Domestic Relations
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Domestic Relations is a division of Circuit Court in which primarily divorces
are filed. Divorces (especially when children are involved) are complex and we strongly
recommend you consult with an attorney. By law, no one in the Clerk's Office can give you legal
advice. There are many issues involved, some of which you may not be aware of. An attorney can
advise of the laws and requirements regarding your children until they reach the age of majority. If
divorce issues are covered completely and correctly in the beginning, it may preclude you from
having to re-open your file for future proceedings which involves another filing fee, re-hiring
an attorney and possibly going to trial. You can refer to your yellow pages and find attorneys
who specialize in domestic relation matters. Our office does not have "fill in the blank" forms
for many of the pleadings which are required to be filed.
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 your paperwork is in order. If your
divorce is contested, it will be randomly assigned a judge and set for trial. For 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.
Effective January 1, 1994, when any order of Child Support is entered, the Withholding
Order payment of Child Support shall be served immediately, unless the parties have reached an
alternative agreement and the judge approves such agreement.
| Fee Description | Fee at Filing |
| Domestic Relations Docket Fee | $280.00 |
| Modify/Enforce(contempt) | $383.00 |
| Additional Defendant (if served by sheriff) | $20.00 |
| Subpoena Fee | $20.00 |
| Garnishment Fee | $30.00 |
| Execution | $30.00 |
| Motion for judgment, default judgment or summary judgment | $50.00 |
CERTIFIED MAIL - When requesting service wherein the address provided
is a post office box, or is out of state, the papers may be served by certified mail. You should
prepare an envelope, green card, and green and white sticker. Be sure that the Clerk's address
is the return address, to-wit: CIRCUIT CLERK, P.O. BOX 1810, COLUMBIANA, ALABAMA 35051. You must
affix the proper postage onto the prepared envelope. Certified mail fee at this time is as follows:
Restricted Delivery, $12.55, however, you must be sure that you allow for additional weight, which
is $0.20 per additional ounce.
Required Child Support Forms
