Find Monroe County Divorce Decrees

Divorce decrees in Monroe County are issued by the Circuit Court and maintained by the Circuit Clerk office in Monroeville. The 35th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases. The Circuit Clerk is located at 65 N Alabama Ave., Monroeville, AL 36460. Call 251-743-2283 for general information. Office hours are Monday through Friday during standard business hours. All divorce records are public under Alabama law. Certified copies are available for a fee by visiting the office or submitting a written request. Alabama requires a 30 day wait before any final decree can be signed. You can search for case information online using the statewide Alacourt system.

Circuit Clerk Office

The Monroe County Circuit Clerk office is at 65 N Alabama Ave., Monroeville, AL 36460 in Monroeville. Phone 251-743-2283 to reach the office. Staff can answer questions about procedures and fees. Bring photo ID when visiting in person.

To request divorce records, 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. Most requests are processed quickly when accurate information is provided.

Getting Certified Copies

Certified copies typically cost 50 cents per page in Alabama counties. Contact the Monroe County Circuit Clerk office to confirm the current fee schedule. A standard divorce decree runs 5 to 15 pages. Call ahead to estimate the total cost.

Payment methods vary by county. Some accept credit cards while others require cash or check. Always confirm accepted payment methods before your visit. This saves time and prevents inconvenience.

For mail requests, send a written letter with your full name and contact information. Include the names of both parties in the divorce. Add the approximate date or year if known. Enclose a check or money order payable to Monroe County Circuit Clerk. Include a self addressed stamped envelope for the return of your certified copies. Allow two to four weeks for processing.

Online Case Search

Search for Monroe County divorce cases using the Alacourt Public Access portal at https://pa.alacourt.com/. This free statewide database includes cases from all Alabama counties. Enter a name or case number to find case information. Results show filing dates, case status, and party names.

Full divorce decrees are not available online. You must contact the Circuit Clerk to obtain the actual document. The online system provides basic case details only. For certified copies, visit or write to the clerk's office.

Filing a New Divorce

To file for divorce in Monroe 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 Monroeville.

Filing fees in Monroe County follow state law. Alabama Code § 12-19-72 sets the base fee at $145. Counties may add local fees on top of this base. Contact the Circuit Clerk for the exact fee 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. This wait period starts from the filing date.

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 all divorce cases in Monroe County.

Alabama Code § 30-2-5 sets residency requirements. One spouse must be an Alabama resident before filing. If the other spouse is not a resident, the filing spouse needs six months of residency. This ensures proper court jurisdiction over the case.

Alabama Code § 30-2-8.1 mandates a 30 day waiting period. The court cannot issue a final decree until 30 days have passed from the filing date. This law applies to all divorces in Alabama. Temporary orders can be issued during the wait period for custody, support, or other urgent matters.

Alabama Code § 36-12-40 makes divorce records public. Any person can request and obtain copies of divorce decrees. The Circuit Clerk cannot refuse access unless a court has sealed the record. Sealed records are rare and require a court order to access.

What the Decree Contains

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 outlines property division, debt allocation, and spousal support if any. If children are involved, it covers custody, visitation, and child support.

The decree is signed by a Circuit Court judge and stamped with the official seal. Each page is numbered and certified. A certified copy is a legal document accepted by banks, government agencies, and other institutions.

Divorce certificates are different from decrees. The Alabama Department of Public Health issues certificates, which are one page summaries. They show only basic facts like names, date, and place of divorce. For most legal purposes, the full decree from the Circuit Clerk is required.

Are Records Sealed?

Most divorce records in Monroe County are public. However, a judge can seal a case in limited circumstances. Domestic violence cases may be sealed to protect a party. Cases involving confidential business information can also be sealed. The court decides on a case by case basis.

If a record is sealed, only the parties to the case can access it. You need a court order to view sealed records. The general public cannot obtain these files. The Circuit Clerk will inform you if a case is sealed when you request it.

Search Records Now

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