Find Auburn Divorce Decree
Auburn divorce decree records are filed with the Lee County Circuit Court in Opelika. Auburn is home to Auburn University and has a population of approximately 76,000. The county seat is Opelika, not Auburn. All Lee County divorce cases are handled by the Thirty Seventh Judicial Circuit. The Domestic Relations Division processes all family law matters. Auburn City Hall is at 144 Tichenor Ave, phone (334) 501-3100, but divorce filings go through the county courthouse in Opelika. You can search cases online through Alacourt or obtain certified copies in person or by mail.
Lee County Circuit Court
Auburn is in Lee County. All divorce cases for Auburn residents are filed with the Lee County Circuit Court. The courthouse is in Opelika, the county seat. Lee County is part of the Thirty Seventh Judicial Circuit. The Domestic Relations Division handles all divorce and family law cases.
Even though Auburn is the larger city, the courthouse is located in Opelika. All Auburn residents must file their divorce cases there. Contact the Circuit Clerk for current hours and procedures.
How to File
To file a divorce in Auburn, go to the Lee County Circuit Court in Opelika. The courthouse is not in Auburn. Bring your completed forms and filing fee. Download forms from the Alabama E-Forms Portal at https://eforms.alacourt.gov/. The Uncontested Divorce Packet includes all necessary documents for a simple uncontested case.
At least one spouse must be an Alabama resident. If your spouse lives out of state, you must be a resident for six months before filing. This is in Alabama Code § 30-2-5. If both spouses are Alabama residents, you can file immediately.
File in person at the courthouse or use AlaFile to file online. AlaFile is at https://efile.alacourt.gov/. Register for free and upload your documents as PDFs. Pay the filing fee online. Electronic filing is available 24/7 and is especially convenient if you do not want to drive to Opelika.
After filing, serve your spouse with the complaint and summons. If they agree to the divorce, they can sign a waiver. If not, a sheriff or process server must deliver the papers. Service is required before the case can proceed.
Alabama Code § 30-2-8.1 requires a 30 day wait from filing to final decree. No divorce can be granted before 30 days pass. Most uncontested cases are complete within 30 to 60 days total. Divorces with children are especially complex and often take longer. An attorney is recommended for cases involving custody or complex property.
Filing Fees
Lee County filing fees vary. Contact the Circuit Clerk in Opelika to confirm the current fee before filing. As of 2024, most Alabama counties charge between $200 and $350 for a divorce filing.
Alabama Code § 12-19-72 sets a base state fee of $145. Counties add local fees on top of this amount. The exact total depends on whether you have children and other case factors.
If you cannot afford the fee, file an Affidavit of Substantial Hardship. This form requests a fee waiver. The fee is deferred until the case ends. You must show financial hardship to qualify. Alabama Code § 12-19-70 allows this option for those who cannot pay.
Certified copies cost 50 cents per page in most counties. Service of process adds $25 to $50. Attorney fees range from $2,000 to $15,000 for complex cases. Divorces with children benefit from legal representation due to custody and support issues.
Obtaining Certified Copies
To get a certified copy of an Auburn divorce decree, contact the Lee County Circuit Clerk in Opelika. The courthouse is not in Auburn. Visit in person and bring photo ID. Provide the full names of both parties and the date of divorce if known. The case number speeds up the search.
You can view records for free at the courthouse. Fees apply only for printed or certified copies. Most counties charge 50 cents per page. A standard divorce decree is 5 to 15 pages.
By mail, send a written request to Lee County Circuit Court, Opelika, AL. Include your contact information and details about the case. Add a check for the estimated cost. Include a return envelope with postage. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for processing.
Online Case Search
Search Auburn divorce cases using Alacourt Public Access at https://pa.alacourt.com/. This free statewide database covers all Alabama counties including Lee County. Enter a name or case number to find case details. Results show filing dates, case status, and party names. Full divorce decrees are not available online. You must contact the Circuit Clerk to obtain certified copies.
AlaFile at https://efile.alacourt.gov/ is for electronic filing and case management. Both attorneys and self represented parties can use it. Register for free and manage your case online. You receive electronic service of documents from other parties.
Legal Aid Resources
Legal aid resources are available for Lee County residents. A legal aid directory is available for the county. The Indigent Counsel's Office is available through Artie Vaughn, Esq. in Auburn for those who qualify.
Alabama Legal Help at https://www.alabamalegalhelp.org/ offers self help forms and guides. The site includes step by step instructions for uncontested divorces. Videos and frequently asked questions are available. This is useful if you are representing yourself.
For cases with children, hire an attorney. Divorces involving custody, visitation, and child support are especially complex. An attorney can help navigate these issues and protect your rights. The complexity increases when children are involved, so legal representation is recommended.
Legal Services Alabama at (866) 456-4995 or https://legalservicesalabama.org/ may serve Lee County residents. Check if you meet income requirements for free assistance.
Alabama Divorce Laws
Alabama Code § 30-2-1 lists the grounds for divorce. Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the most common. Other grounds include adultery, abandonment, and incompatibility. The Circuit Court has authority to grant divorces in Alabama.
Alabama Code § 30-2-5 sets residency requirements. At least one spouse must be an Alabama resident. If the other spouse is not a resident, the filing spouse must live in Alabama for six months before filing. If both are residents, no wait is required.
The 30 day waiting period is in Alabama Code § 30-2-8.1. No final decree can be entered before 30 days pass from the filing date. This applies to all Alabama divorces. The court may issue temporary orders during the wait period.
Divorce records are public under Alabama Code § 36-12-40. All citizens have the right to inspect public records. Divorce case files are accessible unless a court seals them. Sealed records require a court order to access.
Other Cities
Other major Alabama cities include Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile. Each city's residents file with their county of residence. Birmingham residents file with Jefferson County. Montgomery residents file with Montgomery County. Mobile residents file with Mobile County.
For more details about Lee County divorce procedures, visit the Lee County page.
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