Search St. Clair County Dissolution of Marriage
St. Clair County dissolution of marriage records are filed with the Circuit Clerk office. This county has two county seats: Ashville and Pell City. The 30th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases here.
St. Clair County Quick Facts
St. Clair County Circuit Clerk Office
St. Clair County is one of nine Alabama counties with two county seats. The Circuit Clerk has offices in both Ashville and Pell City. You can file dissolution of marriage papers at either location. Both offices keep records and can help you search for case files.
The Ashville courthouse serves the northern part of the county. Pell City serves the southern area. Most people use the office closer to where they live. Staff at both locations can look up cases, process filings, and make copies of divorce records. Call ahead to check hours since they may differ between locations.
The 30th Judicial Circuit covers only St. Clair County. This means divorce cases filed here stay in the local court system. Judges assigned to this circuit hear all family law matters including dissolution of marriage cases in St. Clair County.
| Office | St. Clair County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Ashville Address | 129 5th Avenue, Suite 103 Ashville, AL 35953 |
| Pell City Address | 1815 Cogswell Avenue, Suite 209 Pell City, AL 35125 |
| Phone | (205) 338-9461 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | stclair.alacourt.gov |
How to Search St. Clair County Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can find dissolution of marriage records in St. Clair County through online databases or in person at the clerk office. Online searches give quick results for basic case info. Going to the courthouse lets you see the full file and get certified copies on the spot.
Alacourt is the state court records system. It has records from all 67 Alabama counties. You can search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and shows one case. More cases cost $9.99 each. Document images run $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Go to pa.alacourt.com to search St. Clair County dissolution of marriage records online.
To search for divorce records, you will need:
- Full name of one spouse or both
- Approximate year of the filing
- Case number if you know it
You can also search in person at either courthouse. Staff can look up records by name or case number. Older files may need extra time to find. Bring your ID when you visit. Call (205) 338-9461 to ask what you need for your search in St. Clair County.
St. Clair County Dissolution of Marriage Fees
St. Clair County charges fees for divorce filings and copies. The exact cost depends on the type of case. Fees may change so call the clerk to confirm current rates before filing for dissolution of marriage in St. Clair County.
Common fees include:
- File a divorce complaint: $145 - $199
- Modify an existing decree: $248+
- Certified copies: varies by page count
- Plain copies: $0.50 - $1.00 per page
People with low income may qualify for a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form to request this. You must provide proof of your income. The judge will review your request. If approved, you can file without paying the fee. Copy fees are separate from filing fees in St. Clair County.
The Alabama Department of Public Health has divorce certificates for $15 each. Extra copies are $6. This is not the same as the decree from the court. Certificates show basic facts only. For the full decree with all terms, you need copies from the Circuit Clerk.
How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in St. Clair County
Filing for dissolution of marriage in St. Clair County follows Alabama law. Each step creates records that go into your case file. The Circuit Clerk stores all documents at the courthouse.
First, check the residency rule. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-5, one spouse must have lived in Alabama for six months before filing. You file in the county where you or your spouse lives now.
Take your complaint to the Circuit Clerk office. Pay the filing fee. The clerk gives you a case number. Then serve your spouse with the divorce papers. You can use the sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. File proof of service with the court.
Alabama law 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 after filing. Once signed, the decree becomes a public record in St. Clair County.
What St. Clair County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
Dissolution of marriage records in St. Clair County include many types of documents. The complaint starts the case. It lists the grounds for divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 has ten grounds including no-fault options like incompatibility.
The final divorce decree is what most people want. This is the court order that ends the marriage. It contains all the terms of the divorce. You can get certified copies from the clerk in St. Clair County.
A dissolution of marriage record typically shows:
- Names and addresses of both spouses
- Date of marriage and separation
- Grounds listed for the divorce
- How property and debts are divided
- Child custody and visitation schedule
- Child support payment amounts
- Alimony orders if any
St. Clair 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 redacted in public copies.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in St. Clair County
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in St. Clair County. Legal Services Alabama provides free legal aid to those with low income. Call (866) 456-4995 for help. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505.
The Alabama State Bar has a lawyer referral line at 1-800-392-5660. Your first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the court forms you need.
Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has guides for people handling their own divorce. The site explains each step and helps you fill out forms for dissolution of marriage in St. Clair County. The guides are free to use.
Divorce Certificates in St. Clair County
The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates. A certificate is different from a decree. It only shows basic info: names, date, and county. The health department has records for divorces since 1950.
Order a certificate through VitalChek at vitalchek.com or call 1-888-279-9888. The cost is $15 for one certified copy. Extra copies are $6 each. VitalChek charges a service fee on top of that.
For the full divorce decree showing property division, custody terms, and support orders, go to the Circuit Clerk in St. Clair County. Most legal uses need the decree rather than just a certificate. The clerk can make certified copies for you.
Nearby Counties
These counties border St. Clair County. If you need dissolution of marriage records from another area, check these nearby counties.