Winston County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Winston County in 2026
WinstonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Winston County, Alabama. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, party names, and related court filings through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage petitions, final judgments, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and divorce certificates issued by state vital records authorities.
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 Winston County.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Winston County Circuit Clerk, as designated by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, serves as the court's official record keeper for all proceedings held in the District and Circuit Courts. Members of the public may access basic case information at no charge through the Alabama court system's online portal. Copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Vital Records
The Alabama Department of Public Health Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates for proceedings finalized in Alabama. "Customers can obtain most vital records from the Center for Health Statistics through their county health department." Fees apply for certified copies of divorce certificates obtained through this office.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Winston County Courthouse
Winston County Circuit Clerk
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5533
Winston County Circuit Clerk
Services available in person include:
- Search of case files by party name or case number
- Viewing of court documents at public access terminals
- Requests for certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance with locating records
Winston County Health Department
Highway 195, Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-2101
Winston County | Alabama Department of Public Health
Certified copies of divorce certificates may be obtained from this health department location.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Winston County Circuit Clerk, Double Springs, AL 35553
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Processing time: Typically one to two weeks, depending on record age and volume
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Winston County Circuit Clerk: (205) 489-5533
- 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 licensed in Alabama may access court records on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may be subject to restricted access. The Alabama State Bar provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters. Attorney access is particularly useful in cases involving sealed records or complex post-judgment proceedings.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Winston County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Alabama law, a divorce action is filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.
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
- The action is filed in the county of the filing spouse's residence
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 several weeks for processing after the final order is entered
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing systems may be archived in paper format
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of search
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Winston County Circuit Clerk at (205) 489-5533
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check Alabama vital records for divorce certificates
- Consult a licensed Alabama attorney
What Are Winston County Divorce Records?
Winston County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law case file maintained by the Circuit Clerk and are subject to Alabama's public records framework.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- 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 dissolves the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Winston County Circuit Clerk.
Supporting Documents:
- Original marriage certificate submitted as evidence
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan attachments
- Post-judgment modification orders
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court:
The Winston County Circuit Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The office indexes records by party name and case number and provides certified copies upon request.
State Vital Records Office:
The Alabama Department of Public Health maintains divorce certificates as a separate vital records category. These certificates contain summary information and are distinct from the full court case file.
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. Public access to court records is governed by Alabama's open records law and the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration.
Are Winston County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Winston County Circuit Court are public court records, accessible to members of the public subject to specific restrictions established by Alabama law and court rules.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties to the action
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status information
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from public-facing documents
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Certain financial statements may be filed under seal
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside may be withheld
- Schools attended by minor children may be restricted
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications, which are confidential by statute
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. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor Category | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed records with court authorization |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; sealed records require court order |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Any use prohibited by Alabama law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Winston County?
The Winston County Circuit Clerk charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with Alabama law. The following fee structure reflects current standard charges:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| Certification seal/stamp | Included with certified copy fee |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Varies by request |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge
- Certified copies of divorce certificates obtained through the Winston County Health Department are subject to fees established by the Alabama Department of Public Health
- Payment methods accepted at the Circuit Clerk's office include cash, money order, and in some cases personal check or credit card; members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a request
- Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances for indigent requestors upon proper application to the court
- Fees for mail requests must be submitted in advance; the office will not process requests without payment
What's Included in Divorce Records in Winston County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Winston 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 for each party
- Date filed and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: Identifies both parties, states the date and location of marriage, sets forth grounds for divorce, identifies minor children, and requests specific relief including property division, support, and custody
- Response/Answer: States the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterpetition for relief
- Financial Affidavits: Detailed statements of each party's income, monthly expenses, assets, and liabilities
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, car loans, credit card balances, and other liabilities
- Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property
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 income of both parties, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court, which may be subject to restricted access
- Guardian ad litem reports, which are subject to restricted access
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement: Comprehensive agreement resolving all contested 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 Judgments:
- Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, which is the court's official order ending the marriage and resolving all issues
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), if retirement accounts are divided
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details in cases involving protective measures
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Winston County?
Proof of divorce in Winston County may be obtained through two primary channels: the Circuit Court and the Alabama Department of Public Health.
From the Circuit Court:
A certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage is the most comprehensive form of proof of divorce. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:
- Visiting the Winston County Circuit Clerk's office in person at the Winston County Courthouse in Double Springs, Alabama
- Submitting a written request by mail to the Circuit Clerk, including the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and payment of applicable fees
- Contacting the clerk's office at (205) 489-5533 to confirm availability and current fee requirements
From the Alabama Department of Public Health:
A divorce certificate, which is a summary document rather than a full court record, may be obtained through the Alabama Department of Public Health vital records system. "Certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates may be obtained from this health department," according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. Members of the public may obtain divorce certificates in person at the Winston County Health Department or through the state's Center for Health Statistics.
Winston County Health Department
Highway 195, Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-2101
Winston County | Alabama Department of Public Health
Divorce certificates obtained through the Alabama Department of Public Health are accepted for purposes such as remarriage applications, name change proceedings, Social Security benefit claims, and immigration proceedings. The full certified court decree is required for legal proceedings that necessitate complete documentation of the terms of dissolution.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Winston County?
Certain divorce records in Winston County may be made confidential by court order or by operation of Alabama law. While the default presumption under Alabama's public records framework is that court records are open to inspection, specific categories of information and entire case files may be sealed under defined circumstances.
- Domestic violence cases: Records containing the address or identifying information of a domestic violence victim may be withheld from public access to protect the safety of the individual
- Sealed case files: A party may petition the court to seal all or part of a case file upon a showing of good cause; the court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties
- Children's information: Information identifying the residence, school, or medical condition of minor children is subject to restriction under Alabama's child protection statutes
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records reflecting mental health treatment or substance abuse treatment are protected under both state and federal law, including applicable provisions of HIPAA
- Mediation communications: Under Alabama law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record
- Financial account information: Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and similar identifying financial data are redacted from publicly accessible documents pursuant to Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure and court administrative orders
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement reached outside of court proceedings and not incorporated into a court order may not appear in the public record
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or confidential records must file a motion with the Winston County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legally sufficient basis for disclosure.
How Long Does Winston County Keep Divorce Records?
Winston County Circuit Court divorce records are retained in accordance with Alabama's records retention schedules established for court records. Retention periods vary by record type and the nature of the proceeding.
- Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention; final orders dissolving a marriage are maintained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record
- Complete case files: Circuit court civil case files, including divorce proceedings, are retained for a minimum period established by the Alabama Supreme Court's records management policies; many case files are retained permanently or for periods exceeding 50 years
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: These documents are retained as part of the case file for the duration of the applicable retention period, though some supporting financial documents may be subject to shorter retention schedules
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file or as a separate supplemental file for the applicable retention period
- Vital records divorce certificates: Divorce certificates maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health are retained permanently by the state's Center for Health Statistics
- Archived records: Older case files that have been transferred to archival storage remain retrievable upon request, though additional processing time may be required
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically through the Alabama court system are maintained in the electronic filing system for the applicable retention period
Members of the public seeking records from cases filed many decades ago should contact the Winston County Circuit Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.