Access Butler County Court Records
Court records for Butler County are filed at the courthouse in Greenville. The Circuit Clerk manages civil, criminal, and domestic relations matters for the 2nd Judicial Circuit.
Butler County Quick Facts
Butler County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk is the custodian of court records in Butler County. This office processes new filings, keeps existing case files, and provides copies to anyone who asks. Staff members can help you search for records and explain the costs involved.
| Address | 700 Court Square Greenville, AL 36037 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 382-3512 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | butler.alacourt.gov |
The Butler County Courthouse is located on Court Square in downtown Greenville. This is the main government building for the county. Street parking is available around the square. All visitors must pass through security screening at the entrance.
The 2nd Judicial Circuit
Butler County is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit along with Crenshaw and Lowndes counties. Judges rotate among these three counties to handle cases. Because of this shared arrangement, court is not in session every day in Greenville. Contact the clerk to find out the schedule before planning your visit or hearing.
District Court
District Court handles small civil cases, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. This court also conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases before they go to Circuit Court. District Court records are part of the same system as Circuit Court.
Probate Court
Probate Court handles estates, wills, guardianships, and mental health commitments. Marriage licenses are issued from this office. Property documents including deeds and mortgages are recorded with the Probate Judge. These records are important for real estate and genealogy work.
How to Get Court Records
Online Access
Butler County court records are in the Alacourt system. Go to pa.alacourt.com to search for cases by name, case number, or date range. Basic information is visible for free. Getting actual documents costs money.
The Alacourt system covers Circuit Court and District Court records. Not all documents are online, particularly older records and sealed files. The system updates regularly but may lag a day or two behind the most recent filings.
In-Person Requests
Visit the Circuit Clerk at 700 Court Square during business hours. Bring photo ID and details about the case you need. Case numbers work best, but names and dates help too. Staff will search for your records and can make copies while you wait.
A public access terminal may be available for searching records without charge. This can help you find what you need before paying for copies. Ask the clerk's staff about using the public computer when you arrive.
Mail Requests
You can request records by mail. Send your written request to the Circuit Clerk at 700 Court Square, Greenville, AL 36037. Include case numbers if available, or provide party names and approximate dates. Add your contact details and payment for estimated fees.
Allow one to two weeks for processing. The clerk will contact you if additional payment is needed. Including a phone number helps speed things up if there are questions about your request.
E-Filing
AlaFile is Alabama's electronic filing system at efile.alacourt.gov. Attorneys must e-file most civil documents. People representing themselves can use the system too. E-filing operates around the clock.
Types of Court Records
Civil Cases
Circuit Court civil cases involve disputes worth more than $20,000. These include lawsuits over contracts, personal injuries, property, and business matters. Files contain complaints, answers, motions, orders, and judgments. Most are public unless sealed by court order.
Criminal Cases
Felony criminal prosecutions go through Circuit Court. Records include indictments, arrest documents, bail information, plea agreements, trial transcripts, and sentencing orders. Some criminal records have access restrictions, especially for juveniles and expunged cases.
Domestic Relations
Family law cases include divorces, child custody, child support, and protective orders. These files often contain sensitive personal and financial details. Alabama law restricts access to some domestic records to protect privacy, particularly when children are involved.
District Court Records
Small claims up to $6,000, misdemeanors, and traffic cases are in District Court. These records are generally public and can be searched online. Traffic records are often needed for insurance or employment purposes.
Probate Records
Estates, wills, guardianships, and conservatorships are handled by Probate Court. Marriage license records are kept here. Property records filed with the Probate Judge include deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many of these records go back over a century.
Court Record Fees
Butler County charges fees set by Alabama law for court record services. Payment is required when you make your request. The clerk 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 when staff must look for records not in the computer. Archived records stored off-site cost more to retrieve. The search fee covers staff time and is non-refundable even if no records are found.
Alacourt has its own fee structure for online downloads. Using the free public terminal at the courthouse can save money if you only need to view records without getting official copies.
Butler County Court Resources
Butler County courts are part of the Alabama Unified Judicial System. Standard state procedures apply with local scheduling variations.
Court Forms
Free Alabama court forms are at eforms.alacourt.gov. You can download forms for civil complaints, divorce petitions, custody matters, and other filings. Forms can be filled out on your computer before printing.
Legal Help
Legal Services Alabama provides free legal assistance to low-income residents. Call 866-456-4995 to check if you qualify. The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service at (800) 392-5660 can connect you with attorneys for your type of case.
AlabamaLegalHelp.org has self-help information on common legal issues. The site explains court procedures and provides links to forms. It cannot advise on your specific case but helps you understand your options.
Location
Butler County is in south-central Alabama. The county seat of Greenville sits along Interstate 65 between Montgomery and Mobile. The state capital of Montgomery is about 45 miles north. If you need records from Montgomery County, you must contact that county's clerk separately.
Nearby Counties
Butler County is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit with Crenshaw and Lowndes counties. Each county maintains its own separate records. Here are links to neighboring county pages.