Morgan County Court Records Search
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Morgan County sits within Alabama’s 8th Judicial Circuit, with the county seat in Decatur. The trial court system serving the county includes the Circuit Court, the District Court, the Probate Court, and several municipal courts. The Circuit Clerk’s Office, led by Circuit Clerk Chris Priest, functions as the central repository for records generated by both the Circuit and District Courts — encompassing civil, criminal, family, and juvenile matters. The Probate Court, presided over by Judge Greg Cain, independently maintains probate filings, land records, marriage certificates, and election records.
Alabama court records can be searched through several channels, including clerk offices, public-access computer terminals located inside courthouses, and online tools provided by the state judiciary. The Alacourt Access platform offers remote, paid access to trial court case data across every Alabama county. Statewide court forms are available through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts e-forms portal. Additional information about the Alabama judicial system and its resources may be found through AlabamaCourts.us.
Important note regarding courthouse access: The Morgan County Courthouse at 302 Lee Street NE closed in February 2026 for electrical renovations. During the closure, county offices — including the Circuit Clerk, Probate Office, and District Attorney — have relocated to temporary sites. Court hearings are being held at the Temporary Courthouse Annex (former MCATS Building), 401 2nd Avenue SE, Decatur, AL 35601, and at the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, 119 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601. Visitors should check the Morgan County Commission website for current temporary locations before traveling to the courthouse.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Morgan County?
There are three primary methods for locating a court case in Morgan County: online searches, in-person visits, and written requests.
Online Searches
The Alacourt Access portal provides remote access to Circuit and District Court case records for all Alabama counties, including Morgan County. The platform covers civil, criminal, domestic relations, and traffic cases. To use it:
- Create an account at pa.alacourt.com.
- Select the search type — by name or by case number.
- Enter the individual’s full name or the case number.
- Review the results, which include a case detail report with basic case information, court actions, case status, setting dates, party information, and financial history.
Fees for the Alacourt Access portal are:
- Name search: $9.99 per case detail report, plus $9.99 for each additional case
- Document images: $5.00 for the first 20 pages, then $0.50 per page thereafter
In-Person Access
The Morgan County Circuit Clerk’s Office provides free-research Alacourt.gov computers in two locations within the courthouse: two terminals on the first floor in the Circuit Clerk’s office and one terminal on the fifth floor in the Law Library. These terminals allow the public to search case information at no charge.
Office hours for in-person visits are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If a requester prefers staff-assisted searches instead of using the free terminals, the following fees from the Records Access Policy apply:
- Computerized record search: $10.00 per search
- Non-active (archived) record search: $25.00 per search
- These fees apply regardless of whether the search produces results
Mail Requests
Written requests may be sent to the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Include a completed request form (available at any division of the Clerk’s office), the individual’s full name, date of birth, case number if known, and payment. Only money orders or cashier’s checks are accepted by mail, made payable to Morgan County Circuit Clerk. Requests are typically fulfilled within ten business days.
Morgan County Circuit Clerk’s Office
Address: 302 Lee St. NE, Decatur, AL 35601 (P.O. Box 668, Decatur, AL 35602)
Phone: (256) 351-4790
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone menu options: Option 1 – Civil Division; Option 2 – Criminal/Traffic Division; Option 3 – Family Division
Copy Fees (Circuit Clerk)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First 1–20 pages (per case) | $5.00 |
| Each additional page | $0.50 |
| Certification (per case) | Additional $5.00 |
In-person payments may be made by cash, money order, or cashier’s check. Personal checks are not accepted.
Are Court Records Public in Morgan County?
Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, every citizen has the right to inspect and copy public writings, including court records. This means that case files, docket entries, pleadings, motions, orders, and judgments maintained by the Morgan County Circuit Clerk and Probate Court are generally available for public review.
However, the statute and related case law recognize several important limitations:
- Juvenile records — Cases involving minors adjudicated in juvenile proceedings are confidential and not available for general public inspection.
- Youthful offender records — Cases where the defendant was adjudicated as a youthful offender under Alabama law are sealed from public access.
- Sealed records — Any case or portion of a case sealed by court order is excluded from public inspection.
- Victim information — Identifying information about victims in criminal cases is protected and not disclosed to the public.
- Adoption records — Files related to adoption proceedings are confidential.
- Personnel and sensitive data — Certain personal or sensitive information may be redacted or withheld under applicable privacy protections.
Records custodians may require that a requester demonstrate a direct, legitimate interest in the material sought. Access can also be denied if disclosure would harm the public interest or compromise confidential business information. The Circuit Clerk’s office may impose reasonable restrictions on the time and manner of inspection during regular business hours.
Detailed information about which Morgan County Circuit Clerk records are restricted can be obtained by contacting Circuit Clerk Chris Priest directly at (256) 351-4790 or speaking with a supervisor in the Clerk’s office.
Morgan County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Morgan County are divided between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on severity. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony prosecutions and appeals from lower courts. The District Court handles misdemeanor charges, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Both courts are served by the same Circuit Clerk’s Office.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case information can be located through:
- Alacourt Access — Search by defendant name or case number; fees are $9.99 per case detail report.
- Morgan County Circuit Court website — Provides general information about criminal/traffic division procedures.
- Free-research terminals in the Circuit Clerk’s office (first floor) or the Law Library (fifth floor) during office hours.
- In-person or mail requests to the Criminal/Traffic Division at (256) 351-4790, option 2.
Paying Criminal Fines
District Court traffic tickets and fines can be paid by Visa or MasterCard through the online payment system at www.alapay.com or by phone at (877) 252-7294. In-person payments are accepted at the Clerk’s office by cash, money order, or cashier’s check.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Morgan County Circuit Clerk’s Office does not conduct background checks. Individuals seeking a formal criminal history report must apply through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The process involves:
- Completing the Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information (CHRI).
- Being fingerprinted and providing a copy of a current photo ID.
- Including a $25.00 payment (money order or cashier’s check) — each additional copy costs $5.00.
- Mailing the completed packet to:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Criminal Records and Identification Unit
ATTN: Background Checks
P.O. Box 1511
Montgomery, AL 36102-1511
For questions about the background check process, contact ALEA at (866) 740-4762 or (334) 676-7897.
Morgan County Sheriff’s Office
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office maintains local arrest and booking records. The Clerk’s Office is located on the 2nd floor of the Sheriff’s Office building.
Address: 119 Lee St. NE, Decatur, AL 35601
Main Phone: (256) 351-4800
Jail Phone: (256) 351-4825
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Morgan County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Morgan County is handled by both the Circuit Court and the District Court, with jurisdiction determined by the amount in controversy. The Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over civil claims exceeding $20,000 (exclusive of interest and costs) and shares concurrent jurisdiction with the District Court for claims between $6,000 and $20,000. The District Court and its small-claims docket handle cases below those thresholds.
Locating Civil Records
Civil case records — including complaints, motions, orders, judgments, and transcripts — are maintained by the Circuit Clerk’s Office. They can be accessed through:
- Alacourt Access for online searches by name or case number.
- The Circuit & District Civil division page on the Morgan County Circuit Court website.
- In-person review at the Circuit Clerk’s Office during regular hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
- Mail requests to the Office of the Circuit Clerk at 302 Lee St. NE, Decatur, AL 35601 (P.O. Box 668, Decatur, AL 35602).
Requesters must provide a valid basis for the request and present identification for authentication. Copy fees are $5.00 for the first 1–20 pages per case, $0.50 per additional page, and an extra $5.00 for certification.
Small Claims
Small-claims actions are filed in the District Court. Alabama law establishes a tiered filing-fee structure based on the amount of the claim. Under Alabama Code § 12-19-71, the base docket fee for small claims up to $1,500 is $35.00, with higher amounts applying to larger claims. Additional costs for service of process, postage, and other court charges may also apply.
E-Filing
Civil pleadings may be filed electronically through the AlaFile system. A standing order from the 8th Judicial Circuit requires that any e-filed motion or response exceeding ten pages (including attachments) must also be submitted in hard copy to the assigned Circuit Judge.
Appeals
The Circuit Court hears de novo appeals from District Court, Municipal Court, and Probate Court civil judgments. Appealed cases are tried again from the start and may include a jury trial.
Morgan County Family Court Records
Morgan County does not operate a standalone family court. Domestic relations matters — including divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, and domestic violence — are handled by the Family Division of the Circuit Court. The Circuit and District Courts share jurisdiction over juvenile proceedings.
Accessing Family Court Records
Family court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Requests should be directed to the Family Division using the official Request for Records form. Requests can be submitted in person during office hours or by mail to:
Office of the Circuit Clerk
302 Lee St. NE (P.O. Box 668)
Decatur, AL 35602
Phone: (256) 351-4790, option 3
Records protected by law — including juvenile case files, youthful offender records, and sealed cases — are not available for public inspection.
Divorce Filing
The Circuit Clerk’s Office handles all divorce filings. Court costs are:
- Uncontested divorce: $236.00
- Contested divorce: $253.00
Payment is accepted only by cash, money order, or cashier’s check. Filing fees are non-refundable. Cases involving minor children require additional forms, including the Child Support Obligation Income Statement, Child Support Guideline Form, Notice of Compliance, and a Withholding Order for child support. Service of the Withholding Order costs $28.00 by sheriff or $6.96 by certified mail. Divorce and child support forms are available through the Alabama e-forms portal.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Protection From Abuse (PFA) petitions are filed in the Family Division on the third floor of the Morgan County Courthouse. Standard PFA petition forms are available in the Clerk’s office and online. An Elder Abuse Protection Order form is available for individuals age 60 and older. For immediate crisis assistance, the local Crisis Services Advocate can be reached at (256) 337-3670, and the Hope Place 24-hour crisis line is (256) 716-1000.
Child Support
Child support payments processed through the court system are managed by the Alabama Central Disbursement Division (ACDD). Contact ACDD at P.O. Box 244015, Montgomery, AL 36124-4015, or by phone at (877) 774-9513. Address changes for child support recipients must be submitted in writing to the Circuit Clerk, Child Support Division, at the Decatur address.
Marriage Records
Alabama eliminated traditional marriage licenses effective August 29, 2019, under Alabama Act 2019-340. Couples now complete an Alabama Marriage Certificate form, have it notarized, and deliver it to the Probate Court for recording within 30 days. The filing fee at the Morgan County Probate Court is $78.00 (cash, debit, or credit accepted; checks are not accepted). Certified copies of recorded marriage certificates cost $4.00 each and can be requested in person or by mail from the Probate Court at 302 Lee St. NE, Decatur, AL 35601. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with mail requests.
For marriage certificates recorded statewide since 1936, the Alabama Center for Health Statistics processes requests at a fee of $15.00 per search (includes one certified copy), plus $6.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Requests for pre-1936 marriages should be directed to the Morgan County Probate Court or the Morgan County Archives.
Divorce Certificates
The Alabama Center for Health Statistics has maintained divorce records since 1950. The search fee is $15.00 (one certified copy included), with additional copies at $6.00 each. Pre-1950 divorce records are available at the Circuit Clerk’s Office.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are managed by the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, which has filed these records since 1908. The search fee is $15.00 (includes one certified copy or a “Certificate of Failure to Find”), with additional copies at $6.00 each. Birth certificates are confidential for 125 years from the date of birth, and death certificates are restricted for 25 years from the date of death. Requesters must present identification and demonstrate an authorized relationship to the individual named on the certificate.
Local copies may also be obtained through the Morgan County Health Department:
Morgan County Health Department
3821 Hwy. 31 South
Decatur, AL 35603
Phone: (256) 353-7021
Fax: (256) 353-7901
Morgan County Probate Court Records
The Morgan County Probate Court handles a range of matters including estate administration, the probate of wills, guardianships, conservatorships, adoption proceedings, and name changes. The Probate Court also records land instruments, marriage certificates, and other documents of public record.
Probate Court Contact Information
Morgan County Probate Office
Physical Address: 302 Lee St. NE, Decatur, AL 35601 (2nd Floor)
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 848, Decatur, AL 35602
Phone: (256) 351-4675
Fax: (256) 351-4884
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
| Contact | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greg Cain | Judge of Probate | (256) 351-4675 | gcain@morgancounty-al.gov |
| Leslie Cowen | Chief Clerk | (256) 351-4684 | ltcowen@morgancounty-al.gov |
| Krista Clay | Deputy Chief Clerk | (256) 351-4681 | kclay@morgancounty-al.gov |
| Probate Recording | — | (256) 351-4675 | probaterecording@morgancounty-al.gov |
| Probate Court | — | (256) 351-4675 | probcourt@morgancounty-al.gov |
Searching Probate Records Online
The Morgan County Probate Office maintains a searchable online database of public land records and probate filings. Users can search by name, date range, or book and page number. The database includes deeds, marriages, probate minutes, and wills, with historical index volumes dating back to 1898. Viewing and printing documents requires a free account — contact the Probate Office to obtain login credentials.
The Morgan County Revenue Commissioner’s property search tool provides additional records related to property taxes, appraisals, and assessments, searchable by owner name, property address, parcel number, or subdivision.
Electronic Recording
The Probate Court accepts electronic recording of certain documents through approved vendors: Simplifile ((800) 460-5657) and CSC ((866) 652-0111). Contact the vendor directly for procedures and fees.
Requesting Probate Records
In-person requests can be made at the Probate Office during regular hours. Mail requests should be directed to the mailing address above and include a description of the records sought, any known case or filing information, and appropriate payment. Debit and credit cards are accepted for in-person transactions. The Probate Office page on the Morgan County Commission website provides further guidance on available services.
Municipal Courts
Morgan County also includes several municipal courts that handle local ordinance violations, traffic citations, and minor criminal matters within their respective jurisdictions:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur Municipal Court | 402 Lee St. NE, P.O. Box 488, Decatur, AL 35602 | (256) 341-4676 |
| Hartselle Municipal Court | 200 N. Sparkman St., Hartselle, AL 35640 | (256) 773-2703 |
| Falkville Municipal Court | 21 N. 1st Ave., P.O. Box 407, Falkville, AL 35622 | (256) 784-5922 |
| Priceville Municipal Court | 242 Marco Dr., Priceville, AL 35603 | (256) 355-5476 |
| Somerville Municipal Court | 24 Courthouse Sq., P.O. Box 153, Somerville, AL 35670 | (256) 778-8282 |
| Trinity Municipal Court | 35 Preston Dr., Trinity, AL 35673 | (256) 353-4940 |
Municipal court records are maintained separately by each municipality and are not included in the Circuit Clerk’s record system. Requests for municipal records should be directed to the appropriate municipal court clerk.