Access Monroe County Court Records
Court records in Monroe County are housed at the historic courthouse in Monroeville. The county is part of the 35th Judicial Circuit along with Conecuh County.
Monroe County Quick Facts
Monroe County Circuit Clerk
The Monroe County Circuit Clerk serves as the custodian of all court records in the county. This office manages case files for civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, domestic relations matters, and appeals from lower courts. The clerk's staff processes new filings, maintains docket records, coordinates with judges on scheduling, and provides copies of court documents to attorneys, parties, and the public.
| Address | 65 N Alabama Ave Monroeville, AL 36460 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (251) 743-4107 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | monroe.alacourt.gov |
The Monroe County Courthouse is located on North Alabama Avenue in downtown Monroeville, just off the town square. The building is a well-known landmark. Visitors should bring photo identification when requesting court records. The clerk's staff can assist with locating cases but cannot provide legal advice or help you fill out court forms.
How to Access Court Records
Online Access
Monroe County court records can be searched online through the statewide Alacourt Public Access portal at pa.alacourt.com. The database allows searches by party name, case number, or attorney name. You can view case status, docket entries, charges, and hearing dates. Basic information is available without charge, though document copies may require payment.
The online system includes most recent cases but may not have complete records for very old cases filed before electronic record-keeping began. If you cannot find what you need online, contact the clerk's office to see if paper records are available. The database is updated regularly, though there may be a short delay before new filings appear.
In-Person Requests
You can visit the Monroe County Courthouse at 65 N Alabama Ave in Monroeville during regular business hours to request court records. The clerk's office will help you locate cases and pull files for review. Examining records at the courthouse is free, but you must pay fees for any copies you take with you.
If you are researching older cases, allow extra time as some records may be stored off-site and require retrieval. Staff can tell you approximately how long it will take to access archived files. Very old records may have been transferred to the state archives.
Mail Requests
Mail requests to Monroe County Circuit Clerk, 65 N Alabama Ave, Monroeville, AL 36460. Include your name, address, phone number, and a clear description of the records you need. Specify whether you want regular copies or certified copies. Send payment by check or money order payable to Monroe County Circuit Clerk. Contact the office first if you need to know the exact amount to include.
Types of Court Records Available
Criminal Records
Criminal court records in Monroe County cover felony prosecutions handled in Circuit Court. Files include indictments, arrest warrants, bond information, plea agreements, trial records, sentencing documents, and probation orders. Misdemeanor criminal cases go through District Court unless appealed. Criminal records are public unless a judge has ordered them sealed.
Civil Records
Civil case records involve disputes between parties over contracts, property, personal injury, and other legal matters. Circuit Court handles cases where more than $20,000 is at stake. Records include complaints, answers, motions, discovery materials, hearing transcripts, and final judgments. Smaller value disputes are handled in District Court or Small Claims Court.
Family Court Records
Domestic relations files include divorce cases, child custody matters, child support proceedings, and modifications of existing orders. Most family court records are public, though some information about children may be protected. Adoption records are sealed and require a court order to access. Juvenile case records are also confidential.
Probate Records
The Probate Court handles wills, estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships. This is a separate court from Circuit Court, though both are in the same building. Marriage licenses are issued by the Probate Judge's office. If you need probate records, ask for directions to that office when you arrive.
Appeals
Circuit Court hears appeals from District Court and Municipal Court decisions in Monroe County. When a case is appealed, the Circuit Court maintains the appeal file while the original record stays with the lower court. Circuit Court decisions can be appealed further to the Alabama appellate courts.
Court Record Fees
Monroe County follows Alabama's standard fee schedule for court records. Always verify current fees with the clerk's office.
| 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 office. Some online payment options may be available through Alacourt. Search fees are non-refundable whether or not records are found.
Monroe County Court System
Monroe County is part of the 35th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Conecuh County. Circuit judges travel between both counties to hold court sessions. The Monroe County Courthouse in Monroeville hosts regular court dates for civil, criminal, and family law matters.
Court schedules are posted at the courthouse and online. Grand jury sessions meet periodically to consider felony charges. If you have a pending case, check the court calendar or contact the clerk for your hearing date. Jury duty notices are issued by the Circuit Clerk's office.
Additional Court Resources
Legal Aid Services
Legal Services Alabama offers free legal help to low-income residents for civil matters. Call 866-456-4995 to check if you qualify. The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service at (800) 392-5660 can help you find attorneys who practice in Monroe County.
Court Forms
Download standard Alabama court forms at eforms.alacourt.gov. Forms are available for divorce, custody modifications, name changes, and other common filings. Read instructions carefully to make sure you use the right form.
Electronic Filing
AlaFile is the electronic filing system for Alabama courts. Attorneys can file documents electronically and receive case notifications. Some self-represented parties may also use the system. Visit efile.alacourt.gov for details.
Nearby Counties
Court records from adjacent counties may be relevant if case parties resided in multiple jurisdictions.