Perry County Court Records Search
Court records for Perry County are maintained at the courthouse in Marion. The county is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit, which includes Bibb, Dallas, Hale, and Wilcox counties.
Perry County Quick Facts
Perry County Circuit Clerk
The Perry County Circuit Clerk is responsible for maintaining all court records within the county. This office handles filings for civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family law cases, and appeals from lower courts. The clerk's staff processes new cases, manages court dockets, assists with jury coordination, and provides certified copies of court documents to the public upon request.
| Address | 300 Washington St Marion, AL 36756 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 683-2210 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | perry.alacourt.gov |
The Perry County Courthouse sits on Washington Street in downtown Marion. Street parking is available nearby. When visiting, bring a valid photo ID and any information you have about the case you want to research. Staff can help locate records but cannot give legal advice or assistance with filling out forms.
How to Access Court Records
Online Access
Perry County court records are available online through the Alacourt Public Access system at pa.alacourt.com. You can search for cases by party name, case number, or attorney. The database shows docket information, hearing dates, and case status. Basic information is free to view, though obtaining document copies may involve fees.
The online system covers most recent cases, but older cases from before electronic records may only be available in paper form at the courthouse. If you cannot find what you need online, contact the clerk's office to ask about archived records. There may be a slight delay between court events and their appearance in the online database.
In-Person Requests
Visit the Perry County Courthouse at 300 Washington St in Marion during business hours to access court records in person. You can review case files at the courthouse without charge. If you need copies of documents, pay the required fees at the clerk's window.
For older cases that may be in off-site storage, allow additional time for staff to retrieve the files. Some historical records may have been transferred to the Alabama Department of Archives and History. The clerk's office can advise you on where to look for very old records.
Mail Requests
You can request court records by mail. Send your request to Perry County Circuit Clerk, 300 Washington St, Marion, AL 36756. Include your full name, address, phone number, and a detailed description of what records you need. State whether you want plain copies or certified copies. Include payment by check or money order made payable to Perry County Circuit Clerk.
Types of Court Records Available
Criminal Records
Criminal case files in Perry County Circuit Court cover felony prosecutions. Records include indictments, arrest documents, bond information, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and probation records. Misdemeanor cases are handled in District Court unless appealed to Circuit Court. Criminal records are generally public unless sealed by court order.
Civil Records
Civil court records involve lawsuits over money, property, contracts, personal injury, and other disputes. Circuit Court handles civil cases involving more than $20,000. Files include complaints, answers, motions, discovery materials, trial exhibits, and judgments. Smaller claims go to District Court or Small Claims Court.
Family Court Records
Domestic relations cases include divorces, legal separations, child custody disputes, child support matters, and modifications of existing court orders. Most divorce and custody records are public, though some information about minors may have restricted access. Adoption records are confidential and require court approval to access.
Probate Records
The Probate Court is separate from Circuit Court but usually in the same building. Probate handles wills, estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships. Marriage licenses are also issued through the Probate Judge's office. For 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. The appeal file is maintained at Circuit Court while the original case record stays with the lower court. Circuit Court decisions may be further appealed to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals.
Court Record Fees
Perry County uses the standard Alabama fee schedule for court records. Contact the clerk to confirm 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 possible through Alacourt for certain services. Search fees are typically non-refundable even if no records are found.
Perry County Court System
Perry County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit, a five-county circuit that also includes Bibb, Dallas, Hale, and Wilcox counties. Circuit judges rotate between all five counties to hold court sessions. This is one of the larger judicial circuits in the state by number of counties.
Court dates are scheduled regularly at the Perry County Courthouse in Marion. Check the court calendar online or at the courthouse for specific hearing dates. Grand jury sessions meet periodically to consider felony indictments. Contact the clerk's office if you have questions about scheduling.
Additional Court Resources
Legal Aid Services
Legal Services Alabama provides free legal assistance to qualifying low-income residents for civil matters. Call 866-456-4995 to check eligibility. The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service at (800) 392-5660 can connect you with attorneys practicing in Perry County.
Court Forms
Standard Alabama court forms are available at eforms.alacourt.gov. You can download forms for divorce, custody modifications, name changes, and other common filings. Follow instructions carefully to ensure you use the correct form for your situation.
Electronic Filing
AlaFile allows electronic filing of court documents in Alabama courts. Attorneys can file documents electronically and receive notifications about case activity. Some self-represented parties may also use the system. Visit efile.alacourt.gov for more information.
Nearby Counties
Perry County shares the 4th Judicial Circuit with several neighboring counties. You may need to search multiple jurisdictions if case parties lived in different areas.