Clarke County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Clarke County in 2026
ClarkeRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Clarke County, Alabama. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and post-judgment modifications. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Clarke County may be searched through official court resources, the Clerk of Court's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online portals maintained by the state judiciary. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Clarke County – First Circuit Court of Alabama maintains case information accessible through the court's online portal. This is the most direct method for locating divorce case records. Basic case information, including party names, case numbers, and filing dates, is available at no charge. Fees apply for obtaining copies of actual documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts operates a statewide on-demand access system for Alabama trial court records. Members of the public may search across jurisdictions and access consolidated case data from Alabama's circuit and district courts, including family law matters filed in Clarke County.
3. State Vital Records
The Alabama Department of Public Health registers divorce certificates as vital records. The ADPH Divorce Certificates page provides information on obtaining a divorce certificate, which serves as official documentation that a divorce was granted. These certificates contain limited information compared to full court case files and are subject to applicable fees.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court – Clarke County Circuit Court:
- Address: Clarke County Courthouse, 114 Court Street, Grove Hill, AL 36451
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (excluding state holidays)
- Phone: (251) 275-3363
- Services:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
Clarke County Health Department – Vital Records:
- Address: 105 West Cobb Street, Grove Hill, AL 36451
- Phone: (251) 275-3131
- Vital Records – Clarke County Health Department
- Services:
- Divorce certificate requests
- Vital statistics services for eligible requestors
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Clarke County Circuit Court Clerk, 114 Court Street, Grove Hill, AL 36451
- Include:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request (if required)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, depending on volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (251) 275-3363
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed case information by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex divorce matters may engage licensed legal counsel to access court records on their behalf. Attorneys admitted to practice in Alabama may request sealed documents upon demonstrating appropriate legal basis. The Alabama State Bar provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking legal representation in family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Clarke County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Alabama law, divorce proceedings are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be located by searching the county where the marriage occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 30-2-5, at least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Alabama for six months immediately preceding the filing of the divorce complaint. The action is filed in the county of the plaintiff's residence or, if the defendant is a resident, in the county of the defendant's residence.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered
- Court staff can confirm whether a case has been finalized
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Not all historical records have been digitized; in-person requests are advisable for older cases
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of search
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed or subject to confidentiality order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (251) 275-3363 to request assistance
- Attempt alternate name spellings for both parties
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the ADPH Divorce Certificates database for a registered certificate
- Engage a licensed attorney or professional records search service for complex cases
What Are Clarke County Divorce Records?
Clarke County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Clarke County Circuit Court, which serves as the First Judicial Circuit of Alabama. These records constitute part of the permanent family law case file maintained by the Clerk of Court and are subject to Alabama's public records framework.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and child custody arrangements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings (where prepared)
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree:
The final decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support provisions, if any
- Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Court upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents:
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan attachments
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for legal name change
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings requiring marital status verification
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal recordkeeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court:
The Clarke County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Clerk's office maintains complete case files, provides certified copies, and indexes records by party names. The Clarke County – First Circuit Court of Alabama website provides access to case information.
State Vital Records Office:
The Alabama Department of Public Health maintains divorce certificates as part of the state's vital records system. As noted on the ADPH Divorce Certificates page, errors on a divorce certificate must be corrected through the Alabama county circuit court that granted the divorce, reflecting the court's role as the authoritative source.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Alabama are governed by Alabama Code § 30-2-1 et seq., which establishes the grounds for divorce, jurisdictional requirements, and procedural standards applicable to all dissolution of marriage actions filed in the state's circuit courts. Public access to court records is further governed by Alabama's open records provisions and applicable court rules balancing transparency with privacy protections for family law matters.
Are Clarke County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Clarke County Circuit Court are public court records under Alabama law, subject to the state's open records framework. Members of the public may access basic case information, court orders, and final judgments. Certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data, minor children, and domestic violence victims.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and scheduled proceedings
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal or with limited access)
- Salary and income details (subject to applicable court rules)
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological information concerning children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Sexual abuse allegations and related evidence
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Cases involving abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlements may be subject to sealing orders entered by the presiding judge.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
Alabama's presumption of public access to court records is grounded in the principle that judicial proceedings are open to public scrutiny. Restrictions require a specific legal basis, and courts apply a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
Privacy Protections:
State-Specific Protections:
- Alabama family law confidentiality rules applicable to minor children's information
- Domestic violence victim address protections
- Child protection statutes limiting disclosure of identifying information
Federal Protections:
- HIPAA protections applicable to medical records submitted as exhibits
- Federal domestic violence protections under the Violence Against Women Act
- Children's privacy protections under applicable federal statutes
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor Category | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General Public | Public documents, docket entries, final orders |
| Parties to the Case | Full access to own case file, including confidential portions |
| Attorneys of Record | Access to case files; may petition for sealed documents |
| Researchers and Media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law Enforcement | Statutory access to records relevant to investigations |
Restrictions on Use:
Access to divorce records is subject to prohibitions on use for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting protected by the First Amendment, and academic research.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Clarke County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test. Parties to the case, social services agencies, law enforcement, and court-appointed evaluators may have statutory entitlement to certain restricted records without a separate court order.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Clarke County?
The Clarke County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Alabama law. Current fees applicable to divorce record requests are as follows:
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Certification seal | Included in certification fee |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Varies by request |
| ADPH divorce certificate | $15.00 per copy |
- Inspection fees: Members of the public may inspect public court records at the courthouse at no charge during regular business hours.
- Copy fees: Per-page copy fees apply to paper reproductions of case documents.
- Certification fees: A certification fee is charged for each document requiring the Clerk's official seal and attestation.
- Electronic format fees: Availability of electronic copies varies; members of the public should inquire directly with the Clerk's office.
- Search fees: The Clerk's office may charge a search fee for requests requiring staff research, particularly for older or archived records.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Money order
- Certified check payable to Clarke County Circuit Court Clerk
- Credit and debit card acceptance varies; members of the public should confirm with the Clerk's office prior to submitting payment
Fee Waivers:
Fee waivers may be available to indigent requestors upon submission of an affidavit of substantial hardship, consistent with Alabama court rules governing access to justice for low-income individuals.
What Is Available at No Cost:
Basic case information, including case numbers, party names, filing dates, and docket entries, may be viewed through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts online portal without charge. Viewing documents at the courthouse public access terminal does not require a copy fee unless the requestor elects to print documents.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Clarke County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Clarke County Circuit Court Clerk contains the following categories of documents, organized chronologically and indexed by document type.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number and court name
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:
- Petitioner's and respondent's identifying information
- Date and location of marriage
- Date of separation, if applicable
- Grounds for divorce (Alabama recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds under Alabama Code § 30-2-1)
- Information concerning minor children, including names and dates of birth
- Claims regarding marital property and debts
- Requests for spousal support, child custody, and child support
Response/Answer:
- Respondent's admissions or denials
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Respondent's independent requests for relief
Financial Affidavits:
- Both parties' income from all sources
- Monthly living expenses
- Complete asset inventory (real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, personal property)
- Complete liability inventory (mortgages, loans, credit card debt)
Discovery Documents:
- Tax returns for recent years
- Pay stubs and employer verification
- Bank and investment account statements
- Retirement account statements
- Business financial statements, if applicable
- Written interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production and responsive documents
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with estimated values
- Debt inventory with balances and creditor information
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations
- Personal property appraisals and expert reports
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
Parenting Plan:
- Legal custody designation (sole or joint decision-making authority)
- Physical custody and primary residence designation
- Regular timesharing schedule
- Holiday, summer, and vacation schedules
- Transportation and exchange arrangements
- Communication protocols between parents and with children
- Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
- Relocation restrictions
Child Support:
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income information for both parties
- Number of overnight visits per year
- Health insurance and childcare cost allocations
- Amount of support ordered and payment schedule
- Income deduction order, if applicable
Custody Evaluations (if ordered):
- Psychologist or evaluator reports and recommendations
- Home study findings
- Parenting assessments (may be sealed)
Support Documents:
Alimony/Spousal Support:
- Type of alimony awarded (periodic, lump sum, or rehabilitative, as recognized under Alabama law)
- Amount and duration of payments
- Modification and termination provisions
- Tax treatment provisions
Settlement Documents:
Marital Settlement Agreement:
- Comprehensive resolution of all contested issues
- Real and personal property distribution
- Debt allocation between parties
- Spousal support terms
- Child-related provisions
- Attorney fee allocation
- Signatures of both parties and notarization
Mediation Agreement (if applicable):
- Terms reached through mediation
- Incorporation into the marital settlement agreement
Court Orders and Judgments:
Temporary Orders:
- Temporary custody and support during pendency of proceedings
- Temporary use and possession of marital residence
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions
Final Judgment of Dissolution:
- Court's findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Date of dissolution of marriage
- Complete property division with specific asset and debt awards
- Spousal support orders
- Child custody, timesharing, and support orders
- Name restoration order, if requested
- Judge's signature and court seal
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):
- Separate order directing division of retirement plan benefits
- Instructions to plan administrator
- Applicable where retirement accounts are divided as marital property
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody, timesharing, or support
- Court orders on modification petitions
- Contempt motions and orders for non-compliance
- Income deduction orders and enforcement actions
- Liens filed against property for unpaid support
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed agreements
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Clarke County?
Proof of divorce in Clarke County is obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution from the Circuit Court Clerk, or a divorce certificate from the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Certified Copy of Final Decree (Circuit Court):
A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution is the most comprehensive form of proof of divorce and is accepted for legal, immigration, and remarriage purposes. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:
- Visiting the Clarke County Circuit Court Clerk's office in person at 114 Court Street, Grove Hill, AL 36451, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
- Submitting a written request by mail to the same address, including the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and payment for applicable fees
- Accessing case information through the Clarke County – First Circuit Court of Alabama online portal and following the document request process
Divorce Certificate (State Vital Records):
The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates as part of the state's vital records system. A divorce certificate provides official confirmation that a divorce was granted and includes the names of the parties, the county of filing, and the date of dissolution. Members of the public may request a divorce certificate through the ADPH Divorce Certificates page or in person at the Clarke County Health Department, located at 105 West Cobb Street, Grove Hill, AL 36451, phone (251) 275-3131.
Clarke County Health Department – Vital Records
105 West Cobb Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3131
Vital Records – Clarke County Health Department
Clarke County Circuit Court Clerk
114 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3363
Clarke County – First Circuit Court of Alabama
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Clarke County?
Divorce proceedings in Clarke County are presumptively public, but Alabama law and court rules permit certain records or portions of records to be sealed or restricted under defined circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Divorce Records May Be Confidential:
- Court-ordered sealing: A judge may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a finding of good cause, such as the presence of sensitive personal information, domestic violence concerns, or the need to protect minor children.
- Domestic violence cases: Information that could identify the address or location of a domestic violence victim may be withheld from public access pursuant to applicable state and federal protective provisions.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological information concerning minor children are subject to restriction under Alabama family law rules and child protection statutes.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records pertaining to mental health evaluations or substance abuse treatment submitted in divorce proceedings are restricted from general public access.
- Mediation communications: Under Alabama law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns and detailed financial statements may be filed under seal upon motion and court approval.
- Confidential settlements: Settlement terms not incorporated into a filed court order are not part of the public record.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Clarke County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The court evaluates such requests individually, consistent with the balancing framework applicable under Alabama court rules.
How Long Does Clarke County Keep Divorce Records?
Clarke County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Alabama's records retention schedules for permanent court records.
Retention Periods for Divorce Records:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. Final judgments of dissolution of marriage are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files: Circuit court case files, including all pleadings, orders, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with permanent retention applicable to final orders and judgments.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file for the same period applicable to the underlying case.
- Archived paper records: Older cases predating electronic filing are maintained in paper or microfilm format and may be held in off-site storage. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically through the Alabama court system are maintained in the statewide electronic case management system and are accessible through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts portal.
- Divorce certificates (ADPH): The Alabama Department of Public Health retains divorce certificates as permanent vital records consistent with the state's vital statistics retention schedule.
Alabama's records retention requirements for circuit court records are established by the Alabama Supreme Court and the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-17-94, circuit court clerks are responsible for the preservation and maintenance of all court records within their custody.