Washington County Dissolution of Marriage

Washington County dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Circuit Clerk office in Chatom. The 1st Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases for this southwest Alabama county bordering Mississippi.

Washington County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Washington County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles divorce filings, maintains case files, and provides copies of decrees. The courthouse is in Chatom on the town square. Staff can help you find records and make copies.

Washington County is part of the 1st Judicial Circuit along with Choctaw and Clarke counties. Judges rotate between these three counties to hear cases. The circuit covers a large rural area of southwest Alabama. The clerk office in Chatom serves all Washington County residents.

Washington County is one of the more rural counties in Alabama. The small population means the clerk office handles fewer cases than urban counties. Wait times are usually short. Staff know many residents by name. This can make the process feel less formal than in bigger cities.

How to Search Washington County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search dissolution of marriage records in Washington County online or by visiting the clerk office. Online searches give quick access to basic case info. Going to the courthouse in person lets you see the complete file and get certified copies right away.

Alacourt is the statewide court records database. It covers all 67 Alabama counties including Washington. Search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail. Each additional case costs $9.99. Document images run $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Go to pa.alacourt.com to search Washington 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 (approximate is fine)
• Case number if you have it

In-person searches work well at the Chatom courthouse. Staff can look up cases for you. Bring your ID. Old records may take more time to find since they might be in storage. Call (251) 847-2239 to check what you need for your Washington County dissolution of marriage records search.

Washington County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Washington 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 Washington 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 ask for a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with your complaint. Show proof of your income. The judge reviews the request and decides. If approved, you can file without paying the fee upfront. Copy fees are usually 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 Washington County Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Washington County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Washington County follows Alabama law. Each document becomes part of the permanent court record. The Circuit Clerk stores all papers at the courthouse in Chatom.

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 the 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. The decree then becomes a public record in Washington County.

What Washington County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Washington County include many types of documents. The complaint starts the case and lists the grounds for divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 provides ten legal grounds including no-fault options.

The final divorce decree is what most people want. This is the court order that legally ends the marriage. It has all the terms of the divorce. The Circuit Clerk in Washington County can make certified copies.

A dissolution of marriage record typically shows:

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

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

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Washington County

Several organizations offer help with divorce cases in Washington County. Legal Services Alabama provides free legal aid to those with low income. Call (866) 456-4995 for help. Spanish speakers can reach (888) 835-3505. They cover southwest Alabama.

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 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 Washington County. These resources are free.

Mobile has more lawyers than Washington County. Some attorneys from Mobile handle cases in nearby rural counties. The drive is not too far for those who need legal help that is hard to find locally.

Divorce Certificates in Washington 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 Washington County. Most legal matters need the decree not just a certificate. The clerk can make certified copies for official use.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Washington County or share the 1st Judicial Circuit. Check these areas if your records might be filed elsewhere.