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

Documents in the Clearinghouse

No documents yet available via the Clearinghouse.

Docket

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

Last updated March 30, 2026, 4:30 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1109616738 June 30, 2017

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

RECAP
1109626052 July 7, 2017

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

RECAP
1109689275 Aug. 15, 2017

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

RECAP
1109691542 Aug. 16, 2017

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

RECAP
1109698295 Aug. 22, 2017

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)

RECAP
1109699397 Aug. 22, 2017

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.

RECAP
11010003676 March 12, 2018

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.

RECAP
March 15, 2018

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 21, 2018

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

April 10, 2018

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 20, 2018

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

11010165471 June 25, 2018

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.

RECAP
June 25, 2018

Judgment entered as to Appellant Felicia A. Wilcox.

11010196294 July 16, 2018

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

RECAP
11010196957 July 17, 2018

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)

RECAP
July 23, 2018

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

11010358453 Oct. 30, 2018

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]

RECAP
11010369166 Nov. 7, 2018

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]

RECAP
Nov. 7, 2018

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

11010374978 Nov. 13, 2018

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]

RECAP
11010375012 Nov. 13, 2018

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]

RECAP
11010375044 Nov. 13, 2018

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]

RECAP
11010375094 Nov. 13, 2018

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]

RECAP
11010375120 Nov. 13, 2018

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]

RECAP
11010388106 Nov. 20, 2018

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]

RECAP
11010388152 Nov. 20, 2018

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]

RECAP
11010390710 Nov. 26, 2018

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]

RECAP
11010392766 Nov. 26, 2018

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]

RECAP
11010392775 Nov. 26, 2018

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]

RECAP
Dec. 4, 2018

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]

Jan. 3, 2019

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]

11010470656 Jan. 22, 2019

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

RECAP
Jan. 23, 2019

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

11010476582 Jan. 25, 2019

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]

RECAP
11010480018 Jan. 29, 2019

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

RECAP
11010481494 Jan. 30, 2019

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]

RECAP
Jan. 30, 2019

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]

11010557535 March 25, 2019

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

RECAP
11010558736 March 26, 2019

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]

RECAP
11010569208 April 1, 2019

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]

RECAP
11010608786 April 26, 2019

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]

RECAP
11010610725 April 29, 2019

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

RECAP
April 30, 2019

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

11010615542 May 1, 2019

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]

RECAP
11010615555 May 1, 2019

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]

RECAP
Aug. 26, 2019

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. 27, 2019

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]

11010792118 Aug. 28, 2019

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]

RECAP
11010832256 Sept. 25, 2019

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]

RECAP
Sept. 25, 2019

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. 26, 2019

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

Sept. 30, 2019

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]

11010891933 Nov. 5, 2019

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]

RECAP
11010893052 Nov. 5, 2019

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]

RECAP
Nov. 18, 2019

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

11010913376 Nov. 19, 2019

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

RECAP
11010913430 Nov. 19, 2019

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]

RECAP
Dec. 6, 2019

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]

11011007771 Jan. 27, 2020

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]

RECAP
Jan. 27, 2020

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]

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

County

Madison County Circuit Clerk

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

State law

Available Documents:

None of the above

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Unknown

Relief Granted:

Unknown

Source of Relief:

Unknown

Issues

General/Misc.:

Marriage

Discrimination Basis:

Sexual orientation

LGBTQ+:

LGBTQ+

Recommended Citation