Search Civil Court Records in Cleburne County
Civil court records in Cleburne County document lawsuits, contract disputes, property claims, and other civil matters. The Circuit Clerk's office in Heflin keeps these records. It is the place to go for access. Cleburne County is part of the 40th Judicial Circuit along with Randolph County. This rural county in eastern Alabama has about 15,000 residents.
The courthouse in Heflin handles all civil filings for the county. Many records are now online through the state's court system. You can look up a judgment, find case info, or ask for certified copies. Visit the clerk's office in person or use the Alacourt portal from home.
Cleburne County Quick Facts
Cleburne County Circuit Clerk
Kevin Carden is the Circuit Clerk for Cleburne County. The clerk's office is where you file civil lawsuits. You can look up cases here and get copies of court papers. Staff can help you search by name or case number. The office keeps records for circuit court civil cases, district court civil cases, and small claims.
| Circuit Clerk | Kevin Carden |
|---|---|
| Address | 120 Vickery St Suite 102 Heflin, AL 36264 |
| Phone | (256) 463-2651 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Online Access | cleburne.alacourt.gov |
What Records Does the Clerk Maintain
The Circuit Clerk keeps all civil case files from the first filing to the end. This means complaints, answers, motions, court orders, and judgments. If someone appeals, the clerk gets the record ready for the higher court. Once a judgment is entered, it stays on file for good. Anyone can search it to see if a person has been sued or owes money.
Records are sorted by case number. The number shows the year and a sequence. If you have a case number, it is easy to find what you need. When you only have names, the clerk can search by plaintiff or defendant. Give them what you know. Dates help too, even rough ones about when the case may have been filed.
How to Search Records Online
Cleburne County provides online access to civil court records through two main systems. Both let you search from home without visiting the courthouse.
Alacourt Public Access Portal
The Alacourt Public Access portal covers all 67 Alabama counties. Cleburne is one of them. You need to make an account to use it. Searching is free, but viewing full case info costs money. District court cases are $19.99. Circuit court cases run $29.99. The portal shows case type, party names, filing dates, and status.
County Direct Portal
Cleburne County has its own portal at cleburne.alacourt.gov for local court records. This site connects directly to the county's records system. Check both the statewide and county portals since they may display information differently or have different features available.
Search Tips
When you search online, names might not match what you expect. Robert could show as Bob, Rob, or Bobby. Try maiden names if someone got married after the case was filed. Businesses may be listed under full legal names or short forms. If you find nothing, the case might be too old for the online system. Cases from before the mid-1990s may only exist on paper at the courthouse.
Types of Civil Cases in Cleburne County
Civil court records cover many kinds of legal disputes between people, businesses, and government entities. The type of case determines which court handles it.
Circuit Court Civil Cases
Circuit court hears civil cases worth more than $20,000. Under Alabama Code Section 12-11-30, circuit courts have broad power over bigger civil matters. Common cases include car crash lawsuits with bad injuries, business fights over contracts, property line disputes, medical malpractice claims, and construction defect suits. Circuit court also handles equity matters like injunctions. The dollar amount does not matter for those.
District Court Civil Cases
District court handles civil cases from $6,000 to $20,000. This is set out in Alabama Code Section 12-12-30. Common cases include debt collection, landlord-tenant fights, smaller contract claims, and property damage. The rules are simpler than circuit court, so things tend to move faster.
Small Claims Court
Small claims is a part of district court for cases under $6,000. Per Alabama Code Section 12-12-31, small claims is meant to be simple and cheap. Most people do their own small claims case without a lawyer. Records cover things like security deposit fights, minor car crash damage, unpaid bills, and consumer complaints.
Civil Court Filing Fees
Filing fees for civil cases in Alabama are set by state law under Alabama Code Section 12-19-71. These fees apply in Cleburne County and all other counties statewide.
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Small Claims (under $1,500) | $35 |
| Small Claims ($1,500 - $6,000) | $96 |
| District Court Civil ($6,000 - $20,000) | $219 |
| Circuit Court Civil (under $50,000) | $197 |
| Circuit Court Civil (over $50,000) | $297 |
Copy and Certification Fees
Copies cost extra on top of search fees. Plain copies run about $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more. You need these for use in other courts or agencies. Expect to pay $1.00 to $5.00 per page plus a fee to certify them. Call the clerk at (256) 463-2651 to check current prices before you visit.
Fee Waivers
If you cannot pay court fees, Alabama lets you ask for a fee waiver. You file a form that explains your money situation. A judge looks at it and decides. Forms for fee waivers are at the Circuit Clerk's office in Heflin. Staff can point you to the right paperwork.
Your Right to Access Court Records
Alabama law says court records are public records that citizens can inspect. Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives every citizen the right to inspect and copy public records. This includes civil court records kept by the Cleburne County Circuit Clerk. The law says courts should interpret public records access broadly, favoring disclosure over secrecy.
Records That May Be Restricted
Most civil records are open to the public. But some info may be sealed or removed. Cases with minors often have names blacked out to protect kids. Settlement deals sometimes seal parts of the file. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and medical records get removed from public docs. Mental health matters and some domestic cases may be restricted too. If you ask for a record and they say no, you can ask which law or court order blocks it.
Court Record Privacy Rules
The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality took effect January 1, 2025. These rules spell out what info can stay private. Rule 104(A) says court records are open to the public unless a rule says otherwise. There are 91 types of info that might be kept private. But the default is that records should be open.
Related Record Sources in Cleburne County
Civil court records connect to other types of public records. Depending on what you need, you may want to check these additional sources.
Judgment Liens and Property Records
When someone wins a money judgment in civil court, they can record it as a lien on the debtor's property. The Cleburne County Probate Judge keeps property records. This includes judgment liens. Under Alabama Code Section 6-9-190, a lien sticks to the debtor's real estate in that county. Property records can show if someone has unpaid judgments.
Federal Court Records
Some civil cases go to federal court instead of state court. Cleburne County falls in the Northern District of Alabama. Federal civil cases are on PACER. That is the federal courts' online records system. Federal court hears civil rights claims and lawsuits between people from different states when more than $75,000 is at stake. Cases based on federal laws go there too.
Probate Court Records
The Cleburne County Probate Court handles wills, estates, and guardianship matters. Civil litigation sometimes overlaps with probate, such as when heirs fight over a will or challenge how an estate is being managed. Probate records are separate from circuit court civil records.
Business Records
If a civil case involves a business, you can look up the company with the Alabama Secretary of State. Business records show the registered agent for service of process, the business address, and the names of officers or managers. This helps if you need to serve legal papers on a business or verify that a company is legitimate.
How to Request Civil Court Records
In Person at the Courthouse
Going to the Circuit Clerk's office in Heflin is often the fastest way to get records. The office is at 120 Vickery St Suite 102. Bring a photo ID. Tell staff what you want. Give them a case number if you have one. Or just give names of people or businesses. They can search while you wait. You can look through the files there and order copies. Bring cash or a check to pay.
By Mail
To get records by mail, write to the Circuit Clerk at 120 Vickery St Suite 102, Heflin AL 36264. Put the full names of all parties in the case. Add rough dates for when it was filed. Say what type of case it is if you know. List which papers you need. Include your return address. Send a check or money order to Cleburne County Circuit Clerk. If you do not know the cost, call first or ask them to tell you the total.
By Phone
You can call (256) 463-2651 to ask whether a case exists and get basic information. Staff can verify case numbers and filing dates. They cannot fax or email documents to you. For copies, you will need to visit in person, request by mail, or use the online system.
Time Limits for Filing Civil Cases
Alabama law sets deadlines for filing different types of civil lawsuits. These are called statutes of limitations. If you miss the deadline, you lose the right to sue.
Six-Year Limitations
Under Alabama Code Section 6-2-34, you have six years to file suit for breach of a written contract, trespass to real or personal property, and recovery of money owed on a loan. These are the longest limitation periods under Alabama law for most civil claims.
Two-Year Limitations
Per Alabama Code Section 6-2-38, you have only two years to file personal injury claims, property damage claims, and most other tort actions. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years of the date of death. Medical malpractice has a two-year limit with an absolute four-year cap under Section 6-5-482.
Claims Against Government
If you want to sue a city or county, shorter deadlines apply. Claims against municipalities must be presented in writing within six months under Section 11-47-23. Claims against counties generally must be filed within 12 months under Section 11-12-8.
Legal Assistance in Cleburne County
If you need help with a civil court matter, several organizations provide free or reduced-cost legal services.
Legal Services Alabama
Legal Services Alabama gives free legal help to low-income people throughout the state. They handle housing problems, consumer issues, family law matters, and public benefits cases. Call 1-866-456-4995 to find out if you qualify.
Alabama Legal Help
The Alabama Legal Help website has self-help materials including court forms, legal guides, and step-by-step instructions. It is designed for people who are handling their own cases without a lawyer.
Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral
The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service. Call 1-800-392-5660 to get matched with an attorney in your area who handles your type of case. The initial consultation is capped at $50 for 30 minutes.
About the 40th Judicial Circuit
Cleburne County is part of Alabama's 40th Judicial Circuit. Randolph County is the other half. The two share judges and staff, which saves money in these smaller counties. Circuit judges go back and forth between Heflin and Wedowee to hear cases. It is a close partnership between the courts.
The 40th Circuit has judges who hear civil, criminal, and family cases. Civil cases go to judges on rotation. Some matters might go to a set judge. A smaller circuit means judges get to know the local lawyers and the issues in the area. That can make things run smoother.
If you disagree with a circuit court decision in a civil case, you can appeal. Cases under $50,000 go to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. Cases over $50,000 go directly to the Supreme Court of Alabama. Appellate records are available through the Alabama Appellate Courts Portal.
Search Civil Court Records
Use the search tool below to look up civil court records from Cleburne County and other Alabama counties.
Nearby Counties
If you cannot find records in Cleburne County, the case may have been filed in a neighboring county. Civil cases are typically filed where the defendant lives or where the events leading to the lawsuit happened.