Mobile County Court Records
Court records in Mobile County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the 13th Judicial Circuit, serving Alabama's Gulf Coast region from the Mobile Government Plaza.
Mobile County Quick Facts
Mobile County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk's office handles all court records for Mobile County. Located in the Mobile Government Plaza downtown, the office processes new filings, maintains case files, and provides copies to the public. The clerk also manages jury administration and handles appeals filed with the circuit court.
Mobile County has one of the busiest court systems in Alabama. The port city generates a high volume of civil litigation, including maritime cases that can end up in either state or federal court. Criminal cases include everything from traffic matters to serious felonies. The clerk's staff handles thousands of transactions each week.
| Address | 205 Government Street, Suite 913 Mobile, AL 36644 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (251) 574-8786 |
| Fax | (251) 574-8796 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | mobile.alacourt.gov |
The Probate Court of Mobile County maintains one of the largest records collections in the state. Land records go back to 1813, shortly after the area became part of the United States. Marriage records from that same period are also available. The probate court operates separately from the circuit clerk but is in the same complex.
How to Access Court Records
Online Access
Alacourt Access at pa.alacourt.com is the main way to search Mobile County court records online. You can find case information, docket entries, and party names. Basic searches are free. Full document access requires a paid subscription. The system includes cases from both circuit and district courts.
Mobile also has a municipal court for city ordinance violations and some traffic cases. Municipal court records are available through a separate system at municipalrecordsearch.com/mobileal. This covers cases that do not go through the state court system.
The Probate Court uses the LANDMARK WEB system for property and probate records. This includes deeds, mortgages, estate files, and marriage records. You can access this through the Mobile County Probate Court website at probate.mobilecountyal.gov. Some records are available free, while others may require payment or registration.
In-Person Access
The Mobile Government Plaza is located downtown near the waterfront. Parking is available in the plaza garage. Enter through the main entrance and go through security. The circuit clerk's office is on the ninth floor in Suite 913.
Public access terminals let you search case records yourself. Staff can assist if you have trouble. Plan to arrive with plenty of time if you have a specific deadline. Lines can be long, especially at the beginning of the month or around court dates. Bringing exact case numbers speeds up the process significantly.
Mail Requests
Written requests can be mailed to the clerk's office. Include as much identifying information as possible: case number, party names, approximate dates, and case type. State what documents you need and why. Include payment for estimated fees as a check or money order payable to Mobile County Circuit Clerk.
Allow two weeks or more for mail requests. Older records take longer to locate. If your request is urgent, visiting in person or calling first is recommended. The staff can tell you if the records are readily available and what the fees will be.
Types of Court Records Available
Civil Records
Civil cases include lawsuits for money damages, property disputes, contract claims, and personal injury cases. Circuit court handles cases over $20,000, while district court handles smaller amounts. Files contain the complaint, answer, discovery documents, motions, orders, and final judgment. Many civil judgments are recorded in the probate court as liens against property.
Criminal Records
Criminal case files document prosecutions for state law violations. Circuit court handles felonies. District court handles misdemeanors. Records include charging documents, bond information, plea records, trial transcripts when available, and sentencing orders. Some older cases may have been expunged or sealed under Alabama law.
Family Court Records
Domestic relations cases cover divorce, custody, child support, and visitation. Adoption records are also part of this docket but are typically sealed from public access. Protection from abuse cases are filed here. Some records have restricted access to protect children and domestic violence victims.
Maritime and Admiralty
As a major port city, Mobile sees maritime cases that may be filed in either state or federal court depending on the nature of the claim. State court civil cases can involve maritime contracts, vessel liens, and other shipping-related matters. Federal admiralty cases are filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, also located in Mobile.
Probate Records
The Mobile County Probate Court has records dating back more than 200 years. These include wills, estate inventories, guardianships, and mental health commitments. Property records include deeds, mortgages, and plats. Marriage licenses and records are also maintained by the probate court. This is separate from the circuit clerk but often relevant to court record searches.
Fees for Court Records
Mobile County charges fees for copies and research. The circuit clerk's office can provide a current fee schedule. Here are some general guidelines.
| Standard Copies | Contact clerk for current rates |
|---|---|
| Certified Copies | Additional fee for certification |
| Probate Record Copies | $0.10 per page for images |
| Search Fees | May apply for staff-assisted research |
The probate court has its own fee schedule separate from the circuit clerk. If you need records from both offices, budget for two sets of fees. Payment methods include cash, check, and credit cards. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment types and current rates.
Mobile County Court Search Portal
The screenshot below shows the Mobile County Circuit Court website, which provides information about court services and access to the statewide Alacourt system.
Nearby Counties
Mobile County is located on the Gulf Coast and shares borders with several other counties. Cross-jurisdictional cases may involve records in multiple counties.
Major Cities in Mobile County
Mobile County contains the City of Mobile, which is the third largest city in Alabama. The following city has a population over 50,000.
Other incorporated municipalities in Mobile County include Prichard, Saraland, Chickasaw, and Citronelle. These smaller cities do not have separate court record pages, but their court cases are filed in the Mobile County court system.