Access Winston County Civil Court Records

Civil court records in Winston County document lawsuits, judgments, contract disputes, property claims, and other civil matters filed through the 25th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk office in Double Springs keeps all civil case files. Records are open to the public under Alabama law. You can search them online through the Alacourt system or request copies directly from the clerk. Winston County is a rural county in northwest Alabama with a small population spread across its territory. The courthouse in Double Springs handles all civil filings for the county. Whether you need to look up a pending lawsuit, find an old judgment, or get certified copies for legal proceedings, the clerk office can help you. Circuit court handles civil matters over $20,000. District court takes cases up to that amount. Small claims matters under $6,000 also go through district court.

Winston County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk is your main contact for civil court records in Winston County. Deidra Puckett serves as Circuit Clerk. She oversees all civil case filings, record keeping, and document retrieval. Her office processes new lawsuits and keeps the official record of all proceedings. Staff also provides copies to attorneys, parties, and members of the public who request them.

When you visit the clerk office, staff can help you search for cases by party name, case number, or filing date. They will pull the file and let you look through it at the counter. If you need copies, they can make them while you wait. Certified copies cost more. You will pay a certification fee on top of the regular per-page charge. These certified copies work for other courts or official business.

25th Judicial Circuit

Winston County is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit along with Fayette and Lamar Counties. The circuit shares judges who rotate between the three counties. Civil cases in Winston County are heard by judges who also handle matters next door. This shared setup is common in rural Alabama. Caseloads here do not call for full-time judges in each county.

Circuit court handles civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $20,000. This includes major contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, business litigation, and property claims. The circuit court also handles equity matters like injunctions, specific performance, and quiet title actions. The dollar amount does not matter for these. Appeals from district court decisions also come up to circuit court.

How to Search Civil Court Records

You have three main options for searching civil court records in Winston County. Each method has pros and cons depending on what you need and how fast you need it.

Online Through Alacourt

The fastest way to find civil case info is through the Alacourt Public Access portal. This statewide system covers court records from all 67 Alabama counties including Winston. You need to create an account first. District court case lookups cost $19.99. Circuit court lookups run $29.99. The system shows case details, parties involved, filing dates, and current status. It works around the clock, so you can search whenever you have time.

Winston County also has its own portal at winston.alacourt.gov that connects to the state system. Some users find the county site easier when they only need Winston records. The basic search showing case listings is free. Viewing the actual documents requires payment.

In Person at the Courthouse

Going to the clerk office in Double Springs gives you direct access to case files. Bring your ID and head to 38 Main Street. Tell the staff what you need. They will search their system for you. You can review any public case file right there. The office is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. They stop taking new requests close to closing time.

In-person visits work best when you need to review many documents in a case file or want to see the original paperwork. The staff can answer questions and help you find the right forms if you plan to file something yourself. It is a small office. Wait times are usually short.

By Mail

Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk at 38 Main Street, Double Springs, AL 35553. Include as much detail as you can about the case. Give full names of the parties, the rough date range when it was filed, and what type of civil case it was. Say whether you need regular copies or certified copies. Enclose a check or money order payable to Winston County Circuit Clerk for the fees. The office will contact you if charges exceed what you sent.

Mail requests typically take one to two weeks for a response. Sometimes it takes longer if the case is old and the records are in storage. For time-sensitive matters, online or in-person requests are better choices. The clerk office tries to respond promptly but mail does add extra time to the process.

Types of Civil Cases

The civil court records you will find in Winston County fall into several categories based on the nature of the dispute and the dollar amount involved.

Circuit Court Civil Cases

Cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $20,000 are filed in circuit court under Alabama Code Section 12-11-30. These include major personal injury lawsuits from car wrecks or other incidents. They also cover big breach of contract disputes, business litigation, real estate disputes over title or boundaries, and class action lawsuits. Circuit court also handles equity matters like injunctions, specific performance, and quiet title actions. The dollar amount does not matter for those.

District Court Civil Cases

When the claim falls between $6,000 and $20,000, district court handles the case as provided by Alabama Code Section 12-12-30. Common examples include moderate contract disputes, property damage claims, and consumer protection matters. Landlord-tenant disputes over security deposits or lease violations often end up here too. Debt collection cases are also common. District court procedures tend to be simpler. Cases move faster than circuit court.

Small Claims

For disputes under $6,000, small claims court offers an informal setting where people often represent themselves without attorneys. The rules of evidence are relaxed and the process moves quickly. Per Alabama Code Section 12-12-31, small claims is designed to be accessible and affordable. Typical small claims matters include minor contract disputes, security deposit claims, unpaid debts, and property damage claims for smaller amounts.

Domestic Relations

While divorce cases are tracked separately from general civil matters, other domestic relations cases appear in civil court records. These include child custody modifications, support enforcement actions, and property division disputes that arise after a divorce is finalized. The Circuit Clerk maintains these files alongside other civil records.

Legal Framework for Records Access

Alabama law establishes your right to access civil court records and sets the rules for how requests are handled and what fees apply.

Alabama Public Records Law

Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, every Alabama resident has the right to inspect and copy public records. Court records fall squarely within this definition. The law requires broad reading in favor of public access. When someone refuses to provide a record, they must prove that a specific exemption applies.

This means you generally have the right to see civil court files without explaining why you want them. The clerk cannot ask you to justify your interest in a case. Some documents within a file may be sealed or redacted. This happens when they contain info protected by court rule or statute. But the case file as a whole remains public.

Court Filing Fees

Alabama Code Section 12-19-71 sets the fee schedule for court filings and services. Filing fees for civil cases depend on the court level and the amount in dispute. The fees apply statewide. Winston County follows the same schedule as larger counties. Fees for copies of court records are set by local court rule. They generally run $0.50 to $1.00 per page for regular copies. Certified copies cost more.

Court Record Privacy Rules

The Alabama Supreme Court adopted rules governing court record privacy effective January 1, 2025. These rules identify 91 categories of info that may be redacted or sealed. This includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, dates of birth for minors, and certain personal data. Even in public case files, you may find some info blacked out to comply with these rules.

Certain case types receive added protection. Mental health proceedings, some family law matters involving children, and cases where a court has ordered sealing may not be available for public viewing. If you encounter a sealed case, the clerk will tell you that records are not available. They generally cannot explain why the case is sealed.

Related Record Sources

Civil court cases often connect to records maintained by other offices. These secondary sources can provide additional information about parties, property, or the outcome of litigation.

Probate Court Records

The Winston County Probate Judge keeps property records including deeds, mortgages, and judgment liens. When someone wins a civil judgment, they often record it with probate court. This creates a lien against the debtor's real property. Under Alabama Code Section 6-9-190, judgment liens attach to the debtor's property in the county where recorded. Searching probate records can show whether judgments have been recorded and against what property.

Revenue Commissioner Records

Property tax records from the Revenue Commissioner show ownership history and assessed values. In cases involving property disputes or tax liens, these records provide important background information. The Revenue Commissioner also conducts tax sales that may relate to civil litigation over property ownership.

Federal Court Records

Some civil cases involving federal questions or parties from different states end up in federal court instead of state court. Winston County falls within the Northern District of Alabama. Federal civil records are available through the PACER system at $0.10 per page. If you do not find a case in the state system, it may be worth checking federal court as well.

Bankruptcy Records

Bankruptcy filings can halt civil litigation through the automatic stay and may ultimately discharge debts that are the subject of civil lawsuits. Federal bankruptcy records are also available through PACER. A bankruptcy search can reveal whether a party to civil litigation has sought bankruptcy protection, which can affect your ability to collect on judgments or continue with lawsuits.

Legal Assistance Resources

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

Legal Services Alabama

Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal aid to qualifying low-income residents across all 67 counties including Winston. They help with housing disputes, family matters, consumer protection issues, and public benefits cases. Call the statewide intake line at 1-866-456-4995 to see if you qualify for assistance.

Alabama Legal Help

The Alabama Legal Help website offers self-help resources including court forms, legal information guides, and step-by-step instructions for common civil matters. It is a good starting point if you plan to handle your case without an attorney. The site covers small claims procedures, landlord-tenant law, consumer rights, and other topics.

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. For $50 or less, you get a 30-minute consultation with an attorney who handles your type of case. This is useful when you need professional advice but are not sure if you need full representation. The attorney can assess your situation and give you a sense of your options. The service is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Birmingham Volunteer Lawyers Program

The Birmingham Volunteer Lawyers Program serves north central Alabama including Winston County. They connect qualifying residents with attorneys who provide free legal help on civil matters. Contact them at (205) 250-5198 for information about eligibility and available services. Income guidelines apply, but many people who would otherwise have no access to legal representation can get help through this program.

Requesting Certified Copies

When you need court documents for official purposes, you will want certified copies rather than regular photocopies. Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature attesting that they are true and accurate copies of the original court records. They are accepted by other courts, government agencies, and financial institutions.

What You Need

To request certified copies, provide the case number if you have it. If not, give the full names of the parties and the approximate date of filing so staff can locate the case. Specify exactly which documents you need certified. Some people ask for the entire case file, but that can get expensive. Often you only need specific orders, judgments, or other key documents.

Processing Time

For straightforward requests, the clerk office can often provide certified copies the same day if you visit in person. More complex requests or those requiring retrieval from storage may take a few days. Mail requests typically take one to two weeks. If you have a deadline, let the clerk know and ask about expedited processing options.

Apostille and Authentication

If you need to use Winston County court documents in another country, you may need an apostille from the Alabama Secretary of State. First get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk, then submit them to the Secretary of State's office for authentication. There are additional fees for this service.

Filing Deadlines and Time Limits

Civil lawsuits in Alabama must be filed within specific time periods called statutes of limitations. If you miss the deadline, you lose the right to sue regardless of how strong your case might be. Here are some common limits that apply to civil matters.

Contract claims based on written agreements have a six-year statute of limitations under Alabama Code Section 6-2-34. Oral contract claims have the same six-year period. Personal injury claims including car accidents must be filed within two years under Section 6-2-38. Property damage claims also have a two-year limit. Medical malpractice has a two-year limitations period but also a four-year statute of repose, meaning claims are barred four years after the act regardless of when you discovered the injury.

Judgments are enforceable for 20 years under Alabama law and can be renewed. If you are trying to collect on an old judgment or researching whether someone has outstanding judgments against them, check the date the judgment was entered to determine if it is still valid and enforceable.

Start Your Record Search

Use our search tool to look up civil court records in Winston County and throughout Alabama.

Cities and Towns in Winston County

Winston County includes Double Springs (the county seat), Addison, Arley, Haleyville, Lynn, and several smaller communities. Civil court records for residents of all these places are maintained at the county level by the Circuit Clerk in Double Springs. None of the municipalities in Winston County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. For residents who need civil court records, the Winston County Courthouse handles all matters regardless of which town you live in.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Winston or are nearby. Each has its own Circuit Clerk office handling civil court records. If parties lived in different counties or if a dispute crossed county lines, you may need to check records in more than one location.