Randolph County Civil Court Records

Civil court records in Randolph County include lawsuits, contract disputes, property matters, and judgments. These cases go through the 5th Judicial Circuit. The county seat is Wedowee. That is where the Circuit Clerk keeps all court files and handles record requests. Randolph County shares the 5th Judicial Circuit with four other counties: Chambers, Clay, Cleburne, and Tallapoosa. Circuit judges rotate among these five counties to hear cases. The Circuit Clerk takes new filings, keeps the official record, and issues certified copies. You can get records through the Alacourt online system or visit the clerk office in Wedowee. Mail requests work too if you send payment and case info.

Randolph County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk is the keeper of civil court records in Randolph County. Crystal Wiggins serves as Circuit Clerk. She runs all record keeping, filing work, and public access services. The office is in the Randolph County Courthouse in Wedowee. Staff can help you search for records and make copies. They can also walk you through how to get certified documents.

When you visit the clerk office, bring valid ID. If you know the case number, that makes the search faster. If not, give the names of the parties and a rough date range. The staff will search the system and pull the files you need. They handle these requests all the time.

Online Access to Civil Court Records

Randolph County civil court records are online through the Alacourt system. The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts runs this system. It covers the whole state. You can look up case info without going to the courthouse.

Randolph County Alacourt Portal

The Randolph County Alacourt portal lets you look up civil court records. You can search by party name or case number. Make an account to view case details and documents. District court cases cost $19.99 to view. Circuit court cases cost $29.99. The system shows case filings, hearing dates, orders, and judgments.

Statewide Alacourt Public Access

The Alacourt Public Access portal at pa.alacourt.com covers all 67 Alabama counties including Randolph. This is the same database, just accessed through a central portal. You can search multiple counties from one account if you have cases in different parts of the state.

What Records Are Available Online

The Alacourt system has civil case filings, motions, court orders, judgments, and docket entries. Not all documents are scanned. Some are not viewable online. Older cases may only show basic docket info. For the full file, you may still need to visit the clerk office. You can also request copies by mail. Some records are sealed or private. These will not show up in online searches.

In-Person Record Requests

The Circuit Clerk office in Wedowee takes walk-in requests during normal business hours. This is often the best option if you need to see a full file. It also works well if you are not sure what you need. Staff can pull the physical files and help you find the right documents.

What to Bring

Bring a valid photo ID like a driver's license. Have as much case info as you can. The case number is most helpful. If you do not have it, give the full names of all parties. Also give the rough year the case was filed. Knowing the type of case helps too. This could be a contract dispute, personal injury, or property matter. These details help narrow the search.

Copy Services

The clerk office can make copies while you wait. Standard copies cost between $0.50 and $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more. These have an official seal and can be used as proof in court. Expect to pay $1.00 to $5.00 per page for certified copies. There is also a fee for the seal. The exact amount depends on what kind of document you need.

Mail Requests

You can request civil court records by mail. Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk at PO Box 328, Wedowee, AL 36278. Include the case number if you know it. Add the full names of all parties and the type of documents you need. Put your return address on the letter. Send a check or money order to the Randolph County Circuit Clerk. Call ahead to get a cost estimate if you are not sure how much to send. The office will mail copies back to you. This usually takes 5 to 10 business days.

Types of Civil Cases in Randolph County

Randolph County courts handle many types of civil matters. The right court depends on how much money is in dispute. Circuit court, district court, and small claims each have different dollar limits. They also have different steps to follow.

Circuit Court Civil Cases

Circuit court handles civil cases over $20,000. This comes from Alabama Code Section 12-11-30. These cases include big contract disputes, personal injury claims, and medical malpractice lawsuits. Business fights and real property disputes also go here. Circuit court also has sole power over equity matters. These include things like injunctions and quiet title actions. The dollar amount does not matter for equity cases.

District Court Civil Cases

District court handles civil cases up to $20,000. See Alabama Code Section 12-12-30. Common cases include debt collection and landlord-tenant fights. Car accident claims under the limit go here too. So do consumer disputes. District court is simpler than circuit court. The rules are less formal.

Small Claims Court

Small claims court is part of district court. It handles cases under $6,000 per Alabama Code Section 12-12-31. This court is built for people without lawyers. Cases move fast. You can sue over unpaid debts, security deposits, minor property damage, and small contract disputes. Filing is simple. The process is less formal than regular civil court.

Civil Court Filing Fees

Filing fees in Randolph County follow the statewide schedule set by Alabama Code Section 12-19-71. These fees apply when you file a new civil case.

Additional Costs

Beyond the filing fee, civil cases have other costs. Service of process fees run $25 to $75. This pays to have the other side served with lawsuit papers. The cost depends on the method. If you win and the other side does not pay, collection costs add up. Expert witnesses, depositions, and other court costs can make bigger cases quite pricey.

Fee Waivers

If you cannot afford to pay filing fees, you can ask to have them waived. Alabama Code Section 12-19-71 lets judges waive fees based on hardship. You fill out a form saying you cannot afford the costs. You must show that paying would stop you from going forward with your case. The judge looks at your money situation and decides.

Legal Framework for Court Records Access

Your right to get civil court records in Randolph County comes from Alabama law. Knowing the rules helps you figure out what records you can get. It also helps you ask for them the right way.

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives Alabama residents the right to look at and copy public records. The law says to read it broadly in favor of letting people see records. When an agency says a record is exempt, the agency must prove why. Court records are public unless a judge has sealed them. Some laws also make certain records private.

Court Record Privacy Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy went into effect on January 1, 2025. Rule 104(A) says court records are open for viewing and copying unless the law says otherwise. The rules list what info gets blacked out or sealed. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are protected. So is certain info about children. These rules try to balance public access with privacy.

Sealed Records

Some civil court records are sealed by court order. A judge may seal records to protect trade secrets, confidential business information, or the privacy of parties in sensitive matters. Settlement agreements are sometimes sealed at the request of both sides. If a record is sealed, you cannot view it without a court order granting access. Sealed cases will not show up in public searches.

Statutes of Limitations

Civil lawsuits must be filed within time limits set by law. Under Alabama Code Section 6-2-34, you have six years to sue on a written contract. Personal injury and property damage claims must be filed within two years per Section 6-2-38. Once the deadline passes, you lose the right to sue even if you have a valid claim. These time limits affect what cases you will find in the court records.

The 5th Judicial Circuit

Randolph County is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Chambers, Clay, Cleburne, and Tallapoosa counties. This multi-county circuit shares judges who travel among the five courthouses to hear cases.

How the Circuit Works

Circuit judges in the 5th Circuit are assigned cases across all five counties. A judge might hear cases in Wedowee one week and in another county the next. This rotation system means court dates in Randolph County depend on the judicial schedule. The Circuit Clerk can tell you when judges will be in Wedowee for hearings.

Circuit Court vs. District Court

Each county in the circuit has its own district court for smaller civil matters. District judges typically stay in their assigned county. Circuit court handles the bigger cases. If your civil dispute involves more than $20,000 or requires equity powers, it goes to circuit court and may be assigned to any of the circuit judges.

Related Record Sources

Civil court records often connect to records kept by other offices. These additional sources can give you more information about parties, judgments, or related matters.

Judgment Liens and Property Records

When someone wins a civil judgment, they can record it as a lien against the debtor's real property. In Randolph County, the Probate Judge maintains property records including judgment liens. Under Alabama Code Section 6-9-190, a recorded judgment creates a lien on real property in that county. If you are researching whether someone has unpaid judgments, check the probate office property records.

Federal Court Records

Some civil cases go to federal court instead of state court. Randolph County falls within the Middle District of Alabama. Cases involving federal law, constitutional issues, or parties from different states with more than $75,000 at stake may be filed in federal court. Search federal records through PACER, the federal court records system, at $0.10 per page.

Bankruptcy Records

Bankruptcy filings affect civil judgments and ongoing lawsuits. When someone files bankruptcy, most collection efforts must stop. Existing judgments may become uncollectible. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court handles these cases, and records are available through PACER. If you have a judgment against someone who later files bankruptcy, you will need to file a claim in the bankruptcy case.

Business Entity Records

For civil cases involving businesses, the Alabama Secretary of State maintains business registration records. You can find information about corporations, LLCs, and other entities including their registered agent for service of process. This helps if you need to serve a business with lawsuit papers.

Legal Assistance Resources

If you need help with a civil court matter in Randolph County but cannot afford an attorney, several organizations provide free or low-cost legal services.

Legal Services Alabama

Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal help to qualifying low-income residents. They handle housing disputes, family law matters, consumer protection issues, and public benefits cases. Randolph County residents can call the statewide intake line at 1-866-456-4995 to apply for services. Income limits apply. They do not handle criminal cases or fee-generating cases like personal injury lawsuits.

Alabama Legal Help

The Alabama Legal Help website offers free self-help resources for people handling civil matters without a lawyer. You can find court forms, step-by-step guides, and legal information covering common topics like small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and debt collection defense. The site is run by Legal Services Alabama and the Alabama Access to Justice Commission.

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service. Call 1-800-392-5660 to get matched with an attorney who handles your type of case. The initial consultation costs a maximum of $50 for 30 minutes. After that, you negotiate fees directly with the attorney. This service operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Pro Bono Programs

Some attorneys volunteer their time to help low-income clients for free. Ask Legal Services Alabama about pro bono opportunities in your area. Local bar associations sometimes organize free legal clinics where you can get basic advice about civil matters.

Search Civil Court Records

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

Cities and Towns in Randolph County

Randolph County includes several municipalities. Civil court records for residents of these towns are maintained at the county level by the Circuit Clerk in Wedowee. None of the municipalities in Randolph County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page.

Communities in Randolph County include Wedowee, Roanoke, Woodland, Wadley, and Omaha. Roanoke is the largest city in the county with around 6,000 residents. Wedowee serves as the county seat where all county government offices are located including the courthouse and Circuit Clerk office. All civil court matters for county residents are handled through the Wedowee courthouse regardless of which town they live in.

Nearby Counties

The following counties border Randolph County. Each maintains its own Circuit Clerk office for civil court records. Several share the 5th Judicial Circuit with Randolph County.