Find Baldwin County Divorce Decrees
Baldwin County divorce decrees are maintained by the Circuit Clerk office in Bay Minette. The 28th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases. The main courthouse is at 312 Courthouse Square, Suite 10, Bay Minette, AL 36507. Baldwin County also operates satellite courthouse locations in Fairhope and Foley for basic services. All divorce records can be obtained from the main Bay Minette location. Jody Wise serves as Circuit Clerk. The office provides forms, filing instructions, and detailed information through their comprehensive online presence at https://baldwin.alacourt.gov/.
Circuit Clerk Office
The Baldwin County Circuit Clerk is located at 312 Courthouse Square, Suite 10, Bay Minette. Call (251) 937-9561 for general inquiries. Email jody.wise@alacourt.gov for specific questions. The office handles civil, criminal, and domestic relations cases. Divorce matters fall under the Domestic Relations Division.
Baldwin County has two satellite courthouse locations. Fairhope and Foley courthouses offer basic services but major filings and trials occur in Bay Minette. For divorce records, contact the main Bay Minette office. They maintain all official files for the 28th Judicial Circuit.
Uncontested Divorce Requirements
Baldwin County has specific document requirements for uncontested divorces. The following forms are required for filing:
- Complaint Answer, Waiver and Request for Commissioner
- Commission and deposition form C-33
- Testimony of Plaintiff, which must be notarized
- Affidavit of Residency signed by a third party and notarized
- Divorce Decree for the judge to sign
- Settlement Agreement with original and two copies
These forms are available online at https://baldwin.alacourt.gov/. Download and complete them before filing. Bring all originals and copies to the Circuit Clerk office. Some documents require notarization, so plan accordingly. The clerk cannot provide legal advice but can answer procedural questions.
If you have questions about which forms apply to your case, contact the Domestic Relations Division directly. They can clarify what is needed for your specific situation. Always call ahead to confirm current requirements, as procedures may change.
How Much Does It Cost?
Contact the Circuit Clerk office for current filing fee rates. Alabama base fees apply plus county specific fees. A detailed court costs and fee schedule is available at https://baldwin.alacourt.gov/court-costs/. Review this schedule before filing to understand total costs.
Certified copies of divorce decrees typically cost 50 cents per page. A standard decree may run 5 to 15 pages. Call ahead to get an estimate based on your case. Payment methods vary, so confirm whether the office accepts credit cards, checks, or cash only.
Online Access Options
Baldwin County provides extensive online resources. The official website at https://baldwin.alacourt.gov/ includes forms, filing instructions, and fee schedules. The site also has information on the Domestic Relations Division, court calendars, and contact details.
Search for case information using the statewide Alacourt system at https://pa.alacourt.com/. Enter a name or case number to find cases. The system shows filing dates, case status, and party names. Full court documents are not available online. You must request them from the Circuit Clerk.
Baldwin County participates in AlaFile, the electronic filing system for Alabama courts. Attorneys and self represented parties can file documents online. Register at https://efile.alacourt.gov/ to use the system. Paying fees and uploading documents is done through the portal.
Alabama Divorce Statutes
Alabama Code § 30-2-1 defines the legal grounds for divorce. Irretrievable breakdown is the most common ground. Other grounds include adultery, abandonment, and addiction. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction to hear divorce cases and issue final decrees.
Residency requirements are found in Alabama Code § 30-2-5. One spouse must be an Alabama resident. If the other spouse is not a resident, the filing spouse needs six months of residency before filing. If both live in Alabama, no wait is required.
Alabama Code § 30-2-8.1 sets a mandatory 30 day waiting period. The court cannot issue a final decree until 30 days pass from the filing date. This applies to all divorces in Baldwin County and across Alabama. Temporary orders can be issued during the wait period to address custody, support, or other urgent matters.
Alabama Code Title 30, Chapter 3 covers child custody and support. These laws govern how courts decide custody, visitation, and child support amounts. If your divorce involves children, review these statutes or consult an attorney to understand your rights.
What Do I Need?
When requesting a certified copy of a divorce decree, bring photo identification. Provide the full names of both parties. Include the approximate date of divorce if you know it. The case number helps speed up the search but is not always required. The clerk will search the database using the information you provide.
For mail requests, send a written letter with your name, address, and phone number. List the names of both parties in the divorce. Include the approximate date and any other details you have. Enclose a check or money order for the estimated fee. Add a self addressed stamped envelope for the return of your certified copies. Allow two to four weeks for processing by mail.
Nearby Counties
Baldwin County is located in southwest Alabama along the Gulf Coast. Nearby counties include Mobile County to the west, Washington County to the north, and Escambia County to the northeast. Each county maintains its own divorce records through the local Circuit Clerk office.
Start Your Search
Use the search tool below to find Baldwin County divorce decree records.