DeKalb County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In DeKalb County in 2026
DeKalbCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in DeKalb County, Alabama. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and spousal support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality protections.
Records may be searched through the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Alabama Court Information System, and the Alabama Department of Public Health's vital records division.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The DeKalb County – Ninth Circuit Court of Alabama maintains an online case search portal where members of the public may look up divorce case information by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies or document downloads.
2. State Vital Records
The Alabama Department of Public Health registers divorce certificates as vital records. Members of the public may request divorce certificates through the Alabama vital records office, which maintains records of divorces granted across the state. These certificates confirm the legal dissolution of a marriage but contain less detail than the full court case file.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court – DeKalb County Courthouse
DeKalb County Circuit Clerk's Office
300 Grand Avenue SW
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Phone: (256) 845-8525
DeKalb County – Ninth Circuit Court of Alabama
Members of the public may visit the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours to search case files, view documents at public access terminals, and request certified copies. Staff are available to assist with locating case records by party name, approximate filing date, or case number.
DeKalb County Health Department – Vital Records
DeKalb County Health Department
2207 Glenn Boulevard SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
Phone: (256) 845-1931
Vital Records – DeKalb County Health Department
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: DeKalb County Circuit Clerk, 300 Grand Avenue SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967
- Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, the requester's contact information, and payment for applicable copy fees
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time is typically one to two weeks, though older or archived records may require additional time
By Phone
The Circuit Clerk's office may be reached at (256) 845-8525. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, and advise on case status or filing date. Detailed document contents and confidential information cannot be disclosed by telephone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Alabama may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed or restricted documents through appropriate court motions. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Alabama State Bar's lawyer referral service for assistance.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal names of both spouses, including maiden names where applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Marriage date and county of residence at the time of filing
Search in Correct County:
Under Alabama law, a divorce action is filed in 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. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.
Residency Requirement:
Pursuant to § 30-2-5 of the Code of Alabama, at least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Alabama for six months immediately preceding the filing of the divorce complaint.
Time Considerations:
- Recent divorces may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing; records are typically available within days to a few weeks of entry of the final judgment
- Older divorce records may be archived and not yet digitized; retrieval of archived files may require additional processing time
What If You Cannot Find a Record:
- Verify the correct county of filing
- Search under alternate name spellings and both spouses' names
- Confirm the divorce was finalized rather than still pending
- Check the Alabama Department of Public Health's divorce certificate records
- Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (256) 845-8525 for assistance
What Are DeKalb County Divorce Records?
DeKalb County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Alabama. These records constitute part of the public court file maintained by the Circuit Clerk and document the legal dissolution of a marriage under Alabama family law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits, parenting plans, settlement agreements, motions, court orders, hearing transcripts, and the final judgment of dissolution.
The Final Decree is the official court order that legally ends the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, the division of marital property, any alimony or spousal support awarded, child custody and visitation arrangements, child support obligations, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Clerk's office.
Supporting Documents may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, parenting plan attachments, and any post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including proof of marital status for remarriage, documentation for name change proceedings, verification for immigration applications, Social Security benefit determinations, estate planning, property transfer documentation, and genealogical research.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Circuit Clerk of DeKalb County serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files and indexes records by the names of the parties. The Alabama Department of Public Health maintains divorce certificates as part of the state's vital records system, though these certificates contain less comprehensive information than the full court file.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Alabama are governed by Title 30, Chapter 2 of the Code of Alabama, which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural rules. Public access to court records is governed by the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration and the state's open records framework.
Are DeKalb County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in DeKalb County are public court records, accessible to members of the public in accordance with Alabama's open records laws and court access rules. The presumption under Alabama law favors public access to court proceedings and documents, though specific categories of information within divorce files may be restricted or redacted.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Final judgment of dissolution
- Property division orders
- General case status and disposition
What May Be Restricted:
Financial information such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers is redacted from publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules protecting sensitive personal identifiers. Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access.
Information concerning minor children, including their residential addresses, schools, medical records, psychological evaluations, and custody evaluation reports, may be restricted or sealed to protect the children's welfare. Guardian ad litem reports are treated as confidential in most circumstances.
In cases involving domestic violence, allegations of abuse, or protective orders, the court may seal portions of the record or restrict access to the victim's address and contact information to prevent harm.
Sealed Records:
A court may seal an entire case file or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. Parties seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
Who Can Access Records:
- Members of the general public may access most case information and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the case have full access to their own case file, including confidential documents
- Licensed attorneys may access case files and may petition the court for access to sealed materials
- Researchers and members of the media may access public portions of the record; access to sealed materials requires a court order
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use the information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any use that violates an existing protective order.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in DeKalb County?
The Circuit Clerk of DeKalb County charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Alabama law. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Divorce certificate (via ADPH) | $15.00 for first copy; $6.00 each additional |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Varies by request |
Fees for certified copies of court documents are set pursuant to § 12-19-90 of the Code of Alabama, which governs court costs and fees in civil proceedings. The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15.00 for the first certified copy of a divorce certificate and $6.00 for each additional copy requested at the same time.
Accepted payment methods at the Circuit Clerk's office include cash, money order, and credit or debit card; members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a mail request. Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties upon application to the court; eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Members of the public may inspect public court records at the courthouse at no charge. Fees apply only when copies or certified documents are requested.
What's Included in Divorce Records in DeKalb County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk contains the following categories of documents:
Basic Case Information: Case number, court name and division, names of petitioner and respondent, assigned judge, attorneys of record, filing date, and case type.
Initial Pleadings: The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the marriage date and location, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for divorce, information concerning minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition states the respondent's position and any requests for affirmative relief.
Financial Affidavits: Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and retirement accounts, and all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Discovery Documents: The case file may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, financial records, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and investment account statements submitted during the discovery process.
Property-Related Documents: Marital asset inventories, debt inventories, real property appraisals, business valuations, and expert reports on the value of marital assets are included where applicable.
Children-Related Documents: Where minor children are involved, the file includes the parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, the timesharing schedule, child support calculation worksheets, income information for both parties, health insurance and childcare cost documentation, and the child support order. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered, are part of the file but may be restricted.
Settlement Documents: The marital settlement agreement, if the parties reached an agreement, comprehensively resolves all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related matters. Mediation agreements, where applicable, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.
Court Orders and Judgments: Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, the final judgment of dissolution, and any qualified domestic relations orders dividing retirement accounts are included in the case file.
Post-Judgment Documents: Petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modification requests, contempt motions, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions filed after entry of the final judgment are maintained as part of the ongoing case file.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed: Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted. Children's residential addresses, schools, and medical information may be restricted. Domestic violence details, mental health evaluations, and substance abuse records may be sealed by court order. Mediation communications are confidential and are not part of the public record.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in DeKalb County?
Proof of divorce in DeKalb County may be obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution from the Circuit Clerk's office, or a certified divorce certificate from the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Certified Copy of Final Decree:
Members of the public may request a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution directly from the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or by telephone inquiry to confirm availability. The certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other legal purposes.
DeKalb County Circuit Clerk's Office
300 Grand Avenue SW
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Phone: (256) 845-8525
DeKalb County – Ninth Circuit Court of Alabama
Divorce Certificate from Alabama Department of Public Health:
The Alabama Department of Public Health issues certified divorce certificates for divorces granted in Alabama. As noted on the Alabama vital records divorce certificates page, errors on a divorce certificate must be corrected through the Alabama county circuit court that granted the divorce. Requests may be submitted through the DeKalb County Health Department or directly to the state vital records office.
DeKalb County Health Department
2207 Glenn Boulevard SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
Phone: (256) 845-1931
Vital Records – DeKalb County Health Department
The requester must provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and payment of applicable fees. A government-issued photo identification is required for certified copy requests.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in DeKalb County?
Divorce proceedings in DeKalb County are presumptively public, but Alabama courts retain authority to seal records or restrict access in specific circumstances.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where the case involves allegations of domestic violence, the court may restrict public access to the victim's address, contact information, and related evidence to prevent further harm.
- Cases involving minor children: Sensitive information concerning children, including psychological evaluations, custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and children's residential addresses, may be sealed or restricted upon motion of a party or the court's own initiative.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to a party's mental health treatment or medical condition that are submitted as exhibits may be sealed pursuant to applicable privacy protections.
- Confidential settlements: The terms of a private settlement agreement may be kept confidential if the parties so agree and the court approves, though the final judgment itself remains public.
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may file a motion requesting that the court seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a showing of good cause. The court applies a balancing test under Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration.
- Mediation communications: Pursuant to § 6-6-591 of the Code of Alabama, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public record.
How Long Does DeKalb County Keep Divorce Records?
DeKalb County divorce records are maintained for extended periods in accordance with Alabama's court records retention schedules, which are established by the Alabama Supreme Court and the Alabama Department of Archives and History.
- Permanent retention: Final judgments of dissolution, final decrees, and orders affecting property rights are retained permanently as part of the official court record.
- Active case files: Complete case files for finalized divorce proceedings are retained for a minimum of ten years following the entry of the final judgment, after which they may be transferred to archival storage.
- Post-judgment modification files: Records of post-judgment proceedings, including custody and support modifications, are retained for the same period as the original case file.
- Archived records: Older divorce records that have been transferred to archival storage remain accessible upon request, though retrieval may require additional processing time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically through the Alabama court system are maintained in the court's electronic records management system and are subject to the same retention schedules as paper records.
- Vital records (divorce certificates): The Alabama Department of Public Health retains divorce certificates in the state vital records system indefinitely, providing an alternative source for proof of divorce in older cases.
Members of the public seeking records from archived or older cases should contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly to confirm availability and estimated retrieval time.