Franklin County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Franklin County in 2026
FranklinCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Franklin County, Alabama. Members of the public may find case filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Record categories available through authorized sources include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody determinations, and support orders.
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 Franklin County divorce records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Franklin County Circuit Court maintains an online case search system through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. This is the most common method for locating divorce case information. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts operates a statewide portal that allows searches across jurisdictions. Members of the public may use this consolidated database to locate cases filed in Franklin County or to confirm whether a case was filed in an adjacent county.
3. State Vital Records
Alabama does not issue divorce certificates through the state vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates; however, the Franklin County Alabama Department of Public Health can provide certified copies of divorce records for events recorded in Franklin County. Fees apply for certified copies.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Franklin County Circuit Court
Franklin County Circuit Clerk
410 N. Jackson Ave., Suite 203
Russellville, AL 35653
Phone: (256) 332-8830
Franklin County Circuit Court
- 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
Records Department:
The Circuit Clerk's office maintains both active and archived case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases are accepted at the clerk's counter.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Franklin County Circuit Clerk, 410 N. Jackson Ave., Suite 203, Russellville, AL 35653
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of request (if required)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, depending on record volume and archival status.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Franklin County Circuit Clerk: (256) 332-8830
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or sealed information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Alabama may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing, 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
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Franklin County
- Names of minor children
- 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 unable to locate a record in Franklin County may need to search adjacent counties. Under Alabama Code § 30-2-4, the circuit court of the county where either party resides has jurisdiction over divorce proceedings.
Residency Requirement:
Alabama law requires that at least one spouse have been a bona fide resident of the state for a minimum of six months prior to filing. The divorce is filed in the county of that spouse's residence.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in the online system immediately
- Allow several business days to weeks after the final hearing for the record to be indexed
- The clerk's office can confirm whether a case has been finalized
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in physical archives
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time
- Not all older records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Record filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (256) 332-8830
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Alabama Department of Public Health vital records office
- Engage a professional records search service
- Consult a licensed Alabama attorney
What Are Franklin County Divorce Records?
Franklin County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Franklin County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law case file maintained by the Franklin County Circuit Clerk, who serves as the court's official record keeper for all proceedings held in the District and Circuit Courts.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files contain the complete record of a dissolution proceeding, including:
- 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, orders, and hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, alimony or spousal support terms, child custody and timesharing arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Clerk's office.
Supporting Documents 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:
- Providing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Supporting name change documentation
- Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
- Documenting legal status for immigration proceedings
- Establishing eligibility for Social Security or pension benefits
- Supporting genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Circuit Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files in Franklin County. The Franklin County Alabama Department of Public Health maintains certified copies of divorce records and may issue certified copies upon request. Under Alabama Code § 22-9A-1 et seq., the Alabama Center for Health Statistics serves as the state repository for vital event records, including divorce data reported by circuit courts.
Are Franklin County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Franklin 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 or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and times
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from public filings pursuant to court rules
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order
- Psychological evaluations of children are restricted
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.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
The presumption of public access to court records in Alabama is grounded in the Alabama Open Records Act, Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which provides that all public records shall be open for inspection by any citizen of Alabama. Restrictions on access require a specific legal basis, and the burden rests on the party seeking to limit access.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents, docket entries, final decrees |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed documents upon proper showing |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; sealed records require court permission |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or in violation of any protective order issued by the court.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Franklin County?
The Franklin County Circuit Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees reflect the schedule established under Alabama law and applicable court rules.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Certification seal | $5.00 |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Varies |
- Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public court records at no charge at the clerk's office or public access terminals.
- Copies: Per-page copy fees apply for paper reproductions of filed documents.
- Certified copies: A certification fee is charged in addition to per-page copy costs. Certified copies of the final decree are the standard form of proof of divorce accepted by government agencies and financial institutions.
- Electronic copies: Availability and fees for electronic copies vary; members of the public should confirm current options with the clerk's office.
- Payment methods: The Franklin County Circuit Clerk accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Circuit Clerk. Members of the public should confirm whether credit or debit card payments are accepted prior to submitting a request.
- Fee waivers: Indigent parties to a case may petition the court for a waiver of fees pursuant to applicable Alabama court rules. Fee waivers are not available to third-party requestors.
- Free access: Basic case information, including case number, filing date, party names, and case status, is available at no charge through the online case search system and at public access terminals in the clerk's office.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Franklin County
A complete Franklin County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Court from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The following summarizes the principal categories of documents members of the public may encounter when reviewing a divorce case file.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
- Date filed, filing fees paid, and case type
Initial Pleadings:
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for divorce, information regarding minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. Under Alabama law, the primary ground for divorce is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, though fault-based grounds remain available. The Response or Answer states the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterpetition for relief.
Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities.
Discovery Documents may include interrogatories and answers under oath, requests for production of financial records, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- 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 reflecting income, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court, which may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports, which are subject to restricted access
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Calculation worksheets reflecting income, standard of living, and need and ability to pay
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated, which may be incorporated into the settlement agreement
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders addressing custody, support, use of property, and restraining orders during the pendency of the case
- Final Judgment of Dissolution containing the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and timesharing determinations, and any name restoration
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) dividing retirement plan benefits, filed as separate orders
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- 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 subject to protective measures
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Franklin County
Proof of divorce in Franklin County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution issued by the Franklin County Circuit Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature, making it acceptable to government agencies, financial institutions, and foreign authorities.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
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Identify the case. Locate the case number using the online case search system at the Franklin County Circuit Court website or by contacting the clerk's office directly.
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Submit a request. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or as directed by the clerk's office. Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
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Pay applicable fees. Certification fees and per-page copy costs apply. Confirm current fees with the clerk's office prior to submitting payment.
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Receive the certified copy. In-person requests are processed at the counter. Mail requests are returned by first-class mail or as directed by the requestor.
Franklin County Circuit Clerk
410 N. Jackson Ave., Suite 203
Russellville, AL 35653
Phone: (256) 332-8830
Franklin County Circuit Clerk
For divorces that occurred prior to electronic record-keeping, members of the public may also contact the Franklin County Alabama Department of Public Health at (256) 332-2700, as certified copies of divorce records may be available through that office as well.
Franklin County Alabama Department of Public Health
1002 N. Jackson Ave.
Russellville, AL 35653
Phone: (256) 332-2700
Franklin County ADPH
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Franklin County?
Divorce proceedings in Franklin County are presumptively public; however, certain records or portions of a case file may be made confidential by court order or by operation of law.
- Sealed by court order: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's interest in access against the privacy interests of the parties or their children.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where the case involves allegations of domestic violence, the court may restrict access to addresses and other identifying information to protect the safety of the victim.
- Children's information: Information identifying the residence, school, or medical condition of minor children may be redacted or sealed pursuant to Alabama court rules and child protection statutes.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records reflecting mental health treatment or substance abuse history are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under both state and federal law.
- Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement that the parties designate as confidential may be incorporated by reference into the final judgment without being disclosed in the public record, subject to court approval.
The legal framework governing confidentiality in Alabama family law proceedings is found in the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure and the Alabama Open Records Act, Alabama Code § 36-12-40.
How Long Does Franklin County Keep Divorce Records?
Franklin County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Alabama court records retention schedules and state law.
- Permanent retention: Final judgments of dissolution, including the final decree and all orders incorporated therein, are retained permanently as part of the official court record.
- Complete case files: The full case file, including all pleadings, motions, financial affidavits, and supporting documents, is retained for a minimum period established by the Alabama Supreme Court's records retention schedule.
- Post-judgment documents: Modification orders, contempt proceedings, and enforcement actions are retained as part of the original case file for the same retention period applicable to the underlying case.
- Archived records: Cases that have been closed for a specified number of years may be transferred to off-site storage or converted to microfilm or digital format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Alabama court case management system and remain accessible through the clerk's office and online search tools.
- Destruction: No divorce record may be destroyed without authorization under the applicable Alabama records retention schedule. Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the clerk's office to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.
The Alabama Supreme Court and State Law Library provide guidance on court records retention under the authority of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration.