Find Court Records in Dothan

Court records for Dothan residents are maintained by the Houston County Circuit Clerk. As the county seat, Dothan is home to the Houston County Courthouse where all civil, criminal, and family court cases are filed.

Which County Handles Your Records

Dothan is the county seat of Houston County and the largest city in southeast Alabama. While Dothan extends slightly into Dale and Henry counties, the vast majority of the city lies within Houston County. Most court records for Dothan residents are maintained by the Houston County Circuit Clerk.

The 20th Judicial Circuit serves both Houston County and Henry County. The Houston County Courthouse in downtown Dothan houses the Circuit Clerk's office and all courtrooms. This is where you will go to search records, request copies, or attend court proceedings.

Houston County is the youngest county in Alabama, having been established in 1903. Despite its relatively recent creation, the county has developed a full-service court system that handles thousands of cases each year. The courthouse serves 13 communities throughout the county.

How to Access Court Records

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

Online Search via Alacourt Access

The quickest way to find court records is through Alacourt Access at pa.alacourt.com. This statewide database contains Houston County court records and allows searches by party name or case number.

Search fees apply when using Alacourt Access. 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 involved, charges or claims, and current case status. Some documents may be viewable online.

In-Person at the Houston County Courthouse

You can visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the Houston County Courthouse to search records and request copies. The staff can assist you in locating cases and provide both plain and certified copies of documents. Bring a government-issued ID and any information you have about the case.

The courthouse is located at 114 N Oates Street in downtown Dothan. Parking is available on surrounding streets and in nearby lots. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Written Request by Mail

If you cannot visit in person, submit a written request to the Circuit Clerk. Include full names of all parties, approximate case dates, the type of case if known, and your return address. Enclose payment by check or money order made payable to the Houston County Circuit Clerk. Processing takes one to three weeks.

Dothan Municipal Court Records

For city-level matters like traffic tickets and ordinance violations issued in Dothan, contact the Dothan Municipal Court. These records are maintained separately from county court records.

Types of Court Records Available

Houston County courts maintain several categories of records. Different courts handle different case types, so knowing where to look helps you find records faster.

Circuit Court Records

The Houston County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over civil cases exceeding $10,000 in value. This includes contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, medical malpractice claims, and property matters. All felony criminal cases are prosecuted in Circuit Court. Domestic relations matters including divorce, child custody, child support, and adoption are heard in Circuit Court. Appeals from District Court also go to Circuit Court.

District Court Records

Houston County District Court handles civil cases under $20,000, misdemeanor criminal offenses, traffic violations, small claims, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. District Court processes a high volume of cases and is often the first point of contact with the court system for many people.

Probate Court Records

The Houston 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.

Juvenile Court Records

Juvenile court records are generally confidential under Alabama law. Alabama Code Section 12-15-133 restricts access to juvenile records except as specifically provided by statute. These records are not available through public searches.

Courthouse Information

Houston County Courthouse

The Houston County Courthouse serves as the primary judicial facility for Dothan and all of Houston County. The building houses the Circuit Clerk, Circuit Court, District Court, and other court offices.

Directions and Parking

The Houston County Courthouse is located in downtown Dothan at the intersection of N Oates Street and Main Street. Street parking is available on surrounding blocks. A parking lot is located behind the courthouse. The building is accessible from US-231 and US-84.

Legal Aid Resources

Several organizations provide free or reduced-cost legal help to Dothan and Houston County residents who meet eligibility requirements.

Legal Services Alabama - Dothan Office

Legal Services Alabama has a Dothan office that serves the Wiregrass region. They provide free legal assistance in civil matters including family law, housing, consumer issues, and public benefits.

AlabamaLegalHelp.org

This free website provides legal information, self-help guides, and downloadable court forms. Topics covered include divorce and separation, child custody, landlord-tenant disputes, debt collection defense, and more.

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral

If you need to hire a private attorney, the Alabama State Bar can refer you to lawyers in the Dothan area who handle your type of case.

Court Forms

Free court forms for divorce, custody modifications, name changes, small claims, and other common case types are available through the Administrative Office of Courts at eforms.alacourt.gov.

Federal Court Records

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

Federal court records are available 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 charges are under $30.

Search Court Records

Use our search tool to find court record information for Dothan and Houston County.

Nearby Qualifying Cities

Other major Alabama cities with court record information:

Houston County

Dothan is the county seat of Houston County. For more information about Houston County court records and services, visit the county page.

View Houston County Records