Montgomery 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.
Montgomery County serves as the seat of Alabama’s state capital and is one of the most populated counties in the state. The county’s 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 exceeding certain thresholds, domestic relations, and equity proceedings, while the Montgomery County District Court presides over misdemeanors, small claims, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings. A separate Probate Court manages estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, marriage licenses, and certain commitment proceedings. Together, these courts generate a substantial volume of records that are largely accessible to the public through clerk offices, in-person terminals, and online tools.
Anyone searching for court records in Alabama can begin with the clerk’s office in the relevant county or use one of several electronic resources maintained by the state judiciary. The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts operates a statewide case search system that allows users to look up civil, criminal, domestic relations, and district court cases by name or case number. The Alacourt portal is the primary online case-management tool for Alabama courts. For broader information about how Alabama’s court system is organized and where to direct specific record requests, AlabamaCourts.us can help users identify the appropriate court and county resources. Official clerk offices, public access terminals inside courthouses, and state-maintained databases each offer different levels of detail depending on the record type and the requester’s eligibility.
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. The method of searching depends on the type of case involved.
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, including felony criminal proceedings, civil suits, and domestic relations matters. The office is located 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 the Alacourt.com system, which provides access to case information across Alabama’s circuit and district courts. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. Basic case information — including parties, charges, filing dates, and disposition — is typically available. Some document images may 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. Visitors may search for case information and request copies of documents from clerk staff. Identification is not required to view public case indexes, although the clerk may ask for identifying details to locate specific files.
Mail requests. Written requests for copies of court records may be sent to the appropriate clerk’s office at the courthouse address. Include the full case number (if known), the names of the parties, the type of record requested, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Copy fees should accompany the request.
Are Court Records Public in Montgomery County?
Alabama law creates a general right of public access to court records. The Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, Rule 31 governs access to court records statewide and establishes that records in the custody of 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 are subject to restricted disclosure:
- Sealed records — any case file or document that a judge has ordered sealed is not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records — proceedings in juvenile court are confidential under Alabama law, and access is limited to parties, their attorneys, and authorized agencies.
- Adoption records — adoption files are sealed upon finalization and may 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 restricted under applicable law.
Under Alabama Rule of Judicial Administration 31, any person may request access to public court records. 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. It is advisable to call ahead or check the specific clerk’s office for the most current fee schedule.
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 conducts preliminary hearings for felony charges before they are bound over to the circuit level.
Searching criminal records. Criminal case information is searchable through Alacourt by defendant name or case number. The system displays 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. 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 upon request, subject to applicable fees and any investigative exemptions. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s website publishes a current jail roster that is 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 known as 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 applicable fees:
- State criminal history check: $25.00
- FBI criminal history check (combined with state): $39.25 (includes FBI fee)
Requests may 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 amount in controversy 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 amounts of $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.
Filing and retrieval. 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 through these methods:
- 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 addresses 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 permits both contested and uncontested divorce proceedings. Uncontested divorce forms are available through the Alabama Legal Help self-help website and from the state judiciary’s forms resources. Filing fees for a divorce complaint generally mirror the standard circuit court civil filing fee. A request to waive filing fees (in forma pauperis) may be submitted by individuals who meet financial eligibility requirements.
Child support enforcement. The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) administers the state’s child support enforcement program. DHR can assist with establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders. Court records related to child support cases filed in Montgomery County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and can be searched 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 public records unless sealed by the court, although 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. A person seeking access to sealed adoption records must petition the court and demonstrate good cause for disclosure. The Alabama Adoption Code (§ 26-10A-1 et seq.) governs these proceedings.
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. While not court records, birth and death certificates are frequently requested alongside family-law matters. These are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health:
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 cost $15.00 per copy. Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or through VitalChek (additional processing fees apply for online orders). Eligibility to obtain 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 the administration of estates, the probate of wills, the appointment of guardians and conservators, and involuntary commitment proceedings. The Probate Judge also handles marriage licenses and 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. Records in a typical estate file include the petition to probate a will or for letters of administration, the will (if one exists), an inventory of assets, claims by creditors, accountings by the personal representative, and the final order of distribution. These records are 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. Copies are available at standard per-page rates.
- Online: Some Montgomery County Probate Court records may be accessible through the Alacourt system, although the availability of probate-specific documents online is more limited than for circuit and district court cases. Contact the office to confirm what is searchable 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 are 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 forth the requirements for filing, notice, hearings, and record-keeping in all probate matters within Montgomery County.