Find Court Records in Russell County
Court records for Russell County are kept by the Circuit Clerk in Phenix City. This county is in the 26th Judicial Circuit.
Russell County Quick Facts
Russell County Circuit Clerk
The Russell County Circuit Clerk keeps all court records for the county. This office takes care of civil suits, criminal cases, family law, and appeals from lower courts. Staff file new cases, keep dockets current, and handle jury duty lists. They also give copies of court docs to lawyers, parties, and the public.
| Address | 501 14th St Phenix City, AL 36867 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 298-0516 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | russell.alacourt.gov |
The Russell County Courthouse sits on 14th Street in Phenix City, just across the river from Columbus, Georgia. Parking is free nearby. Bring a valid photo ID when you go. You may have to go through a metal detector at security. Staff can help find records for you, but they cannot give legal advice or fill out your forms. If you need help with forms, a lawyer or legal aid group is your best bet.
How to Access Court Records
Online Access
Search Russell County court records online at pa.alacourt.com. This is the statewide Alacourt system. Look up cases by name, case number, or lawyer. You can see case status, docket notes, charges, and hearing dates. Basic info is free. Copies of documents may cost extra or require a trip to the courthouse.
Most new cases are in the online database. Old cases from before they went digital may only exist on paper at the courthouse. The system updates often, but new filings can take a day or two to show. Call the clerk if you cannot find what you need online.
In-Person Requests
Go to the Russell County Courthouse at 501 14th St in Phenix City 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 case info as you can. This helps staff find records fast.
Some old records are stored off-site. If you need files from way back, call first. This lets the clerk pull them before you get there. The oldest cases may have been sent to the state archives in Montgomery.
Mail Requests
Mail written requests to Russell County Circuit Clerk, 501 14th St, Phenix City, AL 36867. Include your full name, address, phone number, and a detailed description of what records you need. Specify whether you want regular copies or certified copies. Enclose a check or money order payable to Russell County Circuit Clerk to cover the fees. The clerk will contact you if additional payment is needed.
Types of Court Records Available
Criminal Records
Criminal case files in Russell County Circuit Court cover felony prosecutions. Records include indictments, arrest warrants, bond information, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and probation documentation. Misdemeanor criminal cases are handled in District Court unless appealed. Most criminal records are public unless a judge has ordered them sealed.
Civil Records
Civil court records involve disputes between private parties over money, property, contracts, personal injury, and other matters. Circuit Court handles civil cases where more than $20,000 is in dispute. Files include complaints, answers, motions, discovery documents, trial exhibits, and judgments. Lower-value cases go through District Court or Small Claims Court.
Family Court Records
Domestic relations files include divorce cases, legal separations, child custody disputes, child support matters, and modifications of existing orders. Most family court records are public, though some information about children may have restricted access. Adoption records are confidential and require court approval to access. Juvenile case records are also sealed.
Probate Records
The Probate Court is separate from Circuit Court but typically located in the same building. Probate handles wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and marriage licenses. If you need probate records, ask for directions to the Probate Judge's office when you arrive at the courthouse.
Appeals
Circuit Court hears appeals from District Court and Municipal Court decisions in Russell County. The Circuit Court maintains the appeal file while the original case record stays with the lower court. Circuit Court decisions may be appealed to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals.
Court Record Fees
Russell 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 |
The clerk's office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Online payments may be available through Alacourt for certain services. Search fees are typically non-refundable even if no records are found.
Russell County Court System
Russell County operates within the 26th Judicial Circuit. This is a single-county circuit, meaning the circuit judges are dedicated to Russell County and do not rotate to other counties. The courthouse in Phenix City hosts all Circuit Court proceedings.
Court sessions are held regularly at the Russell County Courthouse. The court calendar is posted at the courthouse and available online through Alacourt. Grand jury sessions meet periodically to consider felony charges. Contact the clerk's office if you need information about court dates or case scheduling.
Additional Court Resources
Legal Aid Services
Legal Services Alabama provides free legal assistance for civil matters to qualifying low-income residents. Call 866-456-4995 to check eligibility. The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service at (800) 392-5660 can help find attorneys who practice in Russell County.
Court Forms
Standard Alabama court forms can be downloaded at eforms.alacourt.gov. Forms are available for divorce, custody modifications, name changes, and many other common filings. Follow the instructions carefully to make sure you use the correct form.
Electronic Filing
AlaFile is the electronic filing system used by Alabama courts. Attorneys can file documents electronically and receive notifications about case activity. Some self-represented parties may also use the system for certain filings. Visit efile.alacourt.gov for more information.
Nearby Counties
Cases involving parties from different counties may require searching records in multiple jurisdictions.