Find Court Records in Marengo County

Court records in Marengo County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse in Linden. The county is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit.

Marengo County Circuit Clerk

The Marengo County Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of all court records within the county. This office handles all civil and criminal case filings for Circuit Court, maintains court dockets, and provides certified copies of court documents to the public. The Circuit Clerk also manages jury selection processes and coordinates with judges on court scheduling matters.

When you visit the clerk's office in person, you can request to view case files during regular business hours. Staff members can help you locate specific cases if you have a case number or party name. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders for copy fees and filing costs. Some credit card payments may be accepted but you should call ahead to confirm payment options.

How to Access Court Records

Online Access

Marengo County court records are available through the statewide Alacourt system. You can search for case information, view docket entries, and check case status online at pa.alacourt.com. The online system covers most case types including civil, criminal, domestic relations, and small claims matters. Some records may require registration and there may be fees for detailed document retrieval.

The Alacourt Public Access portal lets you search by party name, case number, or attorney name. Basic case information like filing dates, charges, and hearing schedules are typically free to view. If you need actual documents from the case file, you will usually need to request those directly from the clerk's office or pay for electronic copies through the system.

In-Person Requests

You can visit the Marengo County Courthouse at 101 E Coats Ave in Linden during regular business hours to request court records. Bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to provide as much information as possible about the case you are searching for. The more details you have, the easier it will be for staff to locate the records you need.

Walk-in requests are processed while you wait when possible. For older records or cases that have been archived, there may be a delay of several days while staff retrieve the files from storage. The courthouse has a public access terminal where you can search the electronic docket system yourself if you prefer.

Mail Requests

Send written requests to the Marengo County Circuit Clerk at 101 E Coats Ave, Linden, AL 36748. Include your name, address, phone number, and a detailed description of the records you need. Specify whether you need plain copies or certified copies. Include payment for fees by check or money order made payable to the Marengo County Circuit Clerk. The office will contact you if additional fees are required before processing your request.

Types of Court Records Available

Criminal Records

Criminal case files include felony prosecutions handled by Circuit Court. You can find charging documents, arraignment records, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and probation records. Misdemeanor cases are typically handled in District Court, though some may be appealed to Circuit Court. Criminal background check requests should specify whether you need county-level records only or a statewide search.

Civil Records

Civil court records cover lawsuits involving disputes over money, property, contracts, and personal injury claims. Cases filed in Circuit Court generally involve claims exceeding $20,000. You can obtain copies of complaints, answers, motions, discovery documents, trial exhibits, and final judgments. Small claims and lower-value disputes are handled in District Court.

Family Court Records

Domestic relations cases include divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, child support matters, and modifications of existing orders. Adoption records and juvenile cases have restricted access and typically require a court order to obtain. Divorce decrees are public records and can be obtained from the clerk's office with proper identification and fee payment.

Probate Records

While the Probate Court is separate from Circuit Court, many estate matters involve both courts. Wills, estate administration records, guardianship proceedings, and conservatorship cases are filed with the Probate Judge. The Probate Court is located in the same courthouse building but operates independently from the Circuit Clerk's office.

Appeals

Circuit Court handles appeals from District Court and Municipal Court decisions. If a case was originally tried in a lower court and appealed, the Circuit Court file will contain the appeal record along with any new proceedings. The original case file remains with the lower court.

Court Record Fees

Marengo County follows the standard Alabama fee schedule for court record copies and services. Fees are subject to change, so verify current rates with the clerk's office before submitting payment.

Payment can be made by cash, check, or money order at the clerk's office. Some electronic payment options may be available through the Alacourt online system. There is no charge to view records at the courthouse, but you must pay for any copies you request.

Marengo County Court System

The Marengo County court system operates under the 17th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Greene County and Sumter County. Circuit judges rotate between these three counties to hear cases. Court sessions are held regularly at the Marengo County Courthouse in Linden.

The 17th Circuit handles all major civil and criminal matters, family law cases, and appeals from the district and municipal courts. Grand jury proceedings are also conducted in Circuit Court. If you have a case pending in Marengo County, check the court calendar online or contact the clerk's office for scheduling information.

Additional Court Resources

Legal Aid Services

Residents who cannot afford an attorney may qualify for free legal assistance through Legal Services Alabama. Call 866-456-4995 to check eligibility for civil legal matters. The Alabama State Bar also offers a lawyer referral service that can connect you with attorneys who handle cases in Marengo County.

Court Forms

Standard court forms for Alabama are available at eforms.alacourt.gov. You can download forms for divorce, custody modifications, name changes, and other common filings. Some forms must be notarized before filing, so read the instructions carefully.

Electronic Filing

AlaFile is the electronic filing system used by Alabama courts. Attorneys can file documents electronically and receive notifications about case activity. Self-represented parties may also be able to use the system for certain filings. Visit efile.alacourt.gov for more information.

Nearby Counties

Court records from neighboring counties may be relevant if parties lived in different jurisdictions or if cases were transferred between courts.