Marion County Court Records
Court records in Marion County are filed and maintained at the courthouse in Hamilton. The county operates within the 25th Judicial Circuit of Alabama.
Marion County Quick Facts
Marion County Circuit Clerk
The Marion County Circuit Clerk maintains all official court records for the county. This includes case files for civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, and appeals from lower courts. The clerk's office handles new case filings, processes motions and orders, manages court calendars, and provides copies of court documents to parties and the general public upon request.
| Address | 132 Military St S Hamilton, AL 35570 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 921-3172 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | marion.alacourt.gov |
The clerk's office is located on the south side of Military Street in downtown Hamilton. Parking is available on the street and in nearby public lots. When visiting, bring a valid photo ID and any case information you have, such as names of parties, approximate filing dates, or case numbers. Staff can assist with locating records but cannot provide legal advice about your case.
How to Access Court Records
Online Access
Marion County participates in the statewide Alacourt system, which allows online access to court case information. Visit pa.alacourt.com to search for cases by party name, case number, or attorney. The database includes civil, criminal, domestic relations, and traffic cases. You can view docket entries, hearing dates, and basic case status information without charge.
For actual documents from case files, you may need to request copies directly from the clerk's office or pay fees through the electronic system. Not all historical records have been digitized, so older cases may only be available in paper format at the courthouse. The online system is updated regularly but there can be a short delay between when something happens in court and when it shows up in the database.
In-Person Requests
Walk into the Circuit Clerk's office at 132 Military St S in Hamilton during normal business hours to request court records. The staff will help you search for cases and can pull files for you to review. You can examine case files at the courthouse without charge, but you must pay for any copies you want to take with you.
If you need records from cases that were closed many years ago, they may be in off-site storage. Allow extra time for these requests as staff may need to retrieve archived files. Some very old records may have been transferred to the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Check with the clerk if you need historical court records.
Mail Requests
You can request court records by mail by writing to Marion County Circuit Clerk, 132 Military St S, Hamilton, AL 35570. Your letter should include your full name, mailing address, phone number, and a detailed description of what records you need. State whether you want regular copies or certified copies. Enclose a check or money order payable to the Marion County Circuit Clerk to cover fees. If you are unsure of the cost, include a note asking the clerk to contact you with the amount before processing.
Types of Court Records Available
Criminal Records
Criminal court records in Marion County include felony cases prosecuted in Circuit Court. Files contain indictments or information charging documents, arrest warrants, bail and bond information, plea agreements, trial records, sentencing orders, and probation or parole documents. Misdemeanor criminal cases are handled in District Court unless they are appealed to Circuit Court.
Civil Records
Civil case records cover disputes between private parties over money, property, contracts, personal injuries, and other legal matters. Circuit Court has jurisdiction over civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $20,000. Records include complaints, answers, counterclaims, discovery materials, motions, hearing transcripts, and judgments. Lower-value civil disputes go to District Court or Small Claims Court.
Family Court Records
Domestic relations files include divorce cases, legal separations, annulments, child custody disputes, child support proceedings, and visitation modifications. Paternity cases and domestic violence protection orders are also filed in this court. Many family court records are public, but some matters involving children may have restricted access. Adoption records and juvenile proceedings are confidential.
Probate Records
The Probate Court handles wills, estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships. While separate from Circuit Court, the Probate Judge's office is in the same courthouse building. If you need records about someone's estate or need to file probate documents, visit the Probate office on a different floor. Some contested probate matters end up in Circuit Court.
Traffic and Municipal Appeals
If someone appeals a traffic ticket or municipal court conviction, the appeal is heard in Circuit Court. The Circuit Court file will contain the notice of appeal and any proceedings at the Circuit level. The original case record stays with the lower court that first heard the matter.
Court Record Fees
Marion County charges standard Alabama fees for court record copies and searches. Always confirm current prices with the clerk's office as fees may change.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy (1-20 pages) | $5.00 |
| Additional pages (over 20) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification | $5.00 per document |
| Record Search (computerized) | $10.00 |
| Record Search (paper/archived) | $25.00 |
Cash, checks, and money orders are accepted at the clerk's window. Some payments can be made online through Alacourt. Search fees are non-refundable even if no matching records are found. Plan your request carefully to avoid unnecessary charges.
Marion County Court System
Marion County is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit, shared with Winston County. Circuit Court judges travel between both counties to hold court sessions. Regular court dates are scheduled in Hamilton, and the court calendar is posted online and at the courthouse.
The 25th Circuit handles major civil and criminal cases, as well as all domestic relations matters and appeals. Grand jury sessions are conducted periodically to consider felony charges. Contact the clerk's office or check the Alacourt website for specific court dates if you have a pending case.
Additional Court Resources
Legal Aid Services
If you cannot afford a lawyer for a civil matter, Legal Services Alabama may be able to help. Call 866-456-4995 to find out if you qualify. The Alabama State Bar maintains a lawyer referral service at (800) 392-5660 for those who need to find an attorney in Marion County.
Court Forms
Download standard Alabama court forms from eforms.alacourt.gov. Forms are available for divorce, custody modifications, small claims, and many other common filings. Read the instructions carefully and make sure you use the correct form for your situation.
Electronic Filing
Attorneys use AlaFile to file court documents electronically. Some filings by self-represented parties may also be accepted through the system. Visit efile.alacourt.gov to learn more about electronic filing options and requirements in Marion County.
Nearby Counties
Cases involving parties from different counties may require searches in multiple jurisdictions. Here are the counties that border Marion County.