The State of Alabama maintains comprehensive records of divorces through both the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the local Circuit Courts where divorces are finalized.
This guide outlines the process for obtaining a certified copy of an Alabama divorce certificate, locating divorce decrees, and understanding the distinctions between available record types.
What Are Considered Divorce Records?
The term Alabama divorce records encompasses three distinct types of documents:
- Divorce Certificates
Issued by the Alabama Center for Health Statistics, a division of the Alabama Department of Public Health, divorce certificates serve as official proof that a divorce occurred. These certificates include basic details such as the names of both spouses, the date of the divorce, and the county where the decree was granted. They do not contain specific terms of the divorce settlement.
- Divorce Decrees
A divorce decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It contains detailed information about property division, spousal support, child custody, and other conditions determined by the court. Divorce decrees are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the divorce took place.
- Divorce Case Files
These files include the complete set of legal documents filed during the divorce proceedings. Case files may contain petitions, motions, court transcripts, and judgments. They are typically stored by the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
Are Alabama Divorce Records Public?
Pursuant to the Code of Alabama §36–12–40, most Alabama divorce records are considered public records. This means that members of the public may request copies, provided they can supply the necessary identifying information. However, certain sensitive case files may be sealed by the court if they involve issues such as domestic violence or child protection.
How to Obtain a Certified Copy of an Alabama Divorce Certificate?
Certified copies of divorce certificates for events that occurred from 1950 to the present can be obtained through the Alabama Vital Records Office, part of the Center for Health Statistics.
Request Methods
1. In-Person RequestsVisit any county health department in Alabama to request a certified copy of a divorce certificate. In most cases, the certificate can be issued on the same day.
2. By MailComplete the Vital Records Request Application Form and mail it to:
Alabama Vital RecordsP.O. Box 5625Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
Include the following:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order made payable to the State Board of Health
- A fee of $15 for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional copy requested at the same time.
3. Online OrdersCertificates may be ordered online through VitalChek, a secure external vendor authorized by the State of Alabama. Additional service fees and expedited shipping options may apply.
Required Information
To ensure accurate processing, the applicant must provide:
- Full names of both spouses (including maiden names, if applicable)
- Date of the divorce
- County where the divorce was granted
- The requester’s relationship to the parties involved (if applicable)
If no matching record is found, the applicant will receive a Certificate of Failure to Find.
How to Access Divorce Decrees and Case Files
For copies of divorce decrees or access to divorce case files, individuals must contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the divorce was finalized. These records are maintained at the county level and are not available through the Alabama Department of Public Health.
- Certified copies of divorce decrees typically cost $0.50 per page.
- Requests may be made in person or via written request to the appropriate court clerk.
- Some counties may provide online portals for case lookup; however, access to full decrees often requires a formal request.
Apostille and Exemplified Copies for International Use
If you require an Apostille or Exemplified copy of a divorce certificate for use outside the United States, contact the Alabama Center for Health Statistics. These documents are authenticated by the Alabama Secretary of State and may be necessary for international legal recognition.
Records Prior to 1950
For divorces granted before 1950, certified copies of records must be obtained directly from the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in the county where the divorce occurred. Older records may be archived and could require additional processing time.
Additional Information: Alabama Vital Records
The Alabama Vital Records Office also provides certified copies of:
- Birth Certificates
- Death Certificates
- Marriage Records
These records, along with divorce certificates, are part of the Center for Health Statistics, which also maintains state data on marriage and divorce rates for public health monitoring and policy development.
Contact Information
For questions or further assistance, contact the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics at:
Phone: (334) 206-5418Website: www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords