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. 

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 $337.00. 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 220 Second Ave. East, Room 208, Oneonta, AL 35121 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 Cindy C. Massey. 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 Cindy C. Massey.

Fee Chart

***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:

Blount County Circuit Clerk
Cindy C. Massey
220 Second Ave. East
Oneonta, AL 35121

***YOU MUST AFFIX THE PROPER POSTAGE ONTO THE PREPARED ENVELOPE***

All Forms are available in our office and online at eforms.alacourt.gov.