Find Court Records in Clarke County

Court records in Clarke County are filed and stored at the courthouse in Grove Hill. The county is part of the 1st Judicial Circuit along with Choctaw and Washington counties in southwest Alabama.

Circuit Clerk Office

The Clarke County Circuit Clerk handles all court record matters for the county. This office accepts new case filings, maintains existing files, and processes requests for copies of documents. Staff can help you find records from civil cases, criminal prosecutions, and domestic relations matters. The office is located in the Clarke County Courthouse on Court Street in Grove Hill.

Grove Hill is a rural community where the pace tends to be slower than in bigger cities. That can work in your favor when seeking court records, as staff often have more time to assist with requests. Bring identification and whatever details you have about the case or person you are researching. Payment for services is usually by cash, check, or money order. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods.

How to Access Court Records

Online Access Through Alacourt

The Alacourt Access system at pa.alacourt.com provides electronic access to Clarke County court records. You can search by party name or case number to find civil, criminal, traffic, and domestic relations cases. The database shows filing dates, case status, parties involved, and charges in criminal matters. Search results give you a good overview of a case before requesting detailed documents.

Alacourt works well for quick searches and initial research. However, not all records appear online. Very recent filings take time to enter into the system. Older cases from before electronic record-keeping began might not be digitized. For thorough research, combine online searching with direct contact to the clerk's office.

In-Person Access

Visiting the courthouse in Grove Hill allows you to search records and view complete case files. The clerk's staff can pull files for your review. You can examine documents that are not available electronically and request copies of what you need. This method is especially useful when researching older cases or when you want to review an entire file rather than selected documents.

Some records remain confidential. Juvenile court files, sealed records, and adoption cases are not available to the public. Certain mental health proceedings also have restricted access. The clerk will inform you if a requested record falls into one of these categories.

Mail Requests

You can request court records by sending a written request to the Circuit Clerk. Your letter should specify what records you need, including names of parties, approximate dates, and case type. Provide your return address and include payment for estimated fees. The office will process your request and mail the documents. Allow two to four weeks for completion.

Types of Court Records Available

Criminal Records

Criminal case files from Clarke County include felonies heard in Circuit Court and misdemeanors from District Court. Records contain arrest warrants, charging documents, bond information, plea agreements, trial records, sentencing documents, and probation orders. Serious traffic offenses like DUI are treated as criminal matters. Public access to most criminal records is allowed, though specific documents may be sealed by court order.

Civil Records

Civil court records cover legal disputes that do not involve criminal charges. Common civil matters include contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, property disagreements, foreclosures, and debt collection cases. The case file includes the complaint, answer, motions, court orders, and final judgment. Settlement agreements may also appear in the record.

Domestic Relations Records

Family law cases produce significant public records. Divorce files contain petitions, responses, financial disclosures, parenting plans, and final decrees. Child support cases include payment orders and modification proceedings. Custody disputes document legal and physical custody arrangements. Some portions of domestic files are restricted, particularly those involving children.

Probate Records

The Probate Court in Clarke County handles wills, estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships. Marriage licenses are also issued through Probate Court. While this is a separate court from the Circuit Court, the Probate Judge's office is in the same courthouse building. These records are available for public inspection.

Court Record Fees

Clarke County follows Alabama's standard court record fee schedule. These charges cover the cost of searching files, making copies, and certifying documents.

Fee amounts are subject to change. Contact the clerk's office to verify current rates before submitting payment. Online searches through Alacourt have separate fee structures. Parties to a case, their attorneys, and government agencies may have different fee arrangements.

1st Judicial Circuit

Clarke County shares the 1st Judicial Circuit with Choctaw and Washington counties. Circuit judges rotate between all three counties to conduct court sessions. This arrangement affects scheduling, so court may not be in session in Grove Hill every day. Consult the court calendar or call the clerk's office to find out when the judge will be available.

The 1st Circuit District Attorney handles criminal prosecutions for the entire circuit. Questions about pending criminal cases should go to that office. For civil matters and family law cases, you will need a private attorney or assistance from a legal aid organization.

Legal Resources

People who cannot afford legal representation have options. Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal help to eligible low-income individuals. They assist with family law, housing issues, consumer problems, and public benefits. Call 1-866-456-4995 or visit AlabamaLegalHelp.org.

Self-represented litigants can find court forms and instructions through the Administrative Office of Courts at eforms.alacourt.gov. The Alabama State Bar also operates a lawyer referral program to help connect people with attorneys.

Nearby Counties

Court records from surrounding counties can be accessed through their clerk offices or the statewide Alacourt system.