Shelby County Court Records

Court records in Shelby County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the 18th Judicial Circuit, located at the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana.

Shelby County Circuit Clerk

Mary H. Harris serves as Circuit Clerk for Shelby County. The clerk's office handles all court records for the 18th Judicial Circuit. This includes civil cases, criminal prosecutions, domestic relations matters, and appeals from district court. The office processes new filings, maintains case files, and provides copies to the public.

Shelby County has experienced rapid population growth in recent decades. Once a rural county south of Birmingham, it is now one of the most populous in Alabama. The court system has grown to meet increased demand. Despite the growth, the county seat remains in the small town of Columbiana rather than the larger cities along the Interstate 65 corridor.

The Shelby County Courthouse is a historic building in downtown Columbiana. It has been expanded and renovated to accommodate the growing caseload. Parking is available on the courthouse square and in nearby lots. The building is smaller and less crowded than courthouses in major cities, making it relatively easy to navigate.

How to Access Court Records

Online Access

Shelby County court records are searchable through Alacourt Access at pa.alacourt.com. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney. Basic search results showing case information are free. Full document access requires a paid subscription. The system includes civil, criminal, traffic, and family court cases.

Shelby County property records, including deeds dating back to 1819, are available online through the probate court. Civil judgments that affect real property may also be recorded there. This is separate from the circuit clerk's court records but can be useful for comprehensive searches.

In-Person Access

The courthouse in Columbiana is open to the public during business hours. You can visit the circuit clerk's office on the first floor to search records and request copies. Staff can help you locate specific cases. Public terminals may be available for searching the Alacourt system.

Columbiana is about 30 miles south of Birmingham. If you are coming from the northern part of the county where most of the population lives, plan for travel time. The town is small and parking is generally not a problem. The courthouse has security screening at the entrance.

Mail Requests

You can request records by mail. Send your request to the P.O. Box address with as much case information as you have. Include payment by check or money order payable to Shelby County Circuit Clerk. State exactly what documents you need and how many copies.

Processing time varies depending on the complexity of your request. Simple requests for recent cases can be completed quickly. Older records or complex searches take longer. If you need records urgently, calling ahead or visiting in person is recommended.

Types of Court Records Available

Civil Records

Civil case files document lawsuits between parties. Common types include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, and collections. Circuit court handles cases over $20,000. District court handles smaller amounts. Each file contains the complaint, answer, motions, discovery documents, orders, and final judgment.

Criminal Records

Criminal cases involve prosecutions for violations of Alabama law. Circuit court handles felony cases. District court handles misdemeanors. Records include charging documents, bond information, plea records, 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. Adoption and guardianship cases are also part of this docket. Protection from abuse orders are filed in family court. Many of these records have restricted access when children or domestic violence are involved.

Traffic Cases

Traffic violations are handled in district court. The growing population along the I-65 corridor generates significant traffic cases. Records include the citation, court appearance information, plea, and disposition. Many traffic cases can be resolved without appearing in court by paying fines online or by mail.

Appeals

Appeals from district court come to circuit court. Appeals from circuit court go to the state appellate courts in Montgomery. The circuit clerk maintains appeal records until they are transmitted to the higher court.

Fees for Court Records

Shelby County charges fees for copies and certification. Contact the clerk's office for the current fee schedule.

Call ahead to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods. If you are ordering multiple documents, the staff can give you a total before you visit. This helps you bring the right amount and avoid delays.

Shelby County Court Search Portal

Below is a screenshot of the Shelby County Circuit Clerk website. The site provides information about court services and links to the Alacourt system for online record searches.

Nearby Counties

Shelby County borders several other counties. Cases involving parties from neighboring areas may have records filed in multiple jurisdictions.

Major Cities in Shelby County

Shelby County contains part of Hoover, which is one of the largest cities in Alabama. The city spans both Shelby and Jefferson counties. The following city has a population over 50,000.

Other incorporated municipalities in Shelby County include Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Chelsea, and Montevallo. These cities do not have separate court record pages, but their court cases are filed in the Shelby County court system. Note that Hoover cases may be filed in either Shelby or Jefferson County depending on where the incident occurred.