In 1908, the Alabama Center for Health Statistics began the filing of birth certificates for anyone born in the state of Alabama. The filing of death certificates also began during this time. In 2009 alone, there were more than 60,000 babies born in the state. Marriages were first recorded in the state of Alabama in 1936. In 2009, more than 39,000 marriages were recorded. Records for divorces were not filed in the state of Alabama until 1950, and in 2009, more than 20,000 divorces were recorded.

 

Where to Find Alabama Court Records

You can find indexes to all of vital records through the Alabama Department of Archives and History; however, if you need the original certificates, you must contact the Alabama Center for Health Statistics. The Alabama Center for Health Statistics stores, files and issues certified copies of Alabama court records, including certificates of birth, death, marriage and divorce.

If you are in need of information related to judicial proceedings or personal data in the state of Alabama, the first place you need to look is Alabama court records. According to the 2010 census, Alabama has a population of just over 4,700,000. As a result of the millions of residents in this state, obtaining court records may take quite a while due to the massive amount of files that exist in the database.

Alabama court records and details related to a number of judicial proceedings are generally kept in the specific courthouse where the cases were filed. Therefore, in order to gain access to some Alabama court records, you will need to know the details regarding the location at which the case was filed. Your search will be easier when you have more details, as opposed to beginning with a blind search.

It is important to note that the majority of Alabama court records are filed with the county courthouse clerks. Therefore, the court records will also contain files where you can instill your information request or the data that you need. However, you need to keep in mind that you can reduce processing time by narrowing your search for Alabama court records down to a county level.

 

Types of Alabama Courts

When you search for Alabama court records, you should be aware that there are seven layers of court in this state.

·         District Court
This is where you will need to go to find information on Tort, property and contract cases from $3,000 to $10,000, in addition to small claims cases up to $3,000. District court records also contain information related to cases of felony charges, misdemeanor and interstate support. Information related to DWI/DUI and traffic violation cases can be found under district, municipal or circuit court records.

·         Probate Court
Here, you can find information related to estate filings, mental health cases and adoption files.

·         Municipal Court
You need to search municipal court records to find information pertaining to parking and moving traffic violations.

·         Circuit Court
If you need information related to criminal appeals jurisdiction, you need to search circuit court records. Also, you will find information on cases involving contract, property rights and Tort of at least $3,000.

·         Court of Civil Appeals
This is the branch of Alabama court records that you should search if you are looking for information related to civil cases that are less than $50,000 as well as domestic relations cases.

·         Court of Criminal Appeals
This is where you need to look for Alabama court records that pertain to cases of criminal charges, including capital criminal charges.

·         Supreme Court
Alabama court records for civil cases over $50,000, as well as appeals cases in juvenile, non-capital criminal and civil cases can be found through the Supreme Court.

If you need to request certified copies of Alabama court records, you will be required to pay a fee, which is currently around $15.

• Alabama State Court Districts

• Alabama State Legislature