Marshall County Court Records Search
AlabamaCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on AlabamaCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
Marshall County sits in northeastern Alabama, with the county seat in Guntersville and a second major courthouse located in Albertville. The county falls within Alabama’s Twenty-Seventh Judicial Circuit, and its court system includes a Circuit Court, District Court, Probate Court, and several Municipal Courts. These courts collectively produce a substantial volume of records each year — from felony indictments and civil complaints to divorce decrees and estate filings. Individuals who need to verify a case outcome, obtain a copy of a judgment, or review proceedings can access Marshall County court records through clerk offices, online search tools, and written requests.
For those searching Alabama court records, several official resources are available. The Marshall County Circuit Clerk’s website provides information about court divisions, filing fees, and procedures, while a public access computer terminal at the Guntersville Circuit Clerk’s office allows visitors to search case records on-site. The statewide AlaFile e-filing system and Alacourt Access portal offer electronic case search capabilities for registered subscribers. The website at AlabamaCourts.us may also help users locate publicly available court case information across the state. The Probate Court maintains a separate online records portal for land records and probate case searches.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Marshall County?
Identifying which court handled a particular matter is the first step toward locating the correct record. Criminal felony cases and civil claims exceeding $10,000 are heard in the Circuit Court, while misdemeanors, small claims up to $6,000, and civil disputes between $6,000 and $20,000 fall under the District Court. Probate matters — including estates, guardianships, and land recordings — are handled by the Probate Court. Municipal courts in Albertville, Arab, Boaz, Douglas, Grant, and Guntersville hear violations of city ordinances.
Online Search Options
- Alacourt Access — A subscription-based portal providing access to civil, criminal, domestic relations, and traffic case records across all Alabama trial courts, including Marshall County.
- AlaFile — The statewide electronic filing system through which attorneys and registered users can file documents and search case information.
- Marshall County Probate Online Services — Allows users to look up land records and probate case records.
- Marshall County Docket Search — A direct link to the county-specific docket search within Alacourt Access.
In-Person Searches
A public access computer is available in the Guntersville Circuit Clerk’s office for searching court record information at no charge. Both courthouse locations accept walk-in inquiries during business hours:
| Location | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guntersville Courthouse | 424 Blount Avenue, Suite 201, Guntersville, AL 35976 | (256) 571-7785 | 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Mon–Fri |
| Albertville Courthouse | 133 South Emmett Street, Albertville, AL 35950 | (256) 878-4521 | 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Mon–Fri |
Mail Requests
Written requests can be directed to the appropriate clerk office at the addresses above. Include the case number, party names, relevant dates, and a description of the documents needed. Enclose a money order or cashier’s check for applicable fees. Personal checks are generally not accepted for court filings and services.
Are Court Records Public in Marshall County?
Court records in Marshall County are public records under Alabama Public Records Law. This means that any person may inspect or request copies of court filings, orders, judgments, docket entries, and related documents unless a specific statutory exemption restricts access.
Records or information that may be exempt from public disclosure include:
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Juvenile court proceedings and records
- Adoption records
- Records containing information that threatens personal privacy, individual welfare, or public safety
- Grand jury proceedings
- Certain investigative materials
When confidential information appears in an otherwise public record, the court may redact sensitive details before releasing the document. Individuals requesting access to restricted records — such as parties to a sealed case or authorized legal representatives — may need to present valid identification, a court order, or other documentation establishing their right to access.
Copy fees vary by office. The Circuit Clerk’s office charges standard fees for duplication and certification services. Requesters should contact the specific court division to confirm current copy charges before submitting a request.
Marshall County Criminal Court Records
Criminal prosecutions in Marshall County follow a path through multiple courts depending on the severity of the charge. Felony cases originate in the District Court’s criminal division for preliminary hearings before being presented to a Grand Jury and, if indicted, proceeding in Circuit Court. Misdemeanor offenses occurring outside city limits — including worthless check charges, conservation violations, and ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control Board) infractions — are processed through District Criminal Court. Municipal courts handle city ordinance violations within their respective jurisdictions.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case information can be accessed through several channels:
- Alacourt Access — Registered users can search the statewide case database for criminal docket information in Marshall County.
- Public Access Terminal — Available at the Guntersville Circuit Clerk’s office for on-site criminal record searches.
- Direct Request — Contact the Circuit Clerk’s office at (256) 571-7785 (Guntersville) or (256) 878-4521 (Albertville) with the defendant’s name, case number, or other identifying details.
Criminal History Background Checks
Formal criminal background checks are administered by the Criminal Records and Identification Unit of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). To obtain a personal criminal history record:
- Complete the ALEA application form
- Have the form notarized
- Obtain fingerprint cards
- Submit the application with a $25.00 fee (money order or cashier’s check), a copy of valid ID, and fingerprint cards
In-person submissions are accepted at:
301 South Ripley Street (Adams Avenue side), Montgomery, AL 36104
Mail submissions should be sent to:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Criminal Records and Identification Unit
ATTN: Background Checks
P.O. Box 1511, Montgomery, AL 36102-1511
Phone: (334) 676-7897
Qualified employers may also conduct criminal record searches through the Alabama Background Check system.
Sheriff’s Office Resources
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and sex offender registrations. The department’s inmate roster is accessible online and reflects current detention facility bookings.
Marshall County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Marshall County are divided between Circuit Court and District Court based on the amount in controversy. The Circuit Court’s civil division hears claims exceeding $10,000, while the District Court’s civil division handles claims between $6,000.01 and $20,000. The Small Claims division of District Court processes disputes up to $6,000 through simplified, informal procedures.
Circuit Court Civil Filing Fees
| Fee Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing fee ($20,000.01–$50,000) | $254.00 |
| Filing fee ($50,000.01 and over) | $354.00 |
| Workers’ compensation filing | $202.00 |
| Jury demand | $100.00 |
| Service by Sheriff | $25.00 |
| Subpoena | $12.00 |
| Garnishment, execution, attachment, or writ of possession | $30.00 each |
| Motion for judgment (default, summary) | $50.00 |
| Counterclaim/cross-claim/third-party complaint | $297.00 |
Small Claims Filing Fees
| Claim Amount | Fee (One Defendant) |
|---|---|
| Up to $1,500 | $64.00 |
| $1,500.01–$3,000 | $138.00 |
| $3,000.01–$6,000 | $227.00 |
Additional defendants cost $10.00 each. Service by the Sheriff is $25.00. Filing fees are non-refundable, and personal checks are not accepted. Individuals unable to prepay may file an Affidavit of Substantial Hardship to request fee deferral.
Key Civil Court Forms
Several commonly used forms are available through the Alabama Court e-forms portal:
- Statement of Claim (Complaint) — For initiating a small claims case
- Statement of Claim for Specific Property
- Defendant’s Answer
- Defendant’s Answer (Counterclaim)
- Application, Affidavit and Entry of Default Judgment
- Notice of Appeal
- Process of Garnishment
- Writ of Execution
Appeals from District Court to Circuit Court require a filing fee of $202.00 for non-jury trials or $302.00 for jury trials.
Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) Filings
Landlord-tenant eviction actions are governed by the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord Tenant Act (Act No. 2006-316). The initial filing fee for an unlawful detainer action in District Court is $259.00, plus $10.00 for each additional defendant. Landlords must provide a seven-day notice for failure to pay rent or a fourteen-day notice for other lease violations before filing. Personal service is required for possession complaints; if personal service fails, the complaint may be posted on the premises with a copy mailed by first-class mail.
Marshall County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Marshall County are handled through the Circuit Court’s Domestic Relations Division, which adjudicates divorces, annulments, child custody and support disputes, alimony, paternity actions, and domestic violence cases. The Circuit Clerk at the Albertville courthouse maintains these case files.
Divorce Filing Fees
| Fee Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Domestic relations docket fee | $214.50 |
| Modify/enforce (contempt) | $305.00 |
| Service by Sheriff | $25.00 |
| Subpoena | $12.00 |
| Garnishment or execution | $30.00 |
| Income withholding order | $28.00 |
| Withholding termination | $28.00 |
| Motion for judgment (default/summary) | $50.00 |
After an uncontested divorce is filed, there is a mandatory 30-day waiting period before the judge can sign the decree. Contested divorces are assigned to a judge and set for service; they are not automatically scheduled for hearing.
Child Support Forms
When a court order involves child support, an income withholding order must be served immediately unless an alternative agreement is approved by the judge. Required forms include:
- Child Support Information Sheet
- Notice of Change of Defendant’s Employment
- Child Support Obligation Income Statement/Affidavit
- Child Support Guidelines
- Child Support Guidelines Notice of Compliance
Accessing Family Court Records
Public family court records — including divorce complaints, orders, and decrees — can be accessed through Alacourt Access or by request at the Circuit Clerk’s office. Adoption records and juvenile proceedings are confidential and not available to the general public. To request restricted family court records, individuals must present valid identification and, in some cases, a court order or subpoena demonstrating authorization.
Marriage and Divorce Vital Records
The Center for Health Statistics at the Alabama Department of Public Health maintains statewide marriage records (from August 1936) and divorce records (from 1950). Copies may be obtained through the Marshall County Health Department or by mail:
Marshall County Health Department
Address: 150 Judy Smith Drive, Guntersville, AL 35976
Phone: (256) 582-3174
Fax: (256) 582-3548
Alabama Vital Records (Mail Requests)
P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
The fee is $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Mail requests should include a completed application form, appropriate fees by money order or check, and a copy of valid ID. Older marriage records may also be available from the Probate Court, which historically issued marriage licenses in Marshall County.
Marshall County Probate Court Records
The Marshall County Probate Court exercises original jurisdiction over the administration of decedents’ estates, will contests, guardianships, conservatorships, involuntary mental health commitments, and adoptions. The Probate Judge also oversees the county’s public records office and handles land recordings, including deeds and mortgages.
Probate Court
Address: 425 Gunter Avenue, Suite 110, Guntersville, AL 35976
Phone: (256) 571-7764
Fax: (256) 571-7732
Email: probate@marshallco.org
Types of Probate Records
The Probate Office maintains records including:
- Last wills and testaments admitted to probate
- Letters testamentary and letters of administration
- Estate inventories, appraisals, and accountings
- Final settlement records
- Guardianship and conservatorship petitions and orders
- Adoption decrees (confidential)
- Land deeds, mortgages, and related instruments
Searching Probate Records
The Probate Office offers online access to land records and probate case records through its digital portal. Users should note that online records are provided as a convenience and may not reflect the complete official record; verification against original documents at the Probate Office is recommended for legal and title purposes.
In-person requests can be made during business hours at the Guntersville office. Written requests by mail should be directed to the Probate Office address above and should include the decedent’s name, approximate date of death, and estate file number if known. Payment for copy and certification fees should be enclosed as a money order or cashier’s check. Notary public applicants filing through the Probate Court are subject to a $10.00 filing fee under current Alabama law.
The Revenue Commissioner’s Office separately maintains property tax assessment records, which can be searched through a property search portal by name, address, PIN, or parcel number. These records are often relevant in estate administration where real property valuations are required.