Bibb County Public Records /Bibb County Divorce Records

Bibb County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Bibb County in 2026

BibbRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to divorce records in Bibb County, Alabama. Members of the public seeking divorce records may access case filings, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage petitions, final judgments, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and any applicable court-ordered restrictions.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Bibb County.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Bibb County Circuit Court maintains case records accessible through the court's official website. This is the most common method for locating divorce case information. 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 the Unified Judicial System (UJS) Portal, which provides on-demand access to Alabama state trial court records across jurisdictions. Members of the public may search consolidated case data statewide through this portal.

3. State Vital Records

Alabama registers divorce records through the Alabama Department of Public Health Vital Records division. Divorce certificates are available through this office and may carry applicable fees. Vital records provide limited information compared to full court case files.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court — Bibb County Courthouse

Bibb County Circuit Clerk's Office
35 Court Square East
Centreville, AL 35042
Phone: (205) 926-3103
Circuit Clerk, Kayla Cooner — Bibb County

Services available in person include:

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

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail to: Bibb County Circuit Clerk, 35 Court Square East, Centreville, AL 35042
Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
Processing time: Requests are processed in the order received; allow one to two weeks for response.

By Phone

Limited Information:

Clerk of Court: (205) 926-3103
Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information

Through Attorneys

An attorney of record may access the complete case file, including documents that may be restricted to parties and counsel. Attorneys may petition the court for access to sealed records upon a showing of good cause. Members of the public seeking assistance with complex records requests may consult the Alabama State Bar for attorney referral services.

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 known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Prior addresses in Bibb County
Names of children, if applicable
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 Bibb County should consider searching adjacent counties if either spouse resided elsewhere at the time of filing.

Residency Requirement:

Alabama law requires that at least one spouse be a bona fide resident of the state for a minimum of six months prior to filing for divorce. The action is filed in the county of residence of the qualifying spouse.

Time Considerations

Recent divorces: Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing. Members of the public should allow several days to weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered.
Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a written request to the clerk's office.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common reasons a record may not be located include:

The divorce was filed in a different county
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
The case remains pending and has not been finalized
The record is archived and not yet digitized
The case has been sealed by court order

Members of the public encountering these issues should contact the Bibb County Circuit Clerk at (205) 926-3103, attempt alternate name spellings, search both spouses' names, and check the Alabama Department of Public Health Vital Records office for registered divorce certificates.

What Are Bibb County Divorce Records?

Bibb County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Circuit Court of Bibb County, Alabama. These records constitute part of the family law court file and are maintained by the Circuit Clerk as the court's official record keeper. Under Alabama law, the Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all divorce and dissolution of marriage matters pursuant to Alabama Code § 30-2-1.

Types of Divorce Records

Court Case Files include the following documents:

Petition for divorce or 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 divorce

Final Decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes:

The legal date of dissolution
Division of marital property and debts
Alimony or spousal support provisions, if any
Child custody and visitation 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.

Supporting Documents may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, business valuations, parenting plan worksheets, and any post-judgment modification orders.

Purpose of Divorce Records

Divorce records serve the following legal and personal purposes:

Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
Documenting name changes
Supporting immigration proceedings
Facilitating estate planning and property transfers
Verifying Social Security benefit eligibility
Conducting genealogical and family history research

Who Maintains Divorce Records

The Circuit Clerk, Kayla Cooner, serves as the primary custodian of divorce records in Bibb County. The clerk's office maintains complete case files, indexes records by party name, and provides certified copies upon request. The Alabama Department of Public Health maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates at the state level, which provides limited information compared to the full court file.

Are Bibb County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Bibb County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the Alabama Open Records Act, codified at Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which establishes the public's right to inspect and copy public writings maintained by government agencies. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and final judgments without demonstrating a specific need or purpose.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and docket entries
Court orders and final judgments
Property division orders
General case status

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings
Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access

Children's Information:

Addresses where minor children reside
Schools children attend
Medical and psychological evaluations of children
Child custody evaluations may be sealed by court order
Guardian ad litem reports are restricted

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders

Sealed Records:

A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Alabama law and are not part of the public record.

Who Can Access Records:

Requestor	Level of Access
General public	Public documents, docket entries, final orders
Parties to the case	Full access to their own case file
Attorneys of record	Full access; may petition for sealed records
Researchers and media	Public portions; court permission required for sealed records
Law enforcement	Statutory access as provided by law

Prohibited Uses:

Members of the public are prohibited from using divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any use that violates an existing protective order.

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

The Bibb County Circuit Clerk's office charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Alabama law. Current fees applicable to divorce record requests are as follows:

Service	Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$0.25 per page
Certified copy of document	$1.00 per document plus $0.25 per page
Certification seal	Included in certification fee
Search fee	No separate search fee for in-person requests

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash
Money order
Cashier's check payable to Bibb County Circuit Clerk
Personal checks may be accepted at the clerk's discretion

Online Access:

The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts UJS Portal provides on-demand access to Alabama state trial court records. Fees for electronic document retrieval through the portal are assessed per transaction and are displayed prior to purchase.

Vital Records Fees:

The Alabama Department of Public Health Vital Records office charges a separate fee for divorce certificates obtained through the state vital records system. Members of the public should contact the vital records office directly for the current fee schedule, as fees are subject to change by administrative rule.

Fee Waivers:

Alabama law does not provide a general fee waiver for public records requests. Parties who are proceeding in forma pauperis in an active court proceeding may petition the court for waiver of certain fees; however, this provision does not apply to third-party records requests.

What Is Available at No Charge:

Viewing case docket entries online through the UJS Portal (basic case information)
In-person inspection of public case documents at the clerk's office without obtaining copies

What's Included in Divorce Records in Bibb County

A complete divorce case file maintained by the Bibb County Circuit Clerk contains the following categories of documents.

Basic Case Information:

Case number, court name, and division
Names of petitioner and respondent
Judge assigned to the case
Attorneys of record and their contact information
Filing date and case type designation

Initial Pleadings:

The Petition for Divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce, information regarding minor children, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested. Alabama recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce; the most common ground filed is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

The Response or Answer states the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, and any counterclaims or requests for affirmative relief.

Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, and personal property, as well as all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.

Discovery Documents may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, depositions, and financial records such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements.

Property-Related Documents:

Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
Debt inventory
Real property appraisals
Business valuations
Expert reports on asset values

Children-Related Documents (if applicable):

Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
Child support calculation worksheet
Income information for both parties
Health insurance and childcare cost documentation
Child support order specifying amount, payment method, and schedule
Custody evaluations, if ordered by the court
Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed

Support Documents:

Alimony or spousal support order specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
Supporting calculations and standard of living analysis

Settlement Documents:

Marital Settlement Agreement, if the parties resolved issues by agreement, covering property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
Mediation agreement, if applicable (note: mediation communications themselves are confidential)

Court Orders and Judgments:

Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case
Final Judgment of Divorce containing the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody determinations, and name restoration if requested
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), if retirement accounts were divided

Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):

Petitions to modify custody or support
Court orders on modification requests
Contempt motions and enforcement orders
Income deduction orders

What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:

Social Security numbers
Bank account and financial account numbers
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence details, which may be sealed
Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
Mediation communications

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Bibb County

Proof of divorce in Bibb County is obtained through either the Circuit Clerk's office or the Alabama Department of Public Health, depending on the level of detail required.

Certified Copy of Final Divorce Decree (Most Comprehensive Proof):

A certified copy of the final judgment of divorce is the most widely accepted form of proof for legal, financial, and governmental purposes. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:

Visiting the Bibb County Circuit Clerk's office in person at 35 Court Square East, Centreville, AL 35042, and requesting a certified copy by case number or party names.
Submitting a written request by mail to the same address, including the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and payment of applicable fees.
Accessing the case through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts UJS Portal for electronic records where available.

Divorce Certificate from State Vital Records:

For purposes requiring only confirmation that a divorce occurred, members of the public may request a divorce certificate from the Alabama Department of Public Health Vital Records division. The Bibb County Health Department may also assist members of the public in obtaining vital records locally.

Bibb County Health Department
Highway 82 West
Centreville, AL 35042
Phone: (205) 926-4481
Bibb County | Alabama Department of Public Health

Alabama Department of Public Health — Center for Health Statistics
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, AL 36103
Phone: (334) 206-5418
Vital Records | Alabama Department of Public Health

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Bibb County?

A divorce proceeding in Bibb County may be partially or fully confidential under specific legal circumstances, though the default presumption under Alabama law is that court records are open to public inspection.

The following circumstances may result in confidential or restricted divorce records:

Court-ordered sealing: A party may petition the Circuit Court to seal all or part of the case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
Domestic violence cases: Records containing the address or identifying information of a domestic violence victim may be restricted to protect the safety of the individual.
Children's information: Pursuant to Alabama court rules, certain information identifying minor children, including residential addresses, school enrollment, and medical records, is protected from unrestricted public disclosure.
Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment, and medical conditions submitted as exhibits may be filed under seal.
Mediation communications: Under Alabama law, all communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed as part of the public court record.
Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement that the parties designate as confidential may be incorporated by reference into the final judgment without being disclosed in the public record, subject to court approval.

Members of the public seeking access to a sealed divorce record must file a motion with the Bibb County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.

How Long Does Bibb County Keep Divorce Records?

Bibb County divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with Alabama court records retention schedules established by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts.

Retention periods applicable to divorce records include the following:

Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently. Final divorce decrees are considered permanent court records and are not subject to destruction.
Complete case files: Circuit court civil case files, including divorce proceedings, are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case under standard retention schedules; cases involving minor children may be retained longer.
Archived paper records: Cases filed prior to electronic filing are maintained in paper or microfilm format and may be stored in the courthouse or an off-site archive. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
Electronic records: Cases filed through the Alabama electronic filing system are maintained in the UJS Portal and are accessible online subject to applicable access restrictions.
Post-judgment modification records: Orders modifying custody, support, or other provisions of a final decree are filed in the original case and retained as part of the permanent case file.

Members of the public seeking records from cases closed more than ten years ago should contact the Bibb County Circuit Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.