Find Civil Court Records in Bibb County

Civil court records in Bibb County are filed at the Circuit Clerk's office in Centreville. The 4th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases here. It shares judges with Dallas, Perry, and Wilcox counties. This rural county sees fewer filings than urban areas, but the same state laws apply. The Circuit Clerk keeps records of lawsuits, judgments, liens, and other civil matters. Some go back decades. Whether you need to look up a past case or check a judgment, the clerk's office can help. You can use the Alacourt system online or visit the courthouse in person.

Bibb County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all civil court records in Bibb County. Kayla Tucker Cooner holds this elected post. She runs the day-to-day work of the clerk's office. Staff members handle new filings and keep up existing case files. They also issue certified copies when you ask. The office sits on the courthouse square in downtown Centreville, right in the heart of town.

When you visit the clerk's office, you can search for civil court records, get copies, and file new cases. Staff can help you find records even if you have little info about a case. Bring as much detail as you can. Party names, rough dates, and case types all help. The more you know, the faster the search goes.

Online Access to Civil Court Records

Bibb County civil court records are online through the statewide Alacourt system. You can search for cases from home or your office. No need to drive to Centreville. The system works the same way across all Alabama counties, so if you have used it before in another county, you will find the process familiar here too.

Alacourt Public Access

The Alacourt Public Access portal for Bibb County lets you search civil court records by party name or case number. You need to make a free account first. Looking at full case details costs money. District court cases run $19.99 and circuit court cases cost $29.99. That fee gets you all the documents in that case.

What You Can Find Online

Through Alacourt, you can look up current and past civil cases. Check case status, view filing dates, and see who is involved. The system shows docket entries, hearing dates, and how cases ended. For some cases, you can view scanned copies of real court documents. But not all old records are in the system yet. Some older cases may need a trip to the clerk's office in person.

In-Person Record Requests

If you want to search records in person, visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. Staff can help you find records even with only partial info. Standard copies are usually ready the same day. Certified copies take a bit more time since they need the clerk's seal and signature.

Mail Requests

You can also ask for civil court records by mail. Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk at the address above. Include the case number if you know it. If not, give party names and rough dates. Add a check or money order for copy fees. Call ahead to find out how much. It takes one to two weeks to process, maybe more for complex requests.

Types of Civil Cases in Bibb County

Bibb County courts handle the same types of civil matters as other Alabama counties. The circuit court and district court split cases based on the dollar amount at stake. It helps to know which court handles your type of case. This matters when you search for records or plan to file a lawsuit.

Circuit Court Civil Cases

Under Alabama Code Section 12-11-30, circuit courts have general jurisdiction over civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $20,000. These include:

• Personal injury lawsuits from car crashes, slip and falls, and other accidents
• Medical malpractice claims
• Major contract disputes
• Business litigation
• Real property disputes and boundary issues
• Fraud and misrepresentation claims

The circuit court also has sole power over equity matters no matter the dollar amount. Equity cases include injunctions, forcing someone to carry out a contract, quiet title actions, and declaratory judgments. If you need a court order to stop someone from doing something, that goes to circuit court. Same if you need to force a specific action.

District Court Civil Cases

Bibb County District Court handles civil matters up to $20,000 as provided by Alabama Code Section 12-12-30. Common district court civil cases include:

• Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
• Debt collection lawsuits
• Smaller contract claims
• Property damage claims
• Consumer disputes

Small Claims

Small claims court gives you a simpler, faster way to resolve disputes under $6,000. The process is less formal than regular civil court. Many people handle small claims cases on their own, with no lawyer. Common small claims matters include unpaid bills and minor property damage. Security deposit fights and breach of simple contracts are common too.

The 4th Judicial Circuit

Bibb County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit. So are Dallas, Perry, and Wilcox counties. These four counties share judges. Circuit judges rotate among the courthouses. The circuit has multiple judges who travel between county seats to hear cases. It is a common setup in rural parts of Alabama.

This setup means Bibb County has its own courthouse and clerk, but judges also serve other counties. The circuit handles criminal cases too, not just civil. For civil cases, this works smoothly. You file your case with the Bibb County Circuit Clerk. A circuit judge hears it in the Centreville courthouse.

The shared circuit can sometimes affect scheduling. Judges must split their time among four courthouses. This may change when hearings get set. But for record searches and case filings, you only deal with the local clerk's office. Everything goes through Centreville for Bibb County matters.

Civil Court Filing Fees

Filing fees for civil cases in Bibb County follow the statewide fee schedule set by Alabama Code Section 12-19-71. These fees are the same across all Alabama counties.

Copy Fees

Standard copies of court documents cost $0.50 to $1.00 per page at the clerk's office. Certified copies run $1.00 to $5.00 per page plus a fee for the certification itself. The exact price depends on the document type. If you need an apostille or extra authentication, that costs more.

Fee Waivers for Hardship

If you cannot afford filing fees, you can ask for a waiver. The court needs you to file a form showing financial hardship. Explain your money situation. The judge looks at your request and decides to grant or deny it. Approval is not automatic. You must show you truly cannot pay.

Time Limits for Filing Civil Cases

Alabama law sets deadlines for filing civil lawsuits. These time limits vary by case type. Miss the deadline and you usually lose the right to sue. Even if you have a valid claim, it is too late. Here are the main deadlines that apply in Bibb County civil cases:

Two-Year Deadline

Under Alabama Code Section 6-2-38, you have two years to file:

• Personal injury claims
• Property damage claims
• Wrongful death lawsuits (from date of death)
• Most other tort actions

Six-Year Deadline

Under Alabama Code Section 6-2-34, you have six years to file:

• Written contract disputes
• Trespass to real property
• Trespass to personal property
• Recovery of money on a loan

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice claims have special rules. You generally have two years from the act or mistake. A discovery rule may extend the deadline in some cases. However, there is a hard four-year cutoff. No medical malpractice case can be filed more than four years after the incident. This is true even if you did not learn of the harm until later.

Legal Framework for Court Records Access

Your right to access civil court records in Bibb County comes from Alabama state law and court rules. The legal framework supports broad public access with some limits for privacy and safety.

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives every Alabama resident the right to inspect and copy public records. Courts must read this law broadly, favoring access. If an agency says no, they must prove an exemption applies. Civil court records are public unless a judge has sealed them or a law protects certain info.

Court Record Privacy Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality took effect January 1, 2025. Rule 104(A) confirms that court records are open for inspection and copying unless law or court order says otherwise. The rules list categories of information that may be redacted, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, dates of birth for minors, and certain medical information.

Sealed Records

Some civil records get sealed by court order. A judge may seal records to protect trade secrets, confidential business information, or sensitive personal matters. Settlement agreements are sometimes sealed at the parties' request. If a record is sealed, the clerk cannot provide access without a court order authorizing disclosure.

Related Record Sources

Civil court records often connect to records kept by other agencies. These related sources can give you a fuller picture of a person's legal and financial situation.

Judgment Liens and Property Records

When someone wins a civil judgment, they can record it as a lien against the debtor's real property. Under Alabama Code Section 6-9-190, a judgment lien attaches to real property in any county where it is recorded. The Bibb County Probate Judge maintains property records including recorded judgments. A property search can reveal outstanding judgment liens.

Federal Court Records

Bibb County falls within the Northern District of Alabama. Federal court sits in Birmingham, about 40 miles away. Cases involving federal law, constitutional claims, or diversity jurisdiction (parties from different states with over $75,000 at stake) go to federal court. Search federal records through PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov.

Bankruptcy Records

Bankruptcy filings can affect civil judgments and collection efforts. When someone files bankruptcy, most civil collection actions must stop. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama handles bankruptcy cases for Bibb County residents. These records are also available through PACER.

UCC Filings

The Alabama Secretary of State maintains Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. These show security interests in personal property, such as liens on vehicles, equipment, and inventory. UCC searches can reveal existing encumbrances before you enter a business transaction.

Legal Assistance Resources

If you need help with a civil court matter in Bibb County, several organizations offer free or reduced-cost legal services.

Legal Services Alabama

Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal help to low-income residents. They handle cases involving housing, family law, consumer issues, and public benefits. Not everyone qualifies. You must meet income guidelines. Contact them at 1-866-456-4995 to check eligibility and apply for assistance.

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral

If you do not qualify for free legal aid, the Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service. Call 1-800-392-5660 to get a referral. The initial consultation costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. This helps you find an attorney who handles your type of case.

Alabama Legal Help

Alabama Legal Help offers free self-help guides, court forms, and legal information online. The site covers small claims, landlord-tenant issues, consumer problems, and more. It is designed for people who want to handle civil matters on their own without a lawyer.

Self-Representation

You have the right to represent yourself in civil court. This is called proceeding pro se. For small claims and simpler matters, many people do this successfully. The clerk's office can provide forms and basic procedural information, though staff cannot give legal advice. For complex cases involving large amounts or complicated legal issues, hiring an attorney is usually a good idea.

Search Civil Court Records

Use the search tool below to find civil court records from Bibb County and other Alabama locations.

Cities in Bibb County

Bibb County is a rural county with no cities meeting the 100,000 population threshold for major city pages. Civil court records for all Bibb County residents and businesses are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Centreville. The county includes several smaller communities:

• Centreville (county seat)
• Brent
• West Blocton
• Woodstock

Residents of these communities who need civil court records should contact the Circuit Clerk's office in Centreville.

Nearby Major Cities

The following cities over 100,000 population are near Bibb County:

Nearby Counties

The following counties border Bibb County. Each maintains its own Circuit Clerk office for civil court records.