Escambia County Court Records Search
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Escambia County, Alabama, located in the southwestern part of the state with its county seat in Brewton, operates a court system that includes the Circuit Court, District Court, Probate Court, and several municipal courts. Court records produced by these institutions document the full lifecycle of legal proceedings — from initial filings and motions through hearings, orders, and final judgments. These records serve attorneys, researchers, journalists, litigants, and members of the public who need accurate, verified information about past and pending legal matters in the county.
Accessing court records in Alabama requires knowing which court handled a particular case, since each court maintains its own records separately. In Alabama, official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online judicial tools all provide pathways to case information. AlabamaCourts.us may help users identify courts and locate publicly available case information within the state’s unified judicial system.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Escambia County?
There are two primary ways to search Escambia County court records: online through the state’s case access portal, or in person at the relevant clerk’s office.
Online Search — Alabama Court Access (Alacourt)
The Alabama Court Access portal is the official statewide platform for searching trial court records. It covers criminal, civil, domestic relations, small claims, and traffic cases from courts across Alabama, including Escambia County. Searches can be conducted by party name or case number.
Fee structure for Alacourt searches:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Name or case number search | $9.99 |
| Image lookup (first 20 pages) | $5.00 |
| Additional pages beyond 20 | $0.50 per page |
| District case monitoring (case lifetime) | $19.99 |
| Circuit case monitoring (case lifetime) | $29.99 |
In-Person Requests — Circuit Clerk’s Office
For certified copies, detailed record requests, or cases not yet available online, the Escambia County Circuit Clerk’s office is the primary contact point. Requestors must submit a completed “Request for Record Search and/or Copies of Court Records” form. Requests are accepted Monday through Friday during office hours.
Escambia County Circuit Clerk (John R. Fountain)
Address: 314 Belleville Avenue, Room 214, P.O. Box 856, Brewton, AL 36427
Phone: (251) 867-0305
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Requests can also be submitted by mail to the address above. Include the case number and the names of the parties involved to ensure an accurate search.
Are Court Records Public in Escambia County?
Alabama’s Open Records Law, Sections 36-12-40 and 36-12-41 of the Code of Alabama 1975, guarantees every citizen the right to inspect and copy any public writing of the state. Court records fall squarely within this definition, and the law expressly recognizes that judicial records are public. Custodians must respond to requests promptly, and copying fees may apply.
However, certain categories of Escambia County court records are exempt from public disclosure, either by statute or court order:
- Juvenile court records — Protected under Alabama law; identifying information about minors in delinquency and dependency proceedings is not publicly accessible.
- Adoption records — Sealed by statute and unavailable without a court order.
- Domestic violence case records — Withheld to protect victims’ safety and privacy.
- Expunged or sealed criminal records — Records removed from public view by court order are no longer accessible through routine searches.
- Unexecuted criminal warrants — Cannot be disclosed as they may compromise ongoing law enforcement efforts.
- Records related to ongoing investigations — Withheld when disclosure would interfere with active law enforcement activity.
- Nolle-pressed charges — Records of charges formally dropped by prosecutors are generally restricted.
- Financial information in civil cases — Certain personal financial details of parties in civil matters may be protected from broad public disclosure.
When a request is denied, the requestor may seek further review from the relevant court or consult an attorney about their rights under Alabama’s open records framework.
Escambia County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Escambia County are divided between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the severity of the offense.
Circuit Court — Felony Cases
The Escambia County Circuit Court, part of the 21st Judicial Circuit, handles all felony prosecutions in the county. It also handles misdemeanor appeals from the District Court. Circuit Court criminal case files are maintained by Circuit Clerk John R. Fountain. Records include indictments, charging documents, motions, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and judgment entries.
Escambia County Circuit Court
Address: 314 Belleville Avenue, P.O. Box 856, Brewton, AL 36427
Phone: (251) 867-0225
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
District Court — Misdemeanors and Traffic
The Escambia County District Court shares the courthouse with the Circuit Court and handles misdemeanor criminal matters, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. District Court criminal records are also maintained by the Circuit Clerk’s office.
Municipal Courts
Three municipal courts operate within Escambia County for city ordinance violations and local misdemeanor matters:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Atmore Municipal Court | 201 E. Louisville Avenue, P.O. Box 1297, Atmore, AL 36504 | (251) 368-3593 |
| Brewton Municipal Court | 1010 Douglas Avenue, P.O. Box 368, Brewton, AL 36427 | (251) 809-1760 |
| East Brewton Municipal Court | 615 Forrest Avenue, P.O. Box 2010, East Brewton, AL 36427 | (251) 867-4091 |
Arrest Records and Criminal History
Court records and arrest records are maintained separately. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office publishes a public inmate roster on its website, updated with current booking information. The Sheriff’s administrative office is reachable at (251) 809-0741, with hours Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
For statewide criminal history checks, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) administers the Alabama Background Check program. ALEA can be contacted at (866) 740-4762 or (334) 676-7897. Individuals wishing to review or challenge their own criminal history record may submit a request with a $25.00 administrative fee (money order or cashier’s check payable to ALEA) using the ALEA CJIS Form 46.
Escambia County Civil Court Records
Civil jurisdiction in Escambia County is split between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the amount in controversy.
Circuit Civil Division
The Circuit Civil division handles higher-value civil cases including appeals from District Court, administrative agency appeals, workers’ compensation claims, and appeals from Probate Court. To request copies of Circuit Court civil records, contact the Circuit Clerk at (251) 867-0305 or submit a written request to Room 214 at the courthouse.
District Civil Division
The District Civil Court in Escambia County handles civil claims valued from $6,000.01 through $20,000.00. This division is reached directly at (251) 867-0305 ext. 227. Small claims actions involving amounts up to $6,000 also fall within the District Court’s jurisdiction.
Searching Civil Records Online
Civil case records can be searched through the Alabama Court Access portal by party name or case number. Court forms for civil filings are available through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts at alacourt.gov and through the statewide e-forms portal at eforms.alacourt.gov.
Escambia County Family Court Records
Domestic relations matters — including divorce, child custody, child support, and protective orders — are handled by the Circuit Court’s Domestic Relations division. These records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk’s office.
Divorce Proceedings
Divorces in Escambia County are filed with the Circuit Clerk. The base filing fee for a divorce action is $222.00, which includes assignment of a case number and circuit judge. Additional fees apply:
| Fee Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Service fee (personal service or certified mail) | $30.00 or certified mail cost |
| Motion for judgment or default judgment | $50.00 |
| Income withholding order | $28.00 + service fee |
| Subpoena fee | $12.00 + service fee |
| Modify/Enforce (contempt) action | $325.00 + service fee |
The Circuit Clerk provides a divorce information packet with a list of required forms and procedural instructions. Key forms include the Complaint (PS-08 for cases without children), the Domestic Relations Information Sheet (CS-47), the Answer & Waiver Affidavit, Testimony of Plaintiff (PS-09), and the Certificate of Divorce. The Certificate of Divorce is available at eforms.alacourt.gov. The Alabama Legal Help website at AlabamaLegalHelp.org is a recommended resource for self-represented litigants seeking additional forms and guidance.
The Domestic Relations Division is located at Room 214 of the Escambia County Courthouse.
Contact:
Domestic Relations Division
314 Belleville Avenue / P.O. Box 856, Brewton, AL 36427
Phone: (251) 867-0305 ext. 285
Divorce Records for Certified Copies
Certified copies of divorce decrees are available from the Circuit Clerk’s office. Individuals may also obtain divorce records from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) by submitting a completed vital records request form (HS-14) with a $15.00 fee.
Protection From Abuse Orders
Victims of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment may petition the Circuit Court for a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order at no upfront cost. PFA petitions are filed in person at Room 214 of the courthouse. Three forms are required: the filer information form, the Petition for Protection from Abuse, and the Ex Parte Protection Order form. Victims’ addresses and phone numbers are kept confidential by the clerk’s office. Alabama’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline is available at (800) 650-6522.
Marriage Records
Marriage records are maintained by the Escambia County Probate Office. Requestors must provide the full names of both spouses before marriage, the marriage date, and the location of the marriage. Contact the Probate Office in Brewton at (251) 867-0301 or the Atmore location at (251) 368-5371. Marriage records from 1908 onward can also be requested through the ADPH vital records office using the HS-14 application form with a $15.00 fee for the first certified copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates for Escambia County are maintained by the Escambia County Health Department, with records on file from 1908 to the present. Under Alabama law, birth records are restricted for 125 years; death records are restricted for 25 years. Only immediate family members and those with demonstrated just cause may obtain copies during the restricted period.
Fees: $15.00 for the first certified copy; $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
Escambia County Health Department — Atmore Branch
Address: 8600 Highway 31 North, Atmore, AL 36502
Phone: (251) 368-9188 | Fax: (251) 368-9189
Escambia County Health Department — Brewton Branch
Address: 1115 Azalea Place, Brewton, AL 36426
Phone: (251) 867-5765 | Fax: (251) 867-5179
Requests require a completed vital record application (HS-14) submitted in person along with valid identification.
Escambia County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Escambia County fall under the jurisdiction of the Escambia County Probate Court, with the Probate Judge serving as custodian of records related to estate administration, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, trusts, and real property instruments. The Probate Court operates from two locations to serve the county’s geographic spread.
Escambia County Probate Court — Brewton (Main Office)
Address: 314 Belleville Avenue, Suite 205, Brewton, AL 36426
Mailing: P.O. Box 557, Brewton, AL 36427
Phone: (251) 867-0301
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Escambia County Probate Court — Atmore Office
Address: 8600 Highway 31, Atmore, AL 36502
Phone: (251) 368-5371
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Online Probate Records
The Escambia County Probate online services portal, operated through Ingenuity, Inc. in partnership with the Probate Judge’s office, provides public access to probate case records and land records online. Users can search probate case records, look up marriage records, and access land record accounts through this platform.
What Probate Records Are Available
The Probate Court maintains records for the following proceedings:
- Wills submitted for probate and letters testamentary
- Intestate administration (estates without a will)
- Guardianship and conservatorship petitions and orders
- Trust filings and related accountings
- Real property records including deeds, mortgages, liens, and deeds of trust
- Marriage licenses and certificates
- Name changes and legitimation proceedings
Probate Filing Fees
Probate filing fees in Escambia County include a base fee of approximately $105.00 for probating a will or administering an intestate estate, plus recording fees typically assessed at $3.00–$4.00 per page. Publication costs vary. For questions about specific fees or to initiate an estate matter, contact the Probate Chief Clerk at the Brewton office. The Escambia County government website provides general guidance on the probate process, including information on small estates and guardianship matters.