Search Marshall County Court Records
Court records for Marshall County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the Guntersville courthouse. Marshall County is part of the 27th Judicial Circuit along with Blount County.
Marshall County Quick Facts
Marshall County Circuit Clerk
The Marshall County Circuit Clerk is the official record keeper for all Circuit Court proceedings in the county. This office files and maintains records of civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family law cases, and appeals. The clerk processes new filings, maintains case dockets, issues subpoenas, and provides certified copies of court documents. Staff also assist with jury coordination and courtroom support.
| Address | 424 Blount Ave Guntersville, AL 35976 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 571-7764 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | marshall.alacourt.gov |
The courthouse sits on Blount Avenue in downtown Guntersville overlooking Lake Guntersville. Street parking and nearby lots are available for visitors. When you arrive, check the building directory to find the Circuit Clerk's office. Bring identification and any information you have about the case you need to research. Courthouse security may require you to pass through a metal detector.
How to Access Court Records
Online Access
Marshall County court records are searchable online through the Alacourt Public Access system at pa.alacourt.com. You can look up cases by name, case number, or attorney. The system shows docket information, hearing dates, charges, and case status. Basic searches are free, though accessing full documents may require fees or in-person requests.
The online database covers most recent cases including criminal, civil, domestic, and traffic matters. Historical cases from before electronic records were implemented may not appear in the online system. For older cases, contact the clerk's office directly. The system updates regularly but is not instantaneous, so very recent filings may not show up immediately.
In-Person Requests
Visit the Marshall County Courthouse at 424 Blount Ave in Guntersville during business hours to access court records. You can review case files at the courthouse without charge. When you need copies, pay the required fees at the clerk's window. Staff can help you locate cases if you have party names or approximate dates, though they cannot give legal advice.
For complex research projects or if you need many documents, consider calling ahead to let the clerk's office know what you need. They may be able to have materials ready when you arrive. Older records stored off-site may take additional time to retrieve. Plan extra time if researching historical cases.
Mail Requests
Send written requests to Marshall County Circuit Clerk, 424 Blount Ave, Guntersville, AL 35976. Your request should clearly identify the records you need, including party names, case numbers if known, and the type of documents requested. Indicate whether you need plain or certified copies. Include payment by check or money order made payable to Marshall County Circuit Clerk. If unsure of the cost, ask the clerk to contact you before processing.
Types of Court Records Available
Criminal Records
Criminal case files in Marshall County Circuit Court cover felony prosecutions. Records include indictments, arrest information, bail documents, plea agreements, trial transcripts, jury verdicts, sentencing orders, and post-conviction matters. Misdemeanor cases are handled in District Court but may be appealed to Circuit Court. Criminal records are generally public unless sealed by court order.
Civil Records
Civil court records involve lawsuits between private parties or businesses. Marshall County Circuit Court handles civil cases exceeding $20,000 in value. You can find complaints, answers, discovery documents, motions, orders, trial exhibits, and judgments. Contract disputes, personal injury claims, property matters, and business litigation all generate civil court records. Smaller claims go to District Court.
Family Court Records
Domestic relations cases include divorces, legal separations, child custody disputes, child support matters, and modifications of existing orders. Adoption records are confidential and require court permission to access. Juvenile cases also have restricted access. Standard divorce and custody records are public, though some financial information may be sealed.
Probate Records
The Probate Court is separate from Circuit Court but located in the same building. Probate handles wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and some property matters. Marriage licenses are also issued by the Probate Judge. If your search involves estate matters, ask for directions to the Probate office when you arrive at the courthouse.
Appeals
Circuit Court hears appeals from District Court and Municipal Court decisions. When a lower court case is appealed, the Circuit Court creates a new file for the appeal proceedings. The original case file remains with the court that first heard the matter. Circuit Court decisions can be further appealed to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals.
Court Record Fees
Marshall County uses the standard Alabama fee schedule for court records. Contact the clerk to verify current fees before sending payment.
| 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 |
Payment can be made by cash, check, or money order at the courthouse. Online payments may be available through the Alacourt system for certain transactions. Search fees are typically non-refundable even if no records are found.
Marshall County Court System
Marshall County shares the 27th Judicial Circuit with Blount County. Circuit judges rotate between both counties to hear cases. The Marshall County Courthouse in Guntersville holds regular court sessions for civil, criminal, and domestic matters.
Court schedules are posted at the courthouse and available online through Alacourt. If you have a case pending, check the calendar for your hearing date or contact the clerk's office. Grand jury sessions meet periodically to consider felony charges. Jury duty notices are sent to residents from the Circuit Clerk's office.
Additional Court Resources
Legal Aid Services
Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to qualifying low-income residents. Call 866-456-4995 for information about civil legal assistance. The Alabama State Bar offers a lawyer referral service at (800) 392-5660 to help you find an attorney in Marshall County.
Court Forms
Standard Alabama court forms are available for download at eforms.alacourt.gov. You can find forms for divorce, custody, name changes, small claims, and many other common filings. Follow the instructions carefully and use the correct form for your case type.
Electronic Filing
AlaFile allows attorneys and some self-represented parties to file documents electronically with Alabama courts. Visit efile.alacourt.gov for information about electronic filing in Marshall County Circuit Court.
Nearby Counties
If parties in a case lived in different counties, you may need to search court records in multiple jurisdictions.