Divorce records in Jefferson County, Alabama, can be accessed through several channels. JeffersonALCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the circuit court that issued the divorce decree, the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk's office, or the Alabama Department of Public Health's Center for Health Statistics, which maintains divorce certificates statewide. The method you choose depends on the type of document you need and how you plan to use it.
Jefferson County Divorce Records Search
In Alabama, divorce cases are handled by the circuit courts. Jefferson County is part of the 10th Judicial Circuit, which operates two divisions: the Birmingham Division and the Bessemer Division. The circuit clerk's office in each division maintains the official court files for divorces granted in that division, including divorce decrees, settlement agreements, custody orders, and related filings.
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Center for Health Statistics separately maintains divorce certificates — shorter documents that confirm a divorce occurred but do not include the full terms of the decree. These records generally date from 1950 onward.
For court-level records, the primary office is:
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk — Birmingham Division
You can also search trial court case information online through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts "Just One Look" on-demand access portal.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Jefferson County
Understanding which office holds the record you need will save time. Jefferson County's divorce records are split between two types of custodians:
Circuit Court — Divorce Decrees and Case Files
All divorce cases in Jefferson County are filed in and decided by the Circuit Court. After a judge signs the divorce decree, it becomes part of the permanent court file maintained by the circuit clerk. This file typically includes:
- The divorce complaint and answer
- The final divorce decree
- Property settlement agreements
- Custody and support orders
- Any post-decree modifications
Jefferson County has two circuit clerk offices depending on where the case was filed:
Birmingham Division Circuit Clerk
Bessemer Division Circuit Clerk
If you are unsure which division handled a case, start by searching through the Alacourt.gov on-demand records portal, which covers both divisions.
Alabama Department of Public Health — Divorce Certificates
ADPH issues divorce certificates, which verify that a divorce took place and list the names of the parties, date, and county. These are not the same as the full court decree. You can request a divorce certificate through:
- Your local county health department (often available while you wait)
- The ADPH Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery by mail
Contact the circuit clerk if you need the actual divorce decree, settlement terms, or custody orders. Contact ADPH if you only need a certificate confirming the divorce occurred.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Jefferson County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| ADPH divorce certificate | $15.00 | Same day at county health department; 3–6 weeks by mail |
| ADPH additional copies (same order) | $6.00 each | Included with original order |
| Circuit court record copy (uncertified) | $0.50 per page | Varies; typically 1–5 business days |
| Circuit court certified copy | $1.00 per page (plus certification fee) | Varies; typically 1–5 business days |
| Alacourt.gov on-demand record search | Per-search fee (set by AOC) | Immediate online access |