Find Dissolution of Marriage in Walker County

Walker County dissolution of marriage records are maintained at the Circuit Clerk office in Jasper. The 14th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce filings and family law matters for this northwest Alabama county.

Walker County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Walker County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new divorce filings, stores case files, and provides copies of decrees. The courthouse is in downtown Jasper. Staff can help you search for records and get copies.

The 14th Judicial Circuit covers only Walker County. This means all divorce cases stay in the local court system. Judges assigned to family law hear dissolution of marriage cases along with other domestic matters. The clerk office has served Walker County residents for many generations.

Walker County includes several smaller communities besides Jasper. Places like Carbon Hill, Cordova, and Oakman are all within the county. No matter where you live in Walker County, your dissolution of marriage case goes through the Jasper courthouse. The Probate Office handles marriages while the Circuit Clerk handles divorces.

How to Search Walker County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Finding dissolution of marriage records in Walker County can be done online or in person at the clerk office. Online searches are fast for basic case info. Going to the courthouse lets you see the whole file and get certified copies that same day.

Alacourt is the statewide court records system. It has records from all 67 Alabama counties including Walker. You 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. Visit pa.alacourt.com to search Walker 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
• Case number if you have it

You can search in person at the Jasper courthouse. Staff will look up cases for you. Bring your ID. Older files may take extra time to find. Call (205) 384-7281 to check what documents you need for your Walker County dissolution of marriage records search.

Walker County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Walker County sets fees for divorce filings and record copies. The cost depends on your case type. Fees can change so check with the clerk to confirm rates before filing for dissolution of marriage in Walker County.

Common fees 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

People with low income may qualify for a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with your case. You must show proof of your income. The judge reviews your request. If approved, filing fees are waived. Copy fees are usually separate from the waiver.

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 info. For the complete decree with all terms, get copies from the Walker County Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Walker County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Walker County follows Alabama state law. Each paper you file becomes part of the court record. The Circuit Clerk stores all documents at the Jasper 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 currently lives.

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

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 then becomes a public record in Walker County.

What Walker County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Walker County have several types of documents. The complaint is filed first. It states why the person wants a divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 lists 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 Walker County can provide certified copies of the decree.

A typical dissolution of marriage record includes:

• Names and addresses of both spouses
• Date of marriage and date of separation
• Grounds listed for the divorce
• Property and debt division
• Child custody and visitation schedule
• Child support amounts
• Alimony if the court ordered it

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

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Walker County

Help is available for divorce cases in Walker County. Legal Services Alabama offers free legal aid to people with low income. Call (866) 456-4995. Spanish speakers can reach (888) 835-3505. They serve northwest Alabama including Walker 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 court 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 and helps with forms for dissolution of marriage in Walker County. These resources are free to use.

Bevill State Community College in Jasper sometimes hosts legal clinics. Contact the college for information. Local attorneys in Jasper can also help with family law matters. Ask the clerk office for names of lawyers who handle divorce cases in Walker County.

Divorce Certificates in Walker 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 since 1950.

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 service fee on top.

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

Nearby Counties

These counties share borders with Walker County. Check these areas if your dissolution of marriage case might be filed elsewhere.