Bibb County Court Records Search
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Bibb County, located in central Alabama, is served by courts of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. These courts generate a wide range of records — from criminal case filings and civil judgments to divorce decrees and probate inventories — documenting the county's legal proceedings and serving as important resources for attorneys, researchers, and the general public. Knowing which court generated a particular record, where that office is located, and what steps are needed to get a copy will save you considerable time and effort.
Searching for court records in Alabama starts with knowing where to look. AlabamaCourts.us provides access to court information, legal forms, and the official case lookup system used throughout the state. Records can be accessed through public access terminals at the courthouse, directly from clerk offices during business hours, or through the state's online case search tool. The sections below break down each court type, access method, and the specific procedures that apply in Bibb County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Bibb County?
The primary online tool for case lookups is the Alabama Just One Look portal, operated by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. This system gives on-demand access to Alabama state trial court records for all court types, including civil, criminal, domestic relations, and traffic. You'll need to create an account before searching. Each name search or case number search costs $9.99, and document image access is $5.00 for the first 20 pages, with $0.50 per page thereafter.
If you prefer to search in person, the Circuit Clerk's office at the Bibb County Courthouse is your direct point of contact for District and Circuit Court records. Staff can locate case files, confirm docket information, and provide certified copies. Court records are electronically imaged, which makes searches more efficient.
Bibb County Circuit and District Court — Clerk's Office
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 35 Court Square East, Centreville, AL 35042 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 185, Centreville, AL 35042 |
| Phone | (205) 926-3103 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (closed for lunch 12:00 PM–1:00 PM) |
| Circuit Clerk | Kayla Cooner |
Attorneys and registered pro se litigants can also sign up for electronic notices through AlaFile, Alabama's e-filing and e-notice system, which delivers court orders and filings directly by email.
Are Court Records Public in Bibb County?
Alabama Code § 36-12-40 gives every citizen the right to inspect and copy public records held by government offices in the state, including court records. This statute forms the foundation for public access to most records maintained by Bibb County's courts.
Despite this broad right, certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure because of the sensitive nature of the information they contain. Records that are generally restricted in Bibb County include:
- Adoption records — sealed to protect all parties involved, including biological and adoptive families
- Juvenile court records — delinquency, dependency, and child-in-need-of-supervision proceedings are confidential by law
- Medical and psychological records — health information included in court filings is protected from general public release
- Financial records with identifying data — documents containing Social Security numbers and similar personal financial details are redacted or withheld
- Juror and witness personal information — identifying details for jurors and witnesses may be withheld to protect their safety and privacy
For records that are accessible, the Circuit Clerk's office provides copies of non-confidential court documents upon request and for a reasonable fee. Staff are prohibited by law from giving legal advice, but they can explain filing procedures, confirm court schedules, and help locate case files.
Bibb County Criminal Court Records
Jurisdiction
Criminal cases in Bibb County are divided between two courts based on the severity of the offense. Felony charges — those carrying potential sentences of more than one year — are handled by the Circuit Court, which sits in the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Misdemeanor offenses, violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases fall under the jurisdiction of the District Court. Both courts share the same physical courthouse at 35 Court Square East, Centreville.
Locating Criminal Records
Criminal case records maintained by the Circuit and District Courts are searchable through the Just One Look portal at the fees noted above. In-person requests can be made at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours. Having the defendant's full name, approximate case filing dates, or a case number on hand will make the search faster.
For arrest records that predate or exist independently of court proceedings, the Bibb County Sheriff's Office is the right contact. The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs and booking records for the county jail.
Bibb County Sheriff's Office
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 157 S.W. Davidson Drive, Centreville, AL 35042 |
| Phone | (205) 926-4683 |
| Fax | (205) 926-3110 |
| County Jail | (205) 926-9581 |
Municipal police departments serving Brent, Centreville, West Blocton, and Woodstock maintain their own arrest records for incidents handled within their respective jurisdictions. Each department handles record requests independently, so you may need to contact the specific agency directly. A small reproduction fee typically applies.
Standard court forms for criminal matters — including the Affidavit of Substantial Hardship and appeal forms — are available through AOC E-Forms at no charge.
Bibb County Civil Court Records
Jurisdiction and Court Structure
Civil disputes in Bibb County are handled at different levels depending on the dollar amount at issue. Small claims cases — limited to claims of $6,000 or less — are filed in the Small Claims division of the District Court. Civil matters between $6,001 and $20,000 are handled in the District Civil division. Cases exceeding $20,000, as well as declaratory judgment actions and non-monetary civil cases, proceed in the Circuit Court.
Filing Fees
| Case Type | Certified Mail/Process Server | Sheriff Service |
|---|---|---|
| Small Claims (up to $1,500) | $54.00 | $69.00 |
| Small Claims ($1,501–$3,000) | $128.00 | $143.00 |
| Small Claims ($3,001–$6,000) | $217.00 | $232.00 |
| District Civil ($6,001–$20,000) | $284.00 | $299.00 |
| Circuit Civil (up to $50,000) | $283.00 | $298.00 |
| Circuit Civil (over $50,000) | $383.00 | $398.00 |
Additional fees include $30.00 per additional defendant, $50.00 per additional plaintiff (up to $500 maximum per case), $50.00 for garnishments or executions, and $32.00 per subpoena.
Filing a Small Claims Case — Step by Step
- Obtain the Statement of Claim form (Form SM-01) from the Circuit Clerk's office or eforms.alacourt.gov
- Complete the form with the defendant's correct and complete name and address
- File the completed form in person at the Circuit Clerk's office, 35 Court Square East, Centreville
- Pay the applicable filing fee at the time of filing (fees are non-refundable)
- If you cannot afford the fee upfront, complete an Affidavit of Substantial Hardship to request deferred payment
- After filing, the court assigns a case number and forwards the complaint for service on the defendant
- The defendant has 14 calendar days to file an Answer after being served
- If answered, a trial is typically scheduled 6–8 weeks after the answer is received
A civil jury demand requires an additional $100.00 fee. Any party who disagrees with a small claims judgment may appeal to the Circuit Court by filing a Notice of Appeal within 14 calendar days of the judgment. The appeal filing fee is $306.00 for a non-jury trial or $406.00 for a jury trial.
All civil and small claims forms are available free of charge through AOC E-Forms.
Bibb County Family Court Records
Divorce and Domestic Relations
Divorce proceedings and all related domestic relations matters — including child custody, child support, paternity, and contempt petitions — are filed in the Circuit Court's Domestic Relations Division. The Bibb County Circuit Clerk handles these case files, and all original paperwork must be submitted in person. The office does not accept email or faxed filings.
Domestic Relations Fees
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Original Domestic Relations Filing | $231.00 |
| Modification or Contempt Petition | $334.00 ($349.00 with Sheriff's service) |
| Subpoena | $32.00 |
| Garnishment or Execution | $50.00 |
| Motion for Default/Summary Judgment | $50.00 |
Uncontested divorces are subject to a mandatory 30-day waiting period before a judge can sign the decree, provided all paperwork is in order. Contested divorces are randomly assigned to a judge, and the defendant has 30 days to respond after being served. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $10.00 and may be requested by mailing a written request, a $10.00 money order payable to the Bibb County Circuit Clerk, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Domestic Relations Division at 35 Court Square East, Centreville, AL 35042.
Self-help forms for pro se divorce filers are available through Alabama Legal Help and AOC E-Forms.
Protection from Abuse Orders
Victims of domestic violence in Bibb County can seek a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order — sometimes called a restraining order — under Alabama's Protection from Abuse Act. PFA petitions are filed through the Circuit Court, and emergency ex parte orders can be issued when a judge determines immediate protection is necessary. Forms for PFA proceedings are available through AOC E-Forms.
Marriage Records
The Alabama Center for Health Statistics (part of the Alabama Department of Public Health) maintains certified marriage certificates from August 1936 to the present. Marriage records predating August 1936 are held by the Bibb County Probate Office. The fee for a marriage certificate from the Center is $15.00 for the first copy, $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, and $15.00 extra for expedited processing. Requests require both spouses' full pre-marriage names, the marriage date, and the county where the license was issued.
Requests may be submitted in person at the Bibb County Health Department (281 Alexander Avenue, Centreville, AL 35042; phone (205) 926-9702) or by mailing a completed Vital Records Application Form with payment to: Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625.
Divorce Certificates
The Alabama Center for Health Statistics holds divorce certificates from 1950 to the present, at the same fee schedule as marriage certificates. For divorces occurring before 1950, contact the Bibb County Circuit Clerk directly. Birth and death certificates — restricted for 125 years and 25 years respectively — follow the same fee structure of $15.00 per certificate and are available through the Alabama Center for Health Statistics or in person at the Bibb County Health Department.
Bibb County Probate Court Records
Jurisdiction
The Bibb County Probate Court holds original jurisdiction over the administration of wills and decedents' estates, real property matters, guardianship appointments, conservatorships, mental illness proceedings, and adoptions. The Probate Judge also handles vehicle tag renewals, various licenses, mobile home registrations, and instrument recordings — making the Probate Office one of the more heavily trafficked offices in the county.
Bibb County Probate Court
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 8 Court Square West, Suite A, Centreville, AL 35042 |
| Phone | (205) 926-3104 |
| Probate Judge | Stephanie Kemmer |
Accessing Probate Records
The Bibb County Probate Office offers two online search options depending on the time period of the record:
- 1996 to present: Search case records through the Bibb County Probate Online Services portal hosted by Ingenuity, Inc. Registration is required to access case records. The portal also handles land record lookups.
- 1819 to 1995: Historical probate case records are searchable through RecordHub, which provides access to older instruments and filings.
For records that fall outside these online platforms, or when certified copies are needed, contact the Probate Office in person during regular business hours. Probate records are generally public and open to inspection, with the exception of sealed adoption records and certain mental health commitment proceedings.
Property Records
Property records in Bibb County are maintained by both the Probate Office (recorded instruments such as deeds, mortgages, and liens) and the Tax Assessor/Collector's Office. The county's public GIS system allows anyone to search land parcels by owner name or parcel number at no cost. The Tax Assessor/Collector's Office is located in the Courthouse Annex building at 8 Court Square West, Suite B, Room 102, Centreville, AL 35042, and can be reached at (205) 926-3105.