Find Dissolution of Marriage in Sumter County

Sumter County dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Livingston. The 17th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce filings and family law cases in this western Alabama county.

Sumter County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Sumter County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new divorce filings, stores case files, and provides copies of decrees. The courthouse is on the town square in Livingston. Staff can help you find records and get copies.

Sumter County is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit with Greene and Marengo counties. Judges rotate between these three counties to hear cases. The clerk office in Livingston serves all Sumter County residents for dissolution of marriage filings and record requests.

As a smaller county, Sumter has fewer staff at the clerk office. Wait times are usually short. Calling ahead is a good idea to make sure someone can help you with your specific needs. The office keeps older divorce records going back many decades.

How to Search Sumter County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Finding dissolution of marriage records in Sumter County can be done online or at the clerk office. Online searches work well for finding case info quickly. Visiting in person lets you see the full file and get certified copies the same day.

Alacourt is Alabama's statewide court records system. It covers all 67 counties including Sumter. You search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case. Additional cases are $9.99 each. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Visit pa.alacourt.com to search Sumter County dissolution of marriage records.

To search for divorce records, bring or provide:

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Year the divorce was filed or finalized
• Case number if available

You can visit the courthouse in Livingston to search in person. Staff will look up cases for you. Bring your ID. Old records may take more time to locate. Call (205) 652-7281 before your visit to check what documents you need for Sumter County dissolution of marriage records.

Sumter County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Sumter County sets fees for divorce cases and record copies. Costs vary based on the type of filing. Fees can change so always check with the clerk before filing for dissolution of marriage in Sumter County.

Common fees in Sumter County include:

• File a divorce complaint: $145 - $199
• Modify or enforce a decree: $248+
• Certified copies: varies by page count
• Plain copies: $0.50 - $1.00 per page

If you cannot afford the fees, you may ask for a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with your case. You must show proof of low income. The judge reviews your request and decides. Copy fees are usually not covered by waivers.

Divorce certificates from the Alabama Department of Public Health cost $15. Extra copies are $6 each. Certificates are different from decrees. They only show basic facts. For the complete decree with all terms, get copies from the Sumter County Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Sumter County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Sumter County follows Alabama state rules. Each document you file becomes part of the court record. The Circuit Clerk stores all papers at the Livingston courthouse.

Check the residency requirement first. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-5, at least one spouse must have lived in Alabama for six months before you file. You file in the county where you or your spouse lives.

Take your divorce complaint to the Circuit Clerk office. Pay the filing fee when you file. The clerk assigns a case number. Next, serve your spouse with the divorce papers. The sheriff, a private server, or certified mail can handle service. File the proof of service with the court.

Alabama has a 30-day waiting period after filing. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, the court cannot grant the divorce until 30 days pass. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record in Sumter County.

What Sumter County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Sumter County have several types of documents. The complaint is the first paper filed. It states why the person wants a divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 lists the ten legal grounds for divorce in Alabama.

The final divorce decree is the most important document. This court order ends the marriage. It has all the terms both parties must follow. The Circuit Clerk in Sumter County can make certified copies for you.

A typical dissolution of marriage record includes:

• 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 payments if ordered

Sumter County dissolution of marriage records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can request to see them. Information about minor children may be blacked out in public copies to protect privacy.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Sumter County

Help is available for divorce cases in Sumter County. Legal Services Alabama offers free legal aid to people with low income. Call (866) 456-4995. Spanish speakers can reach them at (888) 835-3505. They serve western Alabama including Sumter County.

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service. Call 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the forms you need to file.

Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org provides guides for people doing their own divorce. The site walks you through each step. It helps you complete the forms correctly for dissolution of marriage in Sumter County.

The University of West Alabama in Livingston may have resources too. Their library sometimes offers legal research help. Call the school to ask about community services available to Sumter County residents.

Divorce Certificates in Sumter County

The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates. A certificate is not the same as a decree. Certificates show only basic facts: names, date, and county. The health department has records for divorces from 1950 forward.

You can order a certificate at vitalchek.com or by calling 1-888-279-9888. The fee is $15 for one copy. Additional copies cost $6 each. VitalChek adds a processing fee on top.

For the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, contact the Circuit Clerk in Sumter County. Most legal matters need the actual decree rather than just a certificate. The clerk can provide certified copies for court or official use.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Sumter County or are part of the 17th Judicial Circuit. Check these areas if your case might be filed elsewhere.