Mobile County Divorce Records

What Are Mobile County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Mobile County, Alabama are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Alabama Code § 30-2-1, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, including the initial complaint for divorce, summons, answer, financial affidavits, property settlement agreements, and the final decree of divorce.

The Mobile County Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division, maintains these records as part of its official court functions. Under Alabama law, divorce records serve several important purposes:

• Legal proof of marital status change
• Documentation required for remarriage
• Evidence for name change processes
• Verification for Social Security benefits claims
• Supporting documentation for loan applications
• Required evidence for immigration matters
• Historical and genealogical research

The Mobile County Circuit Court processes and maintains records for approximately 3,000 divorce cases annually, making these documents a significant component of the county's public records system.

Are Mobile County Divorce Records Public?

Mobile County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally considered public records under the Alabama Open Records Act, which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, this access is not absolute and contains important limitations.

The following components of divorce records are typically accessible to the public:

• Case docket information (case numbers, parties' names, filing dates)
• Final divorce decrees (with certain redactions)
• Court hearing schedules
• General case status information

However, several categories of information within divorce records may be restricted from public access:

• Financial affidavits and detailed financial information
• Records containing Social Security numbers, bank account details, or other personal identifiers
• Documents related to minor children, including custody evaluations
• Records sealed by judicial order pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 37
• Records containing allegations of domestic violence or abuse
• Medical or mental health information

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, these certificates are available only to:

• The parties named in the divorce
• Legal representatives with proper authorization
• Individuals with a demonstrable legal interest

How To Find a Divorce Record In Mobile County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Mobile County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific information needed and the requester's relationship to the case.

For general divorce record searches:

1. Visit the Mobile County Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division in person:

   Mobile County Circuit Court - Domestic Relations Division
   205 Government Street, Room C 909
   Mobile, AL 36644-2909
   (251) 574-8576
   Mobile County Circuit Court
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

2. Submit a written request to the court clerk, including:

   • Full names of both parties to the divorce
   • Approximate date of divorce (month and year)
   • Case number (if known)
   • Requester's contact information
   • Specific documents requested
   • Payment of applicable fees

3. Access the Alabama Judicial System's online case search system, Alacourt, which requires registration and payment of subscription fees.

4. For certified divorce certificates (not full case files), contact:

   Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health Statistics
   P.O. Box 5625
   Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
   (334) 206-5418
   Alabama Department of Public Health
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Current fees for divorce record searches in Mobile County are $5.00 per name searched, with additional charges for copies ($1.00 per page) and certification ($5.00 per document).

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Mobile County Online?

Mobile County provides several digital resources for accessing divorce records online. These electronic systems offer convenience but may have limitations regarding the scope of available information.

To search for divorce records online:

1. Access the Mobile County Probate Court's Records Search system, which provides limited information about divorce filings that involve property transfers or name changes recorded with the Probate Court.

2. Register for an account with Alacourt, Alabama's statewide court records database. This subscription-based service provides:

   • Case status information
   • Party names and attorney information
   • Docket entries and case actions
   • Limited document access (not all documents are available electronically)

3. Visit the Alabama Department of Public Health's Online Services to request certified divorce certificates (verification of divorce only, not full court records).

When using online systems, users should note:

• Full case documents may not be available electronically
• Sensitive information is typically redacted from online records
• Older records (generally pre-2000) may not be digitized
• Online searches require exact name spelling
• Some online services charge subscription or per-search fees

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 30-3B-209, certain information in family court cases must be kept confidential, which may limit online access to complete divorce records.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Mobile County?

While comprehensive divorce records typically involve fees, Mobile County residents can access limited divorce record information at no cost through several channels:

1. Use public access terminals at the Mobile County Circuit Court:

   Mobile County Circuit Court - Domestic Relations Division
   205 Government Street, Room C 909
   Mobile, AL 36644-2909
   (251) 574-8576
   Mobile County Circuit Court
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

   These terminals provide basic case information without charge, though printing fees may apply.

2. Visit the Mobile County Law Library, which offers public access to legal resources:

   Mobile County Law Library
   Government Plaza, 10th Floor
   205 Government Street
   Mobile, AL 36644
   (251) 574-8255
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

3. Check the Mobile County Circuit Court's online docket, which provides free access to court calendars showing scheduled hearings for divorce cases.

4. Consult the Mobile County Probate Court's Records Search for basic information about divorce-related property transfers or name changes.

While these free resources provide limited information, they can help verify the existence of a divorce case and obtain basic details before deciding whether to pay for complete records.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Mobile County

Mobile County divorce records comprise a comprehensive collection of documents generated throughout the divorce proceeding. These records typically contain:

1. Initial Pleadings:

   • Complaint for Divorce (petition)
   • Summons and proof of service
   • Answer and/or counterclaim
   • Temporary orders motions and rulings

2. Financial Documentation:

   • Income affidavits (CS-41 forms)
   • Asset and liability statements
   • Child support calculations (CS-42 forms)
   • Financial discovery documents

3. Settlement Documents:

   • Property settlement agreements
   • Child custody and visitation arrangements
   • Alimony/spousal support provisions
   • Child support determinations

4. Court Proceedings:

   • Hearing transcripts (if requested)
   • Deposition transcripts (if applicable)
   • Mediation agreements
   • Guardian ad litem reports (in cases involving children)

5. Final Documents:

   • Final Decree of Divorce
   • Judge's findings of fact and conclusions of law
   • Child support income withholding orders
   • Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts

6. Post-Judgment Filings:

   • Motions to modify divorce terms
   • Contempt proceedings
   • Appeals documentation
   • Enforcement actions

The specific content of divorce records varies based on the complexity of the case, whether children are involved, and if the divorce was contested or uncontested. All divorce records in Mobile County must comply with the requirements set forth in Alabama Code § 30-2-8 regarding the content of divorce decrees.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Mobile County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Mobile County have several options for obtaining this documentation, depending on their specific needs:

1. For a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce:

   Mobile County Circuit Court - Domestic Relations Division
   205 Government Street, Room C 909
   Mobile, AL 36644-2909
   (251) 574-8576
   Mobile County Circuit Court
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

   Required information:

   • Names of both parties
   • Case number (if known)
   • Approximate date of divorce
   • Valid photo identification
   • Payment of $5.00 certification fee plus $1.00 per page

2. For a Certificate of Divorce (official verification document):

   Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health Statistics
   P.O. Box 5625
   Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
   (334) 206-5418
   Alabama Department of Public Health
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

   Required information:

   • Full names of both parties
   • Date of divorce
   • County where divorce was granted
   • Purpose for requesting the certificate
   • Payment of $15.00 fee

3. For apostille certification (international recognition):

   After obtaining a certified copy from the court, contact:

   Alabama Secretary of State - Authentications Division
   P.O. Box 5616
   Montgomery, AL 36103
   (334) 242-7200
   Alabama Secretary of State
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

   Additional fees apply for apostille services.

Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or in some cases, online through the Alabama Department of Public Health's Online Services.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Mobile County?

While divorce proceedings in Mobile County are generally matters of public record, Alabama law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential.

Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:

1. Sealed Records: Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 37, a judge may order divorce records sealed upon motion by either party if:

   • Disclosure would cause specific harm to parties or children
   • Confidentiality interests outweigh public access interests
   • No less restrictive alternatives exist

2. Automatic Confidentiality Protections:

   • Records containing Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth are automatically redacted from public access
   • Documents related to child abuse allegations or investigations
   • Medical and mental health records submitted as evidence
   • Guardian ad litem reports concerning minor children

3. Domestic Violence Protections:

   • Under Alabama Code § 30-5-5, victims of domestic violence may request additional confidentiality protections
   • Address confidentiality programs may shield residential information
   • Protective orders may be issued restricting information disclosure

4. Alternative Dispute Resolution:

   • Mediation proceedings are confidential by law
   • Settlement negotiations conducted through mediation remain private
   • Only the final agreement becomes part of the public record

Parties seeking confidentiality must typically file a specific motion with the court demonstrating good cause for restricting public access. The court balances privacy interests against the presumption of public access to court records when making these determinations.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Mobile County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Mobile County varies significantly based on several factors. Current timeframes reflect the following patterns:

1. Uncontested Divorces:

   • Without children: Typically 30-60 days from filing to final decree
   • With children: Approximately 60-90 days due to mandatory parenting classes and additional review

2. Contested Divorces:

   • Simple contested cases: 6-9 months
   • Complex contested cases (significant assets or custody disputes): 12-18 months
   • Highly litigious cases: May extend beyond 24 months

Factors affecting timeframes include:

• Court docket congestion (currently approximately 3,000 divorce cases annually in Mobile County)
• Complexity of asset division
• Child custody disputes
• Discovery complications
• Attorney scheduling conflicts
• Judicial caseload
• Mediation participation
• Party cooperation

According to the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, the median time from filing to disposition for domestic relations cases in Mobile County is approximately 8.5 months, though individual cases may vary significantly.

Alabama law imposes a 30-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized, as specified in Alabama Code § 30-2-8.1. Additionally, at least one party must have been a resident of Alabama for six months before filing, which may affect overall timelines.

How Long Does Mobile County Keep Divorce Records?

Mobile County maintains divorce records according to Alabama's records retention schedules, which establish different preservation periods based on record type and historical significance.

Current retention periods for divorce records in Mobile County are:

1. Case Files and Final Decrees:

   • Permanent retention for all final divorce decrees
   • Complete case files from 1950 to present maintained indefinitely
   • Pre-1950 case files may be selectively preserved based on historical significance

2. Docket Books and Indices:

   • Permanent retention for all docket books and case indices
   • These records serve as finding aids for locating specific divorce cases

3. Exhibits and Evidence:

   • Retained for 1 year after final disposition if not reclaimed by parties
   • May be retained longer if post-judgment proceedings are pending
   • Photographs and documentary evidence may be incorporated into the permanent case file

4. Audio/Video Recordings:

   • Court proceeding recordings retained for 10 years
   • Transcripts of proceedings become part of the permanent case file when prepared

5. Divorce Certificates:

   • The Alabama Department of Public Health maintains divorce certificates permanently
   • These certificates contain basic information about the divorce but not complete case details

These retention schedules comply with the Alabama Local Government Records Commission requirements and Alabama Code § 41-13-23, which governs public records preservation.

For historical divorce records (generally pre-1950), researchers may need to contact:

Alabama Department of Archives and History
624 Washington Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36130
(334) 242-4435
Alabama Department of Archives and History
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

How To Get a Divorce In Mobile County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Mobile County must follow specific procedures established by Alabama law and local court rules.

The divorce process in Mobile County typically includes:

1. Residency Requirements:

   • At least one spouse must have been an Alabama resident for six months prior to filing
   • The complaint should be filed in the county where the defendant resides or where the parties lived when they separated

2. Grounds for Divorce:

   • Alabama recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds
   • Common grounds include incompatibility, irretrievable breakdown, and abandonment
   • Complete grounds are enumerated in Alabama Code § 30-2-1

3. Filing Procedures:

   • Obtain appropriate forms from the Mobile County Circuit Court or through an attorney

   • Complete the Complaint for Divorce and related documents

   • File paperwork with the Circuit Court Clerk:

     Mobile County Circuit Court - Domestic Relations Division
     205 Government Street, Room C 909
     Mobile, AL 36644-2909
     (251) 574-8576
     Mobile County Circuit Court
     Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

   • Pay filing fees (currently $324 for divorce without children, $334 with children)

   • Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals

4. Service of Process:

   • The non-filing spouse must be legally notified of the divorce action
   • Options include sheriff's service, certified mail, or publication (if location unknown)
   • The defendant has 30 days to respond after being served

5. Required Documentation:

   • Child Support Information Sheet (CS-47) if children are involved
   • Income Statement/Affidavit (CS-41)
   • Child Support Obligation Income Statement/Affidavit (CS-42)
   • Child Support Guidelines Notice of Compliance (CS-43)
   • Standing Pretrial Order must be signed by both parties

6. Mandatory Programs:

   • Parents of minor children must complete a court-approved parenting class
   • Mediation may be required in contested cases

7. Final Hearing:

   • Uncontested cases may be processed without a formal hearing
   • Contested cases require court appearances and potentially a trial
   • After the judge signs the final decree, the divorce becomes effective

Legal assistance resources include:

Legal Services Alabama - Mobile Office
104 Saint Francis Street, Suite 700
Mobile, AL 36602
(866) 456-4995
Legal Services Alabama
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

How To Get Divorce Papers In Mobile County

Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Mobile County can obtain the necessary forms through several official channels.

To acquire divorce papers:

1. Circuit Court Clerk's Office:

   Mobile County Circuit Court - Domestic Relations Division
   205 Government Street, Room C 909
   Mobile, AL 36644-2909
   (251) 574-8576
   Mobile County Circuit Court
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

   The clerk provides basic divorce packets for both contested and uncontested divorces, with and without children. Fees for form packets range from $5 to $10.

2. Online Resources:

   • The Mobile County Circuit Court Forms page provides downloadable divorce forms
   • The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts eforms portal offers standardized divorce documents
   • Forms must be printed and filed in person or by mail

3. Law Library:

   Mobile County Law Library
   Government Plaza, 10th Floor
   205 Government Street
   Mobile, AL 36644
   (251) 574-8255
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

   The law library maintains reference copies of divorce forms and can provide guidance on form completion.

4. Legal Aid Organizations:

   Legal Services Alabama - Mobile Office
   104 Saint Francis Street, Suite 700
   Mobile, AL 36602
   (866) 456-4995
   Legal Services Alabama
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

   Provides form assistance to qualifying low-income individuals.

Required forms typically include:

• Complaint/Petition for Divorce (Form PS-01)
• Summons (Form PS-02)
• Domestic Relations Information Sheet (Form AOC-DR-1)
• Testimony of Plaintiff (Form PS-08)
• Final Decree of Divorce (Form PS-10)
• Child Support Forms (CS-41, CS-42, CS-43, CS-47) if children are involved
• Certificate of Divorce (to be filed with Alabama Department of Public Health)

All forms must comply with Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 10 regarding form and content of pleadings.

Lookup Divorce Records in Mobile County

Records Search

Divorce Certificates

Mobile County Probate Court

Mobile County Court Forms

Mobile County Circuit Court Domestic Relations Division