Mobile County Divorce Decree Records
Divorce decrees in Mobile County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk Domestic Relations Division in Mobile. As Alabama's third most populous county, Mobile County serves over 200,000 residents. The city of Mobile is the third largest in the state. The Circuit Clerk office is at 205 Government Street, Suite 913, Government Plaza Building, Mobile, AL 36602. Call (251) 574-8806 for general inquiries. The Domestic Relations Division has a dedicated deputy clerk at (251) 574-8441. Email tachonda.smith@alacourt.gov or 13jcdomesticrelations@alacourt.gov for divorce matters. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. The 13th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases.
Domestic Relations Division
Mobile County has a dedicated Domestic Relations Division that handles all divorce and family law matters. Tachonda Smith serves as Deputy Clerk for this division. The office is in Room C 909 of Government Plaza. Phone (251) 574-8441 to reach the Domestic Relations Division directly. Email tachonda.smith@alacourt.gov or 13jcdomesticrelations@alacourt.gov with questions.
The main Circuit Clerk office is in Suite 913 of the same building. Sharla Knox serves as Circuit Clerk. Phone (251) 574-8806 for general circuit clerk matters. Fax (251) 574-8796 if needed. Both offices are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. This is one hour later than some smaller counties.
Obtaining Certified Copies
Certified copies of divorce decrees cost 50 cents per page. A typical decree runs 5 to 15 pages. Contact the Domestic Relations Division to confirm the current fee for your specific case. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Verify accepted payment methods before visiting.
When visiting in person, bring photo ID. Provide the full names of both parties. If you have the case number, bring that. The approximate date of divorce helps the clerk locate the file. Most requests are processed quickly when accurate information is provided.
For mail requests, send a written letter to Mobile County Circuit Clerk, Domestic Relations Division, Room C 909, Government Plaza, Mobile, AL 36602. Include your contact information, names of both parties, approximate date, and case number if known. Enclose a check or money order payable to Mobile County Circuit Clerk. Add a self addressed stamped envelope. Allow two to four weeks for processing.
Online Case Search
Search for Mobile County divorce cases using the Alacourt Public Access portal at https://pa.alacourt.com/. This free statewide database covers 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.
The official Mobile County Circuit Court website is https://mobile.alacourt.gov/. The Domestic Relations page at https://mobile.alacourt.gov/domestic-relations/ provides specific information about divorce filings. Mobile County Court Records at https://mobilecountycourt.org/ offers additional resources.
Filing a New Divorce
To file for divorce in Mobile County, at least one spouse must be an Alabama resident. If only one spouse lives in Alabama, that person must have resided here for six months before filing. If both spouses are Alabama residents, no waiting period applies. File at the Circuit Clerk office in Mobile.
Contact the Domestic Relations Division for current filing fees. Alabama Code § 12-19-72 sets the base state fee at $145. Mobile County adds local fees on top of this base. Confirm the exact total before filing.
After filing, serve your spouse with the complaint and summons. If your spouse agrees, they can sign a waiver. If not, a sheriff must serve the documents. Alabama Code § 30-2-8.1 requires a 30 day wait before the court can finalize the divorce.
Alabama Divorce Laws
Alabama Code § 30-2-1 lists 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 over divorce cases in Mobile County.
Alabama Code § 30-2-8.1 mandates a 30 day waiting period. The court cannot finalize a divorce until 30 days pass from the filing date. This applies to all cases in Alabama. Temporary orders can be issued during the wait period for custody, support, or other matters.
Alabama Code Title 30, Chapter 3 covers child custody and support. If your divorce involves children, these statutes govern how courts decide custody, visitation, and child support amounts. Review these laws or consult an attorney to understand your rights.
What the Decree Shows
A divorce decree is the final court order ending the marriage. It includes the names of both parties, the date of divorce, and the legal grounds. The decree also covers property division, debt allocation, and spousal support if applicable. If children are involved, it details custody, visitation, and child support.
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.
Cities in Mobile County
Mobile County includes the city of Mobile, Alabama's third largest city with over 201,000 residents. Residents of Mobile and other cities in the county file divorce cases with the Mobile County Circuit Court.
Nearby Counties
Mobile County is located in southwest Alabama along the Gulf Coast. Nearby counties include Baldwin County to the east, Washington County to the north, and Clarke County to the northwest. Each county maintains divorce records through its own Circuit Clerk office.
Search Divorce Records
Use the search tool below to find Mobile County divorce decree records.