Case: Richmond v. Madison County Circuit Clerk

Alabama state trial court

Filed Date: 2013

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

In March 2013, a same-sex couple filed an uncontested divorce petition in Madison County, Alabama Circuit Court. The couple, who had married in Iowa in 2012, requested recognition of their out-of-state marriage for the purpose of filing the divorce. Under Alabama law, it was unclear whether the plaintiffs' out-of-state marriage could be terminated since Alabama did not recognize marriages between same-sex couples. On March 12, 2014, Madison County Circuit Judge Karen Hall dismissed the petition…

In March 2013, a same-sex couple filed an uncontested divorce petition in Madison County, Alabama Circuit Court. The couple, who had married in Iowa in 2012, requested recognition of their out-of-state marriage for the purpose of filing the divorce. Under Alabama law, it was unclear whether the plaintiffs' out-of-state marriage could be terminated since Alabama did not recognize marriages between same-sex couples.

On March 12, 2014, Madison County Circuit Judge Karen Hall dismissed the petition, holding that no relief could be granted, "pursuant to the laws of this state."

On February 9, 2015, the orders in Searcy v. Strange, and Strawser v. Strange took effect: Alabama's ban on same-sex marriage was now illegal, at least according to the federal courts.

In response, the same-sex couple in Richmond filed a new petition for divorce. On March 12, 2015, Judge Madison County Circuit Judge Karen Hall certified the divorce.

We do not have access to the docket or any documents for this case.

Summary Authors

Nate West (12/4/2014)

David Hamstra (4/8/2015)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/1330/parties/tabitha-evans-v-pennsylvania-higher-education/


Attorney for Plaintiff

Hill, Adam Theodore (Alabama)

Montgomery, Judith Delus (Alabama)

Attorney for Defendant

Dickerson, Derin Bronson (Alabama)

Mize, Gerald L. (Alabama)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

No documents yet available via the Clearinghouse.

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/1330/tabitha-evans-v-pennsylvania-higher-education/

Last updated Aug. 23, 2025, 3:57 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1109616738

Appellant's brief filed by Felicia A. Wilcox. (ECF: Helen Albee)

June 30, 2017

June 30, 2017

PACER
1109626052

Appendix filed [3 VOLUMES] by Appellant Felicia A. Wilcox. (ECF: Helen Albee)

1 Appellant Appendix Volume I

View on RECAP

2 Appellant Appendix Volume II

View on PACER

3 Appellant Appendix Volume III

View on RECAP

July 7, 2017

July 7, 2017

PACER
1109689275

Appellee's Brief filed by Appellee CXW. (ECF: John Koenig)

Aug. 15, 2017

Aug. 15, 2017

PACER
1109691542

Supplemental Appendix [1 VOLUMES] filed by Appellee CXW. (ECF: John Koenig)

Aug. 16, 2017

Aug. 16, 2017

PACER
1109698295

MOTION for extension of time to file reply brief to 09/12/2017 filed by Felicia A. Wilcox. Motion is Unopposed. [8222549-1] (ECF: Helen Albee)

Aug. 22, 2017

Aug. 22, 2017

PACER
1109699397

ORDER: Motion for Extension to file Reply Brief filed by Appellant Felicia A. Wilcox is GRANTED by Clerk. [8222549-2] Reply brief due on 09/12/2017.

Aug. 22, 2017

Aug. 22, 2017

PACER
11010003676

Calendar issued as to cases to be orally argued the week of 04/16/2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. Counsel are directed to electronically acknowledge receipt of this calendar by docketing the Calendar Receipt Acknowledged event in ECF. Counsel must be logged into CM/ECF in order to view the attached calendar.

March 12, 2018

March 12, 2018

PACER

Attorney John Thomas Leonard Koenig for Appellee CXW hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the printed calendar for 04/20/2018. John T.L. Koenig 404-264-4018 will present argument. (ECF: John Koenig)

March 15, 2018

March 15, 2018

PACER

Oral argument scheduled. Argument Date: Friday, 04/20/2018 Argument Location: Atlanta Courtroom: Atlanta 339.

March 21, 2018

March 21, 2018

PACER

Attorney Neil L. Henrichsen for Appellant Felicia A. Wilcox hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the printed calendar for 04/20/2018. Neil L Henrichsen 904 237-0004 will present argument. (ECF: Neil Henrichsen)

April 10, 2018

April 10, 2018

PACER

Oral argument held. Oral Argument participants were Neil L. Henrichsen for Appellant Felicia A. Wilcox and John Thomas Leonard Koenig for Appellee CXW.

April 20, 2018

April 20, 2018

PACER
11010165471

Opinion issued by court as to Appellant Felicia A. Wilcox. Decision: Affirmed. Opinion type: Published. Opinion method: Signed. The opinion is also available through the Court's Opinions page at this link http://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions.

June 25, 2018

June 25, 2018

PACER

Judgment entered as to Appellant Felicia A. Wilcox.

June 25, 2018

June 25, 2018

PACER
11010196294

Petition for rehearing en banc (with panel rehearing) filed by Appellant Felicia A. Wilcox. (ECF: Neil Henrichsen)

July 16, 2018

July 16, 2018

PACER
11010196957

Errata Correcting Word Count on Appellant's Petition for Rehearing En Banc filed by Attorney Neil L. Henrichsen for Appellant Felicia A. Wilcox. (ECF: Neil Henrichsen)

July 17, 2018

July 17, 2018

PACER

Received paper copies of E-PFR and Appellant's Errata filed by Appellant Felicia A. Wilcox.

July 23, 2018

July 23, 2018

PACER
11010358453

CIVIL APPEAL DOCKETED. Notice of appeal filed by Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) on 10/30/2018. Fee Status: Fee Not Paid. No hearings to be transcribed. Awaiting Appellant's Certificate of Interested Persons due on or before 11/13/2018 as to Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Awaiting Appellee's Certificate of Interested Persons due on or before 11/27/2018 as to Appellee Tabitha Evans [Entered: 11/01/2018 09:03 AM]

Oct. 30, 2018

Oct. 30, 2018

PACER
11010369166

Briefing Notice issued to Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). The appellant's brief is due on or before 12/10/2018. The appendix is due no later than 7 days from the filing of the appellant's brief. [Entered: 11/07/2018 05:05 PM]

Nov. 7, 2018

Nov. 7, 2018

PACER

Appellate fee was paid on 11/05/2018 as to Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). [Entered: 11/07/2018 05:04 PM]

Nov. 7, 2018

Nov. 7, 2018

PACER
11010374978

APPEARANCE of Counsel Form filed by Derin Bronson Dickerson for Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). [18-14586] (ECF: Derin Dickerson) [Entered: 11/13/2018 01:13 PM]

Nov. 13, 2018

Nov. 13, 2018

PACER
11010375012

APPEARANCE of Counsel Form filed by Tejas S. Patel for Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). [18-14586] (ECF: Derin Dickerson) [Entered: 11/13/2018 01:38 PM]

Nov. 13, 2018

Nov. 13, 2018

PACER
11010375044

TRANSCRIPT INFORMATION FORM SUBMITTED by Attorney Derin Bronson Dickerson for Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). No hearings. [18-14586] (ECF: Derin Dickerson) [Entered: 11/13/2018 01:50 PM]

Nov. 13, 2018

Nov. 13, 2018

PACER
11010375094

Civil Appeal Statement filed by Attorney Derin Bronson Dickerson for Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). [18-14586] (ECF: Derin Dickerson) [Entered: 11/13/2018 02:06 PM]

Nov. 13, 2018

Nov. 13, 2018

PACER
11010375120

Certificate of Interested Persons and Corporate Disclosure Statement filed by Attorney Derin Bronson Dickerson for Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). On the same day the CIP is served, the party filing it must also complete the court's web-based stock ticker symbol certificate at the link here http://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/web-based-cip or on the court's website. See 11th Cir. R. 26.1-2(b). [18-14586] (ECF: Derin Dickerson) [Entered: 11/13/2018 02:14 PM]

Nov. 13, 2018

Nov. 13, 2018

PACER
11010388106

AMENDED Certificate of Interested Persons and Corporate Disclosure Statement filed by Attorney Derin Bronson Dickerson for Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). On the same day the CIP is served, the party filing it must also complete the court's web-based stock ticker symbol certificate at the link here http://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/web-based-cip or on the court's website. See 11th Cir. R. 26.1-2(b). [18-14586] (ECF: Derin Dickerson) [Entered: 11/20/2018 04:22 PM]

Nov. 20, 2018

Nov. 20, 2018

PACER
11010388152

MOTION to consolidate appeals 18-14357 and 18-14586 filed by Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Motion is Unopposed. [8625563-1] [18-14586] (ECF: Derin Dickerson) [Entered: 11/20/2018 04:32 PM]

Nov. 20, 2018

Nov. 20, 2018

PACER
11010390710

ORDER: Motion to consolidate appeals filed by Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is GRANTED by clerk. [8625577-2] in 18-14357, ORDER: Motion to consolidate appeals filed by Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is GRANTED by clerk. [8625563-2] in 18-14586 [18-14357, 18-14586] [Entered: 11/26/2018 08:47 AM]

Nov. 26, 2018

Nov. 26, 2018

PACER
11010392766

APPEARANCE of Counsel Form filed by Adam T. Hill for Appellee, Tabitha Evans [18-14586] (ECF: Adam Hill) [Entered: 11/26/2018 05:04 PM]

Nov. 26, 2018

Nov. 26, 2018

PACER
11010392775

Certificate of Interested Persons and Corporate Disclosure Statement filed by Adam T. Hill for Appellee, Tabitha Evans. On the same day the CIP is served, the party filing it must also complete the court's web-based stock ticker symbol certificate at the link here http://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/web-based-cip or on the court's website. See 11th Cir. R. 26.1-2(b). [18-14586] (ECF: Adam Hill) [Entered: 11/26/2018 05:06 PM]

Nov. 26, 2018

Nov. 26, 2018

PACER

NOTICE OF CIP FILING DEFICIENCY to Adam Theodore Hill for Tabitha Evans. You are receiving this notice because you have not completed the Web-Based Stock Ticker Symbol Certificate of Interested Persons (CIP) via the Court's public web-page. Failure to comply with 11th Cir. Rules 26.1-1 through 26.1-4 may result in dismissal of the case or appeal under 11th Cir. R. 42-1(b), return of deficient documents without action, or other sanctions on counsel, the party, or both. [Entered: 12/04/2018 09:23 AM]

Dec. 4, 2018

Dec. 4, 2018

PACER

Over the phone extension granted by clerk as to Attorney Derin Bronson Dickerson for Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Updated Deadline - Appellant's brief is due on or before 01/22/2019. Appendix due on 01/29/2019 as to Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). [Entered: 01/03/2019 03:23 PM]

Jan. 3, 2019

Jan. 3, 2019

PACER
11010470656

Appellant's brief filed by Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). [18-14586] (ECF: Derin Dickerson) [Entered: 01/22/2019 02:49 PM]

Jan. 22, 2019

Jan. 22, 2019

PACER

Received paper copies of EBrief filed by Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). [Entered: 01/28/2019 01:42 PM]

Jan. 23, 2019

Jan. 23, 2019

PACER
11010476582

MOTION for extension of time to file appellee's brief to 03/25/2019 filed by Tabitha Evans. Motion is Unopposed. [8678596-1] [18-14586] (ECF: Adam Hill) [Entered: 01/25/2019 11:58 AM]

Jan. 25, 2019

Jan. 25, 2019

PACER
11010480018

Appendix filed [1 VOLUMES] by Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). [18-14586] (ECF: Derin Dickerson) [Entered: 01/29/2019 01:32 PM]

Jan. 29, 2019

Jan. 29, 2019

PACER
11010481494

ORDER: Motion for extension to file appellee brief filed by Appellee Tabitha Evans is GRANTED. [8678596-2] Appellees brief due on 03/25/2019. ELB [Entered: 01/30/2019 01:39 PM]

Jan. 30, 2019

Jan. 30, 2019

PACER

Received paper copies of EAppendix filed by Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). 1 VOLUMES - 2 COPIES [Entered: 02/04/2019 03:17 PM]

Jan. 30, 2019

Jan. 30, 2019

PACER
11010557535

Appellee's Brief filed by Appellee Tabitha Evans. [18-14586] (ECF: Adam Hill) [Entered: 03/25/2019 01:47 PM]

March 25, 2019

March 25, 2019

PACER
11010558736

Over the phone extension granted by clerk as to Attorney Derin Bronson Dickerson for Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Updated Reply Brief. Due on 04/29/2019 as to Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). [Entered: 03/26/2019 09:08 AM]

March 26, 2019

March 26, 2019

PACER
11010569208

MOTION to file amicus brief pursuant to FRAP 29(a) filed by NATIONAL CONSUMER LAW CENTER, CONSUMER FEDERATION OF AMERICA, AND NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONSUMER ADVOCATES IN SUPPORT OF APPELLEE AND URGING AFFIRMANCE. [8734190-1] [18-14586] (ECF: Tara Twomey) [Entered: 04/01/2019 05:41 PM]

April 1, 2019

April 1, 2019

PACER
11010608786

APPEARANCE of Counsel Form filed by Tara Twomey for National Consumer Law Center, et al. [18-14586] (ECF: Tara Twomey) [Entered: 04/26/2019 04:45 PM]

April 26, 2019

April 26, 2019

PACER
11010610725

Reply Brief filed by Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). [18-14586] (ECF: Derin Dickerson) [Entered: 04/29/2019 03:54 PM]

April 29, 2019

April 29, 2019

PACER

Received paper copies of EBrief filed by Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). [Entered: 05/01/2019 11:48 AM]

April 30, 2019

April 30, 2019

PACER
11010615542

ORDER: The motion by National Consumer Law Center, National Association of Consumer Advocates, and Consumer Federation of America for leave to file a brief as amici curiae in support of affirmance is GRANTED. [8734190-2] JP [Entered: 05/01/2019 03:09 PM]

May 1, 2019

May 1, 2019

PACER
11010615555

Amicus Brief filed by Amicus Curium Consumer Federation of America, National Association of Consumer Advocates and National Consumer Law Center. [Entered: 05/01/2019 03:11 PM]

May 1, 2019

May 1, 2019

PACER

The Court has determined that oral argument will be necessary in this case. Please forward 3 additional copies of the 1 volumes of Appendix, which conform to all formatting requirements, filed 1/29/19 by Attorney Derin Bronson Dickerson for Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to the Clerk's Office, Attention: Jenifer Tubbs. Your prompt attention to this matter is appreciated. [Entered: 08/26/2019 10:13 AM]

Aug. 26, 2019

Aug. 26, 2019

PACER

Additional copies of Appendix received from Derin Bronson Dickerson for Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and forwarded to the record room. [Entered: 08/27/2019 03:12 PM]

Aug. 27, 2019

Aug. 27, 2019

PACER
11010792118

Assigned to tentative calendar number 5 in Atlanta during the week of December 2, 2019. Counsel must be logged into CM/ECF in order to view the attached calendar. [Entered: 08/28/2019 02:55 PM]

Aug. 28, 2019

Aug. 28, 2019

PACER
11010832256

NOTE: Counsel must be logged into Eleventh Circuit CM/ECF before attempting to view the attached calendar. Calendar issued as to cases to be orally argued the week of 12/02/2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. Counsel are directed to electronically acknowledge receipt of this calendar by docketing the Calendar Receipt Acknowledged event in ECF. [Entered: 09/25/2019 09:51 AM]

Sept. 25, 2019

Sept. 25, 2019

PACER

Attorney Derin Bronson Dickerson for Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the printed calendar for 12/06/2019. Derin B. Dickerson (404-881-7000) will present argument. [18-14586] (ECF: Derin Dickerson) [Entered: 09/25/2019 01:50 PM]

Sept. 25, 2019

Sept. 25, 2019

PACER

Oral argument scheduled. Argument Date: Friday, 12/06/2019 Argument Location: Atlanta. [Entered: 09/26/2019 09:52 AM]

Sept. 26, 2019

Sept. 26, 2019

PACER

Attorney Adam Theodore Hill for Appellee Tabitha Evans hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the printed calendar for 12/06/2019. Adam T. Hill: 657-236-3525 (office), 734-678-0049 (cell) will present argument. [18-14586] (ECF: Adam Hill) [Entered: 09/30/2019 10:26 AM]

Sept. 30, 2019

Sept. 30, 2019

PACER
11010891933

ORDER: Appellant Melanie Glasser’s motion to consolidate Case No. 18-14499 with Case No. 18-14586 for purposes of oral argument is GRANTED IN PART, to the extent that the Clerk’s Office is DIRECTED to schedule oral argument for Case No. 18-14499 on the same day that oral argument is scheduled for Case No. 18-14586. ENTERED FOR THE COURT - BY DIRECTION. [8898357-2] in 18-14499 [18-14499, 18-14586] [Entered: 11/05/2019 07:40 AM]

Nov. 5, 2019

Nov. 5, 2019

PACER
11010893052

ORDER: The parties are directed to file supplemental letter briefs addressing the effect of this Court's decision in Salcedo v. Hanna on these appeals. The briefs should not exceed 10 pages, single-spaced, and should be filed simultaneously within 14 days of the date of this order. ENTERED FOR THE COURT - BY DIRECTION [18-14586, 18-14499] [Entered: 11/05/2019 01:25 PM]

Nov. 5, 2019

Nov. 5, 2019

PACER

Record on Appeal filed. Exhibit Folder containing CD (DE 32-1) [Entered: 11/18/2019 10:24 AM]

Nov. 18, 2019

Nov. 18, 2019

PACER
11010913376

Supplemental Appellee's Letter Brief filed by Appellee Tabitha Evans. [18-14586] (ECF: Adam Hill) [Entered: 11/19/2019 05:26 PM]

Nov. 19, 2019

Nov. 19, 2019

PACER
11010913430

Supplemental Appellant's Letter Brief filed by Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). [18-14586] (ECF: Derin Dickerson) [Entered: 11/19/2019 06:52 PM]

Nov. 19, 2019

Nov. 19, 2019

PACER

Oral argument held. Oral Argument participants were Derin Bronson Dickerson for Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and Adam Theodore Hill for Appellee Tabitha Evans. [Entered: 12/06/2019 01:32 PM]

Dec. 6, 2019

Dec. 6, 2019

PACER
11011007771

Opinion issued by court as to Appellant Melanie Glasser in 18-14499, Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in 18-14586. Decision: Affirmed as to Glasser in 18-14499; Affirmed in part, Reversed in part as to Pennsylvanie Higher Education Assistance Agency in 18-14586. Opinion type: Published. Opinion method: Signed. The opinion is also available through the Court's Opinions page at this link http://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions. [18-14499, 18-14586] [Entered: 01/27/2020 04:19 PM]

Jan. 27, 2020

Jan. 27, 2020

PACER

Judgment entered as to Appellant Melanie Glasser in 18-14499, Appellant Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in 18-14586. [18-14499, 18-14586] [Entered: 01/27/2020 04:23 PM]

Jan. 27, 2020

Jan. 27, 2020

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Alabama

Case Type(s):

Public Benefits/Government Services

Special Collection(s):

Same-Sex Marriage

Key Dates

Filing Date: 2013

Closing Date: March 12, 2015

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs in a same-sex marriage seeking a divorce.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Unknown

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Madison County Circuit Clerk, County

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

State law

Available Documents:

None of the above

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Unknown

Nature of Relief:

Unknown

Source of Relief:

Unknown

Issues

General/Misc.:

Marriage

Discrimination Basis:

Sexual orientation

LGBTQ+:

LGBTQ+