Search Houston County Civil Court Records

Civil court records in Houston County show lawsuits, contract fights, land claims, and other legal matters filed in Circuit Court and District Court. Houston County is the last county made in Alabama. It was set up in 1903 from parts of Dale, Geneva, and Henry counties. The county seat is Dothan. Civil case files are kept by the Circuit Clerk at the Houston County Courthouse. You can search records online through the Alacourt system. You can also ask for copies in person at the clerk's office. Houston County is part of the 20th Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Henry County. The courts deal with small claims under $6,000 all the way up to big civil cases over $20,000.

Houston County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk is the main keeper of all civil court records in Houston 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, the Circuit Clerk's office is your first stop. The staff there can help you find what you need. They handle thousands of requests each year from lawyers, businesses, and people doing their own research. If you are not sure where to start, just call them and ask.

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 cases, background checks, or business deals. Bring a valid ID when you visit in person. The office can get busy, so plan for a short wait. If you know your case number ahead of time, things will go faster.

Online Access to Houston County Records

Houston 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 need to go to the courthouse. The system runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can look up cases any time. It is a paid service, but for many people the cost is worth it to save a trip to Dothan.

Alacourt Public Access

The Alacourt Public Access portal has searchable court records for all 67 Alabama counties, including Houston County. You need to make an account to use it. You can search by party name or by case number. District Court case lookups cost $19.99 each. Circuit Court lookups cost $29.99 each. The system shows case summaries, party info, and docket entries.

Houston County Court Website

Houston County also has local online access at houston.alacourt.gov. This site has info just for the Houston County court system. You can find local court schedules and judge assignments there. It also lists phone numbers for the court divisions.

What You Can Find Online

Online searches show case type, filing date, who is involved, the 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 ask for copies by mail. Not all records are online yet. Older cases from before the digital system may only be on paper at the courthouse.

Types of Civil Cases in Houston County

Houston County courts handle many types of civil matters. Which court hears your case depends on how much money is at stake. Cases involving larger amounts go to Circuit Court. Smaller cases go to District Court. Knowing the difference helps you file in the right place and avoid delays.

Circuit Court Civil Cases

Houston County Circuit Court handles civil cases where more than $20,000 is at stake. This power comes from Alabama Code Section 12-11-30. Common Circuit Court cases include big contract fights, car wreck lawsuits, medical malpractice claims, business disputes, and land issues. Circuit Court also deals with injunctions and specific performance claims.

District Court Civil Cases

Houston County District Court handles civil cases where the amount is $20,000 or less, as stated in Alabama Code Section 12-12-30. This includes smaller contract fights, landlord-tenant matters, debt collection, and property damage claims. District Court also handles evictions and wage garnishments. These cases tend to move faster than Circuit Court cases.

Small Claims Court

Small claims is a part of District Court that 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. Many people handle these on their own. Common small claims cases include unpaid debts, security deposit fights, minor property damage, and breach of contract for smaller amounts. The filing fee is lower too, which makes it easier for people to get their day in court.

Filing a Civil Case in Houston County

If you need to file a civil lawsuit in Houston County, here is what you should know. The process has several steps. Getting them right the first time will save you time and money. Mistakes in your filing can cause delays or even get your case thrown out.

Where to File

Civil cases are usually filed where the defendant lives or where the events took place. Under Alabama Code Section 6-3-2, you can file in the county where the defendant lives. For contract cases, you may also file where the contract was to be done.

Required Documents

To start a civil case, you need to file a complaint. This document states your claims and what you want the court to do. The complaint must list names and addresses of all parties. It must state the facts that back up your claims. It must say why the court has power to hear the case. And it must say what relief or damages you want. You will also need to pay the filing fee and arrange for service on the defendant.

Service of Process

After filing, you must have the defendant served with the lawsuit. In Alabama, service can be made by the sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail in some cases. The Circuit Clerk's office can explain your options. They have the forms you need. Keep in mind that you cannot serve the papers yourself. Someone else must do it for the service to count.

Court Forms

Court forms for civil cases are at the Circuit Clerk's office and on Alabama Legal Help. Forms include complaint templates, summons forms, subpoenas, and motion forms. Small claims has simpler forms. These make it easier to file without a lawyer.

How to Request Civil Court Records

There are several ways to get copies of civil court records from Houston County. The method you pick depends on how fast you need the records and whether you can make it to Dothan in person. Each option has pros and cons.

In Person

Go to the Circuit Clerk's office at the Houston County Courthouse 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 but come with official proof that the copy is accurate. You can pay with cash, check, or card in most cases.

By Mail

Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk at PO Drawer 6406, Dothan, AL 36302. Include the full names of the parties, rough dates of filing, case type, your return address, and a check or money order for the fees. Call ahead to check current costs. Expect a reply in one to two weeks.

Online

Use the Alacourt system to view case info and, in some cases, download documents right away. Online access is the fastest way to get records. It does cost money for each case lookup, but you get results in minutes instead of days. This option works well if you need info quickly or live far from Dothan.

Public Records Requests

Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, Alabama residents can inspect and copy public records. Court records are usually public unless sealed by court order. If a normal request does not get you what you need, you can submit a formal public records request. Cite this statute in your letter.

Legal Framework for Civil Records Access

Knowing the laws that govern public record access in Alabama helps you know what to expect. When you ask for civil court documents, you have rights under state law. But there are also limits on what you can get.

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives the public the right to access government records, including court documents. The law says records must be open for viewing and copying. Agencies can charge fees to cover the cost of copies. Section 36-12-41 sets the rules for those fees. If access is denied, the agency must prove an exemption applies. The burden is on them, not you.

Court Record Privacy Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy took effect January 1, 2025. These rules say what info in court records may be hidden or sealed. Rule 104(A) states that court records are open unless a law, rule, or court order says otherwise. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and some personal identifiers are usually removed from the public view.

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. If you miss these deadlines, you lose your right to sue. The clock starts from when the harm happened.

Related Record Sources in Houston County

Civil court records often link to other public records kept by different offices. These other sources can fill in gaps. If you are doing research on a person or business, check more than one place.

Property Records and Judgment Liens

When someone wins a civil judgment, they can put a lien on the debtor's land. These liens are filed with the Houston County Probate Judge. Under Alabama Code Section 6-9-190, a judgment lien sticks to real property in any county where it is filed. If you are looking into someone's finances or checking for liens on property, check the Probate Court records.

Probate Court Records

The Houston County Probate Judge keeps property deeds, mortgages, marriage licenses, estate files, and other documents. The Probate Court is at the Houston County Courthouse in Dothan. Call (334) 677-4700 for property records. Call (334) 677-4710 for marriage licenses. The Probate Court has different hours than the Circuit Clerk, so check before you go.

Federal Court Records

Some civil cases go to federal court. This happens when there is a federal law issue or when the parties are from different states. Houston County is in the Middle District of Alabama. The nearest federal courthouse is in Dothan. Federal court records are on PACER at $0.10 per page.

Legal Assistance in Houston County

If you need help with a civil court matter, several resources are open to Houston County residents. Some are free. Others charge fees but may be worth it if your case is complex. Do not wait until the last minute to get help.

Legal Services Alabama

Legal Services Alabama gives free civil legal help to low-income residents. They take cases on housing, family law, consumer issues, and public benefits. The statewide number is 1-866-456-4995. You must meet income limits to qualify. If you are not sure, call and ask.

Alabama Legal Help

Alabama Legal Help has free self-help resources. You can find court forms, legal info guides, and step-by-step instructions for common legal matters. The site helps people who are handling civil cases on their own.

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. For up to $50, you can get a 30-minute talk with an attorney. This can help you understand your options. Even if you cannot afford to hire a lawyer for the whole case, one consultation may point you in the right direction.

Houston County Bar Association

Local attorneys in the Dothan area belong to the Houston County Bar Association. This is not a free service. But reaching out to local attorneys through the bar can help you find someone who knows Houston County courts and local ways of doing things.

Search Houston County Records

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

Cities and Towns in Houston County

Houston County includes several incorporated municipalities. Dothan is by far the largest, serving as the county seat and the main commercial center for the Wiregrass region of southeast Alabama. Other communities in the county include Ashford, Cottonwood, Cowarts, Gordon, Kinsey, Madrid, and Taylor. Civil court matters for residents of all Houston County communities are handled at the Circuit Clerk's office in Dothan.

Note that Dothan, while the largest city in Houston County, has a population under 100,000 and does not have a separate city page on this site. All civil court services for Dothan residents are provided by Houston County offices.

Nearby Counties

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