Search Etowah County Court Records
Court records in Etowah County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Gadsden. This office handles all civil, criminal, and domestic relations filings for the 16th Judicial Circuit.
Etowah County Quick Facts
Etowah County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Etowah County. You get copies of case files, judgments, orders, and other legal docs here. The clerk takes new case filings too and runs the court calendar for the 16th Judicial Circuit. Staff can help you find what you need.
| Address | 801 Forrest Avenue, Suite 202 Gadsden, AL 35901 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 549-2150 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | etowah.alacourt.gov |
The Etowah County Courthouse is at 800-801 Forrest Avenue in downtown Gadsden. There are a few court buildings here, so go to the right one. The Circuit Clerk is in Suite 202 at 801 Forrest Avenue. You can park in lots nearby or on the street.
District Court
District Court does misdemeanors, civil cases under $20,000, small claims, and traffic. This court holds first hearings in felony cases before they go to Circuit Court. District Court files are kept apart from Circuit Court but you get them through the same clerk.
Probate Court
Probate Court does estates, wills, guardianships, and mental health cases. This court also gives out marriage licenses and does adoptions. Deeds and mortgages go through Probate too.
How to Access Court Records
Online Access
Alabama has online access to court records through Alacourt. You can search cases, see docket entries, and check status from any computer. The system has most civil and criminal cases filed in Alabama courts.
Go to pa.alacourt.com and make an account. Some info is free. Full docs cost money. The public computer at the clerk's office is free to use during work hours if you don't want to pay online.
In-Person Requests
Go to the clerk's office at 801 Forrest Avenue in Gadsden. Bring photo ID. Know what you can about the case. Case numbers help a lot. You can also search by name or date range.
Staff find records and make copies while you wait. The office gets busy at lunch and on Mondays. Go early in the day or mid-afternoon Tuesday through Thursday for less wait.
Mail Requests
You can request court records by mail. Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk at 801 Forrest Avenue, Suite 202, Gadsden, AL 35901. Include the case number if you have it, or provide enough detail for staff to locate the correct file. Party names, approximate dates, and case type all help narrow down the search.
Include payment for the search fee and estimated copy costs. The clerk will contact you if additional payment is needed. Requests typically take one to two weeks to process, though complex searches or requests for archived records may take longer.
E-Filing
Attorneys and pro se litigants can file new cases and documents electronically through AlaFile at efile.alacourt.gov. E-filing is mandatory for most civil cases in Alabama. The system operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which makes it convenient for after-hours filings.
Types of Court Records
Civil Case Records
Civil cases in Circuit Court involve disputes where the amount in controversy exceeds $20,000. These include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, and business litigation. Case files contain complaints, answers, motions, orders, and judgments. Some records may be sealed by court order, particularly in cases involving minors or sensitive personal information.
Criminal Case Records
Criminal records in Circuit Court cover felony prosecutions. These files include indictments, arraignment records, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and appeal documents. Some criminal records are sealed or expunged pursuant to Alabama law, particularly for certain juvenile offenses or cases that resulted in dismissal or acquittal.
Domestic Relations Records
Domestic relations cases include divorces, child custody disputes, child support matters, and protection from abuse orders. Alabama law restricts access to some domestic relations records, especially those involving minors. You may need to show a legitimate interest to obtain certain documents from these cases.
Appeals
Circuit Court hears appeals from District Court decisions. Appeal records include the lower court record, briefs filed by the parties, and the Circuit Court's ruling. These records help you understand how local courts interpret and apply the law.
Probate and Estate Records
The Probate Court maintains records for wills, estate administrations, guardianships, and conservatorships. These records are generally public unless sealed to protect vulnerable individuals. Marriage licenses issued by the Probate Court are also public records.
Fees and Costs
Etowah County charges fees for court record services. These fees are set by state law and local court rules. Payment can be made by cash, check, or money order. Some offices also accept credit cards, but there may be a convenience fee.
| Copies (1-20 pages) | $25.00 |
|---|---|
| Additional Pages | $0.50 per page |
| Certified Copies | $5.00 each |
| Paper/Archived Record Search | $25.00 (non-refundable) |
The search fee applies when staff must look for records that are not readily available in the computer system. This includes older records that have been moved to storage. The fee is non-refundable even if no records are found, because it covers the time spent searching.
For records accessed through Alacourt, separate fees apply. Check the Alacourt website for current pricing on document downloads and subscriptions. Using the free public access terminal at the courthouse can save money if you only need to view records without getting copies.
Etowah County Court Resources
The Etowah County Circuit Court website provides information about court procedures, forms, and local rules. You can access the site through the Alabama Unified Judicial System portal at alacourt.gov.
Court Forms
Standard court forms for Alabama are available at eforms.alacourt.gov. These include forms for civil complaints, answers, motions, and domestic relations matters. The forms are free to download and can be filled out on your computer before printing.
Legal Help Resources
If you cannot afford an attorney, several organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance in Alabama. Legal Services Alabama serves low-income residents throughout the state and can be reached at 866-456-4995. The Alabama State Bar also maintains a lawyer referral service that can help you find an attorney for your specific legal needs.
The Etowah County Law Library, located at the courthouse, offers legal research resources to the public. You can use law books, legal databases, and other materials to research your case. Library staff can help you find resources but cannot give legal advice.
Nearby Counties
If you need court records from neighboring counties, here are links to those pages. Each county maintains its own court system, so you will need to contact that county's clerk for records from cases filed there.