Search Alabama Civil Court Records
Alabama civil court records sit with Circuit Clerk offices in each of the state's 67 counties. The state runs a central system called Alacourt for online access. Civil court records hold case filings, motions, court orders, judgments, and settlement papers from lawsuits in Alabama Circuit Courts, District Courts, and Small Claims Courts. These are public records under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40. You can ask for copies if you give the clerk the names of the parties and when the case was filed.
Alabama Court System Facts
Where to Find Alabama Civil Court Records
The Circuit Clerk keeps civil court records in each county. Alabama runs a unified court system under Amendment 328 of the state constitution. The Chief Justice leads the state's court office, which runs court work across the state and gives people online access to case data. Each of the 67 counties has its own Circuit Clerk. These clerks file new cases, store old ones, and help the public find what they need.
Alacourt Public Access Portal
The Alacourt Public Access site at pa.alacourt.com lets you search trial court records from all 67 Alabama counties. You can find civil, domestic, criminal, and traffic case info. Search by name or case number. District case views cost $19.99. Circuit case views cost $29.99. You need to set up an account first. The site works around the clock, so you can search at any time. Most records go back many years, though some older cases may not be in the system yet.
Circuit Clerk Offices
All 67 counties have a Circuit Clerk who keeps the court files. This clerk stores both circuit court and district court records. To look up records face to face, go to the clerk's office at the courthouse. Most are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Bring a valid ID with you. Staff can help you search and get copies. If you need a certified copy, just ask. The fee per page is usually under five dollars for certified copies. Regular copies cost less.
To find the address and phone for any clerk, use the Alabama Secretary of State lookup tool. Just type in the county name and it shows you the clerk's contact info.
Alabama Appellate Courts Portal
If a civil case was appealed, check the Alabama Appellate Courts Portal. This site is free. It has Court of Civil Appeals and Supreme Court of Alabama records. Cases under $50,000 go to the Court of Civil Appeals. Cases over $50,000 go straight to the Supreme Court. You can search by case name, number, or party. No account is needed for basic searches.
Civil Court Filing Fees and Costs
Fees for filing civil cases come from Alabama Code Section 12-19-71. The same fees apply across the state. Some counties add small local fees on top. The chart below shows what you can expect to pay when you file a case.
| Court Level | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Small Claims (under $1,500) | $35 |
| Small Claims ($1,500 - $6,000) | $96 |
| District Court ($6,000 - $20,000) | $219 |
| Circuit Court (under $50,000) | $197 |
| Circuit Court (over $50,000) | $297 |
Copy Fees
Copy fees change from county to county. Most charge $0.50 to $1.00 per page for plain copies. Certified copies run $1.00 to $5.00 per page, plus a fee for the stamp. If you use Alacourt online, plan to pay $19.99 for a district case or $29.99 for a circuit case. These fees let you view and print the case file from your own home or office.
Fee Waivers
Can't pay the fee? A judge can waive it if you show real hardship. You fill out a sworn form that explains why you can't pay. The judge looks at your income, bills, and needs. If approved, the court waives all or part of the cost. This helps people who would otherwise be shut out of the court system. Ask the clerk for the fee waiver form when you file your case.
Types of Civil Cases in Alabama
Civil court records show legal fights between people or businesses. One side sues the other for money or some kind of fix. Alabama has three court levels for civil cases. Which court you use depends on how much money is at stake. The more you claim, the higher the court.
Circuit Court Civil Cases
Circuit courts take cases over $20,000 under Alabama Code Section 12-11-30. Think big: car crash injury claims, major contract fights, business lawsuits, land disputes, and class actions. Circuit courts also handle all equity cases. Equity covers things like forcing someone to do or stop doing something, not just pay money.
District Court Civil Cases
District courts take civil cases up to $20,000 under Alabama Code Section 12-12-30. You see contract fights, property damage claims, consumer gripes, landlord-tenant feuds, and debt collection here. These cases tend to move faster than circuit court cases. The rules are a bit less formal too.
Small Claims Court
Small claims is part of district court. It takes cases under $6,000. The goal is to keep things simple, cheap, and fast. You don't need a lawyer, though you can bring one if you want. People use small claims for things like getting a deposit back from a landlord, chasing a small debt, or settling a minor contract issue. Hearings are quick and less formal than other courts.
Related Record Sources
Civil court records often link to files from other offices. When you dig into a civil case, check these other sources too. They may fill in gaps or give you a fuller picture of what happened.
Property Records and Judgment Liens
Won a lawsuit? The winner can put a lien on the loser's land. The Probate Judge in each county keeps these records. Under state law, the lien sticks to real property in that county. If you search property records, you may find old judgments still tied to a piece of land. This matters if you want to buy or sell property with a lien on it.
Federal Court Records
Some civil cases go to federal court, not state court. This happens when the case involves federal law or when the two sides are from different states and the claim tops $75,000. Alabama has three federal districts: Northern (Birmingham, Huntsville, Gadsden), Middle (Montgomery, Dothan, Opelika), and Southern (Mobile, Selma). Use PACER to search federal records. It costs $0.10 per page.
Bankruptcy Records
Bankruptcy can change a civil case. If the person you sued files for bankruptcy, your case may be put on hold. Check federal bankruptcy records through PACER. Alabama has bankruptcy courts in all three federal districts. A bankruptcy filing may wipe out a judgment you already won, so it pays to know if the other party has filed.
Business Entity Records
Suing a business? The Alabama Secretary of State keeps records on all companies in the state. You can find who owns a business, where it's based, and who to serve with legal papers. This info is free online. It helps when you need to track down the right person or address to send court documents.
Legal Framework for Civil Court Records
Public Records Access
State law gives you the right to see and copy public records. Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 spells this out. If someone says no, they have to prove why. The law leans toward letting you see records, not hiding them. Offices can charge you a fair fee for copies, but they can't block access just because they don't feel like helping. If you hit a wall, cite the statute.
Court Record Privacy Rules
New rules took effect January 1, 2025. The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality now control access. Under Rule 104(A), court records are open unless a law or court order says no. The rules list 91 types of info that may be blacked out or sealed. This includes things like Social Security numbers and bank account details. Most civil case files stay open to the public.
Statutes of Limitations
You only have so long to file a lawsuit. Miss the deadline and you lose your right to sue. Under Alabama Code Section 6-2-34, you get six years for written contract claims. Personal injury and property damage claims must be filed within two years. Medical malpractice has a two-year limit with a hard cap at four years. Don't wait until the last minute. Courts enforce these deadlines strictly.
How to Request Civil Court Records
Online Requests
The quickest way to get records is online through Alacourt. Go to pa.alacourt.com and sign up for an account. Search by name or case number. Pay the fee and view the documents right away. Some counties have their own sites too, but Alacourt covers the whole state. You can print or save what you find.
In-Person Requests
Go to the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse where the case was filed. Bring your ID. Tell the staff what you're looking for. The more you know about the case the better. Names, dates, and case type all help. Staff will search for you. Plain copies come out the same day. Certified copies may take a bit longer. Call ahead if you need to know wait times or hours.
Mail Requests
Mail a letter to the Circuit Clerk. Include all party names, a rough date range, and the type of case. Add your return address and a check or money order for the fees. Make payment out to the Circuit Clerk. Expect to wait 5 to 10 business days for a reply. Call first if you want to know the exact fee amount so your check is right.
Public Records Requests
Can't find what you need through normal means? File a formal public records request under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40. Be specific about what you want. There's no set deadline for a response, but most offices get back to you within a week or two. Put your request in writing and keep a copy for yourself.
Legal Assistance Resources
Can't afford a lawyer? You have options. Several groups offer free or cheap legal help to people who qualify. Most have income limits. Here's where to look for help with civil cases in Alabama.
Legal Services Alabama
Legal Services Alabama gives free civil legal aid to low-income families. They cover all 67 counties. They help with housing, family law, consumer issues, and public benefits. Call 1-866-456-4995 to see if you qualify. Staff will ask about your income and what kind of case you have. They don't take criminal cases or car accident lawsuits.
Alabama Legal Help
Alabama Legal Help has free guides, forms, and info for people handling cases on their own. The site covers many civil topics. It shows you how to fill out forms and what to expect in court. Legal Services Alabama and the Access to Justice Commission run the site. It's a good first stop if you can't afford a lawyer.
Volunteer Lawyers Programs
Each part of Alabama has volunteer lawyer programs. These link low-income folks with free attorneys. In Birmingham, call (205) 250-5198. In Huntsville and Madison County, call (256) 539-2275. Montgomery residents can reach out at (334) 265-0222. Down in Mobile and South Alabama, the number is (251) 438-1102. Slots are limited, so call early.
Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral
The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral line. Call 1-800-392-5660. The first talk costs no more than $50 for half an hour. After that, regular fees kick in if you hire the lawyer. The line is open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. This is a good way to find a lawyer if you don't know where to start.
Start Your Search
Use our search tool to locate civil court records from Alabama and other states.
Browse by County
Circuit Clerks keep civil court records at the county level. Pick a county below to get the address, phone, and info on how to access records there. Each county has its own clerk office at the courthouse.
Browse by City
Live in one of Alabama's big cities? Pick yours below to find the courthouse that handles your civil cases. Each city page shows where to go and how to get records.