Search Mobile County Civil Court Records

Civil court records in Mobile County cover lawsuits, judgments, and legal disputes filed in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk keeps these records at the Government Street Complex in downtown Mobile. Mobile is one of Alabama's largest counties. It handles a lot of civil cases each year. You can find contract disputes, personal injury claims, property matters, and other civil actions filed in Circuit Court and District Court. The county also runs separate divisions for family law and domestic cases. You can get records through the Alacourt system online. You can also visit the clerk's office in person during normal hours.

Mobile County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk is the keeper of all civil court records in Mobile County. This office handles case filings, keeps court docs, and gives the public access to records. The current Circuit Clerk is Ashleigh Long. Civil case records include complaints, answers, motions, orders, judgments, and other papers filed with the court. The office staff can help you find what you need. They deal with thousands of requests each year from lawyers, the public, and other agencies.

Online Access Options

Mobile County gives you several ways to search civil court records online. The Mobile County Alacourt portal gives direct access to the county's case system. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. The Mobile County Courts website has more resources like court calendars, forms, and info about court steps.

The statewide Alacourt Public Access system also has Mobile County records. District court case lookups cost $19.99. Circuit court lookups cost $29.99 through this portal. You need to sign up for an account to use the system. Once you have an account, you can look up cases from any county in Alabama through the same portal.

In-Person Record Requests

To search civil court records in person, go to the Circuit Clerk's office at 205 Government Street in downtown Mobile. The office is in Room C-913 of the Government Street Complex. Bring a valid photo ID with you. Staff can help with record searches if you give them party names, rough filing dates, or case numbers. Same-day copies are usually on hand for a per-page fee. The office can get busy, so try to visit early in the day if you can.

Types of Civil Cases Filed in Mobile County

Mobile County courts handle many kinds of civil matters. The type of court that hears a case depends on the amount at stake and the kind of dispute. Small claims go to District Court. Big cases go to Circuit Court.

Circuit Court Civil Cases

The Mobile County Circuit Court has power over civil cases where the amount at stake is more than $20,000. This includes major contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, medical malpractice claims, business fights, real property disputes, and appeals from District Court. Circuit Court also has sole power over equity matters like injunctions and specific performance. Under Alabama Code Section 12-11-30, Circuit Courts are courts of general power. They can hear both civil and criminal matters.

District Court Civil Cases

Mobile County District Court handles civil cases where the amount is $20,000 or less, as stated in Alabama Code Section 12-12-30. Common cases include landlord-tenant fights, debt collection, property damage claims, consumer complaints, and small contract issues. District Court cases tend to be less formal and faster than Circuit Court. You can often get in and out in one court date.

Small Claims Division

The Small Claims Division of District Court handles disputes under $6,000 per Alabama Code Section 12-12-31. This division uses simple steps made for people without lawyers. Common small claims cases include security deposit fights, minor property damage, unpaid bills, and breach of contract for small amounts. Court rules allow relaxed proof standards. You fill out a basic form, pay the filing fee, and show up on your court date to tell the judge your side.

How to File a Civil Case in Mobile County

Starting a civil lawsuit in Mobile County means filing a complaint with the right court. The steps differ a bit between Circuit Court and District Court. But the basic process is the same for both.

Circuit Court Filing Process

To file a civil case in Mobile County Circuit Court, write up a complaint that tells the facts of your dispute and what you want the court to do. The complaint must have the names and addresses of all parties. File the original and copies with the Circuit Clerk at 205 Government Street. Pay the filing fee when you file. The clerk will give you a case number and stamp your papers.

After filing, you must serve the defendant with a copy of the complaint and a summons. You can use the Mobile County Sheriff's Office, a private process server, or certified mail in some cases. The defendant has 30 days to file an answer after being served. If they don't respond, you may be able to get a default judgment.

District Court Filing Process

District Court filings follow a similar process but use different forms. The District Court Clerk's office can give you standard complaint forms for common case types. Small claims court has the simplest process. You can file a small claims complaint using a fill-in-the-blank form. Get it at the clerk's office or online. The staff will tell you what to bring and how to pay.

Electronic Filing

Mobile County takes electronic filings through the statewide AlaFile system. Attorneys must sign up for an AlaFile account to submit docs online. Pro se litigants (people without lawyers) can also use e-filing but don't have to. E-filing is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It's handy if you need to file something after hours or on a weekend.

Related Record Sources in Mobile County

Civil court records often link to other types of public records kept by different offices. Searching these extra sources can give you a fuller picture of a legal matter. It helps to know where else to look.

Probate Court Records

The Mobile County Probate Court keeps property records. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgment filings. When a plaintiff wins a civil judgment, recording it with the Probate Court puts a lien on the defendant's real property in the county. The Probate Court also handles estate matters, guardianships, and adoptions. These records can show you who owns what property and what debts are tied to it.

Family Court

Mobile County runs a Family Court just for domestic cases. This includes divorce, child custody, child support, and protection orders. Family Court is at a different spot from the main courthouse. If you have a family law matter, you'll go there instead of the Government Street Complex.

Federal Court Records

Some civil cases fall under federal power. Mobile County is part of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama. Federal civil cases with parties from different states and over $75,000 at stake go to federal court. So do cases with federal law questions. Federal court records are on PACER at $0.10 per page.

Bankruptcy Records

Bankruptcy filings may affect pending civil cases. They can also show info about a party's money situation. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Alabama handles bankruptcy cases from Mobile County. These records are also on PACER. Check there if you think someone may have filed for bankruptcy.

Legal Framework for Civil Court Records Access

Alabama law governs public access to civil court records. Knowing these rules helps when you ask for records from the Mobile County Circuit Clerk. Most records are open to the public, but some have limits.

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives Alabama residents the right to inspect and copy public records. The law should be read in favor of public access. When an agency says no to a request, it must prove why. Court records are usually public unless sealed by court order or guarded by specific laws.

Court Record Privacy Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy govern access to court records. Rule 104(A) says court records are open for viewing and copying unless the law 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 personal details.

Statutes of Limitations

Civil lawsuits must be filed within set time limits. Under Alabama Code Section 6-2-34, written contract claims have a six-year limit. Section 6-2-38 gives a two-year limit for personal injury and property damage claims. Medical malpractice claims under Section 6-5-482 have a two-year limit and a four-year cap. Miss these deadlines and you lose your right to sue.

Judgment Enforcement

Civil judgments in Alabama are good for 20 years under Alabama Code Section 6-9-190. Judgment creditors can record judgments as liens, take wages, and seize property to collect. Judgment records stay in the court file. You can search them through the Circuit Clerk's office. Old judgments can still show up in searches for many years.

Legal Assistance in Mobile County

Several groups give free or low-cost legal help to Mobile County residents who cannot afford private lawyers for civil matters. These resources can be a big help if you need legal aid but don't have much money.

Legal Services Alabama - Mobile Office

Legal Services Alabama runs an office in Mobile that gives free civil legal help to low-income folks who qualify. They help with housing issues, family law matters, consumer problems, and public benefits. Income rules apply. Call to see if you qualify for their services.

South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program

The South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program links low-income residents with pro bono lawyers who give their time for free. The program covers Mobile County and nearby areas. Volunteers handle various civil matters based on what's open and the case type. It's worth calling to see if they can take your case.

Alabama Legal Help

The Alabama Legal Help website gives free self-help tools for people handling civil matters without a lawyer. The site has court forms, step-by-step guides, and legal info. Legal Services Alabama and the Alabama Access to Justice Commission run this resource. It's a good first stop if you want to learn how to handle a case on your own.

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service. It can link you with an attorney in the Mobile area. First talks cost up to $50 for 30 minutes. Call 1-800-392-5660 Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

How to Request Civil Court Records

There are several ways to get copies of civil court records from Mobile County. The method you pick depends on what you need and how fast you need it.

Online Requests

The fastest way to get records is through the Alacourt Public Access system at pa.alacourt.com. Make an account, search for the case, and pay the fee to view and download docs. The Mobile County portal at mobile.alacourt.gov may also give access to certain records. Online access saves you a trip to the courthouse.

In-Person Requests

Go to the Circuit Clerk's office at 205 Government Street, Room C-913 during business hours. Give the case number or party names to the clerk. Staff can search for records and give you copies while you wait in most cases. Bring cash or a check for copy fees. Standard copies run about $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more and come with an official seal.

Mail Requests

Send a written request to the Mobile County Circuit Clerk at 205 Government Street, Room C-913, Mobile, AL 36644. Include the case number or full names of parties, the type of records you need, and your return address. Pay by check or money order to Mobile County Circuit Clerk. Allow 5 to 10 business days for processing. Call first if you're not sure how much to send.

Public Records Request

For records that are not easy to get through normal ways, submit a formal public records request under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40. Be clear about what records you want. There is no set deadline for a response. But most offices respond within a fair amount of time.

Start Your Records Search

Use our search tool to find civil court records from Mobile County and other Alabama counties.

Cities in Mobile County

Mobile County includes the city of Mobile. It's the county seat and third-largest city in Alabama. Civil cases with Mobile residents are filed with the Mobile County Circuit Clerk.

Other communities in Mobile County include Prichard, Saraland, Chickasaw, Satsuma, Citronelle, Bayou La Batre, and Dauphin Island. Residents of these areas file civil cases through the Mobile County court system.

Nearby Counties

Mobile County borders several other Alabama counties. Civil cases must be filed in the county where the defendant lives or where the problem started.