Uncontested Divorces
Once your uncontested divorce is filed in our office, there is a 30 day waiting period before the Judge can sign your decree. This is if all of your paperwork is in order. If the Judge needs more forms or paperwork to be submitted, you will receive an order letting you know what forms would be required before signing your divorce decree.
Contested Divorces
Once the plaintiff files the paperwork with our office, we will then send it out for service for the defendant to be served. If the defendant lives out of state, you must provide the certified mail and postage for them to be served. The defendant then has 30 days to respond to the complaint for divorce. We do not accept email or faxed copies of any paperwork. All paperwork filed with our office must be the original copies. For any questions regarding your divorce, you will need to keep in contact with your attorney. All notices and trial settings will be mailed to your attorney as well as the divorce decree at the conclusion of your case. If you do not have an attorney, you will receive all orders and/or notices for court dates through the mail. You must notify the Clerk’s Office in writing of any changes in your address.
Modifications/Contempt Petitions
If you want to modify your divorce decree or if you want to file a contempt petition, there is a filing fee of $366.00. Again, we strongly recommend you consult with your attorney. Please refer to the previously listed websites for any paperwork.
Copy of Divorce Decree
If you need a copy of your divorce decree, it is $10.00. You can mail a request to P.O. Box 816, Ashland, AL 36251 along with a $10.00 money order and a self addressed stamped envelop for us to return your certified divorce decree to you. You can also come in our office and request a copy with a money order or cash. CORRECT CHANGE ONLY. Money orders should be payable to Julie G. Poe. If records are old and/or in archives the fee is $25.00 for one copy of the decree and $5.00 additional fee for certification. You may send a money order made payable to Julie G. Poe.
Fee Chart
| Domestic Relations Docket Fee |
$248.00 |
| Modify/Enforce(contempt) |
$366.00 |
| Subpoena Fee |
$12.00, plus $15.00 Service by Sheriff fee |
| Income Withholding Order |
$28.00 |
| Termination of Withholding Order |
$28.00, plus $5.00 Service fee |
***If service is to be sent by certified mail; send a stamped and addressed envelope with completed certified mail forms (restricted delivery for individuals). Be sure that the Clerk’s address is the return address, to wit:
Clay County Circuit Clerk
Julie G. Poe
P.O. Box 816
Ashland, AL 36251
***YOU MUST AFFIX THE PROPER POSTAGE ONTO THE PREPARED ENVELOPE***
All Forms are available in our office and online at eforms.alacourt.gov.