Tallapoosa County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Tallapoosa County in 2026
TallapoosaRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, custody arrangements, and support orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable privacy restrictions.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Tallapoosa County.
Multiple Search Methods:
Online Searches:
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Tallapoosa County Circuit Clerk maintains the official record of all divorce proceedings filed in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Members of the public may access basic case information through the clerk's online portal at no charge. Certified copies of documents require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts operates a statewide case search system that allows users to search trial court records across Alabama jurisdictions. This consolidated database provides case numbers, party names, filing dates, and docket entries for divorce cases filed throughout the state.
3. State Vital Records
The Alabama Department of Public Health Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions granted in Alabama. The current fee to search for a divorce certificate is $15.00. Certified copies are available upon request and payment of applicable fees.
In-Person Searches:
Clerk of Court — Tallapoosa County Courthouse:
Tallapoosa County Circuit Clerk — Patrick Craddock
125 N. Broadnax Street
Dadeville, AL 36853
Phone: (256) 825-4268
Tallapoosa County Fifth Circuit Court of Alabama
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Receive staff assistance for locating records
A second courthouse location serves the Alexander City division:
Tallapoosa County Courthouse — Alexander City Division
256 W. Hillabee Street
Alexander City, AL 35010
Phone: (256) 234-3521
By Mail:
Written Request:
- Mail to: Tallapoosa County Circuit Clerk, 125 N. Broadnax Street, Dadeville, AL 36853
- Include the full names of both parties
- Include the approximate date of divorce
- Include the case number, if known
- Include your full name and return mailing address
- Include the purpose of the request, if required
- Include payment for applicable copy fees
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to volume and record availability
By Phone:
Limited Information:
- Circuit Clerk (Dadeville): (256) 825-4268
- Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, confirm case status, and provide the filing date
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by telephone
Through Attorneys:
An attorney licensed in Alabama may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed or restricted documents upon a proper showing of need, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Alabama State Bar provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in 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
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Alabama
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County:
Divorce proceedings in Alabama are filed in the county where either spouse resided 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 searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
Under current Alabama law, at least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Alabama for a minimum of six months immediately preceding the filing of the divorce complaint, pursuant to § 30-2-5 of the Code of Alabama. The divorce is filed in the county of that spouse's residence.
Time Considerations:
- Recent divorces may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing; members of the public should allow several days to several weeks for processing
- Older divorce records may be archived in paper format and may require additional retrieval time
- Records predating electronic filing systems may not be digitized and may require an in-person or written request
What If You Cannot Find a Record:
- Verify the correct county of filing
- Attempt alternate spellings of party names, including maiden names
- Search both spouses' names independently
- Confirm whether the case has been finalized or remains pending
- Check the Alabama Department of Public Health Tallapoosa County vital records office for divorce certificate availability
- Contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly at (256) 825-4268
What Are Tallapoosa County Divorce Records?
Tallapoosa County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. These records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk, Patrick Craddock, who serves as the court's official record keeper and business manager for all proceedings held in the District and Circuit Courts. As stated on the clerk's official page, "The Circuit Clerk serves as the courts' official record keeper and business manager on all court proceedings held in the District and Circuit Courts."
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 custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree:
The final decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, the division of marital property and debts, any alimony or spousal support awarded, child custody and visitation arrangements, child support obligations, and any court-ordered name restoration. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Clerk's office.
Supporting Documents:
- Marriage certificate submitted as evidence
- Financial disclosure statements
- 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 documentation
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Social Security benefit applications
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
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 procedures for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by Alabama's open records framework and the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration. Pursuant to § 30-2-1 of the Code of Alabama, Alabama recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce, including irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
Are Tallapoosa County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Tallapoosa County are public court records subject to Alabama's open records laws. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need. Certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal and financial data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Full names of both parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
- Specific salary and income details may carry limited access protections
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
- Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected
- Medical records submitted as exhibits carry HIPAA protections
Sealed Records:
A court may seal divorce records or specific documents 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 court record.
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 documents that may be restricted from general public view
- Licensed attorneys may access case files and may petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a proper showing
- Researchers and members of the media may access public portions of divorce records; access to sealed records requires a court order
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public are prohibited from using divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any use that violates an existing protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting, and academic research.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Tallapoosa County?
The following fee structure applies to divorce records obtained through the Tallapoosa County Circuit Clerk and the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Circuit Clerk Copy Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00–$15.00 per document |
| Certification seal | Included with certified copy fee |
| Public access terminal use | No charge |
Alabama Department of Public Health — Divorce Certificates:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Search fee (includes one certified copy if found) | $15.00 |
| Each additional certified copy | $6.00 |
The Alabama Department of Public Health confirms that "the fee to search for a divorce certificate is $15.00" for records maintained at the state level.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person at the clerk's office)
- Money order (for mail requests)
- Cashier's check (for mail requests)
- Personal checks may be accepted at the clerk's discretion
- Credit and debit cards may be accepted; members of the public should confirm current accepted methods with the clerk's office prior to submitting payment
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are indigent may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Parties who are represented by legal aid organizations may qualify for reduced or waived fees under applicable Alabama court rules.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries and basic case information through the public access terminal at the courthouse
- Searching the statewide case database through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts online portal
- Confirming case existence and status by telephone through the Circuit Clerk's office
What's Included in Divorce Records in Tallapoosa County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Tallapoosa County Circuit Clerk contains the following categories of documents.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Names of attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for divorce, identification of children, property claims, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent, including any counterpetition
- Financial affidavits from both parties detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements, including tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and loan documents
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents and responses
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other liabilities
- Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet, income information, and support order
- Custody evaluations and home studies, which may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports, which are restricted from general public access
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support order specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and standard-of-living analysis supporting the support determination
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues of property, support, and custody
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (mediation communications remain confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and timesharing, and any name restoration
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), if retirement accounts were divided
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support and resulting court orders
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Tallapoosa County?
Proof of divorce in Tallapoosa County may be obtained through two primary channels: the Circuit Clerk's office and the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Obtaining a Certified Copy of the Final Decree:
A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage, bearing the court's official seal, serves as the primary legal proof of divorce. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:
- Appearing in person at the Tallapoosa County Circuit Clerk's office at 125 N. Broadnax Street, Dadeville, AL 36853, providing the names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce, and paying the applicable certification fee
- Submitting a written request by mail to the same address, including party names, approximate divorce date, case number if known, return address, and payment by money order or cashier's check
- Requesting a certified copy through the Alexander City division at 256 W. Hillabee Street, Alexander City, AL 35010, for cases filed in that division
Obtaining a Divorce Certificate from the State:
The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates for dissolutions granted in Alabama. A divorce certificate is a summary document confirming that a divorce occurred and is accepted as proof of marital status for many legal and administrative purposes. The current search fee is $15.00, which includes one certified copy if the record is located. Additional certified copies are available for $6.00 each.
Members of the public may also contact the Tallapoosa County Health Department vital records office for local assistance with vital records requests.
Tallapoosa County Health Department
409 S. Broadnax Street
Dadeville, AL 36853
Phone: (256) 825-9751
Tallapoosa County Vital Records — ADPH
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Tallapoosa County?
Certain divorce records in Tallapoosa County may be made confidential by court order or by operation of Alabama law. While divorce proceedings are presumptively public, the court retains authority to seal specific documents or entire case files upon a proper showing of good cause.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Sealed or Restricted:
- Cases involving allegations of domestic violence, where disclosure of party addresses or case details could endanger a victim
- Cases in which minor children's identifying information, medical records, or psychological evaluations require protection
- Cases involving confidential financial information, including trade secrets contained in business valuations
- Cases in which the parties have entered into a confidential settlement agreement and have petitioned the court to seal the terms
- Mediation communications, which are confidential by statute and are not filed as part of the public court record
Process for Sealing Records:
A party seeking to seal divorce records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a specific, legally recognized basis for confidentiality. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's interest in open court records against the privacy interests of the parties. Pursuant to § 12-21-9 of the Code of Alabama, courts have authority to restrict access to court records where required by law or court rule. The opposing party receives notice and an opportunity to respond before the court rules on a sealing motion.
How Long Does Tallapoosa County Keep Divorce Records?
Tallapoosa County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Alabama's records retention requirements for permanent court records.
Retention Periods:
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage are considered permanent court records and are retained indefinitely by the Circuit Clerk
- Complete case files, including all pleadings, orders, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with many records retained permanently
- Post-judgment modification and enforcement records are retained as part of the original case file for the same period
- Records predating electronic filing systems exist in paper or microfilm format and are maintained in the clerk's archives
Access to Older Records:
- Records from recent decades are available through the clerk's electronic case management system
- Records predating electronic systems may require an in-person or written request and additional retrieval time
- Microfilmed or archived paper records may not be immediately available and may require advance notice for retrieval
State-Level Retention:
The Alabama Department of Public Health retains divorce certificate records in accordance with Alabama vital records law. Under current Alabama law, vital records including divorce certificates are maintained as permanent state records. Members of the public may request divorce certificates for dissolutions occurring from 1950 to the present through the Alabama Department of Public Health vital records office.