Search Montgomery County Divorce Decrees
Montgomery County divorce decrees are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Montgomery, Alabama's capital city. The city has nearly 196,000 residents, making it the fourth largest in the state. The courthouse is located in Montgomery, AL 36104. Contact the office through the main courthouse number for general information. The 15th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases. Office hours are Monday through Friday during standard business hours. The Circuit Court website at https://montgomery.alacourt.gov/ includes a dedicated divorce information page. Montgomery is home to state government agencies including the Alabama Department of Public Health, which maintains statewide vital records including divorce certificates from 1950 forward.
Circuit Clerk Office
The Montgomery County Circuit Clerk office is at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Montgomery, AL 36104. Contact the office through the main courthouse number. Office hours are Monday through Friday during standard business hours. 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 of divorce decrees cost 50 cents per page in most Alabama counties. Contact the Montgomery County Circuit Clerk office to confirm the current fee. A standard divorce decree runs 5 to 15 pages. Call ahead to estimate the total cost.
Payment methods vary. Some offices 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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.
The Montgomery County Circuit Court website at https://montgomery.alacourt.gov/ provides court information and resources. The dedicated divorce information page at https://montgomery.alacourt.gov/divorce/ offers specific guidance for people filing for divorce or seeking copies of divorce decrees.
Full divorce decrees are not available online. You must contact the Circuit Clerk to obtain certified copies. The online system provides basic case details only.
State Capital Resources
As the state capital, Montgomery is home to many state government agencies. The Alabama Department of Public Health maintains divorce certificates from 1950 forward. These are different from divorce decrees. Certificates are one page summaries showing only basic information. The full decree from the Circuit Clerk contains all terms of the divorce.
The Alabama Unified Judicial System has its headquarters in Montgomery. State court resources, rules, and forms are available through the judicial system website. Montgomery also houses the Alabama State Bar and other legal organizations.
Filing a New Divorce
To file for divorce in Montgomery 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 Montgomery.
Filing fees in Montgomery 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. Fees typically range from $200 to $350 statewide.
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 all divorce cases in Montgomery 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.
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.
Cities in Montgomery County
Montgomery County includes the city of Montgomery, Alabama's capital and fourth largest city with over 195,000 residents. Residents of Montgomery and other cities in the county file divorce cases with the Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Nearby Counties
Montgomery County is located in central Alabama. Nearby counties include Elmore County to the north, Autauga County to the northwest, Lowndes County to the south, and Macon County to the east. Each county maintains divorce records through its own Circuit Clerk office.
Search Divorce Records
Use the search tool below to find Montgomery County divorce decree records.