Search Marion County Family Court Records
Family court records in Marion County are kept by the Circuit Clerk's office in Hamilton. These records cover divorce proceedings, child custody determinations, child support orders, paternity cases, and protection from abuse petitions. The Circuit Court handles all domestic relations matters under the 25th Circuit. Denise Mixon serves as Circuit Clerk. Records can be accessed through the Alacourt system, in-person visits to the courthouse, or written requests submitted to the clerk. Custody case details are confidential under Alabama court privacy rules effective January 2025.
Marion County Quick Facts
Circuit Clerk Contact Information
Marion County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk's office keeps all family court case files and records for Marion County. Denise Mixon serves as Circuit Clerk. The office processes new filings, keeps custody orders, and gives copies of court documents to authorized requestors.
Address:
PO Box 1595, Hamilton, AL 35570
Phone: (205) 921-4301
County Website: https://marion.alacourt.gov/
people seeking family court records should call this office during work hours to ask about specific cases or request certified copies of documents.
Online Access to Court Records
Alacourt Access System
Marion County family court records are available through the Alacourt Access subscription service at https://pa.alacourt.com/. This statewide database gives electronic access to case information including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and case status. Scanned court documents may be available depending on the age of the case and whether records have been digitized.
County-Specific Website
Marion County has a dedicated subdomain that gives information about the circuit court, clerk contact details, and court procedures. Visit marion.alacourt.gov/ for more info.
AlaFile Electronic Filing
Parties and attorneys in Marion County cases can use the AlaFile system at https://efile.alacourt.gov/ to file documents electronically. This system requires registration and is primarily used by active case participants rather than the general public.
Types of Family Court Cases
Divorce and Legal Separation
Marion County Circuit Court processes contested and uncontested divorce filings under Alabama Code § 30-2-1. Either party must have been a resident of Alabama for at least six months before filing per § 30-2-4. Divorce records cover the complaint, answer, temporary orders, settlement agreements, and final decree.
Child Custody and Visitation
Custody determinations are made based on the best interests of the child under Alabama Code § 30-3-1. The court may award sole custody, joint legal custody, or joint physical custody. Custody records became confidential effective January 2025 under updated Alabama court privacy rules. Access requires you to be a party to the case or obtaining a court order.
Child Support
Child support orders in Marion County follow the Alabama Child Support Guidelines established in Title 30, Chapter 6 of the Alabama Code. The Circuit Clerk keeps payment records and modification orders. Enforcement actions are handled by the Circuit Court in coordination with the Alabama Department of Human Resources Child Support Enforcement Division.
Protection from Abuse
Victims of domestic violence can petition for protection orders under Alabama Code Title 30, Chapter 5. The Circuit Clerk accepts these petitions, and no filing fee is needed. Ex parte orders can be issued the same day, with full hearings usually scheduled within 10 days.
Fees for Records and Services
Marion County charges the following fees for family court records and services. Fees might change, so call the Circuit Clerk for current rates.
- Case Search Fee: Varies by request type; contact clerk for details
- Copy Fee: Typically $0.50 per page
- Certified Copies: $3 to $5 per document plus per-page copying fees
- Exemplified Copies: Additional fee for authentication seal
- Alacourt Subscription: Monthly or annual subscription fees (not controlled by county)
Payment methods accepted at the Circuit Clerk's office usually include cash, check, and money order. Some counties accept credit or debit cards with an additional processing fee. Call the clerk's office to confirm accepted payment methods.
Legal Framework and Statutes
25th Circuit
Marion County is part of the 25th Circuit. The presiding circuit judge oversees court operations per Alabama Code § 12-17-24.
Jurisdiction Over Family Matters
The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over divorces, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and other domestic relations matters under Alabama law. Circuit Courts are courts of record with authority to issue binding orders enforceable throughout Alabama and other states through interstate compacts.
Key Statutes
- Alabama Code § 30-2-1 - Grounds for divorce
- Alabama Code § 30-2-4 - Residency requirements
- Alabama Code § 30-3-1 - Child custody determinations
How to Request Records
In-Person Requests
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office in Hamilton during work hours. Bring identification and give the case number or the names of both parties. Staff can search and give copies while you wait, depending on workload and record availability.
Mail Requests
Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk at the address above. Include the case number or full names of both parties, the approximate date of filing, and your contact information. Enclose payment for search and copying fees. Processing time for mail requests usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Phone Inquiries
Call the Circuit Clerk's office at (205) 921-4301 for basic case status info. Due to privacy rules, detailed case information may not be provided over the phone. Staff can confirm whether a case exists and give general procedural info.
Online Access
Subscribe to Alacourt Access at https://pa.alacourt.com/ for immediate online access to case records. This is the fastest method for searching and reviewing court documents electronically.
Local Resources
Legal Services Alabama
Marion County residents who qualify based on income can get free legal help from Legal Services Alabama. Services include help with divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence matters. Call the statewide intake line at 1-866-456-4995 or visit https://legalservicesalabama.org/.
Alabama Legal Help
Self-help forms and instructions for family court cases are available at https://www.alabamalegalhelp.org/. This website gives downloadable forms for divorce, custody modifications, and other family law proceedings.
Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral
The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at https://www.alabar.org/for-the-public/get-legal-help/ to connect people with family law attorneys in Marion County and surrounding areas.
Cities in Marion County
Marion County doesn't contain any cities with a population over 50,000. The county seat of Hamilton is the primary municipality but doesn't meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
All Marion County residents should call the Circuit Clerk's office in Hamilton for family court records and filing needs.
Nearby Counties
Marion County is bordered by several other Alabama counties. If a family court case was filed in a neighboring jurisdiction, call the Circuit Clerk in that county.