Find Court Records in Chambers County
Court records in Chambers County are maintained at the courthouse in LaFayette. The Circuit Clerk handles civil, criminal, and family law cases for the 5th Judicial Circuit.
Chambers County Quick Facts
Chambers County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all court records in Chambers County. This office files new cases, maintains existing files, and provides copies to the public. Staff can help you find records and explain the fee structure.
| Address | 2 Court Square LaFayette, AL 36862 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 864-4348 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | chambers.alacourt.gov |
The Chambers County Courthouse sits on Court Square in downtown LaFayette. This historic building serves as the center of county government. Parking is available around the square and on nearby streets. Security screening is required at the entrance.
The 5th Judicial Circuit
Chambers County is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit along with Barbour, Bullock, Macon, Randolph, and Tallapoosa counties. Circuit judges travel among these counties to hear cases. Court is not in session every day in LaFayette, so check with the clerk about the schedule before planning your visit.
District Court
District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, and civil disputes under $20,000. Preliminary hearings in felony cases are also conducted here. District Court records are maintained in the same system as Circuit Court records.
Probate Court
Probate Court handles estates, wills, guardianships, and mental health matters. Marriage licenses are issued here. Property documents like deeds and mortgages are recorded with the Probate Judge. These records are valuable for title searches and genealogy research.
How to Access Court Records
Online Access
Chambers County court records are available through Alacourt Access. Visit pa.alacourt.com to search cases by name, case number, or date. You can view basic case information for free, but downloading documents costs money.
The Alacourt system includes Circuit Court and District Court records. Not every document is online. Older records and sealed files must be obtained from the clerk's office. The system updates regularly but may not show the most recent filings immediately.
In-Person Requests
Go to the Circuit Clerk at 2 Court Square during business hours. Bring photo ID and whatever details you have about the case. Case numbers make searches fastest, but party names and dates work too. Staff will search for records and can make copies while you wait.
A public access computer may be available for free record searches. Using this terminal can save money before you decide what copies to order. Ask staff about access when you arrive.
Mail Requests
Send written requests to the Circuit Clerk at 2 Court Square, LaFayette, AL 36862. Include case numbers if known, or give party names and approximate dates. Add your contact information and payment for fees.
Allow one to two weeks for processing. The clerk will contact you if additional payment is needed or if there are questions. A phone number speeds up communication.
E-Filing
Electronic filing is available through AlaFile at efile.alacourt.gov. Attorneys must e-file most civil documents. Self-represented parties can use the system too. E-filing is available 24 hours a day.
Types of Court Records
Civil Cases
Circuit Court civil cases involve disputes exceeding $20,000. These include contract lawsuits, personal injury claims, property disputes, and business litigation. Files contain complaints, answers, motions, orders, and judgments. Most are public unless sealed by the court.
Criminal Cases
Felony prosecutions are handled in Circuit Court. Records include indictments, arrest documents, bail records, plea agreements, trial transcripts, and sentencing orders. Some criminal records are restricted, particularly juvenile cases and expunged records.
Domestic Relations
Family cases include divorces, child custody, child support, and protective orders. These files often have sensitive financial and personal information. Alabama law restricts access to some domestic records, especially when children are involved.
District Court Records
Small claims under $6,000, misdemeanors, and traffic violations are in District Court. These records are generally public and searchable online. Traffic records are commonly needed for insurance and employment background checks.
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.
Court Record Fees
Chambers County charges fees set by Alabama law for court record services. Payment is due 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 readily in the system. Archived records cost more to retrieve. The search fee is non-refundable even if no records are found.
Alacourt has separate fees for downloading documents online. The free public terminal at the courthouse can save money if you only need to view records without copies.
Chambers County Court Resources
Chambers County courts operate as part of the Alabama Unified Judicial System. State procedures apply with local variations in scheduling.
Court Forms
Free court forms are at eforms.alacourt.gov. These include civil complaints, divorce petitions, custody forms, and other common documents. Forms can be filled out on your computer before printing.
Legal Help
Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to low-income residents. Call 866-456-4995 to check eligibility. The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral at (800) 392-5660 can connect you with an attorney.
AlabamaLegalHelp.org has self-help resources on common legal issues. The site explains procedures and links to forms. It cannot advise on specific cases but helps you understand your options.
Nearby Cities
Chambers County is on the Georgia border in east-central Alabama. The city of Auburn is nearby in Lee County, about 25 miles to the south. If you need records from Lee County, contact that county's clerk. Each Alabama county keeps its own separate court records.
Nearby Counties
Chambers County is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit with several other counties. Each county has its own clerk and maintains separate records. Here are links to neighboring county pages.