Vital Records & Certificates in Southside, AlabamaEtowah County Circuit Clerk

Southside residents frequently need certified vital records for school enrollment at institutions like Jacksonville State University nearby, passport applications for international travel, marriage license applications, insurance claims, property transfers, and estate settlements. With many residents commuting to Gadsden or Birmingham for work, having proper documentation readily available is essential for career opportunities and family needs.

Residents of Southside obtain birth certificates through the Etowah County Circuit Clerk located at 801 Forrest Ave #202 in Gadsden. Many Southside children are born at Riverview Regional Medical Center or Gadsden Regional Medical Center, with their birth records filed at the county level. The process requires presenting valid identification and proof of relationship to the certificate holder. Etowah County charges $15 for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Processing typically takes 2-3 business days for walk-in requests, though expedited same-day service may be available for urgent needs like passport applications or school enrollment deadlines.

Couples planning weddings in Southside’s beautiful venues like local churches or outdoor ceremonies at nearby Noccalula Falls must obtain marriage licenses from the Etowah County Circuit Clerk in Gadsden. Alabama requires no waiting period, so licenses can be used immediately after issuance. Both parties must appear together with valid identification and pay the $80 fee. The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Popular ceremony locations include Southside Baptist Church and venues overlooking the Coosa River Valley, making advance planning essential for busy wedding seasons.

Death certificates for Southside residents are issued by the Etowah County Circuit Clerk office in Gadsden. These documents are essential for settling estates, insurance claims, and transferring property ownership. The county charges $15 for the first certified copy and $6 for additional copies. Funeral homes in the Gadsden area typically handle the initial filing, but family members can request additional copies as needed for various legal and financial purposes.

Divorce records for Southside residents are maintained by the Etowah County Circuit Clerk where the divorce was granted. These certified copies are necessary for remarriage, name changes, and various legal proceedings. The clerk’s office charges $10 for divorce decree copies. Having the case number helps expedite the search process, though staff can locate records using names and approximate dates if the case number is unknown.

The Etowah County Circuit Clerk office at 801 Forrest Ave #202 in Gadsden serves Southside residents Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Free parking is available in the courthouse parking deck on Second Avenue. The office accepts cash, money orders, and credit cards for payment. From Southside, take Highway 77 north approximately 10 miles to reach downtown Gadsden. The courthouse is easily accessible from Interstate 759 and offers handicap-accessible entrances. Allow extra time during lunch hours when wait times may be longer.

From Southside, head north on Highway 77 for about 10 miles to downtown Gadsden. The Etowah County Courthouse is located at 801 Forrest Ave. Parking is available in the courthouse deck on Second Avenue.