Access Montgomery County Court Records
Court records in Montgomery County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the 15th Judicial Circuit, located at the Phelps-Price Justice Center in Alabama's capital city.
Montgomery County Quick Facts
Montgomery County Circuit Clerk
Gina Jobe Ishman serves as Circuit Clerk for Montgomery County. Her office maintains all court records for the 15th Judicial Circuit. This includes civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, domestic relations cases, and appeals. As the state capital, Montgomery also hosts the Alabama Supreme Court and Court of Civil Appeals, though those are separate from the county court system.
The circuit clerk's office is located at the Phelps-Price Justice Center on South Lawrence Street. This modern facility houses the circuit court and related offices. The building is just south of downtown Montgomery, within walking distance of state government buildings and the federal courthouse.
| Address | 251 South Lawrence Street Montgomery, AL 36104 |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 1667 Montgomery, AL 36102-1667 |
| Phone | (334) 832-1260 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | montgomery.alacourt.gov |
Montgomery County sees a high volume of court cases due to its position as both a population center and the state capital. Many civil cases involve state agencies or state employees in their official capacity. Criminal cases range from traffic violations to serious felonies prosecuted by the Montgomery County District Attorney.
How to Access Court Records
Online Access
Montgomery County court records are available through Alacourt Access at pa.alacourt.com. This statewide system covers circuit and district court cases. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney. Basic search results are free. Full document access requires a paid subscription.
The state court administration offices are located in Montgomery. This means the Alacourt system is well-supported here. Technical issues are often resolved quickly. The system includes civil, criminal, traffic, and family court cases. Older cases may not be fully digitized, especially those predating the electronic filing system.
In-Person Access
The Phelps-Price Justice Center is open to the public during business hours. Enter through the main entrance and pass through security screening. The circuit clerk's office is clearly marked. Public terminals are available for searching case records. Staff can help you locate specific files or explain the search process.
Street parking near the courthouse can be limited during business hours. There are public parking lots nearby. If you have a deadline, arrive early to account for security lines and parking. Bring identification and remove metal objects before entering the screening area.
Mail Requests
Written requests for records can be mailed to the P.O. Box address. Include the case number if you know it. If not, provide party names, approximate dates, and case type. State what documents you need and how many copies. Include payment by check or money order made payable to Montgomery County Circuit Clerk.
Mail requests take about one to two weeks to process. Complex requests or older records may take longer. If you need records quickly, visiting in person or calling first is recommended. Staff can confirm what records exist and provide fee estimates.
Types of Court Records Available
Civil Records
Civil case files include lawsuits between private parties, businesses, and government entities. Common types include contract disputes, personal injury cases, employment claims, and debt collection. Circuit court handles cases over $20,000. District court handles smaller amounts. Files contain complaints, answers, motions, orders, and judgments.
Criminal Records
Criminal cases document prosecutions for violations of Alabama law. Circuit court handles felony cases. District court handles misdemeanors. Records include charging documents, bond records, plea information, trial transcripts when available, and sentencing orders. Some records may be sealed or expunged under court order.
Family Court Records
Domestic relations cases include divorce, child custody, child support, and visitation matters. Adoption and termination of parental rights cases are also part of this docket. Protection from abuse orders are filed in family court. Many of these records have restricted access to protect children and vulnerable adults.
State Government Cases
As the state capital, Montgomery County courts handle cases involving state agencies and officials. These may be civil suits against state entities, appeals from administrative decisions, or cases involving state employees. Some of these cases have special procedural rules or venue requirements.
Appeals
Appeals from district court to circuit court are handled locally. Appeals from circuit court go to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, Court of Criminal Appeals, or Supreme Court. These appellate courts are located in Montgomery but are not part of the county court system. The circuit clerk maintains the record on appeal until it is transmitted to the higher court.
Fees for Court Records
Montgomery County charges nominal fees for copies and certification. The clerk's office accepts cash and credit cards for in-person payments. Call ahead for the current fee schedule.
| Standard Copies | Contact clerk for current rates |
|---|---|
| Certified Copies | Additional fee for certification |
| Search Fees | May apply for staff-assisted research |
| Payment Methods | Cash, check, or credit card |
Fees help cover the cost of maintaining records and processing requests. If you plan to order multiple documents, calling ahead to get a fee estimate can save time. Large copy orders may need to be prepared in advance, so consider calling to place your order before visiting.
Montgomery County Court Search Portal
Below is a screenshot of the Montgomery County Circuit Court website. The site provides information about court services and connects to the Alacourt system for online record searches.
Nearby Counties
Montgomery County is centrally located in Alabama. Cases involving parties from neighboring counties may have records in multiple jurisdictions.
Major Cities in Montgomery County
Montgomery County contains the City of Montgomery, which is the second largest city in Alabama and serves as the state capital. The following city has a population over 50,000.
Other incorporated areas in Montgomery County include Prattville in neighboring Autauga County, which borders Montgomery. Court cases are filed based on where the incident occurred, so be sure to check the correct county if a case involves areas near the border.