Lauderdale County Court Records Search
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Lauderdale County sits in the northwestern corner of Alabama, with its county seat in Florence. The county’s trial courts are part of the 11th Judicial Circuit and include a Circuit Court, a District Court, a Probate Court, and several municipal courts. The Circuit Clerk’s Office, led by Circuit Clerk Missy Homan, serves as the official recordkeeper and business manager for proceedings in both the Circuit and District Courts, maintaining records across ten divisions that include civil, criminal, domestic, child support, traffic, juvenile, and warrants. Locating the right office and understanding the available search tools are essential first steps for anyone who needs access to Lauderdale County court records.
Alabama maintains a statewide electronic records system that can assist members of the public in locating court case information. AlabamaCourts.us offers a starting point for identifying court resources across the state. Additionally, the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts operates the Alacourt Access portal (also known as “Just One Look”), which provides on-demand access to trial court records from every county. Within Lauderdale County, records can also be searched in person at the courthouse, through public terminals, or by written request to the relevant clerk’s office.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Lauderdale County?
There are several ways to search for a court case in Lauderdale County, depending on whether you prefer an online search or an in-person visit.
Online — Alacourt Access (“Just One Look”)
The Alacourt Access portal provides public access to state trial court records statewide, including all Lauderdale County Circuit, District, and Domestic Relations filings. The system requires users to create an account. Once registered, searches can be performed by party name or case number.
- Name-based or case number search: $9.99 per search
- Downloading or printing document images: $5.00 for the first 20 pages, $0.50 for each additional page
- Case monitoring (District Court): $19.99 per case for the life of the case
- Case monitoring (Circuit Court): $29.99 per case for the life of the case
Online — E-Filing and E-Notice Registration
Pro se litigants can register for electronic notices at AlaFile. After completing the online registration, the form must be printed and brought to the Circuit Clerk’s Office with a state-issued photo ID for processing. Once activated, electronic orders entered in your case will be delivered by email.
In-Person Searches
Visitors can search records at the Lauderdale County Courthouse using public terminals or by making a request at the counter. Call ahead to confirm current fees and procedures.
Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk’s Office
Address: 200 S. Court Street, Florence, AL 35630
Phone: (256) 760-5728
Fax: (256) 760-5727
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mail Requests
Written requests can be sent to the Circuit Clerk at P.O. Box 776, Florence, AL 35631. Include sufficient case details (party names, case number, case type) and inquire about applicable fees before submitting.
Additional court forms and legal information are available through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts.
All Court Locations in Lauderdale County
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court | 200 S. Court St., Florence, AL 35631 | (256) 760-5728 |
| District Court | 200 S. Court St., Florence, AL 35631 | (256) 760-5728 |
| Probate Court | 200 S. Court St., Florence, AL 35631 | (256) 760-5804 |
| Florence Municipal Court | 651 S. Seminary St., Florence, AL 35630 | (256) 760-6625 |
| Killen Municipal Court | 319 JC Mauldin Hwy, Killen, AL 35645 | (256) 757-1246 |
| Lexington Municipal Court | 11060 Hwy 101, Lexington, AL 35648 | (256) 229-5221 |
| Rogersville Municipal Court | 36 Wheeler St., Rogersville, AL 35652 | (256) 247-5446 |
Are Court Records Public in Lauderdale County?
Court records in Lauderdale County are generally open to the public under Alabama’s public records law. Alabama Code § 36-12-40 grants every resident the right to inspect and copy any public record of the state, except as otherwise expressly provided by law. This right extends to court filings, docket information, judgments, and other case documentation maintained by the Circuit Clerk and other custodial offices.
Certain categories of records are restricted or exempted from public disclosure under Alabama law. These include:
- Records involving minors and juvenile proceedings
- Information that could compromise the security or safety of individuals, structures, or facilities
- Records the disclosure of which would be detrimental to the best interests of the public
- Personal information protected by privacy laws
- Records covered by legal privilege, such as attorney-client communications or medical records under doctor-patient privilege
- Adoption records
- Sealed records, including certain expunged criminal records
When a record contains both public and exempt material, the exempt portions may be redacted before release, allowing the remainder to be provided to the requester. In some instances, a court order may be obtained to access otherwise restricted records.
The Circuit Clerk’s Office serves as the primary custodian of circuit, district, family, and juvenile court records. Records maintained by the Probate Court, the Sheriff’s Office, and municipal courts are held by those respective offices and are subject to the same public records framework.
Lauderdale County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Lauderdale County are heard in both the Circuit Court (felonies and serious criminal matters) and the District Court (misdemeanors and lesser offenses). The Circuit Clerk maintains records for both courts across the criminal, traffic, and warrant divisions. Municipal courts in Florence, Killen, Lexington, and Rogersville handle violations of municipal ordinances and certain misdemeanors within their jurisdictions.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal case records can be looked up through the Alacourt Access portal by selecting the criminal case type and entering a party name or case number. The standard search fee of $9.99 per search applies. Document images can be downloaded for $5.00 (first 20 pages) plus $0.50 per additional page.
In-person searches can be made at the Circuit Clerk’s Office at 200 S. Court Street, Florence. Visitors may use public terminals at the courthouse or request assistance from staff. Contact the office at (256) 760-5728 for guidance on the request process and any applicable fees.
Criminal Background Checks
The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office can be contacted regarding local criminal records and arrest information:
Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office
Address: P.O. Box 1710, Florence, AL 35631
Phone: (256) 760-5757
Fax: (256) 760-5765
For comprehensive Alabama criminal history reports, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) administers background checks through its Criminal Records and Identification Unit. To request a personal criminal history review:
- Complete the Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information.
- Include a copy of a valid photo ID.
- Submit a $25.00 payment by money order or cashier’s check payable to ALEA (each additional copy ordered simultaneously costs $5.00).
- Submit in person at 301 S. Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, or by mail to:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Criminal Records and Identification Unit
ATTN: Background Checks
P.O. Box 1511
Montgomery, AL 36102-1511
Questions can be directed to ALEA at (334) 676-7897. For employer-based screening, ALEA also maintains the Alabama Background Check System, a subscription service for qualifying employers. Contact (866) 740-4762 for enrollment details.
Lauderdale County Civil Court Records
The Lauderdale County Circuit Court and District Court share jurisdiction over civil matters, with the specific court depending on the amount in controversy. Circuit Court handles civil cases where the matter exceeds $20,000 (exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney fees), while the District Court adjudicates civil claims up to $20,000, including small claims.
Civil Filing Fees
Filing fees in Alabama are established by Alabama Code § 12-19-71 and collected by the Circuit Clerk:
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Small claims (up to $1,500) | $35.00 |
| Small claims ($1,500.01–$3,000) | $109.00 |
| District Court civil ($3,000.01–$20,000) | $198.00 |
| Circuit Court civil (up to $50,000) | $197.00 |
| Circuit Court civil (over $50,000) | $297.00 |
| Counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party complaint (Circuit Court, non-domestic) | $297.00 |
| Dispositive motion (judgment on pleadings, default, summary judgment) | $50.00 |
| Jury demand | $100.00 |
| Additional plaintiff (District Court) | $50.00 each (max $500) |
| Additional plaintiff (Circuit Court) | $100.00 each (max $1,000) |
Accessing Civil Court Records
Civil records can be searched online through Alacourt Access or in person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Online searches cost $9.99 each. In-person visitors should bring relevant case details such as party names and case numbers. For mail requests, send a written inquiry to the Circuit Clerk at P.O. Box 776, Florence, AL 35631, and include sufficient identifying information. Call (256) 760-5728 beforehand to confirm current copy fees.
Lauderdale County Family Court Records
Domestic relations cases in Lauderdale County are heard by the Circuit Court and recorded on the domestic relations docket. The Circuit Clerk’s Office maintains these filings across the domestic and child support divisions. Types of cases include:
- Divorce and annulment
- Legal separation
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and spousal support
- Adoption
- Paternity
- Guardianship of minors and incapacitated adults
- Grandparent visitation
- Domestic violence civil proceedings
Domestic Relations Filing Fees
Under Alabama Code § 12-19-71, domestic relations filing fees include:
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncontested domestic relations case | $145.00 |
| Contested domestic relations case | $145.00 |
| Modification or enforcement of existing domestic relations order | $248.00 |
No filing fee is charged for a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) motion filed within 120 days of the final order.
Requesting Family Court Records
Family court records are accessible through the Alacourt Access system under the domestic relations case type. Standard search and download fees apply. In-person requests can be made at the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Certain records involving juveniles, adoptions, and domestic violence victims may be restricted; inquire with the clerk regarding access limitations before visiting.
Marriage and Divorce Records
Certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates can be obtained from the Lauderdale County Health Department:
Lauderdale County Health Department
Address: 4112 Chisholm Road, Florence, AL 35630
Phone: (256) 764-7453
Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Walk-in requests can typically be completed while you wait. Certificates can also be requested by mail using the Vital Records Application form (also available in Spanish), sent to:
Alabama Vital Records
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
The search fee is $15.00, which includes one certified copy or a Certificate of Failure to Find if no record is located. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $6.00. Expedited processing adds $15.00. Mail payments must be made by check or money order payable to “State Board of Health”. Marriage and divorce records in Alabama are unrestricted and accessible to any person who pays the fee and provides sufficient identifying details.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are restricted under Alabama law. Birth records become unrestricted 125 years after the event, and death records become unrestricted 25 years after the event. Before those periods expire, only eligible individuals may request certified copies, including: the subject of the record (for birth certificates, if of legal age), parents, spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, legal representatives, and informants listed on a death certificate.
Certified copies are available from the Lauderdale County Health Department (in person) or by mail through Alabama Vital Records using the same application form and fee structure described above for marriage and divorce certificates.
Lauderdale County Probate Court Records
The Lauderdale County Probate Court handles matters involving wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and related fiduciary proceedings. The Probate Court also serves as the county’s recording office for deeds, mortgages, and other land records.
Lauderdale County Probate Court
Address: 200 S. Court Street, P.O. Box 1059, Florence, AL 35631
Phone: (256) 760-5804
Types of Probate Records
Records maintained by the Probate Court include:
- Wills admitted to probate
- Estate administration filings (appointment of executors and administrators)
- Inventories and appraisals of a decedent’s assets
- Guardianship and conservatorship petitions and orders
- Land records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Accessing Probate Records
Probate case records and land records can be searched online through the Lauderdale County Probate Online Services portal, which provides lookup tools for both probate case records and land records. Users should review the terms of use before accessing the system.
In-person requests can be made at the Probate Court during business hours. Mail requests should be sent to P.O. Box 1059, Florence, AL 35631. Contact the court at (256) 760-5804 for information about current fees and required documentation.
Some probate-related records may also appear in the Alacourt Access system when they involve circuit court proceedings.
Property Records
Property tax information and assessment data for Lauderdale County are maintained by the Revenue Commissioner’s office. The Lauderdale County Property Search provides free online access to property records by owner name, address, or parcel number. The Revenue Commissioner can be reached at (256) 760-5787.