Coffee County Civil Court Records

Civil court records in Coffee County track lawsuits, judgments, contract disputes, and property claims. These are civil matters filed in the 12th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk in Elba keeps these records. They are open to the public. Coffee County sits in southeast Alabama and shares the 12th Circuit with Pike and Dale counties. If you need to look up a civil case or find a judgment, the Circuit Clerk office is the place to start. You can also get copies of court papers there. Search records online through Alacourt or visit the courthouse in person. The county handles civil matters from small claims under $6,000 up to big cases in Circuit Court. This page shows how to access Coffee County civil court records and what to know before you start.

Coffee County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk is the keeper of all civil court records in Coffee County. Theresa C. Caraway holds this job. She manages records for the 12th Judicial Circuit. The office handles case filings and keeps court papers. They also issue certified copies and take public record requests. Staff can help you search for civil cases by name or case number. The office collects filing fees and court costs too.

The Coffee County Courthouse sits in downtown Elba. The building has Circuit Court, District Court, and the Circuit Clerk office all in one place. Street parking is free near the courthouse. Bring a photo ID when you visit to ask for records. For simple requests, the clerk can give you copies while you wait. Harder searches may take more time. If you call ahead, staff can tell you what to bring and how long your request might take.

Online Record Access

The Alacourt Public Access portal lets you search Coffee County civil court records from home. Look up cases by party name or case number. District case lookups cost $19.99. Circuit case lookups cost $29.99. First you need to make an account. It only takes a few minutes. The system shows case info, party names, filing dates, and docket entries. Some documents are ready to view or download right away.

Coffee County also has a local court website at coffee.alacourt.gov. It lists court services, schedules, and local rules. You cannot search records directly on this site. But it does have useful info about how the court system works in Coffee County. Check there for forms, court dates, and contact details.

Types of Civil Cases in Coffee County

Coffee County courts handle many different civil matters. Which court hears your case depends on the dollar amount involved.

Circuit Court Civil Cases

Coffee County Circuit Court hears civil cases over $20,000. This is set by Alabama Code Section 12-11-30. These cases include big contract fights, injury lawsuits, business disputes, and property claims. Malpractice claims go here too. Circuit Court also handles equity matters like injunctions. Most people hire lawyers for Circuit Court cases. The rules are more formal than in District Court.

District Court Civil Cases

Coffee County District Court takes civil cases from $6,000 to $20,000. This is set by Alabama Code Section 12-12-30. Common cases include contract fights, damage claims, and landlord-tenant issues. Debt collection cases often land here too. District Court uses simpler rules than Circuit Court. Many people handle these cases on their own, without a lawyer.

Small Claims Court

Small claims court in Coffee County handles disputes under $6,000 per Alabama Code Section 12-12-31. The process is simple. It is set up for people without lawyers. You fill out a form, pay a filing fee, and get a court date. That is it. Common small claims cases include deposit disputes, minor contract problems, and property damage. There is no jury trial in small claims court. The judge hears both sides and makes a ruling.

Domestic Relations Cases

Family law cases go to Coffee County Circuit Court. These include divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and name changes. Domestic records often have limits on who can see them. This is to protect kids and private family matters. You may need to show a good reason to access certain domestic records. The clerk can tell you what is public and what is sealed.

How to Search Coffee County Civil Records

Online Searches

The fastest way to find civil court records is through Alacourt at pa.alacourt.com. First make a free account. Then type in the name of a party to the case. You can also search by case number if you have it. Results show basic case info at no cost. Pay the lookup fee to see full case details and documents. The system covers both Circuit Court and District Court civil cases in Coffee County.

In Person at the Courthouse

Visit the Circuit Clerk office at the Coffee County Courthouse in Elba during regular business hours. Bring valid ID with a photo. Tell the clerk you want to search civil court records. Give them as much information as you have. Party names, approximate dates, and case type all help narrow the search. Staff will help you locate records. You can look at case files for free. Copies cost extra.

Written Requests

Send a written request to the Coffee County Circuit Clerk. Include full names of all parties, approximate filing date, case type (civil, small claims, etc.), your contact information, and payment. Make checks payable to Coffee County Circuit Clerk. Mail to PO Box 607, Elba, AL 36323. Expect a response within 5 to 10 business days. Call ahead if you need records faster.

Public Records Requests

Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, Alabama citizens can inspect and copy public records. Court records are public unless sealed by a judge or shielded by law. If you have trouble getting records the normal way, file a formal public records request. Cite this statute when you do. The law says agencies must respond. Courts can order them to turn over records if they wrongly say no.

Alabama Laws Governing Civil Court Records

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives people the right to see public records. The law says courts should read it broadly in favor of access. Anyone denied access can ask a judge to force the release. The government has to prove why an exemption applies. Section 36-12-41 lets agencies charge fair fees for copies. These rules apply to records at the Coffee County Circuit Clerk.

Court Record Privacy Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy took effect January 1, 2025. Rule 104(A) says court records are open unless a law or court order says no. The rules list 91 types of info that may stay private. Social Security numbers are private. So are bank account numbers and medical records. Some info about kids stays sealed. People who file papers must black out private info before they submit them.

Civil Filing Requirements

Civil lawsuits in Alabama must meet certain rules. A complaint needs a clear statement of the claim. It must say what relief you want and why the court can hear the case. Under the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure, the person suing must properly serve the defendant. This means giving them a copy of the complaint and summons. The defendant then has 30 days to file an answer. Miss that deadline and you may lose by default.

Statutes of Limitations

Alabama sets time limits for filing civil lawsuits. Under Alabama Code Section 6-2-34, you have six years to sue on a written contract. Injury and property damage claims must be filed within two years per Section 6-2-38. Medical malpractice has a two-year limit. There is also a four-year outer cap. Miss these deadlines and you usually lose the right to sue. Check the limit that applies to your case before you assume you can still file.

Related Records in Coffee County

Property Records and Judgment Liens

Civil judgments can become liens on real property. In Coffee County, the Probate Judge records these liens. Under Alabama Code Section 6-9-190, a lien attaches to property in the county where it is filed. The lien lasts ten years. It can be renewed after that. Want to know if someone has judgment liens? Check property records at the Probate Office in Elba.

The Coffee County Probate Judge maintains deeds, mortgages, and other property records. Contact the Probate Office for property record searches. Property records can reveal ownership history, liens, and encumbrances that may relate to civil court cases.

Federal Court Records

Some civil cases with Coffee County people end up in federal court. Coffee County is part of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. Federal cases include fights over federal law, cases over $75,000 between people in different states, and bankruptcy. The closest federal courthouse is in Montgomery. Search federal records through PACER at $0.10 per page with a quarterly cap.

Business Entity Records

For civil cases involving businesses, the Alabama Secretary of State maintains business entity records. Search the business entity database to find registered agent information, corporate officers, and filing history. This helps with service of process and locating parties in civil litigation. You can also check if a business is in good standing or has been dissolved.

Tax Records

The Coffee County Revenue Commissioner maintains tax records that may relate to civil matters. Property tax records show ownership and assessed values. Delinquent tax information can be relevant in collection cases or property disputes. Contact the Revenue Commissioner office in Elba for tax record inquiries.

Legal Help in Coffee County

Legal Services Alabama

Legal Services Alabama gives free civil legal help to low-income people across the state. This includes Coffee County. They handle housing, family law, consumer cases, and public benefits. Call 1-866-456-4995 to see if you qualify. Income limits apply. But many working families meet the rules and can get help at no cost.

South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program

The South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program serves residents of Coffee County and the surrounding region. They connect qualifying individuals with pro bono attorneys for civil legal matters. The program is based in Mobile but helps people across south Alabama. Contact them at (251) 438-1102 for more information about services in your area.

Alabama Legal Help

Alabama Legal Help offers free self-help resources, court forms, and legal information. The site is run by Legal Services Alabama and the Alabama Access to Justice Commission. You can find information about common civil matters like small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and consumer issues. The site also has information about finding a lawyer if you need one.

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service. Call 1-800-392-5660 Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The initial consultation costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. They can connect you with attorneys who handle civil cases in Coffee County. This is a good option if you do not qualify for free legal aid but need help finding a lawyer.

Fort Novosel Legal Assistance

Military personnel and their families stationed at Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker) in Dale County can access legal assistance through the installation. The Legal Assistance Office provides help with civil matters affecting service members. Contact the installation for information about eligibility and services available.

Start Your Search

Use our search tool to find civil court records from Coffee County and other locations.

Cities in Coffee County

Coffee County includes the cities of Enterprise, Elba, New Brockton, and Kinston. Enterprise is the largest city in the county with a population around 28,000. Elba serves as the county seat where the courthouse and Circuit Clerk office are located. Civil court matters for residents of all Coffee County cities are handled at the courthouse in Elba. No cities in Coffee County meet the population threshold for individual city pages on this site.

Nearby Counties

Coffee County borders five other Alabama counties. Each county maintains its own civil court records through its Circuit Clerk.