Madison County Divorce Decree Lookup

Madison County divorce decrees are issued by the Circuit Court and maintained by the Circuit Clerk Family Court Division in Huntsville. Huntsville is Alabama's most populous city with over 230,000 residents. The courthouse is at 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801. Call (256) 532-3380 for the Family Court Division. The 23rd Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases. Madison County has a detailed request process for records search. Filing fees are $324 as of 2024. Certified copies cost $5 for the first 20 pages, then 50 cents per additional page. An archived records search fee of $25 applies if the case is older. Office hours are Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

Circuit Clerk Contact

The Madison County Circuit Clerk Family Court Division is located at 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801. Phone (256) 532-3380 for general inquiries. Office hours are Monday through Friday during standard business hours. The Family Court Division handles all divorce and domestic relations cases.

To request divorce records, complete a Request for Records Search form. Submit the form to the Circuit Clerk office. Provide the names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, and case number if known. You can view divorce records for free in the clerk's office. Fees apply only for printed copies.

How Much Does It Cost?

Filing fees in Madison County are $324 as of 2024. This includes both state and county fees. Contact the Circuit Clerk to confirm the current fee before filing, as fees may change.

Certified copies cost $5 for the first 20 pages. Each additional page after the first 20 costs 50 cents. If the record is archived, an additional $25 search fee applies. These fees cover the cost of searching older files that are stored off site.

You can view divorce decree information for free in the clerk's office. Fees apply only if you request printed or certified copies. This allows you to review the decree before deciding whether to purchase a copy.

Records Request Process

Madison County requires a completed Request for Records Search form. Obtain this form from the Circuit Clerk office or download it from the website. Fill out the form completely. Include your contact information and details about the divorce case you are researching.

Submit the form to the Circuit Clerk Family Court Division at 100 North Side Square, Huntsville. Processing time is typically within two weeks. The office will contact you when the records are ready or if the case cannot be located.

For in person requests, bring photo ID. Provide the full names of both parties. The approximate date of divorce helps locate the file. The case number speeds up the search but is not required. Most requests are processed quickly when accurate information is provided.

Online Case Search

Search for Madison County divorce cases using the Alacourt Public Access portal at https://pa.alacourt.com/. This free statewide database includes all Alabama counties. Enter a name or case number to find case information. Results display filing dates, case status, and party names. Full divorce decrees are not available online. You must contact the Circuit Clerk to obtain certified copies.

The Madison County Circuit Court website is https://madison.alacourt.gov/. The Family Division page at https://madison.alacourt.gov/family-division/ provides specific information about divorce filings. The Madison County Court Records site at https://madisoncountycourt.org/ offers additional resources for case searches.

Free Legal Assistance

The Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program assists over 1,000 people per year with legal matters including divorce. Income limits apply. Contact the program to see if you qualify for free legal help. This program is a valuable resource for low income residents who cannot afford an attorney.

Legal Services Alabama serves Madison County residents. They provide free civil legal help to qualified individuals. Divorce and family law cases are among the matters they handle. Check if you meet the income requirements at https://legalservicesalabama.org/.

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 also available. This is a good resource if you are representing yourself in an uncontested case.

Alabama Divorce Statutes

Alabama Code § 30-2-1 defines the legal grounds for divorce. Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the most common ground. Other grounds include adultery, abandonment, and imprisonment. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction to grant divorces in Madison County.

Alabama Code § 30-2-5 sets residency requirements. At least one spouse must be an Alabama resident before filing. If the other spouse is not a resident, the filing spouse must have lived in Alabama for six months. If both spouses are Alabama residents, no waiting period applies.

Alabama Code § 30-2-8.1 mandates a 30 day waiting period. No final decree can be entered until 30 days pass from the filing date. This law applies to all Alabama divorces. The court may issue temporary orders during the wait period for custody, support, or other urgent matters.

Alabama Code § 12-19-72 sets filing fees. The base state fee is $145. Madison County adds local fees on top of this base, resulting in a total of $324. Contact the Circuit Clerk to confirm the current fee before filing your case.

What the Decree Contains

A divorce decree is the final order from the judge ending the marriage. It includes the names of both parties and the date of divorce. The decree also covers property division, debt allocation, and spousal support if applicable. If the couple has children, the decree includes custody, visitation, and child support terms.

The decree is signed by a Circuit Court judge and stamped with the official seal. Each page is certified. This makes it a legal document recognized by banks, government agencies, and other institutions. A certified copy from the Circuit Clerk is required for most official purposes.

Cities in Madison County

Madison County includes Huntsville, Alabama's largest city with over 230,000 residents. Madison is also a qualifying city in Madison County with over 60,000 residents. Residents of these cities file divorce cases with the Madison County Circuit Court.

Nearby Counties

Madison County is located in northern Alabama. Nearby counties include Limestone County to the west, Morgan County to the south, Jackson County to the northeast, and Marshall County to the southeast. Each county maintains its own divorce records through the Circuit Clerk office.

Search Divorce Records

Use the search tool below to find Madison County divorce decree records.