Find Dissolution of Marriage Records in Russell County
Russell County dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Circuit Clerk office in Phenix City. The 26th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases in this Alabama-Georgia border county.
Russell County Quick Facts
Russell County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk in Russell 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 is in the Russell County Courthouse in Phenix City. Staff can help you search for cases and get copies of what you need.
Russell County is the only county in the 26th Judicial Circuit. This means the circuit court focuses just on Russell County cases. The court handles contested and uncontested divorces. You must file here if you or your spouse lives in Russell County. The location right on the Georgia border means some people are not sure which state has jurisdiction over their case.
Phenix City has a notable past. It was once called "Sin City" due to crime and corruption in the mid-1900s. Today, the city has transformed. The court system works efficiently. The Circuit Clerk office maintains professional standards for all case handling and records management. Dissolution of marriage cases get the same care as any other civil matter.
Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) sits nearby in Georgia. Many military families live in Russell County. Active duty members and their spouses may have special rules for divorce jurisdiction. Military legal assistance offices can help explain how federal law affects state divorce filings.
| Office | Russell County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 501 14th Street Phenix City, AL 36867 |
| Phone | (334) 214-5667 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Eastern Time) |
| Website | russell.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Russell County Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Russell County online or in person. Online searches work well for basic case info. In-person visits let you see the complete file and get certified copies on the spot. Both methods give you access to divorce records from many years back.
Alacourt is the state court records database. It covers all 67 Alabama counties including Russell. You can search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail. Extra cases run $9.99 each. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Go to pa.alacourt.com to start your search for Russell County dissolution of marriage records.
To search dissolution of marriage records in Russell County, you need:
- Full name of one or both spouses
- Year the divorce was filed or finalized
- Case number if you have it from old papers
The Alacourt system displays case type, filing date, and current status. You can see who is named in the case. The system shows all motions and when they were filed. Hearing dates appear too. Document images cost extra but show the actual papers in the file.
You can also visit the clerk office in person in Phenix City. Remember they are on Eastern Time. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring a valid ID. The clerk searches by name or case number. Old records may take more time to pull. Call ahead at (334) 214-5667 to ask about what you need.
Russell County Dissolution of Marriage Fees
Russell County sets fees for divorce cases and record copies. Filing costs depend on the type of case. Fees can change, so call the clerk to check current rates before you file for dissolution of marriage in Russell County.
Common fees in Russell County include:
- File a divorce complaint: $145 to $199
- Modify or enforce a prior decree: $248 or more
- Certified copies: varies by page count
- Plain copies: $0.50 to $1.00 per page
If you have low income, you may request a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with the court. You must show proof of your financial situation. The judge decides if you qualify. Copy fees are separate from filing fees. Even with a waiver, you might still pay for copies.
The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15 for a divorce certificate. Extra copies cost $6 each when ordered together. This is separate from court fees. Certificates show only basic facts. For the full decree with all terms, you need copies from the Russell County Circuit Clerk.
Military families may have access to legal assistance on post at Fort Moore. They can help with forms and may reduce some costs. Check with the legal office to see what services you qualify for if you are an active duty member or military spouse.
How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Russell County
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Russell County follows Alabama state law. Each step creates records that become part of your case file. The Circuit Clerk keeps all documents at the courthouse in Phenix City.
First, 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 resides. Living close to the Georgia line does not change this rule. Your address must be in Alabama.
File your complaint at the Circuit Clerk office. Pay the filing fee at that time. The clerk assigns a case number. Next, serve your spouse with the papers. Use the Russell County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt. Proof of service gets added to the court file.
Alabama has a 30-day waiting period. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, the court cannot sign a final decree until 30 days after filing. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record in Russell County.
Uncontested divorces move faster. When both spouses agree on everything, the court can enter a decree soon after the waiting period ends. Contested cases take longer. The court must hold hearings on disputed issues. Property division, child custody, and support matters need more time to work out when the parties disagree.
What Russell County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
Dissolution of marriage records in Russell County include several types of papers. The complaint is the first document. It states the grounds for divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 lists ten legal grounds including no-fault options.
The final divorce decree is the main document most people request. This is the judge's order ending the marriage. It has all the terms agreed upon or ordered by the court. You can get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk in Russell County.
A dissolution of marriage record typically shows:
- Names and addresses of both spouses
- Date of marriage and date of separation
- Grounds for the divorce
- Property and debt division
- Child custody and visitation schedule
- Child support amounts
- Alimony if ordered
- Any name change requests
Russell County dissolution of marriage records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can ask to see them. Some information about children may be redacted. Financial details may also have some info blacked out in public copies to protect privacy.
Military divorce cases may have extra documents. Federal law affects how military benefits are divided. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act may have been invoked. These extra papers show in the file. They are part of the public record too.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Russell County
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Russell County. Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to people with low income. Call (866) 456-4995 for intake. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505.
The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. This helps you ask questions and decide if you want to hire that attorney.
Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the court forms you need. The forms are free to download and use. You can fill them out on a computer or by hand after printing.
Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has guides for people who file without a lawyer. The site explains each step. It shows how to fill out forms correctly. This helps if you cannot afford an attorney for your dissolution of marriage in Russell County.
Fort Moore has legal assistance for military members and their families. The legal office can review documents and explain how military rules apply to your case. This service is free for those who qualify. Contact the installation legal office for appointments and services.
The Columbus, Georgia bar association across the river may also have referrals. Some attorneys practice in both states. This can help if your case has issues that cross state lines.
Divorce Certificates in Russell County
The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates. A certificate is not the same as a decree. It shows only basic facts: names, date, and county. 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. Extra copies cost $6 each when ordered together. VitalChek adds a service fee.
For the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Russell County. Most legal matters need the decree. Banks, courts, and government agencies want to see the full terms when you need to prove what your divorce says.
Divorces before 1950 are not in the health department system. You must get those records from the Russell County Circuit Clerk. The clerk office has records going back to when the county was formed. Older records may be harder to find and take more time to locate.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Russell County. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you or your spouse lives. Russell County is the only county in the 26th Judicial Circuit.