Access Fayette County Court Records

Court records for Fayette County cases are stored at the Circuit Clerk's office in the city of Fayette. The county belongs to the 24th Judicial Circuit with Lamar and Pickens counties.

Fayette County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records for Fayette County. Case docs, dockets, orders, and judgments go through here. The clerk runs files for both Circuit and District Court. You can come get records during normal hours. Just bring ID and tell staff what you need.

The Fayette County Courthouse is on Temple Avenue in downtown Fayette. The clerk's office and courtrooms are here. Park on the street. Bring ID for most record requests. Closed on state holidays.

How to Access Court Records

Online Search via Alacourt

Fayette County records are in Alacourt at pa.alacourt.com. Search by name or case number. The site has civil, criminal, traffic, and family cases. There is a fee per search. Pay by card online.

Results pop up fast. You see case type, names, date, and status. Criminal searches show charges. Full reports cost more. This is the quick way to check records from home.

In-Person Requests

Walk into the clerk's office to search records. Staff look up cases on the computer. They pull paper files from storage if needed. You check docs at the counter. Then ask for copies of what you want. Fees apply.

Certified copies require the clerk's seal and signature. These are needed for legal filings or official purposes. Plain copies cost less and work for personal reference. Most requests are processed while you wait.

Mail Requests

Send written requests to the Circuit Clerk at 113 Temple Ave N, Fayette, AL 35555. Include party names, case type, and any dates or numbers you have. Describe what you need. Add your return address and phone number. Include payment by check or money order.

Processing takes about one to three weeks. Complex requests or old records take longer. The clerk will contact you if additional information or payment is needed.

Types of Court Records

Circuit Court Records

Circuit Court handles major cases. All felony criminal prosecutions go through this court. Civil suits over $10,000 are filed here. Domestic relations matters including divorce, custody, and support are Circuit Court jurisdiction. Appeals from District Court are heard here too.

District Court Records

District Court covers smaller matters. Misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and civil claims up to $20,000 are District Court business. Small claims court operates at this level. Felony preliminary hearings start here before cases move up. The same clerk maintains these records.

Domestic Relations Records

Family law cases have specific record categories. Divorce filings, custody petitions, child support cases, and protection orders are domestic matters. Files contain financial information, parenting plans, and orders. Final decrees are public. Some parts may be sealed to protect minors.

Criminal Records

Criminal files document cases from arrest through disposition. Charges, arraignment, bond, pleas, trial outcomes, and sentences are recorded. The docket lists every hearing and action taken. Sealed or expunged records cannot be accessed publicly.

Court Records Fees

Standard fees apply for court record services in Fayette County.

The courthouse accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit card availability varies by location. Online Alacourt payments are by card. Fees paid for searches are non-refundable.

Fayette County Court Resources

24th Judicial Circuit

Fayette County shares the 24th Judicial Circuit with Lamar and Pickens. Judges go between the three courthouses. Rural Alabama works this way since there aren't enough cases for one judge per county. The circuit has judges for both court levels.

Court sessions happen on different days depending on case type. Criminal dockets, civil trials, and domestic hearings have separate schedules. Contact the clerk's office for the current court calendar.

Northwest Alabama Location

Fayette County is in northwest Alabama. The county seat has the same name as the county. It's a small rural place. Most folks live in or near the city of Fayette. All court stuff goes through the one courthouse no matter where in the county the case started.

Legal Aid Resources

Legal Services Alabama gives free civil help to folks who don't make much. Call 866-456-4995 to see if you can get it. They do family law, housing, and benefits. AlabamaLegalHelp.org has forms and guides.

Criminal defendants who cannot afford counsel may apply for a public defender at their first court appearance. The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service is 1-800-392-5660.

Related Court Offices

Probate Court

Fayette County Probate Court handles wills, estates, guardianships, and marriage licenses. Deeds and property records are filed with the Probate Judge. This is a separate office. Contact Probate for land or estate records.

District Attorney

The 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney prosecutes criminal cases in Fayette County. The office reviews evidence, files charges, and handles trials. Victim services are available through the DA's office.

Federal Courts

Federal matters go to the Northern District of Alabama. The nearest federal courthouse is in Birmingham. Use PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov for federal record searches.

Nearby Counties

Fayette County is in northwest Alabama. Surrounding counties each have their own court systems.

Major Nearby Cities

Fayette County has no cities over 50,000 population. Tuscaloosa is the nearest major city, about 40 miles southeast.

Start Your Search

Use the search tool to find court records from Fayette County and other Alabama jurisdictions.