Search Winston County Dissolution of Marriage

Winston County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Double Springs. The 25th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce filings for this northwest Alabama county in the Appalachian foothills.

Winston County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Winston County maintains all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new divorce filings, stores case files, and provides copies of decrees. The courthouse is in Double Springs on Main Street. Staff can help you find records and get copies.

Winston County is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit with Fayette, Lamar, and Marion counties. Judges rotate among these four counties to hear cases. The circuit covers a rural area of northwest Alabama. The clerk office in Double Springs processes all divorce filings for Winston County residents.

Winston County is known as the Free State of Winston due to its history during the Civil War. Today it remains a tight-knit rural community. The clerk office handles fewer cases than urban counties. Staff are often able to help right away without long waits. Smith Lake brings seasonal visitors but court matters go through Double Springs.

How to Search Winston County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search dissolution of marriage records in Winston County online or by visiting the clerk office. Online searches are fast for basic case information. Going to the courthouse lets you see the complete file and get certified copies the same day.

Alacourt is the statewide court records database. It covers all 67 Alabama counties including Winston. 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 Winston County dissolution of marriage records online.

To search for divorce records, you should have:

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

In-person searches work well in Double Springs. Staff can look up cases for you. Bring your ID. Older records may take extra time to locate since they might be stored off-site. Call (205) 489-5533 to check what you need for your Winston County dissolution of marriage records search.

Winston County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Winston County charges fees for divorce filings and copies. Costs vary by case type. Fees can change so check with the clerk to confirm current rates before filing for dissolution of marriage in Winston 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. You must provide proof of income. The judge reviews your request and decides. If approved, you can file without paying the fee. Copy fees are usually separate.

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

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Winston County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Winston County follows Alabama law. Each step creates records that go into your case file. The Circuit Clerk stores all documents at the Double Springs 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.

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 Winston County.

What Winston County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Winston 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 like incompatibility.

The final divorce decree is what most people need. This court order ends the marriage. It contains all the terms both parties must follow. The Circuit Clerk in Winston 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 the divorce
• Division of property and debts
• Child custody and visitation schedule
• Child support amounts
• Alimony if the court ordered it

Winston 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 Winston County

Several organizations offer help with divorce cases in Winston 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 serve northwest Alabama including Winston County.

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 Winston County. These resources are free to access.

Attorneys are limited in Winston County. Many residents travel to Jasper or Cullman to find family law lawyers. Some Birmingham attorneys handle cases in rural northwest Alabama. Ask the clerk office for any referrals they may have.

Divorce Certificates in Winston 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 Winston County. Most legal needs require the decree not just a certificate. The clerk can make certified copies for official use.

Nearby Counties

These counties share borders with Winston County or are in the same judicial circuit. Check these areas if your dissolution of marriage records might be filed elsewhere.