Houston County Public Records /Houston County Divorce Records

Houston County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Houston County in 2026

HoustonCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Houston County, Alabama. Members of the public may find case filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through this resource. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, domestic relations orders, certified divorce certificates, and post-judgment modification orders.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Houston County Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts online portal, and the Alabama Department of Public Health's vital records division.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Houston County Circuit Court maintains an online case search system that allows members of the public to locate divorce case information by party name or case number. 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 on-demand portal providing access to Alabama state trial court records across all judicial circuits. This consolidated database allows users to search divorce records across multiple counties from a single interface.

3. State Vital Records

The Houston County Health Department vital records division issues certified copies of divorce certificates for events that occurred within the State of Alabama. These certificates serve as official proof of dissolution and carry a fee per copy.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court — Domestic Relations Division

Houston County Circuit Clerk's Office
462 N. Oates Street
Dothan, AL 36303
Phone: (334) 677-4700
Houston County — Twentieth Circuit Court of Alabama

Services available in person include:

Searching case files by party name or case number
Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
Staff assistance for locating archived or older case files

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail to: Houston County Circuit Clerk, 462 N. Oates Street, Dothan, AL 36303
Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, depending on record age and volume.

By Phone

Limited Information Available:

Clerk of Court: (334) 677-4700
Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- The assigned case number
- Current case status
- Original filing date
Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Alabama may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Alabama State Bar provides a lawyer referral service for individuals who require legal representation in connection with divorce record access or related family law matters.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce or filing
Case number, if previously known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Prior residential addresses in Alabama
Names of minor children involved
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Under Alabama Code § 30-2-4, a divorce action must be filed in the county where the defendant resides, or in the county where the parties last cohabited, or in the county of the plaintiff's residence if the defendant is a nonresident. Members of the public who cannot locate a record in Houston County may need to search adjacent counties if residency requirements were met elsewhere.

Residency Requirement:

At least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Alabama for a minimum of six months prior to filing, pursuant to Alabama Code § 30-2-5.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Records may not appear in the online system immediately following a final hearing.
Members of the public should allow several business days to a few weeks for processing after the judge signs the final decree.

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper form.
Archived records may require additional retrieval time and a special request to the Clerk's office.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

The divorce was filed in a different Alabama county.
Name variations exist between maiden name, married name, or spelling differences.
The case remains pending and has not been finalized.
Very old records are stored in off-site archives.
The case has been sealed by court order.

Next Steps:

Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (334) 677-4700.
Attempt alternate name spellings or search under the other spouse's name.
Search the statewide portal through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts.
Request a divorce certificate from the Alabama Department of Public Health vital records office.

What Are Houston County Divorce Records?

Houston County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Alabama. These records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk of Court and constitute part of the permanent family law case file. They serve as the authoritative legal documentation of the dissolution of a marriage and are classified as public court records subject to applicable state law.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files

The complete case file includes:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Response or answer filed by the respondent
Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
Parenting plans and custody agreements
Marital settlement agreements
Motions, orders, and hearing notices
Transcripts of court proceedings
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage

Final Decree

The final decree is the official court order that legally ends the marriage. It establishes:

The date of dissolution
Division of marital property and debts
Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
Child support orders, if applicable
Restoration of a former name, if requested

Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Clerk's office and serve as legal proof of divorce for purposes including remarriage, name changes, and estate planning.

Supporting Documents

Original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
Financial disclosure statements and supporting documentation
Property appraisals and business valuations
Parenting plan attachments
Post-judgment modification orders

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

Clerk of Court

The Circuit Clerk of Houston County serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Clerk indexes records by the names of both parties, maintains the official docket, and provides certified copies upon request through the Houston County Circuit Court.

State Vital Records Office

The Houston County Health Department issues certified divorce certificates for events occurring within Alabama. These certificates contain summary information and are distinct from the full court case file maintained by the Clerk.

Legal Framework:

Divorce proceedings in Alabama are governed by Alabama Code § 30-2-1 et seq., which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural requirements for dissolution of marriage. Alabama's public records law, codified at Alabama Code § 36-12-40, establishes the presumption that public records, including court records, are open to inspection by any citizen of the state.

Are Houston County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Houston County are public court records under Alabama law, and members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents. However, certain categories of information within a divorce file are subject to restriction or redaction to protect sensitive personal data and the privacy of minor children.

What Is Public:

Case number and original filing date
Full names of both parties
Names of attorneys of record
Scheduled and completed hearing dates
Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
Property division orders
General case status and docket entries

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents.
Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted pursuant to court rules.
Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access.

Children's Information:

Residential addresses of minor children may be withheld.
School enrollment information is not disclosed.
Psychological evaluations and custody evaluation reports may be sealed.
Guardian ad litem reports are restricted from general public access.

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed.
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are protected.
Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are withheld under Alabama law.

Sealed Records:

A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Circumstances that may warrant sealing include high-profile cases, cases involving allegations of abuse, and cases where disclosure would endanger a party or child.

Who Can Access Records:

Requestor Category	Level of Access
General public	Public documents and docket entries
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 order
Law enforcement	Statutory access to restricted information

Prohibited Uses:

Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
Violation of any existing protective order

Permitted Uses:

Legal proceedings and background verification
Genealogical and family history research
News reporting protected under the First Amendment
Academic research
Personal verification of marital status

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Houston County?

The Circuit Clerk of Houston County charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Alabama law. Members of the public should be aware that fees are subject to change and should confirm current amounts directly with the Clerk's office prior to submitting a request.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Service	Current Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$0.25–$1.00 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee
Divorce certificate (via ADPH)	$15.00 for first copy; $6.00 each additional
Case search (in person)	No charge for basic search
Online record access	Free for basic case information

Vital Records Fees (Alabama Department of Public Health):

The Houston County Health Department vital records office charges $15.00 for the first certified copy of a divorce certificate and $6.00 for each additional copy requested at the same time.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash, money order, and cashier's check are accepted at the Clerk's office.
Personal checks may be accepted; confirm with the Clerk's office prior to submission.
Online payments may be available through the Houston County government portal.

Fee Waivers:

Indigent parties who have been granted in forma pauperis status by the court may be entitled to waived or reduced fees for copies of their own case documents.
No general public fee waiver is available for third-party requestors.

What Is Available at No Charge:

Viewing case docket entries and basic case information online through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts portal
In-person inspection of public case documents at the courthouse public access terminal, without obtaining copies

What's Included in Divorce Records in Houston County

A complete Houston County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Clerk from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any subsequent post-judgment actions. The scope of the file varies depending on whether the divorce was uncontested or contested and whether children or significant assets were involved.

Basic Case Information:

Case caption including case number, court name, and names of petitioner and respondent
Name of the assigned judge
Names and contact information of attorneys of record
Filing date and case type designation
Jurisdictional basis for the filing

Initial Pleadings:

The petition for dissolution of marriage identifies both parties, states the date and location of the marriage, provides the grounds for divorce, and sets forth the relief requested including property division, support, and custody. The respondent's answer admits or denies the allegations and may include a counterpetition. Financial affidavits filed by both parties disclose income, monthly expenses, assets, and liabilities in detail.

Discovery Documents:

In contested cases, the file may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition notices, and responses to requests for admission. Financial disclosure documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements are filed as exhibits.

Property-Related Documents:

Marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property with estimated values
Debt inventory covering mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other liabilities
Appraisal reports and expert valuations for real property and business interests

Children-Related Documents (if applicable):

Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
Child support calculation worksheet reflecting both parties' incomes, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
Custody evaluation reports prepared by court-appointed psychologists or evaluators
Guardian ad litem reports containing best-interest findings and recommendations (restricted from general public access)

Settlement Documents:

Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
Mediation agreement, if the parties participated in mediation (mediation communications are confidential under Alabama law)

Court Orders and Final Judgment:

Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage containing the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all orders resolving the case
Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs) dividing retirement plan benefits, filed as separate orders directed to plan administrators

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)
Residential addresses and school information for minor children
Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence (may be sealed)
Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Houston County

Proof of divorce in Houston County may be obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the final decree from the Circuit Clerk's office, or a certified divorce certificate from the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Certified Copy of Final Decree (Circuit Clerk):

Contact the Houston County Circuit Clerk's office in person, by mail, or by phone at (334) 677-4700 to confirm the case number and document availability.
Submit a written request identifying both parties' names, the approximate divorce date, and the case number if known.
Pay the applicable certification fee. The Clerk will affix an official seal and signature to the copy, making it legally valid for use in court, government agencies, and financial institutions.
Requests submitted in person are processed at the time of visit when records are available. Mail requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks.

Certified Divorce Certificate (Alabama Department of Public Health):

The Houston County Health Department vital records division issues certified divorce certificates for divorces granted in Alabama. This certificate is a summary document rather than a full copy of the court file and is accepted as proof of marital status for most administrative purposes.

Houston County Health Department
1701 E. Cottonwood Road
Dothan, AL 36301
Phone: (334) 677-5640
Vital Records — Alabama Department of Public Health

Online Access:

Members of the public may verify the existence of a divorce case and obtain basic case information through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts on-demand portal. Certified copies are not available electronically and must be obtained directly from the Clerk's office or the Department of Public Health.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Houston County?

Divorce proceedings in Houston County are presumptively public under Alabama law; however, specific circumstances permit a court to restrict access to all or part of a case file.

Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:

Domestic violence cases: Addresses and identifying information of domestic violence victims may be withheld from public records to protect personal safety.
Sealed by court order: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal specific documents or the entire file upon a showing of good cause. The court balances the public's interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
Children's sensitive information: Psychological evaluations, custody evaluations, and guardian ad litem reports are routinely restricted from general public access to protect the welfare of minor children.
Mediation records: Under Alabama law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
Redacted financial data: Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and similar identifiers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules.
High-profile cases: Courts retain discretion to seal records in cases where public disclosure would cause substantial harm disproportionate to the public interest in access.

Parties seeking to seal records must file a formal motion with the Houston County Circuit Court, provide notice to the opposing party, and demonstrate a legally sufficient basis for confidentiality.

How Long Does Houston County Keep Divorce Records?

Houston County divorce records are maintained for extended periods in accordance with Alabama court records retention schedules, which are established by the Alabama Supreme Court and the Administrative Office of Courts.

Retention Periods:

Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention. Final divorce decrees are never destroyed and remain part of the permanent court record.
Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with permanent retention for cases involving significant property or ongoing orders such as child support.
Uncontested divorce files: Retained pursuant to the Alabama Judicial Records Retention Schedule; members of the public should confirm current retention periods with the Circuit Clerk's office.
Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the retention period applicable to that file.
Archived paper records: Older cases that predate electronic filing are maintained in physical archives and may require additional retrieval time.

The Houston County Circuit Court follows retention schedules established under the authority of the Alabama Supreme Court. Records that have reached the end of their retention period may be transferred to the Alabama Department of Archives and History for permanent preservation, particularly for historically significant cases.

Members of the public seeking records from cases more than several decades old should contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.