Barbour County Court Records Search
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Barbour County, Alabama runs a two-courthouse court system, with locations in the county seat of Clayton and in the city of Eufaula. Circuit, District, and Probate Court proceedings take place at both venues. The county falls within Alabama's 3rd Judicial Circuit, and records from both locations cover criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, family law, and probate administration — from charging instruments and docket sheets through to final judgments, orders, and exhibits. Circuit Clerk Paige Q. Smith is the primary custodian for most of these records.
Depending on the type of proceeding and how old the file is, you can access Barbour County court records in several ways. The Alabama Judicial System offers centralized access to court information, approved forms, and guidance across all divisions. For record searches, AlabamaCourts.us can help you find publicly available case information, identify the right clerk's office, and reach online search tools covering civil, criminal, domestic, and traffic matters across Alabama's trial courts. In-person access at courthouse public terminals, direct clerk contact, and online tools are all valid options — the right one depends on what documents you need.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Barbour County?
Barbour County has two active courthouse locations, so the essential first step is knowing which one handled the case you're researching. Circuit and District Court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office at both locations; Probate Court records are held separately by the Judge of Probate.
Online Search
The Alabama Judicial System operates AlaCourtAccess — also known as "Just One Look" — which gives the public online access to civil, criminal, domestic, and traffic case records for all Alabama trial courts, including Barbour County. Each search costs $9.99 and returns one case detail. Document image downloads are priced at $5.00 for the first 20 pages, then $0.50 per page after that. Attorneys and high-volume users can register for a subscription account with monthly access charges. If you'd rather not pay, free public access terminals at both Barbour County courthouses let you search at no cost during business hours.
In-Person Requests
Walk-in requests for case files and copies are handled at the Circuit Clerk's counter at either courthouse location:
| Location | Address | Phone | Counter Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton Courthouse | 1 Court Square, Clayton, AL 36016 | (334) 775-8366 | Mon, Wed, Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed noon–1 p.m.); Tue, Thu 8:00 a.m.–noon |
| Eufaula Courthouse | 405 East Barbour Street, Suite A119, Eufaula, AL 36027 | (334) 687-1515 | Mon, Wed, Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed noon–1 p.m.); Tue, Thu 8:00 a.m.–noon |
Mail Requests
Written mail requests must include the case number or the full name of at least one party with an approximate filing year, a money order payable to the Barbour County Circuit Clerk, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of copies.
Are Court Records Public in Barbour County?
Public access to court records in Alabama is grounded in Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which gives every citizen the right to inspect and copy public writings maintained by state and county government entities. That right extends broadly to court files, docket records, judgments, orders, and case pleadings held by the Circuit and Probate clerks.
That said, access is subject to limits set by the Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality, which identify categories of records that may not be disclosed without a court order. Those files are sealed, withheld, or released only in redacted form.
Records that are typically restricted or confidential include:
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency case files
- Adoption records and proceedings, which are sealed upon entry of the final judgment under Alabama Code § 26-10E-30
- Documents containing Social Security numbers, financial account information, and medical details
- Trade secrets and national security-related materials
- Records sealed by specific court order
- Mental health commitment records
- Records involving crime victims whose personal information is protected by law
When a file contains a mix of public and restricted content, clerks may provide a redacted copy rather than denying the entire request. If you believe access has been improperly denied, you can raise the issue directly with the court.
Barbour County Criminal Court Records
Criminal proceedings in Barbour County run through both the Circuit Court and the District Court, with each handling different levels of offense. Felonies — including grand jury indictments — are filed in Circuit Court. Misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings on felony charges go through District Court. Both courts operate from the Clayton and Eufaula courthouse locations, and both sets of records are maintained by Circuit Clerk Paige Q. Smith.
Searching Criminal Records
- Online:AlaCourtAccess covers criminal case records statewide. Each name or case-number search costs $9.99 and returns one case detail; document images carry per-page charges.
- In-person: Public access terminals at the Clayton and Eufaula courthouses offer free record lookups during business hours. Staff can locate files and prepare copies for a fee.
- Mail: Written requests to the appropriate courthouse address — including a money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope — are accepted.
Copy Fees (Circuit Clerk):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard photocopy | $5.00 for the first 20 pages; $0.50 per additional page |
| Certified copy | Add $5.00 per document to copy fee |
Arrest Records and Inmate Information
The Barbour County Sheriff's Office maintains local arrest data and jail records. Current inmate information can be checked through the Barbour County Jail inmate roster, which is publicly accessible online. For a broader criminal history search, Alabama maintains statewide records through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency; criminal background checks for employment or licensing purposes are handled at the state level rather than through the county clerk.
Municipal-ordinance cases are filed with the city courts. The Eufaula Municipal Court — at 545 East Barbour Street, Eufaula, AL 36027, Phone: (334) 687-1235 — handles Class C misdemeanor offenses and ordinance violations for the city. The Clio Municipal Court — at 3311 Elamville Street, Clio, AL 36017, Phone: (334) 397-2090 — handles similar matters within Clio's jurisdiction.
Barbour County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Barbour County are divided between Circuit Court and District Court based on the amount in controversy. The Circuit Court handles major civil litigation — contract disputes, personal injury claims, property title suits, and appeals from lower courts. The District Court covers civil claims below the Circuit Court's jurisdictional threshold, along with small claims matters.
Both sets of records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office at the Clayton and Eufaula courthouses. The same in-person, mail, and online access procedures described above apply equally to civil records. You can search by party name or case number through AlaCourtAccess, or request specific documents directly from the clerk's counter.
Small Claims
Alabama's small claims division operates within District Court and handles money disputes involving smaller sums, without the full procedural complexity of regular civil litigation. For small claims records, contact the District Court division of the Circuit Clerk's office at either courthouse location.
Property Records
Land instruments — including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats — are recorded with and maintained by the Barbour County Probate Office, not the Circuit Clerk. The Barbour County Probate Office in Clayton is located at 1 Court Square, Room 201, Clayton, AL 36016, Phone: (334) 775-8371 The Eufaula Probate Office is at 303 East Broad Street, Suite 101, Eufaula, AL 36072, Phone: (334) 687-7637 Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Property records can also be searched through the Barbour County Citizen Access Portal and through the Alabama Department of Revenue's county appraisal and assessment records portal, which links to Barbour County's public GIS website for parcel-level assessment data.
Barbour County Family Court Records
Family law proceedings in Barbour County go through the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court. This division handles divorce filings, child custody and visitation disputes, child support orders, paternity actions, and domestic violence matters. Records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office at both courthouse locations.
Divorce Proceedings
Filing a divorce case carries a docket fee of $222.00, payable by cash, money order, or cashier's check only — filing fees are non-refundable. Uncontested divorces are subject to a mandatory 30-day waiting period before a judge may sign the decree. Contested cases are randomly assigned to a judge and proceed through the trial calendar. Additional fees apply for subsequent filings: modifications and contempt motions cost $325.00; subpoenas cost $18.00; garnishments and executions cost $35.00 each.
Required documents for an uncontested divorce with children include:
- Complaint and Answer/Waiver (Form C-33)
- Notarized Testimony of Plaintiff and Affidavit of Residency
- Divorce Decree and Settlement Agreement (original and two copies)
- Child Support Information Sheet (Form CS-47), Income Statements, and Guideline Forms
- Withholding Order for Child Support
- Children Cope with Divorce Seminar Certificate (both parties)
- Vital Statistics Form (Certificate of Divorce)
Divorce records filed after 1950 are also available through the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) as public divorce certificates.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and certificates in Barbour County are recorded under Alabama Act 2019-340 and maintained by the Probate Court. The marriage certificate fee is $85.00 to record, with certified copy fees of approximately $3.00 each. Statewide certified copies of marriage records are available through the Alabama Department of Public Health Vital Records office at $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Marriage license records can also be searched online through the Barbour County Probate online services portal.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates for Barbour County are issued by the Barbour County Health Department, which operates offices at 634 School Street, Eufaula, AL 36027, Phone: (334) 687-4808, and at 39 Browder Street, Clayton, AL 36016, Phone: (334) 775-8324
Under Alabama Code § 22-9A-21, birth certificates are restricted for 125 years from the date of birth and may only be released to the person named on the record, immediate family members, or legally authorized representatives. Death certificates are restricted for 25 years from the date of death, after which they become public records. During the restricted period, only close relatives, legal representatives, or the death informant may obtain a certified copy. The fee for a search — which includes one certified copy or a Certificate of Failure to Find — is $15.00 for both birth and death records, with additional copies of the same record available for $6.00 each when ordered at the same time.
Barbour County Probate Court Records
The Barbour County Probate Court operates out of offices in both Clayton and Eufaula and carries broad jurisdiction over estate and personal affairs matters outside the Circuit Court's reach. It handles wills, estate administrations, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments, name changes, small estate distributions, and trust filings. The Probate Court also serves as the county's recorder of land instruments and the issuing authority for marriage licenses.
Probate Court Offices:
Clayton Probate Office
Address: 1 Court Square, Room 201, Clayton, AL 36016
Phone: (334) 775-8371
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Eufaula Probate Office
Address: 303 East Broad Street, Suite 101, Eufaula, AL 36072
Phone: (334) 687-7637
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (title processing ends at 4:00 p.m.)
Key proceedings handled by the Probate Court include:
- Formal and informal administration of decedents' estates
- Validation and execution of wills
- Guardianship appointments for incapacitated adults and minors
- Conservatorship proceedings for those unable to manage their own finances
- Mental health involuntary commitment proceedings (sealed records)
- Legitimation petitions by biological fathers
- Small estate distributions under Alabama's Small Estates Act
- Trust filings and administration
- Adult and minor name change petitions
Accessing Probate Records
Probate case records can be searched online through the Barbour County Probate online services portal, which also supports online renewals and marriage record lookups. In-person requests are accepted at either Probate Office during business hours. For mail requests, write to the appropriate office with the decedent's full name, approximate case year, and case number if known, along with payment for certified copies. The Probate Court's certified copies page provides specific fee information for obtaining certified copies of probate documents by mail or in person.
Note that mental health commitment records filed through the Probate Court are sealed and not available to the general public.