Access Covington County Court Records

Court records in Covington County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Andalusia. The county is part of Alabama's 22nd Judicial Circuit in the south-central region of the state.

Circuit Clerk Office

The Covington County Circuit Clerk is responsible for maintaining all official court records in the county. This office handles new case filings, keeps track of existing files, and processes requests for copies of court documents. Whether you need records from a criminal prosecution, civil lawsuit, or family court case, the clerk's office is your starting point. Staff members can help you locate specific files and explain what is required to obtain copies.

The Covington County Courthouse is located on Court Square in downtown Andalusia. When you visit, bring photo identification and any information you have about the case or person you are researching. Having a case number or the names of parties involved makes the search process faster. Payment for copies and search fees is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order. Call ahead to confirm current payment methods.

How to Access Court Records

Online Access Through Alacourt

Covington County court records are included in Alabama's statewide Alacourt Access system at pa.alacourt.com. This online database lets you search for cases by name or case number. You can find civil cases, criminal prosecutions, traffic violations, and family law matters. Search results display basic information including filing dates, parties, case type, and current status. Criminal cases show charges and dispositions.

Online searching is convenient because you can access the system any time of day or night. It provides a good starting point for research. However, recent filings may not appear immediately, and older records from before the electronic system was implemented might not be in the database. For thorough research, follow up with the clerk's office.

In-Person Access

Visiting the courthouse in person allows you to access complete case files. Staff can retrieve files for your review. You can examine documents that are not available online and request copies of what you need. This method works well for older cases or when you want to see everything in a file rather than just specific documents.

Some records are not available to the public. Juvenile court cases, sealed records, and adoption files are restricted. Mental health proceedings also have confidentiality protections. The clerk will inform you if a requested record falls into a restricted category.

Mail Requests

You can request court records by mail. Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk that specifies what records you need. Include names of parties, approximate dates, and case type. Provide your return address and payment to cover anticipated fees. The office will process your request and mail the documents to you. Allow two to four weeks for processing.

Types of Court Records Available

Criminal Case Records

Criminal records from Covington County cover felony cases heard in Circuit Court and misdemeanors from District Court. Files include arrest documents, charging information, bond records, plea agreements, trial transcripts when applicable, sentencing orders, and probation documentation. DUI and other serious traffic offenses are treated as criminal cases. Most criminal records are public, though some specific documents may be sealed by court order.

Civil Case Records

Civil court records involve non-criminal legal disputes. Contract disagreements, personal injury claims, property disputes, foreclosure proceedings, and debt collection cases fall under civil jurisdiction. Case files contain complaints, answers, motions, discovery materials, court orders, and final judgments. Settlement agreements are sometimes filed with the court as well.

Domestic Relations Records

Family law cases generate many record requests. Divorce files include petitions, financial disclosures, parenting plans, and final decrees. Child support cases document payment orders and any modifications. Custody and visitation matters establish parenting time arrangements. Paternity cases determine legal fatherhood. Some portions of family files are restricted, especially those involving minor children.

District Court Records

District Court handles preliminary hearings, misdemeanor trials, small claims, and routine traffic violations. These records are maintained by the same clerk's office that handles Circuit Court files. They are generally available for public inspection.

Court Record Fees

Covington County follows Alabama's standard fee schedule for court records. These charges help cover the cost of maintaining the record system and providing copies to the public.

Fee amounts may change. Contact the clerk's office to verify current rates before sending payment. The Alacourt online system has its own fee structure for electronic searches. Attorneys of record, parties to a case, and government agencies may have different fee arrangements.

22nd Judicial Circuit

Covington County is the sole county in the 22nd Judicial Circuit. This means the circuit judge is dedicated to Covington County cases, which can result in more consistent court scheduling compared to multi-county circuits. The judge hears cases at the courthouse in Andalusia.

The 22nd Circuit District Attorney handles criminal prosecutions for the county. Questions about pending criminal matters should go to that office. Civil cases and family law issues require a private attorney or help from legal aid organizations.

Legal Resources

Residents who cannot afford legal representation have several options. Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal assistance to qualifying individuals based on income. They handle family law, housing issues, consumer matters, and public benefits cases. Contact them at 1-866-456-4995 or visit AlabamaLegalHelp.org.

People representing themselves can find court forms and instructions at eforms.alacourt.gov. The Alabama State Bar operates a lawyer referral service that can connect people with attorneys who handle specific types of cases.

Nearby Resources

Covington County borders Florida to the south. Residents near the state line should be aware that court records for cases filed in Florida would be maintained by Florida courts, not Alabama. Make sure you know which state has jurisdiction over your matter before requesting records.

Nearby Counties

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