Access Jefferson County Civil Court Records

Civil court records in Jefferson County show lawsuits, judgments, and legal fights filed in the 10th Judicial Circuit. This circuit is the biggest in Alabama. It has 27 judges who handle about 20 percent of all state cases. The county has two court areas: Birmingham serves most of the county, and Bessemer covers the west side. Each has its own clerk office. But they use the same record system. The clerk files civil cases, keeps the files, gives out certified copies, and lets the public see court papers. You can ask for records online via Alacourt, in person at the courthouse, or by mail.

Jefferson County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all civil court records for Jefferson County. This office stores case files, takes new filings, and hands out certified copies. Because the county is so big, Jefferson runs two clerk offices in two parts of town. Each one serves a different zone. Staff at both can help you find what you need.

Birmingham Division

The Birmingham office takes civil cases for the east and central parts of the county. This is the main courthouse. It gets most of the filings. Jackie Anderson-Smith runs things here as the Circuit Clerk. If you live in Birmingham proper, this is where you go.

Bessemer Division

The Bessemer office serves the west side of the county. This includes Bessemer, Hueytown, and towns nearby. Karen Dunn Burks is the Circuit Clerk here. If your case is in the west part of the county, you file here. Records for Bessemer area cases stay at this site.

Online Access to Civil Court Records

You have a few ways to search civil court records online in Jefferson County. The best option is Alacourt, the state's court record system. The county also has its own site. Both let you look up cases from home or the office any time of day.

Jefferson County Circuit Clerk Portal

The Jefferson County Circuit Clerk website has info on court services, fees, and where the offices are. You may find some case info here. But for full access to records, you need to use Alacourt. The county site is a good first stop to learn how things work.

Alacourt Public Access

The Alacourt Public Access portal lets you search Jefferson County civil court records online. Look up cases by name or case number. District court views cost $19.99. Circuit court views cost $29.99. You need to make an account first. Once you do, you can search and view records at any time.

In-Person Record Requests

Both clerk offices take walk-ins during their open hours. Bring an ID. Give staff as much info as you have. Names, dates, and case type all help. Staff will look up your records. Plain copies come out the same day most times. Certified copies may take longer to prep. Call ahead if you need them fast.

Types of Civil Cases in Jefferson County

Jefferson County Circuit Court has broad power over civil matters under Alabama Code Section 12-11-30. Here's what kinds of civil cases the court takes:

Civil Lawsuits Over $20,000

Circuit court has sole power over civil cases above $20,000. Think car crash claims, med mal suits, big contract fights, business lawsuits, and land disputes. Jefferson County has a lot of businesses, so complex cases with many parties are common here. These cases can take a year or more to wrap up.

Equity Matters

Circuit court also handles all equity cases. These don't have a set dollar amount. Equity cases include things like stop orders (injunctions), forcing someone to do what they promised, splitting up shared property, clearing up who owns land, and getting the court to say what rights you have. You don't need to claim money to file an equity case.

District Court Civil Cases

District Court takes civil cases up to $20,000. You see debt collection, landlord-tenant fights, contract issues, and property damage claims here. Small claims under $6,000 go through District Court too. These cases move faster than circuit court cases. The rules are a bit less strict.

Domestic Relations

Divorce and family law sit apart from general civil cases. But the Circuit Clerk still keeps these records. Divorce papers, custody changes, and support orders go through the domestic relations side. If you need family court records, ask the clerk. They can point you the right way.

Civil Court Filing Fees

Filing fees come from Alabama Code Section 12-19-71. The same fees apply across the state. Jefferson County may add small local fees for some things. Here's what you can expect to pay:

Copy Fees

Standard copies of court documents cost $0.50 to $1.00 per page at the clerk's office. Certified copies are $1.00 to $5.00 per page plus a certification fee. The exact amount depends on the type of document and certification required.

Fee Waivers

Individuals who cannot afford filing fees may request a waiver. The court requires an affidavit of substantial hardship showing inability to pay. Judges have discretion to grant or deny fee waiver requests based on the applicant's financial situation.

Legal Framework for Court Records Access

Access to civil court records in Jefferson County is governed by Alabama law and court rules. Understanding these provisions helps when requesting records.

Public Records Law

Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, Alabama residents have the right to inspect and copy public records. The law requires liberal construction in favor of disclosure. The burden falls on the agency to prove any claimed exemption applies. Court records are generally public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific statute.

Court Record Privacy Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality took effect January 1, 2025. Rule 104(A) affirms that court records are open for inspection and copying unless otherwise provided by law. The rules identify categories of information that may be redacted or sealed, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain information about minors.

Sealed and Confidential Records

Some civil records may be sealed by court order. Settlement agreements are sometimes sealed at the request of parties. Cases involving trade secrets or sensitive business information may have protective orders limiting access. Juvenile matters and certain mental health records are confidential by statute.

Related Record Sources

Civil court records may connect to records maintained by other agencies. These sources can provide additional context for civil matters.

Judgment Liens and Property Records

Civil judgments may be recorded as liens against real property. These records are maintained by the Jefferson County Probate Judge. Under Alabama Code Section 6-9-190, a judgment lien attaches to real property in any county where it is recorded. Property searches can reveal outstanding judgments against individuals or businesses.

Federal Court Records

Jefferson County is within the Northern District of Alabama, with the federal courthouse located in Birmingham. Cases involving federal law, constitutional claims, or diversity jurisdiction (parties from different states with amounts over $75,000) are filed in federal court. These records are available through PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov.

Bankruptcy Records

Bankruptcy filings affect civil litigation and judgments. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama sits in Birmingham. Pending bankruptcies may stay civil collection efforts. Bankruptcy records are searchable through PACER.

Legal Assistance Resources

Several organizations provide free or reduced-cost legal help to Jefferson County residents who need assistance with civil court matters.

Legal Aid Society of Birmingham

The Legal Aid Society of Birmingham provides free civil legal services to qualifying low-income residents. Services include representation in housing disputes, consumer matters, family law, and public benefits cases. The organization also offers legal clinics and self-help resources.

Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham

Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham connects low-income individuals with pro bono attorneys for civil legal matters. The program is coordinated through the Birmingham Bar Association. Contact (205) 250-5198 for intake information and to check eligibility.

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.

Self-Help Resources

Alabama Legal Help provides free self-help guides, court forms, and legal information for those handling civil matters without an attorney. The site covers small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, consumer issues, and other common civil topics.

Search Civil Court Records

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

Cities in Jefferson County

Jefferson County includes over 35 municipalities. Civil court records for residents of these cities are maintained at the county level by the Circuit Clerk. Birmingham is the county seat and the state's largest city.

Other municipalities in Jefferson County include Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Bessemer, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Trussville, Gardendale, Center Point, Hueytown, Irondale, Leeds, Fairfield, Pleasant Grove, Tarrant, Midfield, Fultondale, Adamsville, Clay, Graysville, Lipscomb, Brighton, Brookside, Cardiff, Maytown, Sylvan Springs, Trafford, and West Jefferson.

Nearby Counties

The following counties border Jefferson County. Each maintains its own Circuit Clerk office for civil court records.