Autauga County Marriage Certificate
The Autauga County Office, also known as the Autauga County Probate Court, is a crucial institution in Prattville, Alabama. In this article, we will cover essential information about the office, its physical address, contact details, office hours, and services provided. If you are planning to obtain a marriage certificate or need legal advice regarding marriage requirements, this article will guide you through the process.
Overview of Autauga County Office
The Autauga County Office, also known as the Autauga County Probate Court, is a government institution responsible for handling various legal matters, including issuing marriage certificates, recording marriage certificates, and probate-related affairs. The office is an essential resource for residents in Autauga County, especially those planning to get married.
2. Location and Contact Information
Autauga County Office
Office Type
Probate Court
Physical address
176 W 5th St
Prattville, AL 36067
Phone
(334) 361-3728
(334) 361-3732
Office hours
Day Hours
Mon 8:30am – 5:00pm
Tue 8:30am – 5:00pm
Wed 8:30am – 5:00pm
Thu 8:30am – 5:00pm
Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
Payments accepted
Cash
The physical address of the Autauga County Probate Office is 176 West Fifth Street, Prattville, Alabama 36067. You can contact them via phone at (334) 361-3732.
Office Hours
The office operates from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. It is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Court Approved Holidays.
Payments Accepted
The Autauga County Probate Office accepts cash payments for its services.
Marriage Certificate Requirements
Under the Alabama Act 2019-340, the Autauga County Probate Office no longer offers marriage certificates and ceremony services. However, neighboring counties, such as Chilton and Lowndes, still provide these services.
The New Alabama Act 2019-340
According to the new Alabama Act 2019-340, individuals wishing to get married are no longer required to apply for a marriage license with the county probate court. Instead, all Alabama probate courts must now record marriage certificates. The marriage certificate represents a contractual agreement between the parties to the marriage, which must be completed by both parties and delivered to the probate court for recording.
Applying for a Marriage Certificate
To apply for a marriage certificate in Autauga County, applicants must follow these steps:
- Obtain a standardized marriage certificate form from the state, county probate judge’s office, or online.
- Fully complete the form, providing all the required information about each spouse.
- Take the marriage certificate form to a notary to witness signatures. Note that notary services are not provided by the Autauga County Probate Office.
- Deliver the original, fully completed, and notarized form, along with the filing fee, to the county Probate Judge’s office for recording. The filing fee may vary depending on the county.
- The form must be submitted within 30 days of being signed.
- The effective date of the marriage is the latter of the dates of the signature of the spouses.
Marriage ID Requirements
If you are 18 years or older and want to obtain a marriage certificate in Alabama, you must bring one of the following forms of identification along with your Social Security card:
- A valid driver’s license
- Non-Driver’s license
- Passport
- A copy of your birth certificate certified by the State or County
- A military identification
- A certified school record
If you have been divorced, you may not apply for a marriage certificate within 60 days after your divorce was granted, unless you are remarrying your former spouse.
Marriage Residency Requirement
There is no residency requirement for obtaining a marriage certificate in Alabama. You do not have to be a resident of the state to apply.
Marriage Waiting Period Requirement
There is no waiting period to get married in Alabama, except for individuals who have been divorced. After a divorce, there is a 60-day waiting period before remarrying. However, non-residents who want to be married by a county marriage official may have to wait three days.
Previous Marriages
If you were divorced within the last 6 months before your wedding date, you will need to show a copy of your Divorce Decree. Alabama Code Section 30-2-10 imposes a 60-day restriction on getting married after a divorce.
Marriage Certificate Fee
As previously mentioned, the Autauga County Probate Office no longer offers marriage certificates and ceremony services. It’s essential to check with neighboring counties like Chilton and Lowndes for their fee structures.
Marriage Blood Test
In Alabama, a premarital blood test is no longer required for obtaining a marriage certificate.
Name Change after Marriage
Getting a marriage certificate with your new name on it does not automatically change your name. If you need to change your last name, you can use an online marriage name change kit.
Marriage Age Requirements
For minor parties aged 16 to 17 years, marriage requires the consent of a parent or guardian. Instructions for completing and filing the new forms are included for this age group. Individuals aged 18 and over can apply for a marriage certificate without parental consent.
Proxy Marriages
Proxy marriage is not permitted in Alabama, meaning no other party may apply on behalf of either spouse.
Cousin Marriages
First and second cousins may legally marry in Alabama.
Common Law Marriages
A valid common law marriage exists in Alabama when there is capacity to enter into a marriage, present agreement or consent to be husband and wife, public recognition of the existence of the marriage, and consummation.
Marriage Officiants
Solemnization is no longer required for a recognized marriage in Alabama. If you are planning a wedding or vow renewal ceremony, you can submit one form to top-rated marriage officiants in your locality and choose the best Alabama Wedding Officiant.
Expiration Date of Marriage Certificate
Marriage certificates are valid for 30 days from the date of being signed. The effective date of the marriage is the latter of the dates of the signature of the spouses.
Getting a Copy of Marriage Certificate
If you need a copy of your marriage certificate, you can obtain it from the Alabama Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, located at 434 Monroe St., Montgomery, Alabama.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Autauga County Office, specifically the Autauga County Probate Court, plays a significant role in legal matters, particularly related to marriage certificates in Prattville, Alabama. With the new Alabama Act 2019-340, the process of obtaining a marriage certificate has changed, making it easier for couples. Whether you are an Alabama resident or planning a wedding in the state, understanding the requirements and procedures for getting a marriage certificate is essential.
FAQs
1. Can I obtain a marriage certificate from Autauga County Probate Office? No, the Autauga County Probate Office no longer offers marriage certificates and ceremony services. You can check nearby counties like Chilton and Lowndes for their services.
2. Is a premarital blood test required in Alabama? No, under the new Alabama Act 2019-340, a premarital blood test is no longer required to obtain a marriage certificate.
3. Is there a waiting period to get married in Alabama? There is no waiting period in Alabama unless you have been divorced. After a divorce, a 60-day waiting period is required before remarrying.
4. Can I change my name automatically after obtaining a marriage certificate? No, getting a marriage certificate with your new name on it does not automatically change your name. You can use an online marriage name change kit for that purpose.
5. Are proxy marriages allowed in Alabama? No, proxy marriages are not permitted in Alabama.
