Bibb County Court Records Search
Court records in Bibb County are kept at the courthouse in Centreville. The Circuit Clerk handles filings for the 4th Judicial Circuit covering civil, criminal, and family matters.
Bibb County Quick Facts
Bibb County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk maintains all court records for Bibb County. This office files new cases, stores existing records, and provides copies when requested. Staff can assist you in finding what you need and explain the fees.
| Address | 8 Court Square West Centreville, AL 35042 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 926-3103 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | bibb.alacourt.gov |
The Bibb County Courthouse stands on Court Square in Centreville. This is a small county seat, so the courthouse serves as the main hub for government services. Parking is available around the square and on nearby streets. Security screening is required at the entrance.
The 4th Judicial Circuit
Bibb County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit together with Dallas, Hale, Perry, and Wilcox counties. Circuit judges travel among these counties to hear cases. Because of this arrangement, court may not be in session in Centreville every day. Check with the clerk about the schedule before planning a visit.
District Court
The District Court handles smaller civil cases, misdemeanors, and traffic tickets. This court also does preliminary hearings in felony cases before they go to Circuit Court. District Court records are part of the unified system and can be searched alongside Circuit Court records.
Probate Court
Probate Court deals with wills, estates, guardianships, and commitments. Marriage licenses come from this office too. Deeds, mortgages, and other property documents are recorded with the Probate Judge. These land records can be essential for title searches and property transactions.
How to Access Records
Online Access
Alabama's Alacourt system provides online access to court records statewide. Visit pa.alacourt.com to search for cases by name, case number, or date range. You can view case summaries and docket entries. Downloading actual documents requires payment.
Registration for Alacourt is free for basic searches. You can see who the parties are, what type of case it is, and what has happened procedurally. To get copies of motions, orders, or judgments, you pay per document. The site lists current pricing for downloads.
In-Person Visits
Go to the Circuit Clerk's office at 8 Court Square West during business hours to request records in person. Bring identification and any details you have about the case. Case numbers make searches easier, but names and dates work too. Staff will help you find records and can make copies while you wait.
A public access computer may be available for searching records without charge. Using this terminal can save money if you need to look up information before deciding what copies to order. Ask the staff about using the public terminal.
Mail Requests
Send written requests to the Circuit Clerk at 8 Court Square West, Centreville, AL 35042. Include as much identifying information as possible: case number, party names, case type, and approximate dates. Put in your contact details and payment for fees.
Mail requests usually take one to two weeks to process. Complex searches take longer. If additional payment is needed or staff have questions, they will contact you. Including a phone number helps speed up the process.
E-Filing
Electronic filing through AlaFile is available at efile.alacourt.gov. Attorneys must use e-filing for most civil cases in Alabama. Self-represented parties can use it too. The system is available 24 hours a day for convenient after-hours filing.
Types of Court Records
Civil Case Files
Circuit Court civil cases involve disputes where more than $20,000 is at stake. Common types include contract disputes, injury claims, property disagreements, and business litigation. Files contain complaints, answers, discovery materials, motions, and judgments. Most are public unless sealed by court order.
Criminal Case Files
Felony cases are prosecuted in Circuit Court. Records include indictments, arrest information, bail documents, plea deals, trial records, and sentencing. Some criminal records have restrictions, especially juvenile cases and expunged records.
Domestic Relations
Family cases include divorces, custody battles, child support, and protective orders. These records often have personal financial details and information about children. Alabama law limits access to some domestic records for privacy protection.
District Court Records
Small claims under $6,000, misdemeanor crimes, and traffic violations go through District Court. These records are public and searchable through Alacourt. Traffic records are often needed for insurance or employment purposes.
Probate Records
Estates, wills, guardianships, and conservatorships are in Probate Court. Marriage records are kept here too. Property records filed with the Probate Judge include deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many of these records go back over a century.
Fees for Records
Bibb County charges fees set by Alabama law for court record services. Payment is due when you make your request. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders.
| Copies (1-20 pages) | $5.00 |
|---|---|
| Additional Pages | $0.50 per page |
| Certification | $5.00 per document |
| Record Search | $10.00 - $25.00 |
Search fees apply for records that are not in the computer system. Archived records stored off-site cost more to retrieve. The search fee covers staff time and is non-refundable even if nothing is found.
Alacourt has its own fee structure for downloading documents online. The public terminal at the courthouse is free for viewing records, which can save money if you just need information without official copies.
Bibb County Court Resources
Bibb County courts operate as part of the Alabama Unified Judicial System. State court procedures apply with some local variations.
Court Forms
Free court forms are available at eforms.alacourt.gov. These include forms for civil complaints, divorce petitions, custody matters, and other common filings. The forms can be filled out on your computer before printing.
Legal Assistance
Legal Services Alabama helps low-income residents with legal matters. Call 866-456-4995 to check eligibility. The Alabama State Bar's lawyer referral service at (800) 392-5660 can connect you with attorneys in your area.
Self-help resources are online at AlabamaLegalHelp.org. The site has information about common legal issues and links to forms. It cannot give advice about your specific case but can help you understand procedures and options.
Nearby Large Cities
Bibb County is a rural county in central Alabama. The closest major city is Birmingham in Jefferson County, about 40 miles to the north. Tuscaloosa is to the west in Tuscaloosa County. If you need court records from those cities, you must contact the respective county clerk.
Nearby Counties
Bibb County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit with several other counties. Each county keeps its own court records. Here are links to neighboring county pages.