Search Randolph County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Randolph County dissolution of marriage records are stored at the Circuit Clerk office in Wedowee. The 5th Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases filed in this rural east Alabama county.

Randolph County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Randolph County keeps all dissolution of marriage files and records. This office handles new filings, stores court documents, and provides copies of divorce decrees. The clerk office sits in the Randolph County Courthouse on Main Street in Wedowee. Staff can help you look up cases and make copies of what you need.

Randolph County is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Chambers, Clay, Tallapoosa, and Macon counties. The court handles both contested and uncontested divorce cases. You must file in Randolph County if you or your spouse lives here. The clerk office stays busy but staff tries to help everyone who comes in.

Lake Wedowee draws visitors to the area. Some folks who own lake homes here may need to file divorce cases in Randolph County based on their residency. The small town feel means the clerk office staff often knows the local families. This can make the process feel more personal than in big city courts.

How to Search Randolph County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Randolph County online or in person. Online searches work for basic case info and status checks. In-person visits let you see the full case file and get certified copies right away. Both methods give you access to divorce records going back many years in this county.

Alacourt is the state court records database for Alabama. It covers all 67 counties including Randolph. You can search by name or case number on the public access site. A name search costs $9.99 and includes details for one case. Extra cases cost $9.99 each. Document images run $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Visit pa.alacourt.com to start your search.

To find dissolution of marriage records in Randolph County, you will need:

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Approximate year the divorce was filed or finalized
• Case number if you have it from prior court papers

The Alacourt system shows case type, filing date, and status. It shows the parties named in each case. You can see what motions were filed and when. The system also shows any hearings that were set. Document images cost extra but let you see the actual papers filed with the court.

You can also visit the clerk office in person at the courthouse in Wedowee. Staff can look up cases and make copies for you. Bring your ID. The clerk can search by name or case number. Older records may take more time to find since some older files are stored off-site. Call ahead at (256) 357-4551 to check what you need to bring.

Randolph County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Randolph County sets fees for divorce cases and record copies. The cost to file depends on the type of case you have. Fees can change over time so call the clerk to check current rates before you file for dissolution of marriage.

Common fees in Randolph County include:

• File a divorce complaint: $145 to $199
• Modify or enforce a prior decree: $248 or more
• Certified copies of documents: varies by page count
• Plain copies: $0.50 to $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 that you cannot afford the fees. The judge reviews your request and decides if you qualify. Copy fees are separate from filing fees. Even with a waiver, you may still need to pay for copies.

The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15 for a divorce certificate. Extra copies cost $6 each when ordered at the same time. This is separate from court fees in Randolph County. Health department certificates show basic facts only like names and date. For the full decree with all terms and orders, you need copies from the Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Randolph County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Randolph 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 Wedowee. Your case becomes part of the public record once filed.

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. If you both live in different counties, you can file in either one.

You file the complaint at the Circuit Clerk office. Pay the filing fee when you file. The clerk gives you a case number to track your case. Next, you must serve your spouse with the papers. You can use the Randolph County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt. 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 your final decree until 30 days pass from filing. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record. If your spouse does not respond, you may get a default judgment after the waiting period.

Uncontested divorces move faster in Randolph County. When both spouses agree on all terms, the court can sign the decree soon after the 30 days pass. Contested cases take longer because the court must hold hearings and the judge must decide disputed issues. Property division, child custody, and support matters often need more time to resolve.

What Randolph County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Randolph County include several types of documents. The complaint is the first paper filed. It states who is asking for the divorce and why. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 lists the ten legal grounds for divorce including no-fault options.

The final divorce decree is the main document most people need from the court. This is the judge's order that ends the marriage. It contains all the terms both sides agreed to or that the judge ordered. You can get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk in Randolph County.

A dissolution of marriage file typically shows:

• Full names and addresses of both parties
• Date of marriage and date of separation
• Legal grounds for the divorce
• Division of property and debts
• Child custody and visitation schedules
• Child support amounts and terms
• Alimony or spousal support if ordered
• Any name change requests

Randolph 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 may be sealed or redacted in public copies to protect their privacy. Financial records attached to the case may also have some info blacked out.

The case file also includes motions, responses, and court orders. If either side asked for temporary orders during the case, those papers are in the file too. The docket sheet lists every action in the case with dates. This gives you a timeline of what happened from start to finish.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Randolph County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Randolph County. Legal Services Alabama gives free legal help to people with low income. Call (866) 456-4995 for the main intake line. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505 for help in their language.

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service. Call 1-800-392-5660 to get a referral. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes with an attorney. This lets you ask questions and see if you want to hire that lawyer for your divorce case.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the court forms you need to file for dissolution of marriage. The forms are free to download. You can fill them out on your computer or print them and fill them in by hand.

Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has step-by-step guides for people filing without a lawyer. The site walks you through the whole process. It explains what forms to use and how to fill them out. This is a good resource if you cannot afford an attorney for your dissolution of marriage in Randolph County.

The Randolph County Bar Association may know of local lawyers who take divorce cases at reduced rates. Some attorneys in the area offer payment plans for folks who cannot pay everything up front. Ask about this when you call for a consultation.

Divorce Certificates in Randolph County

The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates. A certificate is not the same as a decree. The certificate shows only basic facts: the names of both parties, date of divorce, and county where it was granted. 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 from the state. Extra copies ordered at the same time cost $6 each. VitalChek adds its own service fee on top of the state fee.

For the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, you need to contact the Circuit Clerk in Randolph County. Most legal matters require the decree, not just a certificate. Banks, courts, and government offices usually want to see the full decree when you need to prove the terms of your divorce.

If your divorce was before 1950, the health department does not have a certificate. You must get records directly from the Randolph County Circuit Clerk for older divorces. The clerk office keeps records going back to when the county was formed.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Randolph County or share the 5th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you or your spouse lives. Filing in the wrong county can delay your case.