Find Civil Court Records in Henry County

Civil court records in Henry County cover lawsuits, contract disputes, property claims, judgments, and other legal matters. Both the Circuit Court and District Court hear these cases. The county seat is Abbeville. It sits in southeast Alabama near the Georgia border. Henry County is part of the 20th Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Houston County to the south. The Circuit Clerk keeps all civil case records at the courthouse on Court Square in Abbeville. You can search these records online through Alacourt. You can also visit the clerk's office in person. The courts here handle everything from small claims under $6,000 to major civil cases. This page explains how civil court records work in Henry County, whether you need to look up a case, get copies of court papers, or file a new lawsuit.

Henry County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all civil court records in Henry County. This office holds records for both Circuit Court and District Court cases. When you need to file a civil lawsuit, get copies of court papers, or search for case info, start here. The Circuit Clerk's office is your main resource. Staff can help you find what you need. They can also explain how to get records.

The clerk's staff can help you search for cases by party name or case number. They can also give you certified copies of court papers. You may need these for legal matters, background checks, or business deals. Bring a valid ID when you visit in person. If you are not sure what you need, just ask. The staff deals with these requests all the time. They can point you in the right direction and save you some guesswork.

Online Access to Henry County Records

Henry County civil court records are on the statewide Alacourt system. This online portal lets you search case info from home or work. You do not have to drive to the courthouse in Abbeville. It is a real time saver if you just need basic case details.

Alacourt Public Access

The Alacourt Public Access portal has searchable court records for all 67 Alabama counties, including Henry County. You need to create an account to use it. Search by party name (first and last name required) or by case number if you know it. District Court case lookups cost $19.99 each. Circuit Court lookups cost $29.99. The system shows case summaries, party info, and docket entries.

Henry County Court Website

Henry County also has local online access through henry.alacourt.gov. This site has info just for Henry County courts. You can find local court schedules, judge assignments, and contact info for court divisions. It is a good place to start. You can learn how courts work here before you dig into a case search.

What You Can Find Online

Online searches show case type, filing date, parties, judge, case status, and docket entries. Some documents may be viewable through the portal. For full case files, you may still need to visit the clerk's office or request copies by mail. Not every document gets uploaded. Older cases and sealed records are often not online.

Types of Civil Cases in Henry County

Henry County courts handle a range of civil matters. The type of court that hears your case depends mainly on how much money is involved.

Circuit Court Civil Cases

Henry County Circuit Court handles civil cases over $20,000. This authority comes from Alabama Code Section 12-11-30. Common Circuit Court civil matters include major contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, medical malpractice claims, business fights, and real estate disputes. Circuit Court also handles equity matters like injunctions. These cases tend to be more complex. They take longer to resolve than smaller claims.

District Court Civil Cases

Henry County District Court handles civil cases up to $20,000. This is set out in Alabama Code Section 12-12-30. This includes smaller contract disputes, landlord-tenant matters, debt collection, and property damage claims. District Court also handles evictions and garnishments. These cases move faster than Circuit Court matters, so you can get a resolution sooner.

Small Claims Court

Small claims is a part of District Court. It handles cases under $6,000. The process is simpler and faster than regular court. You do not need a lawyer to file a small claims case. You can have one if you want, though. Common small claims matters include unpaid debts, deposit disputes, minor property damage, and breach of contract for small amounts. The filing fee is lower too. That makes it easier for everyday disputes.

Filing a Civil Case in Henry County

If you need to file a civil lawsuit in Henry County, here is what you should know about the process.

Where to File

Civil cases are usually filed in the county where the defendant lives. You can also file where the events that led to the lawsuit took place. Under Alabama Code Section 6-3-2, venue is proper in the county of the defendant's home. For contract disputes, you may also file where the contract was to be done. For Henry County matters, you would file at the courthouse in Abbeville.

Required Documents

To start a civil case, you need to file a complaint. The complaint states your claims and what you want the court to do. It must include the names and addresses of all parties. You also need a statement of facts and the legal basis for filing. List the specific relief or damages you want. You will also need to pay the filing fee. Then you must arrange to serve the defendant.

Service of Process

After filing, you must have the defendant served with the lawsuit. In Alabama, service can be done by the sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail in some cases. The Henry County Sheriff's Office can serve process in the county. The Circuit Clerk's office can explain your options. They have the forms you need. Service must be done right or the case cannot move forward.

Court Forms

Standard court forms for civil cases are at the Circuit Clerk's office. You can also get them through Alabama Legal Help. Forms include complaint templates, summons forms, subpoenas, and motion forms. For small claims, simple forms make it easier to file on your own. The clerk's office can tell you which forms you need for your type of case.

How to Request Civil Court Records

There are several ways to obtain copies of civil court records from Henry County.

In Person

Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at 101 Court Square Suite A in Abbeville during business hours. Bring ID and any case info you have, like party names or case numbers. Staff can help you search for records and give you copies. Standard copies cost $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more. They include an official stamp showing the copy is accurate. This way is best if you are local or need papers right away.

By Mail

Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk at 101 Court Square Suite A, Abbeville, AL 36310. Include the full names of the parties and the dates of filing if you know them. Add the case type and your return address. Send a check or money order for the fees. Call ahead to check current copy costs. Expect a response in one to two weeks. It may take longer if staff need to search old records.

Online

Use the Alacourt system to view case information and, in some instances, download documents directly. Online access is the fastest method but does involve fees for each case lookup. Not every document is available online, so you may still need to contact the clerk for complete files.

Public Records Requests

Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, Alabama residents have the right to inspect and copy public records. Court records are generally public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific confidentiality rules. If a standard request does not get the records you need, you can submit a formal public records request citing this statute.

Legal Framework for Civil Records Access

Knowing the laws that govern public record access in Alabama helps you know what to expect. It is good to understand your rights before you request civil court papers from Henry County.

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 establishes the public's right to access government records, including court documents. The statute requires that records be made available for inspection and copying. Agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the cost of providing copies, as allowed under Section 36-12-41. If access is denied, the burden falls on the agency to prove an exemption applies.

Court Record Privacy Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality took effect January 1, 2025. These rules set standards for what information in court records may be redacted or sealed. Rule 104(A) states that court records are open for inspection unless a statute, rule, or court order provides otherwise. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and certain personal identifiers are typically redacted from public view to protect privacy.

Statutes of Limitations

If you plan to file a civil lawsuit, know the time limits. Under Alabama Code Section 6-2-34, written contract claims have a six-year limit. Personal injury and property damage claims must be filed within two years per Section 6-2-38. Miss these deadlines and you lose your right to sue. Do not wait too long if you have a claim.

Related Record Sources in Henry County

Civil court records often link to other public records kept by different offices. These extra sources can give you a fuller picture of a person or a situation. It is worth checking more than one office if you need deep background info.

Property Records and Judgment Liens

When someone wins a civil judgment, they can record it as a lien against the debtor's real property. These liens are recorded with the Henry County Probate Judge. Under Alabama Code Section 6-9-190, a judgment lien attaches to real property in any county where it is recorded. If you are researching a party's financial situation or checking for encumbrances on property, check the Probate Court records too.

Probate Court Records

The Henry County Probate Judge maintains property deeds, mortgages, marriage licenses, estate files, and other documents. The Probate Court is located at the Henry County Courthouse in Abbeville. Contact them for property records, marriage licenses, or estate matters. These records can be useful for background research or when civil cases involve property disputes.

Federal Court Records

Some civil cases fall under federal court jurisdiction due to federal questions or diversity of citizenship between parties. Henry County is within the Middle District of Alabama. Federal court records are available through PACER at $0.10 per page. Federal cases might include bankruptcy filings, civil rights claims, or disputes between parties from different states.

Legal Assistance in Henry County

If you need help with a civil court matter, several resources are available to Henry County residents.

Legal Services Alabama

Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal aid to low-income residents. They handle cases involving housing, family law, consumer protection, and public benefits. The statewide intake number is 1-866-456-4995. Income eligibility requirements apply. If you qualify, you may get free help with your civil legal matter.

Alabama Legal Help

Alabama Legal Help offers free self-help resources including court forms, legal information guides, and step-by-step instructions for common legal matters. The site is helpful for people handling civil matters without an attorney. You can find forms, learn about court procedures, and get answers to common questions.

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral

The Alabama State Bar operates a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. For a maximum of $50, you can get a 30-minute consultation with an attorney. This can help you understand your options even if you cannot afford full representation. Sometimes that initial consultation is enough to point you in the right direction.

Finding a Local Attorney

Henry County is a smaller rural county, so there may be fewer local attorneys compared to larger metro areas. However, many attorneys in nearby Dothan (Houston County) handle cases throughout the region, including Henry County. The Alabama State Bar website has a directory where you can search for attorneys by location and practice area.

Search Henry County Records

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

Cities and Towns in Henry County

Henry County includes several small incorporated municipalities. Abbeville is the county seat and largest town, but it has a population well under 100,000. Other communities in the county include Headland, Newville, and Haleburg. Civil court matters for residents of all Henry County communities are handled at the Circuit Clerk's office in Abbeville. There are no cities in Henry County with populations over 100,000, so no separate city pages exist for this county. All civil court services are provided through the county offices.

Nearby Counties

Henry County borders several other Alabama counties. If you need records from a neighboring jurisdiction, use the links below.