Decatur Court Records Lookup

Court records for Decatur residents are maintained by the Morgan County Circuit Clerk. As the county seat of Morgan County, Decatur is home to the Morgan County Courthouse where all major court proceedings take place.

Which County Handles Your Records

Decatur lies primarily within Morgan County, with a small portion extending into Limestone County. The Morgan County Circuit Clerk maintains court records for most Decatur residents. Since Decatur serves as the county seat, the courthouse is conveniently located in the city.

The 8th Judicial Circuit serves Morgan County. Circuit Clerk Chris Priest oversees the clerk's office and is responsible for maintaining all Circuit Court and District Court records. The courthouse processes thousands of cases each year covering civil disputes, criminal prosecutions, and family law matters.

For residents living in the Limestone County portion of Decatur, some legal matters may fall under Limestone County jurisdiction. The Limestone County seat is Athens. However, the vast majority of Decatur residents will have their court records maintained in Morgan County.

How to Access Court Records

There are multiple ways to search for and obtain court records from Morgan County. The method you choose depends on what information you have and what type of documents you need.

Online Search via Alacourt Access

The fastest way to find court records is through Alacourt Access at pa.alacourt.com. This statewide database contains Morgan County court records. Searches can be done by party name or case number.

Alacourt Access charges fees for searches. A basic name search costs $9.99. District Court case reports are $19.99 and Circuit Court case reports cost $29.99. Results show case type, filing dates, parties, and case status. Some documents may be viewable online.

In-Person at Morgan County Courthouse

Since the Morgan County Courthouse is located in Decatur, residents can easily visit in person to search records. The Circuit Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Bring government-issued identification and any case information you have.

The clerk's staff can assist with locating records and provide copies. Both plain copies and certified copies are available for a fee. Cash and checks are typically accepted for payment.

Written Request by Mail

You can submit a written request to the Morgan County Circuit Clerk for court records. Include full names of all parties, approximate dates, the case type if known, and your return address. Enclose payment by check or money order. Mail to: Morgan County Circuit Clerk, 302 Lee Street, Decatur, AL 35601. Processing takes one to three weeks.

Court Forms Online

If you need to file documents with the court, forms are available through the Administrative Office of Courts at eforms.alacourt.gov. These standardized forms cover divorce, custody modifications, name changes, small claims, and many other case types.

Decatur Municipal Court

For city ordinance violations and traffic tickets issued within Decatur, contact the Decatur Municipal Court. These records are separate from county court records.

Types of Court Records Available

Morgan County courts maintain several categories of records. Different courts have jurisdiction over different case types.

Circuit Court Records

The Morgan County Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over civil cases exceeding $10,000 in value. This includes contract disputes, personal injury claims, property matters, and business litigation. All felony criminal cases are prosecuted in Circuit Court. The court also handles domestic relations matters including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and property division. Appeals from District Court are heard in Circuit Court.

District Court Records

Morgan County District Court handles civil cases under $20,000, misdemeanor criminal offenses, traffic violations, small claims, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. The court processes a high volume of cases. District Court records are accessible through the same Alacourt system as Circuit Court records.

Probate Court Records

The Morgan County Probate Court handles wills and estate administration, guardianships and conservatorships, involuntary commitments, name changes, and adoptions. Marriage licenses are issued through the Probate Court. Property records including deeds, mortgages, and liens are recorded with the Probate Judge.

District Attorney Records

The Morgan County District Attorney's office prosecutes criminal cases in the county. Victim services and case status information can be obtained through their office.

Courthouse Information

Morgan County Courthouse

The Morgan County Courthouse is located in downtown Decatur. As the county seat, Decatur hosts all county offices including the Circuit Clerk, courts, and related services.

Parking and Access

The courthouse is located in the downtown area with street parking available on surrounding blocks. There are also public parking lots nearby. The building is accessible from US-31 and Alabama Highway 20. Security screening is required to enter the courthouse.

Legal Aid Resources

Several organizations provide free or low-cost legal help to Decatur residents who meet eligibility requirements.

Legal Services Alabama

Legal Services Alabama provides free legal assistance to low-income residents in civil matters. Services cover family law, housing disputes, consumer issues, and public benefits. They serve all 67 Alabama counties including Morgan County.

AlabamaLegalHelp.org

This free website provides legal information, self-help guides, and court forms. Topics include divorce, child custody, landlord-tenant disputes, debt collection, and more. The site is a good starting point for understanding your legal options.

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral

If you need to hire a private attorney, the Alabama State Bar operates a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with attorneys in the Decatur area who practice in your area of need.

Administrative Office of Courts

The Administrative Office of Courts provides general information about Alabama's court system and can direct you to appropriate resources.

Federal Court Records

Decatur and Morgan County fall within the Northern District of Alabama for federal court purposes. Federal cases include matters involving federal law, bankruptcy proceedings, and disputes between parties from different states where the amount exceeds $75,000.

Federal court records can be accessed through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) at pacer.uscourts.gov. PACER charges $0.10 per page for most documents. Fees are waived if your quarterly total is under $30.

Related Records

Some records that people often seek alongside court records are maintained by other agencies.

Vital Records

Birth certificates, death certificates, and divorce certificates are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health. You can request these through ADPH or via VitalChek at 1-888-279-9888.

Criminal Background Checks

For official criminal background checks, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Unofficial searches can be conducted through Alacourt Access.

Property Records

Deeds, mortgages, and other property records are maintained by the Morgan County Probate Court. These are separate from the Circuit Clerk's records.

Search Court Records

Use our search tool to find court record information for Decatur and Morgan County.

Nearby Qualifying Cities

Other major Alabama cities with court record information:

Morgan County

Decatur is the county seat of Morgan County. For detailed information about Morgan County court records, visit the county page.

View Morgan County Records