Find Civil Court Records in Mobile
Civil court records for Mobile are kept at the Mobile County Circuit Clerk. The office is at Mobile Government Plaza in downtown. The 13th Judicial Circuit Court handles civil lawsuits, contract disputes, and personal injury claims. It also deals with other civil matters filed in Mobile County. Circuit Clerk Ashleigh Long runs case filings and document retrieval for all civil matters. Mobile is the second largest city in Alabama. The population is over 201,000. It serves as the county seat of Mobile County. The Circuit Clerk's office helps people in person and offers online record access through Alacourt for civil case searches.
Mobile Quick Facts
Where to File Civil Cases in Mobile
Civil court cases for Mobile are filed at the Mobile County courthouse. The city does not have its own civil court. All civil lawsuits go through the Mobile County court system at Mobile Government Plaza. This means small claims, district court, and circuit court cases all go to the same building. The courthouse is easy to find in downtown Mobile. Parking is available nearby, and staff can help point you in the right direction once you get there. Many people who come to file a case find it helpful to call ahead first to make sure they have all the right forms and documents ready to go.
Mobile County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk's office handles all civil case filings. It keeps court records for the 13th Judicial Circuit. Ashleigh Long is the current Circuit Clerk. Staff can help with record searches and give you copies of case documents. They can also help you find the right forms for your case type. If you are not sure what you need, just ask at the front desk. The staff deals with these questions all day and can save you time by pointing you in the right direction from the start.
| Address | Mobile Government Plaza 205 Government Street, Room C-913 Mobile, AL 36644 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (251) 574-8806 |
| Circuit Clerk | Ashleigh Long |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | mobile.alacourt.gov |
For more information about Mobile County courts and filing procedures, visit our Mobile County civil court records page.
Types of Civil Cases Filed in Mobile
The Mobile County court system handles many types of civil matters. The amount of money at stake determines which court level has jurisdiction. It also affects what filing fees you pay. Cases under $6,000 go to small claims court. Cases between $6,000 and $20,000 go to district court. Cases over $20,000 go to circuit court. Each level has its own rules and costs, so it helps to know where your case fits before you start the filing process.
Small Claims Court
Small claims court in Mobile handles civil disputes under $6,000. This court is simple and informal. You do not need a lawyer. Common small claims cases include unpaid bills, security deposit disputes, and property damage claims. Minor contract issues also go here. The process is faster than regular civil court. Hearings are set within a few weeks of filing. The judge will listen to both sides and make a decision, often on the same day. It is a good option when you want to resolve a smaller dispute without spending a lot on legal fees.
District Court Civil Cases
Mobile County District Court handles civil cases where the amount is between $6,000 and $20,000. This is set by Alabama Code Section 12-12-30. These cases include larger contract disputes and landlord-tenant matters. Debt collection and personal injury claims below the circuit court limit also go here. District court cases follow more formal rules than small claims. But they are still less complex than circuit court cases.
Circuit Court Civil Cases
The 13th Judicial Circuit Court handles civil cases over $20,000 under Alabama Code Section 12-11-30. Circuit court has broad power over major civil cases. This includes personal injury lawsuits, business disputes, and real estate matters. Professional malpractice claims also go here. The circuit court also has sole power over equity matters like injunctions. These are bigger cases that often take longer to resolve and may require a lawyer to handle properly.
Domestic Relations
Family law cases are filed in Mobile County Circuit Court. This includes divorce, child custody, child support, and alimony. These cases have different rules than regular civil cases. The domestic relations division handles both contested and uncontested divorce cases. It also deals with changes made after a divorce is final. If you need to modify custody or support, you file a motion with this same court. The process can be quicker for uncontested matters where both parties agree on the terms.
How to Search Mobile Civil Court Records
There are a few ways to look up civil court records in Mobile. What you choose depends on what you know about the case. It also depends on whether you need official certified copies. If you just want basic case info, the online search may be enough. If you need documents for court or legal purposes, you may need to get certified copies in person. Knowing this upfront can save you time and money.
Online Record Search
The fastest way to search Mobile civil court records is the Alacourt Public Access portal. This statewide database lets you search by party name or case number. You need to create a free account to search. Viewing district court cases costs $19.99 per case. Circuit court cases cost $29.99. The system shows case status, hearing dates, parties, and document filings.
In-Person Search
You can visit the Circuit Clerk's office at Mobile Government Plaza to search records in person. Bring a valid ID. Staff can help you find cases if you know the names of parties or filing dates. Standard copies cost around $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more but are needed for legal matters. Plan to spend some time at the office if you have a lot to look through. It helps to write down case numbers or names before you go so the staff can assist you faster.
Public Records Request
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives residents the right to see and copy public records. You can send a written request to the Circuit Clerk for specific case documents. Include as much detail as you can about the case. There is no set form you must use. Requests are usually handled within a few business days. If your request is complex or involves many documents, it may take longer. You may also need to pay copy fees when you pick up the records.
Filing a Civil Lawsuit in Mobile
If you need to file a civil lawsuit in Mobile, you will file at the Mobile County courthouse. The amount of your claim decides which court you use. Here is what you should know before you start. Getting the basics right from the start can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Many cases get delayed or dismissed because of simple errors in the filing process.
Before You File
Check that Mobile County is the right place to file. You generally file where the defendant lives or where the events took place. If you file in the wrong county, your case could be dismissed or moved. Make sure you are within the time limit for your type of claim. Most personal injury cases have a two-year limit under Alabama Code Section 6-2-38. Contract claims have six years under Alabama Code Section 6-2-34.
Filing Documents
Civil cases start with a complaint. This document describes your claim and what you want the court to do. You will also need a civil cover sheet and summons for each defendant. Forms are at the Circuit Clerk's office or on the Alabama Legal Help website. After filing, you must arrange for proper service on all defendants. This means having someone officially deliver the court papers to the other party so they know about the case.
Filing Fees
Filing fees in Mobile County follow the statewide schedule set by Alabama Code Section 12-19-71. Small claims under $1,500 cost $35 to file. Small claims from $1,500 to $6,000 cost $96. District court cases cost $219. Circuit court cases under $50,000 are $197. Cases over $50,000 cost $297. More fees apply for serving defendants. These fees can add up, so plan your budget before you file.
Fee Waivers
If you cannot afford to pay filing fees, you can ask the court to waive them. You must fill out a form showing your financial situation. This is called an affidavit of hardship. The judge will look at your request and decide if you qualify. This process is allowed under Alabama Code Section 12-19-71. Fee waivers are not automatic. You must show real financial need to get one approved. But if you qualify, it can make the court system more accessible.
Related Record Sources in Mobile
Some civil matters connect to records kept by other offices. These sources can give useful background info for civil cases. For example, if you win a judgment, you may need to work with the Probate Court to record it as a lien. Or if your case involves federal law, you might need to check records at the federal courthouse. Knowing where to look can help you build a stronger case or collect on a judgment you already have.
Mobile County Probate Court
The Probate Court records civil judgments as liens on real property. If you win a civil judgment, you can record it with the Probate Court. This creates a lien on the defendant's property in Mobile County. The Probate Court also handles estates, wills, and some guardianship matters. These may relate to civil disputes in certain cases.
| Address | 151 Government Street Mobile, AL 36602 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (251) 574-6001 |
Federal Court in Mobile
Some civil cases belong in federal court instead of state court. This includes cases involving federal law. It also includes disputes between people from different states where more than $75,000 is at stake. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama has a courthouse in downtown Mobile. Federal cases follow different rules than state cases, and the fees and procedures are different as well.
| Address | 155 Saint Joseph Street Mobile, AL 36602 |
|---|---|
| Records Access | PACER ($0.10 per page) |
Legal Help for Mobile Residents
Several groups provide free or low-cost legal help to Mobile residents. These are for people who cannot afford a lawyer for civil court matters. If you qualify, you may be able to get help with your case at no cost. Each group has its own rules about who can apply, so check with them to see if you meet the requirements. Even if you do not qualify for free help, some offer low-cost options or can point you to other resources.
Legal Services Alabama - Mobile Office
Legal Services Alabama gives free civil legal help to low-income families. The Mobile office serves residents in Mobile County and nearby areas. Services include help with housing issues, consumer protection, family law, and public benefits. They cannot help with criminal cases or cases like personal injury where you might win money.
| Phone | (251) 433-6560 |
|---|---|
| Intake Line | 1-866-456-4995 |
South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program
The South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program (SAVLP) links low-income residents with volunteer lawyers. These lawyers give free legal help. The program covers civil matters in Mobile and nearby counties. Volunteer lawyers handle cases like landlord-tenant disputes, consumer issues, and family law matters. They also help with other civil cases where people need legal guidance but cannot afford to hire an attorney on their own.
| Phone | (251) 438-1102 |
|---|---|
| Website | www.savlp.org |
Mobile Bar Association
The Mobile Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. It helps people find attorneys for civil matters. First meetings through the referral service are often at a lower rate. The bar can also point you to free legal help if you qualify. This is a good starting point if you need a lawyer but are not sure where to look.
| Website | mobilebarassociation.com |
|---|
Alabama Legal Help
The Alabama Legal Help website offers free self-help resources for civil court matters. You can find court forms, step-by-step guides, and info about common legal issues. The site is run by Legal Services Alabama and the Alabama Access to Justice Commission. It is a great place to start if you want to learn more about handling a civil case on your own or just need to find the right forms.
Alabama Civil Court Law
Alabama civil courts operate under state laws and court rules. Knowing the basic legal framework helps you deal with the civil court system in Mobile. These rules set how cases are filed, what records are public, and how long you have to bring a claim. They also explain what happens after you win a judgment and how you can collect on it.
Public Records Access
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives Alabama residents the right to see and copy public records. Court records are generally open to the public. They are only sealed by court order or protected by specific laws. The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality, effective January 1, 2025, set which court records may be restricted.
Statutes of Limitations
Different types of civil claims have different time limits for filing. Personal injury and property damage claims must be filed within two years under Alabama Code Section 6-2-38. Written contract disputes have a six-year limit under Alabama Code Section 6-2-34. Medical malpractice claims have special rules. They have a two-year time limit and a four-year outer limit under Alabama Code Section 6-5-482. If you miss these deadlines, you lose the right to sue.
Judgment Collection
If you win a civil judgment in Mobile, Alabama Code Section 6-9-190 lets you record it as a lien on the defendant's property. Alabama Code Section 6-6-140 covers garnishment of wages and bank accounts to collect on judgments. Judgments are good for 20 years and can be renewed. This gives you time to collect if the defendant does not pay right away.
Start Your Search
Use our search tool to find civil court records from Mobile and other Alabama courts.
Mobile County Records
Mobile is the county seat of Mobile County. All civil court records for Mobile are kept at the county level by the Mobile County Circuit Clerk. Visit our county page for more details about court steps and record access. You can find info about filing fees, office hours, and where to go for different types of cases.