof of service
• Answer or waiver from spouse
• Financial disclosure forms
• Property settlement agreement
• Parenting plan for minor children
• Child support calculation
• Any court orders during case
• Final decree of divorce

The final decree is what most people need. This is the judge's order that ends the marriage. It contains all terms: property division, custody, support, and more. Get certified copies of the decree from the Pike County Circuit Clerk for legal purposes.

Pike County dissolution of marriage records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone may request copies. Some details about minor children might be redacted. Financial information is generally accessible.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Pike County

Pike County residents have several resources for legal help with divorce cases. Legal Services Alabama provides free assistance to qualifying low income individuals. Call (866) 456-4995 to see if you meet the income guidelines. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505.

The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service is at 1-800-392-5660. You can meet with an attorney for up to $50 for the first 30 minutes. This helps you find a family law attorney in the Troy area or nearby cities.

Free court forms are available at eforms.alacourt.gov. You can complete divorce forms on your computer and print them. Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org offers step-by-step guides for self-representation in dissolution of marriage cases.

Troy University has a legal studies program, though it does not provide legal services. The school may have resources pointing to legal aid. Local attorneys in Troy handle family law cases for Pike County residents.

Divorce Certificates in Pike County

The Alabama Center for Vital Statistics issues divorce certificates. A certificate is a simple record that confirms a divorce. It lists only names, date, and county. It does not contain property division, custody terms, or support amounts.

You can order certificates at vitalchek.com or call 1-888-279-9888. The state charges $15 per certificate. Additional copies are $6 each. VitalChek adds a processing fee. Divorce certificates are available for cases from 1950 to present.

Most legal matters require the actual decree, not just the certificate. The decree has all the detailed terms of your divorce. Contact the Pike County Circuit Clerk for certified copies of your decree. Banks, employers, and agencies usually need the decree for their records.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Pike County or share the 12th Judicial Circuit. Check your residence to know which county handles your dissolution of marriage filing.