Mobile County Family Court Records Search
Family court records in Mobile County are kept through the Circuit Clerk's office and the Domestic Relations division in Mobile. Mobile County is Alabama's third most populous county with about 414,809 residents and home to Alabama's only saltwater port. The 13th Judicial Circuit has an established Family Court Division with dedicated staff handling divorce, annulment, legal separation, paternity, child custody, child support, parental rights termination, spousal support, and protection orders per Alabama Code § 12-17-24.1. Ashleigh Long serves as Circuit Clerk. The Domestic Relations office runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with no lunch closure. Records can be accessed through Alacourt subscription, in-person visits, or written requests. Child custody records are confidential effective January 2025.
Mobile County Quick Facts
Circuit Clerk and Domestic Relations Division
Mobile County Circuit Clerk
Ashleigh Long serves as Circuit Clerk for Mobile County. The clerk's office keeps all Circuit Court records including family law case files.
Address:
205 Government Street, Room C-913
Mobile, AL 36644
Phone: (251) 574-8806
Domestic Relations Division
The Domestic Relations division gives specialized services for family court cases. Tachonda Smith serves as Domestic Relations Supervisor.
Address:
205 Government Street, Room C 909
Mobile, AL 36644-2909
Phone: (251) 574-8441
Email: 13jcdomesticrelations@alacourt.gov
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (no lunch closure)
Payment Window: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
County Websites:
https://mobile.alacourt.gov/
Domestic Relations Information
Family Court Division
Established Family Court
Mobile County's 13th Judicial Circuit has a Family Court Division established by local law, as specifically mentioned in Alabama Code § 12-17-24.1. The Family Court has dedicated resources and specialized staff trained in domestic relations matters. The Domestic Relations division handles all family law cases with efficiency and focus.
Jurisdiction
The Family Court Division exercises jurisdiction over divorce, annulments, legal separations, paternity, child custody and visitation, child support, parental rights termination, spousal support, and protection from abuse orders per Alabama Code § 12-17-24.2. The court handles both initial filings and modifications of existing orders.
Self-Help Resources
Mobile County gives comprehensive online resources for self-represented litigants. Forms are available through the county website. Pro se people can register for AlaFile to file documents electronically. The Domestic Relations division can give procedural guidance but can't give legal advice.
Online Access to Court Records
Alacourt Access System
Mobile 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, dockets, and scanned documents when available. Subscribers can search by case number, party name, or attorney.
County-Specific Website
Mobile County keeps excellent online resources at mobile.alacourt.gov with dedicated information about the Domestic Relations division at mobile.alacourt.gov/domestic-relations/. These sites give contact information, hours, forms, and procedural guidance.
AlaFile Electronic Filing
Attorneys and self-represented litigants can file documents electronically using AlaFile at https://efile.alacourt.gov/. You need to register. Electronic filing is available 24 hours a day and gives immediate confirmation of submission.
Types of Family Court Cases
Divorce and Legal Separation
Mobile County Family Court processes contested and uncontested divorce filings under Alabama Code § 30-2-1. Either party must be an Alabama resident for at least six months before filing per § 30-2-4. Legal separations are handled under § 30-2-40. Annulments are available when statutory grounds exist.
Child Custody and Visitation
Custody determinations are made based on the best interests of the child under Alabama Code § 30-3-1. The Family Court may award sole custody, joint legal custody, or joint physical custody. Parenting plans establish visitation schedules. Custody records are confidential effective January 2025 under Alabama Supreme Court privacy rules.
Child Support
Child support orders follow the Alabama Child Support Guidelines in Title 30, Chapter 6. The Domestic Relations division keeps payment records and processes modifications. Enforcement is coordinated with the Alabama Department of Human Resources. The court can order income withholding, suspend licenses, and impose other enforcement remedies for non-payment.
Protection from Abuse
Domestic violence victims can petition for protection orders under Alabama Code Title 30, Chapter 5. No filing fee is needed. Ex parte orders can be issued the same day. Full hearings are usually scheduled within 10 days. Protection orders can cover no-call provisions, temporary custody, and exclusive use of a residence.
Paternity and Parental Rights
Paternity actions establish legal father-child relationships. These cases can find out custody, visitation, and child support obligations. Termination of parental rights cases are also handled by the Family Court Division in appropriate circumstances.
Fees for Records and Services
Mobile County charges fees for records searches, copies, and certified documents. Call the Circuit Clerk or Domestic Relations division for current fee schedules:
- Case Search Fee: Varies by request type; contact clerk
- Copy Fee: Typically $0.50 per page
- Certified Copies: $3 to $5 per document plus copying fees
- Exemplified Copies: Additional fee for authentication seal
- Protection Order Filing: No fee required
- Alacourt Subscription: Monthly or annual fees set by state
Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards with a processing fee. The payment window is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Legal Framework and Statutes
13th Judicial Circuit Family Court
The 13th Judicial Circuit serves Mobile County exclusively. The circuit has an established Family Court Division with dedicated resources as authorized by Alabama Code § 12-17-24.1, which specifically mentions the Thirteenth Circuit as having a family court structure established by local law.
Key Statutes
- Alabama Code § 12-17-24.1 - Family Court divisions (13th Circuit specifically mentioned)
- Alabama Code § 12-17-24.2 - Family Court jurisdiction
- Alabama Code § 30-2-1 - Grounds for divorce
- Alabama Code § 30-3-1 - Child custody
- Alabama Code Title 30, Chapter 5 - Protection from abuse
How to Request Records
In-Person Requests
Visit the Domestic Relations division at 205 Government Street, Room C 909, Mobile, AL 36644-2909 during office hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). Bring valid identification and give the case number or the names of both parties. Staff can search and give copies on the same day depending on availability.
Mail Requests
Send a written request to the Domestic Relations division at the address above. Include the case number or full names of both parties, approximate filing date, and your contact information. Enclose payment if fees are known. handling usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Email Inquiries
For general questions, email 13jcdomesticrelations@alacourt.gov. Detailed case information may not be provided via email due to privacy and security rules. Staff can give procedural guidance and confirm receipt of documents.
Phone Inquiries
Call the Domestic Relations division at (251) 574-8441 for general case status info. Circuit Clerk's office: (251) 574-8806. Detailed information may be restricted due to confidentiality rules.
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 documents.
Local Resources
Legal Services Alabama
Low-income Mobile County residents can get free legal help from Legal Services Alabama for 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 are available at https://www.alabamalegalhelp.org/. The website gives downloadable forms for divorce, custody modifications, child support, and protection orders.
Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral
The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service can connect people with family law attorneys in Mobile County. Visit https://www.alabar.org/for-the-public/get-legal-help/ for more info.
Cities in Mobile County
Mobile County contains one city with a population over 50,000:
Residents of Mobile and other Mobile County communities file family court cases through the Circuit Clerk and Domestic Relations division at the Government Street courthouse.
Nearby Counties
Mobile County is bordered by several other Alabama counties and the Gulf of Mexico. If a family court case was filed in a neighboring jurisdiction, call that county's Circuit Clerk: