Montgomery County Court Records
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Montgomery County is the seat of Alabama's state capital and one of the most populous counties in the state. Its court system operates under the Alabama Unified Judicial System, which consolidates trial-level jurisdiction into circuit and district courts. The Montgomery County Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters above certain dollar thresholds, domestic relations, and equity proceedings. The Montgomery County District Court covers misdemeanors, small claims, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings. A separate Probate Court manages estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, marriage licenses, and certain commitment proceedings. Taken together, these courts produce a high volume of records, most of which are accessible to the public through clerk offices, in-person terminals, and online tools.
If you're searching for court records in Alabama, start with the clerk's office for the relevant court or use one of the state judiciary's electronic resources. The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts operates a statewide case search system covering civil, criminal, domestic relations, and district court cases. The Alacourt portal is the primary online case-management tool for Alabama courts. For broader guidance on how Alabama's court system is organized and where to direct specific requests, AlabamaCourts.us can help you identify the right court and county resources.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Montgomery County?
Court records in Montgomery County are distributed across three primary offices: the Circuit Clerk, the District Court Clerk, and the Probate Judge's office. Which one you need depends on the type of case.
Montgomery County Circuit Clerk
Address: 251 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-1260
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Circuit Clerk maintains records for all circuit-level cases — felony criminal proceedings, civil suits, and domestic relations matters. The office is inside the Montgomery County Courthouse in downtown Montgomery.
Montgomery County District Court Clerk
Address: 251 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-1950
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
District Court records cover misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims, and preliminary felony hearings. The district clerk's office is in the same courthouse complex.
Montgomery County Probate Court
Address: 251 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-1230
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Probate Court handles estate matters, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, involuntary commitments, and marriage licenses.
Online search methods. The most widely used digital tool is Alacourt.com, which lets you search case information across Alabama's circuit and district courts by party name, case number, or attorney name. You'll typically find parties, charges, filing dates, and dispositions. Some document images require a paid subscription. The system covers both civil and criminal dockets in Montgomery County.
In-person searches. Public-access computer terminals are available inside the Montgomery County Courthouse during regular business hours. You can search for case information and request copies from clerk staff. You don't need identification to view public case indexes, though the clerk may ask for identifying details to locate specific files.
Mail requests. Written requests for copies can be sent to the appropriate clerk's office at the courthouse address. Include the full case number if you have it, the names of the parties, the type of record you need, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Enclose payment for copy fees with your request.
Are Court Records Public in Montgomery County?
Alabama law creates a general right of public access to court records. Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, Rule 31 establishes that records held by a clerk are presumptively open for public inspection. This rule applies uniformly across all Alabama courts, including those in Montgomery County.
Certain categories of records are exempt from public access or subject to restricted disclosure:
- Sealed records — any case file or document ordered sealed by a judge is not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records — juvenile proceedings are confidential under Alabama law, with access limited to parties, their attorneys, and authorized agencies.
- Adoption records — adoption files are sealed upon finalization and can be opened only by court order.
- Grand jury proceedings — grand jury records remain secret unless disclosed by court order.
- Mental health and commitment records — records related to involuntary commitment proceedings in probate court are confidential.
- Certain domestic relations filings — financial affidavits, child-interview reports, and guardian ad litem reports in custody cases may be restricted.
- Victim information — in criminal cases, personal identifying information of victims may be redacted or withheld under applicable law.
Under Alabama Rule of Judicial Administration 31, any person may request access to public court records, and the clerk is authorized to charge reasonable fees for copies. Certified copies carry an additional fee. If a request is denied, the requester may file a motion with the court for a determination of access rights.
Copy fees across Montgomery County courts generally follow this structure:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 plus copy charges |
| Court record search | Varies by office |
Fees may differ slightly between the circuit clerk, district clerk, and probate office, so it's worth calling ahead to confirm the current schedule for the specific office you need.
Montgomery County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Montgomery County are adjudicated at two levels. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all felonies and certain serious misdemeanors. The District Court handles misdemeanors, municipal ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and preliminary felony hearings before they are bound over to circuit court.
Searching criminal records. Criminal case information is searchable through Alacourt by defendant name or case number. The system shows charges, hearing dates, bond information, and case dispositions. For circuit-level cases, the Circuit Clerk's office at (334) 832-1260 can confirm case status and provide copies. District-level criminal records are available through the District Clerk at (334) 832-1950.
Arrest records and jail information. Arrest records are maintained by the arresting law-enforcement agency, not the clerk's office. For arrests made by Montgomery County Sheriff's Office deputies, contact:
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
Address: 100 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-4980
The Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and may provide incident reports on request, subject to applicable fees and any investigative exemptions. The Montgomery County Sheriff's website publishes a current jail roster searchable by inmate name.
For arrests by the Montgomery Police Department, contact the MPD Records Division at (334) 625-2831. Incident and arrest reports may be obtained in person or by written request, typically for a per-page copy fee.
Criminal history background checks. A formal criminal history record — commonly called a rap sheet — is not available from the county clerk. Statewide criminal history checks are conducted through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Criminal Justice Information Center. The process requires fingerprint submission and payment of the applicable fees:
- State criminal history check: $25.00
- FBI criminal history check (combined with state): $39.25 (includes FBI fee)
Requests can be submitted through authorized channeling agencies or law-enforcement offices that capture fingerprints electronically via the Live Scan system.
Relevant statutes. Criminal record access is governed by the Alabama Code § 41-9-590 et seq. (Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center Act). Dissemination of non-conviction data is restricted, and certain expunged or pardoned records are not available to the general public.
Montgomery County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Montgomery County is split between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the dollar amount involved and the nature of the claim.
Jurisdictional breakdown:
- Circuit Court handles civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $20,000, as well as equity matters, appeals from district court, and certain statutory actions. The Circuit Clerk files and maintains all pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, and related documents.
- District Court hears civil cases involving $20,000 or less, including small claims (amounts of $6,000 or less under the Alabama Small Claims Act, § 12-12-31). Small claims cases follow simplified procedures and do not require attorney representation.
Civil complaints, answers, motions, and supporting documents are filed with the appropriate clerk. The Alabama Unified Judicial System forms page provides standardized forms used across the state for various civil filings, including small claims statements, garnishment forms, and ejectment complaints.
Civil records can be searched and retrieved three ways:
- Online: Use Alacourt to search by party name, case number, or filing date. Civil dockets, case summaries, and some document images are available.
- In person: Visit the Circuit Clerk (for circuit cases) or District Clerk (for district cases) at the Montgomery County Courthouse. Staff will assist with record lookups during business hours.
- By mail: Send a written request with the case number or party names, along with payment for copy fees, to the appropriate clerk at 251 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104.
Filing fees. Civil filing fees in Alabama are set by statute. Typical fees include:
| Filing Type | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court civil complaint | $296.00 |
| District Court civil complaint | $211.00 |
| Small claims filing | $57.00 |
| Garnishment filing | Varies |
These figures reflect standard statutory filing costs but may include surcharges. The Montgomery County Circuit Clerk's office can confirm exact current fees for specific filings.
Judgments and liens. Civil judgments entered in Montgomery County are recorded in the Circuit Clerk's judgment docket and create a lien on the debtor's real property within the county. Certified copies of judgments are available from the clerk upon payment of copy and certification fees.
Montgomery County Family Court Records
Family-law matters in Montgomery County are heard within the Circuit Court's Domestic Relations Division. This division covers divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, visitation, adoption, and protection-from-abuse orders. Alabama does not operate a separate family court — domestic relations cases are a designated division of the circuit court.
Divorce and custody. Divorce petitions and custody actions are filed with the Circuit Clerk. Alabama allows both contested and uncontested divorce proceedings. Uncontested divorce forms are available through the Alabama Legal Help self-help website and through the state judiciary's forms resources. Filing fees for a divorce complaint generally mirror the standard circuit court civil filing fee. Individuals who meet financial eligibility requirements may submit a request to waive filing fees (in forma pauperis).
Child support enforcement. The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) administers the state's child support enforcement program. DHR can help establish, modify, and enforce child support orders. Court records related to child support cases filed in Montgomery County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and searchable through Alacourt.
Protective orders. Victims of domestic violence may petition the Circuit Court for a protection-from-abuse order under the Alabama Protection from Abuse Act, § 30-5-1 et seq. Petitions are filed at the Circuit Clerk's office. Emergency ex parte orders may be issued the same day. Protective-order files are generally public unless sealed by the court, though victim address information may be kept confidential.
Adoption records. Adoption proceedings are filed in Circuit Court. Upon finalization, adoption records are sealed under Alabama law and are not available for public inspection. To access sealed adoption records, a person must petition the court and demonstrate good cause for disclosure. These proceedings are governed by the Alabama Adoption Code (§ 26-10A-1 et seq.).
Marriage licenses. Marriage licenses in Montgomery County are issued by the Probate Court. Since the enactment of Alabama Act 2019-340, Alabama eliminated the requirement for a marriage ceremony. Couples now complete a standardized marriage certificate form, have it notarized, and submit it to the Probate Judge for recording. The marriage license fee is $70.00 (a one-time combined license and recording fee). Completed forms may be submitted in person or by mail to:
Montgomery County Probate Court
Address: 251 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-1230
Marriage records are public and can be requested from the Probate Court. Certified copies are available for a fee. Older marriage records may also be available through the Alabama Department of Public Health Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery.
Birth and death records. Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health, not the courts — but they are often needed alongside family-law proceedings. Contact:
Center for Health Statistics
Address: 201 Monroe Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 206-5418
Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates are $15.00 per copy. You can request records in person, by mail, or through VitalChek (additional processing fees apply for online orders). Access to birth certificates is limited to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a documented direct and tangible interest.
Montgomery County Probate Court Records
The Montgomery County Probate Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over estate administration, probating wills, appointing guardians and conservators, and involuntary commitment proceedings. The Probate Judge also issues marriage licenses and handles certain other non-contested statutory matters.
Estate and will records. When a person dies owning property in Montgomery County, an estate case may be opened in the Probate Court. A typical estate file includes the petition to probate a will or for letters of administration, the will itself (if one exists), an inventory of assets, creditor claims, personal representative accountings, and the final order of distribution. These records are generally public unless sealed by the court.
How to search probate records:
- In person: Visit the Probate Court office at 251 South Lawrence Street during business hours. Staff can locate case files by the decedent's name or case number, and copies are available at standard per-page rates.
- Online: Some Montgomery County Probate Court records may be accessible through the Alacourt system, though the availability of probate-specific documents online is more limited than for circuit and district court cases. Call the office to confirm what can be searched electronically.
- By mail: Submit a written request with the decedent's full name, approximate date of death, and case number (if known) to the Probate Court mailing address.
Guardianships and conservatorships. The Probate Court appoints guardians for incapacitated adults and minors, and conservators for individuals who cannot manage their own financial affairs. Petitions, evaluations, inventories, and annual reports filed in these cases form part of the court record. Access to certain medical or psychological evaluation reports within guardianship files may be restricted.
Probate fees. Filing fees for probate matters in Alabama are established by statute. Common probate filing fees include:
| Filing Type | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Probate of will / Letters of administration | $68.00 |
| Guardianship petition | $68.00 |
| Conservatorship petition | $68.00 |
| Small estate affidavit (summary distribution) | $25.00 |
Actual fees may include additional surcharges. Contact the Montgomery County Probate Court directly at (334) 832-1230 for a current fee schedule. Publication fees for required legal notices in estate proceedings are paid separately to the designated legal newspaper.
Relevant statutes. Alabama probate law is codified in Title 43 of the Alabama Code (Wills and Decedents' Estates). Guardianship proceedings are governed by the Alabama Uniform Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Act (§ 26-2A-1 et seq.). These statutes set out the requirements for filing, notice, hearings, and record-keeping in all probate matters within Montgomery County.