Find Civil Court Records in Butler County
Civil court records in Butler County are kept by the Circuit Clerk at the 2nd Judicial Circuit courthouse in Greenville. The office handles all civil filings. This includes small claims, contract cases, and property disputes. Gail Calhoun serves as Circuit Clerk. She manages record access for both the circuit and district courts. Butler County shares its judicial circuit with Crenshaw County. Some tasks overlap between the two counties as a result. This guide covers how to search Butler County civil court records and where to get copies.
Butler County Quick Facts
Butler County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk's office is the main place to go for civil court records in Butler County. Staff can help you find cases, pull files, and make copies. Whether you are filing a new lawsuit or looking up an old case, this office handles it all. The clerk's staff takes in new filings, keeps court records, and helps judges during hearings. They know the system well and can point you in the right direction if you are not sure where to start.
Butler County is a rural area with a small-town feel. Most civil cases here deal with local matters. Property line fights, contract issues between neighbors, and debt claims are common. Car wrecks on Interstate 65 lead to injury lawsuits. Some cases involve local shops or farm work. The caseload is lighter than in big metro counties. That often means faster processing times for your records request.
| Circuit Clerk | Gail Calhoun |
|---|---|
| Address | 700 Court Square Suite 207 Greenville, AL 36037 |
| Phone | (334) 382-7512 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | butler.alacourt.gov |
The Butler County Courthouse sits on Court Square in downtown Greenville. It is an older building with a classic southern look. You can park on the streets around the square. Plan to go through security when you walk in. The Circuit Clerk's office is on the second floor in Suite 207. Look for the signs once you get past the front desk.
Types of Civil Cases in Butler County
Circuit Court Civil Cases
Circuit court handles civil disputes over $20,000 under Alabama Code Section 12-11-30. These cases include injury lawsuits from car wrecks and medical errors. Business contract fights and real estate cases also go here. Circuit court has sole power over equity matters. That means injunctions, specific performance, and declaratory judgments all start in circuit court.
The 2nd Judicial Circuit covers both Butler County and Crenshaw County. Judges rotate between the two counties. This setup has worked for years and keeps costs down for both places. Major civil trials in Butler County are held at the courthouse in Greenville. The judges know the local area well and have seen many types of cases come through.
District Court Civil Cases
District court handles civil cases between $6,000 and $20,000 as stated in Alabama Code Section 12-12-30. Common cases here include landlord-tenant fights, debt claims, and smaller contract issues. The process is quicker than circuit court. It is also less formal, which makes things easier for folks without lawyers.
Eviction cases show up often on the district court docket. Landlords file here when tenants do not pay rent or break lease terms. Debt lawsuits from credit card firms, doctors, and other creditors also land in district court. If someone owes you money but not enough for circuit court, this is where you file.
Small Claims Court
Small claims is part of district court. It handles cases under $6,000 per Alabama Code Section 12-12-31. The idea is to give people a simple, cheap way to fix minor disputes without lawyers. You fill out a form, pay a small fee, and show up to tell your side. The judge makes a call, often the same day.
Typical small claims cases in Butler County involve unpaid debts, property damage, bad checks, and failed repair jobs. If a worker did poor work on your house or a buyer never paid for what you sold, small claims court is an option. You can bring receipts, photos, and other proof. The rules are relaxed so regular folks can present their cases without much trouble.
How to Search Butler County Civil Court Records
Online Access Through Alacourt
Butler County civil records are searchable through the Alacourt Public Access portal. You can look up cases by party name or case number. The basic search is free. It shows case types, filing dates, and party names. To see the actual papers and full case details, you need a paid account. District cases cost $19.99 each. Circuit cases run $29.99.
Alacourt is the statewide system run by the Alabama courts office. It covers all 67 counties. Once you set up an account, you can search civil records from anywhere in Alabama. The database has both active and closed cases going back many years. For recent filings, check Alacourt first. It may save you a trip to Greenville.
In-Person Record Requests
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at 700 Court Square Suite 207 in Greenville to search records in person. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Bring a valid ID. Tell the staff what you need and they will help you find it. If you know the case number, that speeds things up. Otherwise, give them party names and rough dates.
Simple requests can usually be handled while you wait. You can get plain copies or certified copies. Certified ones cost more but are needed for some legal uses. If you need a lot of documents or the case file is big, it may take longer. The staff will let you know what to expect.
Mail and Written Requests
Send written requests to the Butler County Circuit Clerk at 700 Court Square Suite 207, Greenville, AL 36037. Include as much detail as possible. The case number is best if you have it. Otherwise, provide party names, rough filing dates, and the type of case. Say what documents you need and how many copies.
Enclose payment with your request. Make checks or money orders payable to the Butler County Circuit Clerk. If you are not sure of the cost, call ahead at (334) 382-7512. Processing time runs about 5 to 10 business days for routine requests. Complicated searches or large orders take longer.
Butler County Civil Court Portal
The Butler County Circuit Court website provides court information and links to online services. You can access the Alacourt portal for civil record searches from this site.
Alabama Civil Court Laws
Public Records Access
Court records in Alabama are public under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40. This law gives Alabama residents the right to look at and copy public records. The law favors disclosure. If someone turns down your request, they must prove an exemption applies. You can ask for records from the clerk's office. You pay fair copy fees under Section 36-12-41.
Court Record Privacy Rules
The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy went into effect on January 1, 2025. Rule 104(A) says court records are open unless a law, rule, or court order says otherwise. The rules list types of info that may be blacked out or sealed. This includes social security numbers, bank account numbers, and certain details about minor children.
Statutes of Limitations for Civil Claims
Alabama law sets deadlines for filing civil lawsuits. Miss the deadline and you lose your right to sue. Under Alabama Code Section 6-2-34, written contract claims have a six-year limit. Section 6-2-38 allows two years for injury and property damage claims. Medical error cases fall under Section 6-5-482. They have a two-year limit and four-year outer cutoff.
These deadlines affect when cases get filed. Knowing the time limit can help you see why a lawsuit appeared when it did. Old civil records might show last-minute filings made right before a deadline ran out. Keep this in mind when you research case timing.
Civil Court Jurisdiction Rules
Alabama Code sets dollar limits that determine which court hears a case. Circuit court gets disputes over $20,000. District court handles amounts from $6,000 to $20,000. Small claims takes cases under $6,000. These limits tell you where to look for a case. Not sure which court has the records? Start with district court for smaller amounts. Check circuit court for bigger disputes.
Filing Requirements
Civil complaints must meet certain requirements under the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure. Rule 8 requires a short and plain statement of the claim. Rule 10 sets formatting standards. You must include a cover sheet and pay the filing fee unless you qualify for a waiver. Proper service of process is required under Rule 4. These rules apply in Butler County just like everywhere else in Alabama.
Civil Court Record Copy Fees
Butler County charges standard fees for civil court record copies. The fee schedule is set by state law under Alabama Code Section 12-19-71 and applies across all Alabama counties. Call the clerk's office at (334) 382-7512 for current rates on specific documents.
| Standard Copies | $0.50 to $1.00 per page |
|---|---|
| Certified Copies | $1.00 to $5.00 per page plus certification fee |
| Online Access (District) | $19.99 per case via Alacourt |
| Online Access (Circuit) | $29.99 per case via Alacourt |
| Payment Methods | Cash, check, money order |
For large orders, get a cost estimate before you pay. The clerk can tell you what is in the file and how many pages it runs. This way you do not overpay or have to come back with more money.
Related Civil Record Sources
Federal Court Records
Butler County is part of the Middle District of Alabama. Federal civil cases with Butler County parties may be filed in the U.S. District Court in Montgomery. Federal records are available through PACER at $0.10 per page. Federal court handles cases involving federal law, diversity jurisdiction, and bankruptcy.
Property and Judgment Liens
Civil judgments can become liens against real property. Under Alabama Code Section 6-9-190, a judgment lien attaches to the debtor's property in any county where the judgment gets recorded. The Butler County Probate Judge maintains property records including judgment liens, deeds, and mortgages. If you are researching a civil judgment, check property records to see if a lien was filed.
Business Entity Records
Civil cases involving businesses may require information from the Alabama Secretary of State. Business entity records show registered agents, officers, and addresses. This helps with service of process in lawsuits. The Secretary of State has an online search for business filings.
Probate Court Records
The Butler County Probate Court handles estate matters, guardianships, and conservatorships. These cases sometimes connect to civil litigation. Disputes over wills, trust administration, and heir property can lead to related civil court filings. The Probate Judge's office is also in the courthouse in Greenville.
Legal Help in Butler County
Legal Services Alabama
Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal help to low-income residents who qualify. They handle housing problems, consumer protection, public benefits, and family law matters. The statewide intake number is 1-866-456-4995. If you cannot afford a lawyer for a civil case, call to see if you are eligible for free help.
Alabama Legal Help
The Alabama Legal Help website has self-help materials, forms, and legal information. You can find guides for common problems like landlord-tenant disputes, debt collection defense, and small claims cases. The site is run by Legal Services Alabama and the Alabama Access to Justice Commission.
Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral
The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. Initial consultations cost up to $50 for 30 minutes. The service is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. If you need a civil attorney in the Butler County area, they can connect you with someone who handles your type of case.
South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program
The Volunteer Lawyers Program in South Alabama connects low-income residents with pro bono attorneys. This program covers Butler County. Attorneys donate their time to help people who cannot afford legal fees. Contact them at (251) 438-1102 to see if you qualify for free representation in a civil matter.
Cities in Butler County
Butler County includes the cities of Greenville, Georgiana, and McKenzie. Greenville is the county seat with a population of around 7,400. Georgiana has roughly 1,600 residents. McKenzie is even smaller. None of these cities have populations over 100,000, so all civil court matters are handled through the Butler County Circuit Clerk in Greenville.
There are no separate municipal civil courts. All civil lawsuits involving Butler County residents or businesses go through the county court system. If you need civil court records related to Greenville, Georgiana, or any other Butler County community, search through the Circuit Clerk's office using the methods described above.
Nearby Counties
Butler County borders six other Alabama counties. Civil cases may involve parties from multiple counties, especially for car accidents on Interstate 65 or business deals that cross county lines. Here are the neighboring counties where related records might exist.