Search Tuscaloosa County Dissolution of Marriage

Tuscaloosa County dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Circuit Clerk office in Tuscaloosa. The 6th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases for this major west-central Alabama county, home to the University of Alabama.

Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Tuscaloosa County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles divorce filings, stores case files, and provides copies of decrees. The courthouse is in downtown Tuscaloosa near the University of Alabama campus. Staff can help with record searches and copies.

The 6th Judicial Circuit covers only Tuscaloosa County. This means the court handles a high volume of family law cases given the county's large population. Several judges are assigned to family law matters including dissolution of marriage cases.

Tuscaloosa County is one of the largest counties in Alabama by population. The city of Tuscaloosa is home to over 100,000 people. Northport and other cities also fall within the county. All dissolution of marriage filings go through the same Circuit Clerk office regardless of which city you live in.

How to Search Tuscaloosa County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search dissolution of marriage records in Tuscaloosa County online or in person. Online searches give quick access to basic case information. Going to the courthouse lets you see complete files and get certified copies right away. Both options are available to the public.

Alacourt is the statewide court records system covering all 67 Alabama counties. Search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case. Additional cases cost $9.99 each. Document images run $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Go to pa.alacourt.com to search Tuscaloosa County dissolution of marriage records online.

To search for divorce records, you will need:

• Full name of at least one spouse
• Year the case was filed (estimate is fine)
• Case number if available

In-person searches at the courthouse work well for detailed research. Staff can look up cases by name or case number. Bring your ID. Old records may need time to pull from storage. Call (205) 464-8259 to check what you need for your Tuscaloosa County dissolution of marriage records search.

Tuscaloosa County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Tuscaloosa County charges fees for divorce filings and copies. Costs depend on the type of case. Fees can change so check with the clerk to confirm current rates before filing for dissolution of marriage in Tuscaloosa 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

Low-income filers may request a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with your complaint. Show proof of your income level. The judge reviews your request and decides. If approved, you can file without paying upfront. Copy fees are typically separate.

The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15 for divorce certificates. Extra copies cost $6 each. This is separate from court fees. Certificates show basic facts only. For the full decree with all terms, get copies from the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Tuscaloosa County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Tuscaloosa County follows Alabama state 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 currently lives.

Bring your complaint to the Circuit Clerk office. Pay the filing fee at that time. The clerk gives you a case number. Next, serve your spouse with the divorce papers. The sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail can handle service. File proof of service with the court.

Alabama 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 Tuscaloosa County.

What Tuscaloosa County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Tuscaloosa County include various document types. The complaint starts the case and 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 what most people need. This court order ends the marriage. It contains all the terms of the divorce. The Circuit Clerk in Tuscaloosa County can make certified copies for you.

A dissolution of marriage record typically shows:

• Names and addresses of both spouses
• Date of marriage and separation
• Grounds listed for divorce
• Division of property and debts
• Child custody and visitation schedule
• Child support payment amounts
• Alimony if the court ordered it

Tuscaloosa County dissolution of marriage records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can request them. Some details about minor children may be redacted in public copies.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Tuscaloosa County

Several organizations offer help with divorce cases in Tuscaloosa County. Legal Services Alabama provides free legal aid to those with low income. Call (866) 456-4995. Spanish speakers can reach (888) 835-3505. They have an office in the Tuscaloosa area.

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

Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has guides for people handling their own divorce. The site explains each step and helps with forms for dissolution of marriage in Tuscaloosa County. These resources are free.

The University of Alabama School of Law runs a legal clinic that may help with some family law matters. Contact the law school to ask about services. The Tuscaloosa County Bar Association also has attorney referrals for family law cases.

Divorce Certificates in Tuscaloosa County

The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates. A certificate differs from a decree. It only shows basic facts: 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 adds a service fee.

For the full divorce decree with property division, custody orders, and support amounts, contact the Circuit Clerk in Tuscaloosa County. Most legal needs require the decree not just a certificate. The clerk can make certified copies for official use.

Cities in Tuscaloosa County

Tuscaloosa County includes several cities and towns. The city of Tuscaloosa is the county seat and largest city. All dissolution of marriage filings go through the Circuit Clerk regardless of which city you live in.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Tuscaloosa County. If you need dissolution of marriage records from another area, check these nearby counties.