Search Shelby County Dissolution of Marriage

Shelby County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Columbiana. The 18th Judicial Circuit handles all family law cases for this fast-growing county south of Birmingham.

Shelby County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Shelby County manages all dissolution of marriage records. This office processes divorce filings, maintains case files, and provides public access to records. Shelby County is one of the fastest growing counties in Alabama. The high population means a busy court system with many family law cases each year.

The Shelby County Courthouse is in Columbiana, a small town that serves as the county seat. While much of Shelby County population lives in suburbs near Birmingham, the courthouse remains in Columbiana. Parking is available near the building. The courthouse has security screening at the entrance. Plan extra time if you are visiting during busy hours.

Shelby County is a single-county circuit. The 18th Judicial Circuit covers only Shelby County. This means judges here focus solely on Shelby County cases. Family law matters get dedicated attention. The clerk staff handles a high volume of dissolution of marriage filings due to the large population.

How to Search Shelby County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search dissolution of marriage records in Shelby County online or at the courthouse. Online access is available around the clock. In-person visits allow you to view complete files and obtain certified copies immediately. Both methods work for finding divorce records.

Alacourt is the statewide court records system. All 67 Alabama counties are in it. Search Shelby County records at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99 and shows one case. Each extra case is $9.99. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages. This is a good starting point for research.

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

• Name of one or both spouses
• Year of filing or divorce (helps narrow results)
• Case number if known

The clerk office in Columbiana handles in-person requests. Due to high volume, there may be a wait. Call ahead at (205) 669-3760 to check availability. Bring your ID. The staff can search by name or case number and provide copies of dissolution of marriage documents.

Shelby County keeps records going back many years. Recent cases are in the computer system. Older records are in storage. Very old cases may take longer to retrieve. Ask the clerk about turnaround time for historical dissolution of marriage records.

Shelby County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Shelby County charges fees for filing divorce cases and for record copies. The fees follow state guidelines with some local variations. Confirm current rates with the clerk before you file or request copies.

Typical fees in Shelby County include:

• File a divorce complaint: $145 - $199
• File a motion to modify: $248+
• Certified copies: varies by document
• Plain copies: $0.50 - $1.00 per page
• Online case detail: $9.99 per case

Fee waivers are available for low income filers. Submit an In Forma Pauperis form along with your filing. Attach documentation of your financial situation. The judge decides whether to grant the waiver. If approved, you pay no filing fee for dissolution of marriage in Shelby County.

Divorce certificates from the state cost $15. Extra copies are $6. This is separate from what the clerk charges. A certificate shows basic info only. The full decree with all terms comes from the Shelby County Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Shelby County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Shelby County follows Alabama state law. The process creates public court records. Every document filed becomes part of your case file stored at the Circuit Clerk office in Columbiana.

First check residency. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-5, one spouse must have lived in Alabama for at least six months before filing. You file in the county where you or your spouse lives. Shelby County residents file in Columbiana.

The steps to file for dissolution of marriage are:

• Get the required forms (complaint, financial statements)
• Complete all forms with accurate information
• Gather your marriage certificate
• Prepare any settlement agreement if you have one
• File papers with the Circuit Clerk
• Pay the filing fee
• Have your spouse served with the papers
• Wait for response (usually 30 days)
• Attend court hearings as scheduled
• Receive the final decree from the judge

Alabama has a 30-day waiting period. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, no final decree can be signed until 30 days pass. Uncontested cases can finish soon after. Contested cases with disputes take much longer in Shelby County.

What Shelby County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Shelby County include all documents filed during a divorce case. The file grows throughout the case. Each paper becomes part of the public record when filed.

The complaint is the first document. It lists both spouses and states grounds for divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 provides ten legal grounds. Incompatibility is the most common choice. It allows divorce without blaming either party.

A Shelby County dissolution of marriage file typically has:

• Complaint for divorce
• Summons and proof of service
• Answer or waiver from spouse
• Financial disclosure statements
• Property and debt settlement
• Parenting plan (when children involved)
• Child support worksheet
• Temporary orders if any
• Final decree of divorce

The final decree is the key document. It is the court order that ends the marriage and sets all terms. Property division, custody, visitation, and support are all in the decree. Get certified copies from the Shelby County Circuit Clerk for official purposes.

These records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can request copies. Information about minor children may be protected. Financial details are generally accessible to the public.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Shelby County

Shelby County residents have access to various legal resources for divorce. Legal Services Alabama offers free help to low income residents. Call (866) 456-4995 to check if you qualify. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505 for assistance with dissolution of marriage cases.

The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service is at 1-800-392-5660. The first 30 minutes with an attorney costs up to $50. This helps you find a family law attorney in the Birmingham metro area who can handle Shelby County cases.

Free forms are at eforms.alacourt.gov. You can fill out divorce forms online and print them. Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has guides for people representing themselves in family court.

Shelby County has many private attorneys due to its large population. Family law firms in Hoover, Pelham, and Alabaster handle cases filed in Columbiana. The Birmingham metro area has numerous divorce attorneys who practice in Shelby County.

Divorce Certificates in Shelby County

The Alabama Center for Vital Statistics issues divorce certificates statewide. A certificate confirms a divorce happened. It shows names, date, and county only. It does not include property terms, custody arrangements, or support orders.

Order a certificate at vitalchek.com or phone 1-888-279-9888. The fee is $15. Extra copies cost $6 each. VitalChek charges a service fee. Certificates exist for divorces from 1950 onward.

For the complete divorce decree with all legal terms, go to the Shelby County Circuit Clerk. Most official uses need the decree, not the certificate. Banks, employers, and government agencies ask for the decree. Certified copies from the clerk work for these purposes.

Hoover Dissolution of Marriage

Part of the city of Hoover falls within Shelby County. Hoover residents in the Shelby County portion file dissolution of marriage cases at the Circuit Clerk in Columbiana. The courthouse is about 20 miles south of Hoover. For more details, visit our Hoover dissolution of marriage page.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Shelby County. Check where you reside to find the right county for filing dissolution of marriage.