Coosa County Civil Court Records
Civil court records in Coosa County cover lawsuits, contract disputes, property claims, and other legal matters filed through the 40th Judicial Circuit. Coosa is the smallest county by population in Alabama. That means the Circuit Clerk office sees fewer cases than larger counties. The courthouse sits in Rockford, the county seat. Staff there handle filings and keep case files open for public access. Despite its small size, the county follows the same civil rules and record access laws that apply statewide. You can ask for court documents through the Alacourt online system, in person at the courthouse, or by mail. The Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all civil court records and can give you certified copies for legal or personal use.
Coosa County Court System Facts
Coosa County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all civil court records in Coosa County. This office handles new filings, keeps case files, works on motions and orders, and gives out certified copies of court documents. Dwan Talmadge serves as Circuit Clerk. The clerk office is in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford. You can walk in during business hours to ask questions or request records.
Given the small population of Coosa County, the clerk office is less busy than those in urban areas. This can mean shorter wait times for in-person help. But the office still follows standard Alabama court rules and fee schedules. All requests are handled in the order they come in. Staff do their best to help, even if you are not sure what you need.
| Circuit Clerk | Dwan Talmadge |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | PO Box 218 Rockford, AL 35136 |
| Phone | (256) 377-2420 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
40th Judicial Circuit
Coosa County is part of the 40th Judicial Circuit. Clay County is also in this circuit. The two counties share one circuit judge who travels between courthouses. This setup is common in rural Alabama where case loads do not call for a judge in each county.
The circuit court has broad power over civil matters where the amount at stake exceeds $20,000. It also has sole power over equity matters like injunctions, quiet title actions, and specific performance claims. Cases under $20,000 are usually handled by the district court. Both courts share the same courthouse building.
Court Schedule
Court sessions in Coosa County are held on a rotating basis. The circuit judge splits time between Coosa and Clay counties. Check with the Circuit Clerk office for the current court calendar. Civil cases may be set for specific terms throughout the year. You should confirm hearing dates with the clerk to avoid mix-ups. Call ahead if you are not sure when your case is on the docket.
Online Access to Civil Court Records
Coosa County civil court records are available through the statewide Alacourt system. This is the most convenient way to search and view case information without visiting the courthouse in person.
Alacourt Public Access
The Coosa County Alacourt portal lets you search civil court records online. You can search by party name or case number to find case info. You need to sign up for an account first. District court case lookups cost $19.99 and circuit court cases cost $29.99. The system shows case summaries, filing dates, party names, and documents on file.
What You Can Find Online
The Alacourt system has civil case info including the parties, filing dates, case type, assigned judge, and case status. Many court documents are online. But some older records may only be on paper at the courthouse. Not all documents are in the online system due to privacy rules or tech limits. If you cannot find what you need online, try calling the clerk office.
In-Person Record Requests
Walk-in requests are taken at the Circuit Clerk office during regular business hours. Bring valid ID such as a driver license. Give them the case number if you have it, or the names of parties and rough filing dates. Staff can help you search for records. Standard copies are usually ready the same day. Certified copies may take more time depending on how busy the office is.
Mail Requests
You can request court records by mail. Send your request to the Circuit Clerk at PO Box 218, Rockford, AL 35136. Include full names of the parties, rough filing dates, case type, and your return address. Add a check or money order for fees, made out to Coosa County Circuit Clerk. Response time is usually 5 to 10 business days. It may take longer if your request is vague.
Types of Civil Cases in Coosa County
The Coosa County court system handles various types of civil matters. The level of court depends on the amount of money involved and the type of relief sought.
Circuit Court Civil Cases
Circuit court handles civil lawsuits where the amount at stake exceeds $20,000. These cases include personal injury claims, major contract disputes, business lawsuits, and real property disputes. The circuit court also has sole power over equity matters like injunctions and declaratory judgments. Coosa County sees fewer of these larger cases than urban areas. But they do happen, especially land disputes and property rights issues.
District Court Civil Cases
District court handles civil matters where the amount does not exceed $20,000. Common cases include smaller contract disputes, landlord-tenant issues, personal property claims, and debt collection. Many of these cases involve local residents and businesses dealing with everyday civil disputes. These are the types of cases most people will run into at some point.
Small Claims Court
Small claims court is a division of district court handling disputes under $6,000. The process is designed to be simple and informal. People often represent themselves without an attorney. Common small claims cases include unpaid debts, property damage, security deposit disputes, and minor contract issues. Filing fees are lower than regular civil cases.
Equity Matters
Circuit court has exclusive jurisdiction over equity cases. These include suits for specific performance of contracts, partition of real property, quiet title actions, and requests for injunctive relief. Equity matters do not have a minimum dollar amount. Many equity cases in rural counties like Coosa involve land and property boundary disputes.
Civil Court Filing Fees
Filing fees for civil cases are set by state law under Alabama Code Section 12-19-71. These fees apply in Coosa County and throughout Alabama. The fee amount depends on the type of case and the court level.
| 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
Standard copies of court documents usually cost $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies run $1.00 to $5.00 per page plus a certification fee. The exact cost can vary by document type. Call the Circuit Clerk office for current copy fees before you send a request. That way you know how much to include with your payment.
Fee Waivers
If you cannot afford filing fees, you may ask for a waiver by filing an affidavit of substantial hardship. The judge will look at your financial situation and decide if you qualify. This applies to filing fees for new cases, not to copy fees for existing records. Ask the clerk for the right form to fill out.
Legal Framework for Court Records Access
Access to civil court records in Coosa County is governed by Alabama state law and court rules. Understanding these provisions helps when you are trying to get records.
Public Records Law
Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, Alabama residents have the right to view and copy public records. This includes court records. The law says to read it in favor of letting people see records. If an agency wants to hold back a record, it must prove that a specific exemption applies. Court records are generally public unless sealed by court order or protected by a specific law.
Court Record Privacy Rules
The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality took effect January 1, 2025. Rule 104(A) says court records are open for viewing and copying unless a law 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 info about minors.
Sealed Records
Some civil records may be sealed by court order. Parties can ask the court to seal certain documents or whole case files in limited cases. Settlement agreements are sometimes sealed at the request of the parties. Cases involving trade secrets or sensitive business info may have protective orders limiting access. You cannot view sealed records without a court order to unseal them.
Related Record Sources
Civil court records may connect to records kept by other agencies. These additional sources can provide more context about a civil matter or the parties involved.
Property Records
Civil judgments may be recorded as liens against real property. The Coosa County Probate Judge keeps property records including deeds, mortgages, and judgment liens. A property search can show outstanding judgments against a person or business. Under Alabama Code Section 6-9-190, a judgment lien attaches to the debtor's real property in any county where it is recorded.
Probate Court Records
The Coosa County Probate Judge handles estate matters, guardianships, and conservatorships. These records may matter if a civil case involves a deceased person's estate or a protected person. The Probate Court is in the same courthouse complex in Rockford. You can visit both offices in one trip if needed.
Federal Court Records
Coosa County falls within the Middle District of Alabama for federal court purposes. Cases involving federal law, constitutional claims, or diversity jurisdiction (parties from different states with amounts over $75,000) are filed in federal court in Montgomery. Federal court records are available through PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov. Each page viewed costs $0.10.
Bankruptcy Records
Bankruptcy filings can affect civil litigation and judgments. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Alabama handles cases from Coosa County. If a judgment debtor files bankruptcy, it may stay collection efforts on civil judgments. Bankruptcy records are also searchable through PACER.
Legal Assistance Resources
Several organizations provide free or low-cost legal help to Coosa County residents who need assistance with civil court matters.
Legal Services Alabama
Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal services to qualifying low-income residents throughout the state, including Coosa County. Services include representation in housing disputes, consumer matters, family law, and public benefits cases. Contact the statewide intake line at 1-866-456-4995 to check eligibility and get help.
Alabama Legal Help
Alabama Legal Help provides free self-help guides, court forms, and legal information. If you are handling a civil matter without an attorney, this site can help you understand the process. It covers small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, consumer issues, and other common civil topics.
Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral
The Alabama State Bar operates a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. Initial consultations cost a maximum of $50 for 30 minutes. This service can help you find an attorney for civil litigation matters if you do not qualify for free legal aid. The service is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Self-Representation
Many people in small claims court and some district court cases represent themselves. The clerk office cannot give legal advice, but staff can answer questions about forms and procedures. Consider consulting with an attorney for complex civil matters even if you plan to represent yourself.
About Coosa County Courts
Coosa County is the smallest county by population in Alabama. This affects the court system in several ways. The county shares a circuit judge with Clay County through the 40th Judicial Circuit. Court sessions are held on a rotating schedule rather than daily. The clerk office has fewer staff than larger counties.
Court Facilities
The Coosa County Courthouse is located in Rockford. Both circuit court and district court operate from this building. The Circuit Clerk office is on the main floor. The courthouse was built to serve the needs of the community and remains the center of county government operations. Parking is available near the courthouse.
Getting to the Courthouse
Rockford is located in central Alabama. The town is accessible via US Highway 231 and Alabama Highway 9. From Alexander City, head south on Highway 9 for about 20 miles. From Talladega, take Highway 77 south to Highway 9. The courthouse is on Main Street in downtown Rockford. Allow extra time if you are not familiar with the area.
Search Civil Court Records
Use the search tool below to find civil court records from Coosa County and other Alabama locations.
Cities and Communities in Coosa County
Coosa County is a rural county with no large cities. The county seat is Rockford, which has a population of a few hundred people. Other communities in the county include Goodwater, Kellyton, and various unincorporated areas. Civil court records for residents of all Coosa County communities are maintained at the county level by the Circuit Clerk in Rockford.
Because there are no cities in Coosa County with populations over 100,000, no city-specific pages are available. All civil court matters are handled through the county Circuit Clerk office regardless of where in the county you live.
Nearby Counties
The following counties border Coosa County. Each maintains its own Circuit Clerk office for civil court records. If you are unsure which county handles your case, check the location where the lawsuit was filed or where the events giving rise to the case occurred.