Search Randolph County Court Records

Court records in Randolph County are kept at the courthouse in Wedowee. The 5th Judicial Circuit covers this county plus five others: Barbour, Bullock, Chambers, Macon, and Tallapoosa.

Randolph County Circuit Clerk

The Randolph County Circuit Clerk keeps all court records for the county. This office deals with civil cases, criminal cases, family law matters, and appeals. Staff file new cases and keep the dockets up to date. They work with judges on scheduling and give out certified copies of court papers to lawyers, parties, and the public when asked.

The Randolph County Courthouse sits on Main Street in Wedowee. Parking is free near the building. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. Have any case info you know ready to share with staff. They can help you find records, but they cannot give legal advice or fill out forms for you. That said, they are used to helping people who are new to the court system and will point you in the right direction if you ask.

How to Access Court Records

Online Access

You can search Randolph County court records online at pa.alacourt.com. This is the statewide Alacourt portal. Look up cases by name, case number, or lawyer name. Case status, docket notes, charges, and hearing dates are free to view. To get actual copies of documents, you may need to pay a fee or pick them up in person at the clerk's office.

Most new cases are in the online system. Older cases from before they went digital may only be on paper at the courthouse. The database gets updates often, but new filings may take a day or two to show up. If you cannot find what you need online, call the clerk's office. They can check for paper files.

In-Person Requests

Go to the Randolph County Courthouse at 1 Main St in Wedowee during office hours. You can look at case files for free. When you need copies, pay the fee at the clerk's window. Bring as much info as you have about the case. This helps staff find your records fast.

Old records may be stored off-site. It takes more time to get these. If you need old court files, call ahead so the clerk can find them before you arrive. The oldest cases may have been moved to the state archives in Montgomery, which would require a separate request to that facility.

Mail Requests

Mail your request to Randolph County Circuit Clerk, 1 Main St, Wedowee, AL 36278. Put your name, address, and phone in the letter. Say what records you need and give as much detail as you can. Tell them if you want plain or certified copies. Send a check or money order to cover the cost. Make it out to the Randolph County Circuit Clerk. They will call if they need more money.

Types of Court Records Available

Criminal Records

Criminal files in Randolph County Circuit Court cover felony cases. You can find indictments, arrest warrants, bond papers, plea deals, trial records, and sentencing orders. Probation docs are in there too. Misdemeanor cases go through District Court unless they get appealed. Most criminal records are public. A judge can seal them in some cases.

Civil Records

Civil files cover fights between people or companies. These might be over contracts, property, injuries, or money owed. Circuit Court takes civil cases worth more than $20,000. The files hold complaints, answers, motions, discovery docs, exhibits, and final judgments. Smaller cases go to District Court or Small Claims.

Family Court Records

Family court files hold divorce cases, custody battles, and child support orders. You can also find modifications to old orders here. Most of these records are public, but info about kids may be off limits. Adoption records are private. You need court approval to see them. Juvenile case files are sealed.

Probate Records

Probate Court is not part of Circuit Court, but it is often in the same building. This court deals with wills, estates, guardianships, and marriage licenses. When you get to the courthouse, ask where the Probate Judge's office is if you need those records.

Appeals

Circuit Court hears appeals from District Court and city courts. The appeal file stays at Circuit Court. The original record stays with the lower court. If you want to appeal a Circuit Court ruling, it goes to the state appeals courts in Montgomery.

Court Record Fees

Randolph County uses the standard Alabama fee list for court records. Call the clerk to check the fees before you send payment.

The clerk takes cash, checks, and money orders. You might be able to pay online through Alacourt for some things. Search fees do not get refunded even if no records turn up.

Randolph County Court System

Randolph County is in the 5th Judicial Circuit. This is one of the bigger circuits in the state. It also covers Barbour, Bullock, Chambers, Macon, and Tallapoosa. Judges rotate through all six counties to hold court.

Court dates are set on a regular basis in Wedowee. Check the calendar at the courthouse or online. The grand jury meets now and then to look at felony charges. Call the clerk if you have questions about dates or times.

Additional Court Resources

Legal Aid Services

Legal Services Alabama gives free help for civil cases to low-income folks. Call 866-456-4995 to see if you qualify. The Alabama State Bar has a lawyer referral line at (800) 392-5660. They can help you find an attorney in the area.

Court Forms

You can get standard court forms at eforms.alacourt.gov. Download forms for divorce, custody changes, name changes, and more. Read the instructions well so you use the right form for your case.

Electronic Filing

AlaFile lets you file court papers online. Lawyers use it to send documents and get case updates. Some people without lawyers can use it too for certain filings. Go to efile.alacourt.gov to learn more.

Nearby Counties

Randolph County shares a circuit with nearby counties. If the people in your case lived in different areas, you may need to search more than one county.