Dallas County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Dallas County in 2026
DallasCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Dallas County, Alabama. Members of the public may find case numbers, final decrees, party names, and related court documents through official channels. Record categories available through authorized sources include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, domestic relations orders, and post-judgment modifications. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through the Fourth Circuit Court of Alabama, the Dallas County Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and authorized online portals.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Alabama Alacourt.gov case search portal provides online access to circuit court case information, including domestic relations filings. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document retrieval and certified copies.
2. State Court System Portal
The Alabama Unified Judicial System maintains a statewide portal through which members of the public may search court records across all Alabama counties, including Dallas County domestic relations cases.
3. State Vital Records
Alabama does not issue divorce certificates through the vital records system in the same manner as birth or death certificates. The Alabama Department of Public Health maintains a Verification of Divorce form, which confirms that a divorce was granted but does not substitute for a certified court copy. The Dallas County Health Department has issued over 7,900 certified copies of vital records, reflecting the volume of records activity in the county.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Dallas County Circuit Court (Family Division)
Dallas County Courthouse — Circuit Clerk's Office
105 Lauderdale Street
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2516
Dallas County Circuit Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Case file searches by party name or case number
- Viewing of public court documents
- Requests for certified copies of final decrees
- Public access computer terminals
- Staff assistance for record location
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Dallas County Circuit Clerk, 105 Lauderdale Street, Selma, AL 36701
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's name, mailing address, and phone number
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, subject to case volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available by Phone:
- Dallas County Circuit Clerk: (334) 874-2516
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Information from sealed or confidential records
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Alabama may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through proper motion practice, and obtain certified copies through the clerk's office. The Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with licensed attorneys for family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior residential addresses in Dallas County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Alabama Code § 30-2-5, a divorce complaint must be filed in the county where the defendant resides, or in the county where the parties last cohabited, if the defendant is a nonresident. Members of the public who cannot locate a record in Dallas County should consider searching adjacent counties if either spouse resided elsewhere at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
Alabama law requires that at least one spouse be a bona fide resident of the state for a minimum of six months prior to filing for divorce, as provided under Alabama Code § 30-2-5.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Final decrees may not appear in online systems immediately following the court hearing
- Allow several business days to two weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered
- Clerks' offices update electronic indexes as documents are processed
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Pre-1990 records may not be digitized and must be retrieved from physical storage
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Divorce was filed in a different Alabama county
- Name variations between maiden name and married name
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case is still pending and no final judgment has been entered
- Record is sealed by court order
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
Next Steps:
- Contact the Dallas County Circuit Clerk at (334) 874-2516
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the search portal
- Search under both spouses' names
- Request a divorce verification through the Alabama Department of Public Health vital records office
- Engage a licensed Alabama attorney for complex searches
What Are Dallas County Divorce Records?
Dallas County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Fourth Circuit Court of Alabama. These records are maintained by the Dallas County Circuit Clerk and constitute part of the permanent family law case file. Under Alabama law, divorce proceedings are governed by Alabama Code Title 30, which establishes the legal framework for dissolution of marriage, property division, child custody, and support.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
- Petition for divorce (complaint for dissolution of marriage)
- Respondent's answer or counterclaim
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree
The final decree of divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support provisions, if any
- Child custody and visitation 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 Dallas County Circuit Clerk's office.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan attachments
- Post-judgment modification orders
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court
The Dallas County Circuit Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The clerk's office indexes records by party name and case number, maintains the official docket, and provides certified copies upon request.
Dallas County Circuit Clerk
105 Lauderdale Street
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2516
Dallas County Circuit Court
State Vital Records Office
The Alabama Department of Public Health maintains a divorce verification service but does not issue full certified copies of divorce decrees. The vital records office can confirm that a divorce was granted in Alabama for a specified period.
Alabama Department of Public Health — Vital Records
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
Phone: (334) 206-5418
Alabama Vital Records
Are Dallas County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in the Dallas County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the Alabama Open Records Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need. However, certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and state law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Final divorce decree and property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
- Alimony and support orders
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted by court order)
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Alabama law and are not part of the public record.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees; photo identification may be required
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents not available to the general public
- Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition the court for access to sealed materials
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require a court order
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Any use prohibited by applicable state or federal law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Dallas County?
The Dallas County Circuit Clerk's office charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Alabama law. Current fees are established under Alabama Code § 12-19-90, which governs court costs and fees in civil proceedings.
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Divorce verification (ADPH) | $15.00 per request |
| Online case information (basic) | Free |
| Document retrieval (online portal) | Varies by document |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Money order (mail requests)
- Cashier's check (mail requests)
- Credit or debit card (availability varies; confirm with clerk's office)
Fee Waivers:
Indigent parties who have been granted in forma pauperis status by the court may be entitled to waive certain copy fees. A formal motion must be filed with the court to establish eligibility.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Online case index searches through the Alacourt case search portal
- Basic docket information (case number, filing date, case status)
- In-person review of public case files at the courthouse (no copy fee for inspection only)
What's Included in Divorce Records in Dallas County
A complete Dallas County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the court from the initial petition through the final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the divorce was uncontested or contested, and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption with case number, court name, and division
- 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 divorce, including grounds, marriage date, children's information, and relief requested
- Respondent's answer or counterclaim
- Financial affidavits from both parties detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and personal property
- Debt inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations for real estate and business interests
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, and decision-making authority
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court (may be restricted)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted)
Settlement and Judgment Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all contested issues
- Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case
- Final judgment of divorce, including all findings of fact, property awards, support orders, and custody determinations
- Post-judgment modification orders, if any
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence and related protective order details
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications and settlement negotiations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Dallas County
Proof of divorce in Dallas County is obtained through a certified copy of the final divorce decree issued by the Dallas County Circuit Clerk, or through a divorce verification issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Step 1 — Determine the appropriate document:
- A certified copy of the final decree is required for legal proceedings, remarriage, name changes, and most official purposes.
- A divorce verification from the Alabama Department of Public Health confirms that a divorce was granted and is sufficient for some administrative purposes.
Step 2 — Obtain a certified copy from the Circuit Clerk:
Dallas County Circuit Clerk
105 Lauderdale Street
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2516
Dallas County Circuit Court
- In person: Present photo identification and the case number or party names; pay applicable fees at the time of request.
- By mail: Submit a written request with party names, approximate divorce date, case number if known, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Online: Access the Alacourt case portal to locate the case and request documents electronically where available.
Step 3 — Request a divorce verification from ADPH (if applicable):
Alabama Department of Public Health — Vital Records
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
Phone: (334) 206-5418
Alabama Vital Records
- Submit the ADPH divorce verification request form with the required fee of $15.00.
- Processing time varies; expedited options may be available.
The Dallas County Health Department serves as a local point of contact for vital records inquiries and has issued thousands of certified record copies to Dallas County residents.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Dallas County?
A divorce proceeding in Dallas County may be partially or fully confidential under limited circumstances established by Alabama court rules and state law.
- Sealed by court order: A judge may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a written motion demonstrating good cause, such as the presence of trade secrets, sensitive business valuations, or information that could endanger a party or child.
- Domestic violence cases: When a party has an active protective order or has alleged domestic violence, the court may restrict public access to residential addresses, contact information, and related evidence pursuant to Alabama's domestic violence statutes.
- Children's information: Under Alabama court rules, certain information identifying minor children — including their addresses, schools, and medical records — is routinely restricted from public access.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: These records are protected under both state law and federal regulations and are not accessible to the general public even when filed as exhibits.
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns and detailed financial statements may be filed under seal upon motion, limiting access to the parties and their attorneys.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a formal motion with the Dallas County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legally sufficient basis for disclosure. The Fourth Circuit Court of Alabama domestic relations division handles all such requests in family law matters.
How Long Does Dallas County Keep Divorce Records?
Dallas County divorce records are maintained in accordance with Alabama's court records retention schedule, which requires permanent preservation of final judgments and case files from completed proceedings.
- Final divorce decrees and judgments: Retained permanently as part of the official court record; these documents do not expire and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files: Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case under Alabama's standard civil records retention schedule; many older files are retained permanently.
- Electronic records: Cases filed through the Alabama electronic filing system are maintained in the Alacourt system and are accessible online for the foreseeable future.
- Paper records (pre-electronic filing): Older paper case files are stored at the courthouse or in off-site archives; retrieval may require additional processing time.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file for the same period as the underlying divorce record.
- Vital records divorce verifications: The Alabama Department of Public Health retains divorce verification data for cases registered with the state; records from 1950 forward are available through the ADPH vital records office.
Members of the public seeking records from cases more than 20 years old should contact the Dallas County Circuit Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.