Search Madison County Civil Court Records

Madison County civil court records show lawsuits, judgments, and legal disputes filed in the 23rd Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk's office in Huntsville keeps all civil case files for the county. This is Alabama's second largest county by population. Madison County handles a lot of civil cases each year. Folks in Huntsville and nearby towns can look up these records online through Alacourt or in person at the courthouse. The Circuit Clerk gives out copies of pleadings, court orders, and final judgments when you ask. Cases here range from small claims under six thousand dollars to big business disputes worth millions.

Circuit Clerk Office

The Madison County Circuit Clerk keeps all civil court records in the county. Circuit Clerk Debra Kizer runs an office that handles thousands of civil case filings each year. Staff file new cases, keep the court docket up to date, and let the public see court docs. They can help you find cases and get copies of records.

23rd Judicial Circuit

Madison County makes up the whole 23rd Judicial Circuit of Alabama. The circuit has several judges who hear civil cases plus criminal and family matters. You can find more info about court times and judge assignments on the 23rd Judicial Circuit website. This site also posts local court rules that may change how civil cases work in Madison County.

Copy and Search Fees

The Circuit Clerk charges fees for copies of civil court records and record searches. Fees are set by state law under Alabama Code Section 12-19-71 with some local variations. You can pay by cash, check, or money order at the clerk's office. Most folks pay when they pick up their copies. If you need docs sent by mail, include payment with your request. The clerk won't process your order until payment clears.

Need certified copies for court? Ask for certification when you place your order. Certified copies have the official seal of the Circuit Clerk. Courts and other agencies accept them as real court records. Regular copies work fine if you just want them for your own use or research.

Online Record Access

Madison County civil court records are on the statewide Alacourt system. The Alacourt Public Access portal lets you search cases by name or case number. You need to make an account and pay fees to view docs. District court lookups cost $19.99. Circuit court cases cost $29.99. These fees give you full access to case files, docket sheets, and filed papers. It can save you a trip to the courthouse if you know what you are looking for.

What You Can Find Online

Alacourt shows case info like party names, filing dates, case status, and hearing dates. You can see docket entries that list every doc filed in a case. Many docs are scanned images you can view or print. Old cases may have less info online. For those, you might need to go to the clerk's office or ask for records by mail.

Searching by Party Name

When you search by name, try a few ways of spelling it. The system looks for exact matches. If someone goes by a nickname or uses a middle initial, you might miss their cases. Start with the full legal name. Then try with and without middle names. Check common typos too. Names get misspelled in court files more than you might think.

Types of Civil Cases

Madison County courts handle all kinds of civil disputes. The type of case sets which court hears it and what rules apply. Small cases go to district court. Big ones go to circuit court. Knowing where to file can save you time and money.

Circuit Court Civil Cases

Circuit court hears civil cases worth more than $20,000 per Alabama Code Section 12-11-30. These include injury lawsuits from car wrecks and medical errors. Also contract fights between businesses, real estate disputes, and fraud claims. Circuit court alone handles equity matters like injunctions. Many big lawsuits in Madison County involve defense firms and tech companies based in Huntsville.

District Court Civil Cases

District court handles civil cases worth $20,000 or less. Common cases include landlord-tenant fights, unpaid debts, property damage claims, and buyer complaints. District court moves faster than circuit court. Many cases wrap up in just a few months. The rules are simpler too. You still need to follow court procedures, but things move along at a quicker pace. This makes district court a good fit for smaller disputes where you want a fast answer.

Small Claims Court

Small claims court is part of district court. It handles disputes under $6,000. The process is casual and built for folks without lawyers. You fill out a short complaint form, pay a small filing fee, and get a hearing date. Typical cases involve security deposit fights, minor contract issues, and damage to your stuff. A judge hears both sides and makes a ruling, often the same day. You can bring proof like photos, receipts, and texts to back up your claim.

How to Request Civil Court Records

In-Person Requests

Go to the Circuit Clerk's office at 100 Northside Square in Huntsville. It's on the second floor of the Madison County Courthouse. Bring ID and know as much about the case as you can. Have the party names and a rough filing date ready. This helps staff find records fast. You can look at files and ask for copies while you are there. Standard copies are often ready the same day.

Mail Requests

Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk at 100 Northside Sq. Rm. 217, Huntsville, AL 35801. Put in the full names of all parties, the rough filing date, and the type of case if you know it. Add your return address. Include a check or money order to Madison County Circuit Clerk for the fees. Allow 5 to 10 business days for them to process it.

Email Requests

For records at the Probate Office, email probate@madisoncountyal.gov or call (256) 532-3330. The Probate Office has property records and judgment liens that may tie to civil court cases. The Circuit Clerk's office mostly takes in-person, mail, and phone requests for court records. If you aren't sure which office has what you need, call ahead. Staff can point you in the right direction and save you a trip.

Public Records Law

Alabama law says court records should be open to the public. Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, folks in Alabama have the right to look at and copy public records held by government agencies, including courts. The law leans toward letting people see records. If an agency says no, they have to prove why an exception applies.

Sealed and Confidential Records

Not all civil court records are public. Judges can seal records in some cases. This happens with trade secrets, minors, or private personal info. Some records are sealed by law. Juvenile court records have extra protections. If you ask for a sealed record, the clerk will tell you access is blocked. You can file a motion to unseal it. But there's no promise the judge will say yes.

Court Record Privacy Rules

Alabama's Rules of Court-Record Privacy took effect in January 2025. These rules list 91 types of info that may be kept from public view. Lawyers must black out sensitive info like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers before filing papers. This helps guard privacy while keeping court records open to the public. You can still get most case info, but the private details are removed.

Related Record Sources

Civil court records often link to other public records. When looking into a civil matter in Madison County, these other sources may have helpful info. They can fill in gaps or give you a fuller picture of a case.

Judgment Liens and Property Records

When someone wins a civil judgment, they can put a lien on the debtor's property. These judgment liens are filed with the Madison County Probate Office, not the Circuit Clerk. A search of property records can show outstanding judgments. You can also find deeds, mortgages, and other papers tied to real estate in Madison County. This is useful if you want to know if someone has liens or owns property.

Federal Court Records

Some civil cases go to federal court. This happens with federal law issues or when parties are from different states. Madison County is in the Northern District of Alabama. The Huntsville Division handles cases from Madison and nearby counties. Federal civil records are on PACER at $0.10 per page.

Bankruptcy Records

If someone in a civil case files bankruptcy, it changes things. Bankruptcy puts most lawsuits on hold. Bankruptcy filings are federal records on PACER. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama has a division in Decatur that serves the Madison County area. Check PACER if you think the other party may have filed.

Legal Assistance

Need help with a civil court matter in Madison County? Several groups give free or low-cost legal help to folks who qualify. You don't have to go it alone. Check out these resources if you can't afford a lawyer.

Volunteer Lawyers Program

The Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program links low-income folks with lawyers who help for free. Call (256) 539-2275 to find out if you qualify and what services they offer. They handle many civil matters like family law, housing fights, and buyer issues. Income limits apply, so ask about that when you call.

Legal Services Alabama

Legal Services Alabama gives free civil legal aid to families who qualify across the state. Their North Alabama office serves Madison County folks. Call 1-866-456-4995 to apply for help. They work on housing, family law, public benefits, and buyer protection cases.

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. For up to $50, you get a 30-minute talk with a lawyer. This can help you learn your rights and options before you decide how to move forward with a civil matter. It's worth the cost just to get clear advice on your next steps.

Start Your Search

Use our search tool to look up civil court records from Madison County and throughout Alabama.

Cities in Madison County

Madison County is home to Huntsville, Alabama's biggest city. It's a hub for aerospace and defense work. Other towns in the county include the city of Madison, which has grown fast in the last few decades. All these places use the same Circuit Clerk office in Huntsville for civil court filings.

Folks in all Madison County cities file civil cases through the Circuit Clerk's office in Huntsville. The courthouse serves the whole county no matter where you live.

Nearby Counties

These counties share borders with Madison County. If your civil case involves people or property in more than one county, you may need to check records in a few places. Each county has its own clerk's office and court system.