Court records in Calhoun County, Alabama can be accessed through several channels. CalhounCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the Calhoun County Circuit Clerk's official website, the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts portal, or by visiting the Circuit Clerk's office in person, where a public access computer terminal is available for searching court record information.
Calhoun Court System & Jurisdictions
Calhoun County is part of Alabama's 7th Judicial Circuit. Several courts operate within the county, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court manages your case determines where to search for docket information.
- Circuit Court — Handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $20,000, domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, adoption), and appeals from District Court. The Calhoun County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains these records.
- District Court — Covers misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes of $20,000 or less, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and landlord-tenant matters.
- Family Court Division — A division within the Circuit Court that handles juvenile matters, child support, custody disputes, and protection-from-abuse cases. Contact the Family Court Division at 256-231-1740.
- Probate Court — Managed by the Calhoun County Probate Judge, this court handles wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, involuntary commitments, and marriage licenses.
- Small Claims — Filed through District Court for civil disputes involving $6,000 or less. These cases follow simplified procedures.
- Traffic/Municipal Court — Traffic citations issued by state or county officers are typically processed through District Court. The Alabama Traffic Service Center allows you to look up traffic tickets by defendant name, UTC ticket number, and county.
Calhoun Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Calhoun County are managed through the state's Alacourt system. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the Calhoun County Circuit Court website for announcements and scheduling information specific to Circuit and District Court divisions.
- Check with the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, which provides on-demand access to Alabama state trial court records, including docket and calendar data.
- Call the Circuit Clerk's office directly to confirm hearing dates, courtroom assignments, and judge schedules — particularly useful for same-day or next-day hearings.
- Visit the public access terminal inside the Circuit Clerk's office at the Calhoun County Courthouse to search for upcoming case events.
Court calendars can change on short notice due to continuances, settlements, or judicial reassignments. Always verify scheduled dates by contacting the clerk before traveling to the courthouse.
How to Get a Copy of a Calhoun Court Document
The Calhoun County Circuit Clerk's Office is the custodian of Circuit and District Court records. You can request copies through three channels:
In Person
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office and use the public access computer terminal to locate your case. Staff can then pull and copy the documents you need. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number if you have it.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes the full case number, party names, the specific documents needed, and whether you require certified or uncertified copies. Include a check or money order for the applicable fees, payable to the Calhoun County Circuit Clerk.
Online
The Alacourt.com subscription service operated by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides remote access to state trial court records. This is a paid service typically used by attorneys, title companies, and background check firms. For individual lookups, visiting the clerk's office or using CalhounCourt.us may be more practical.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents, suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and official filings.
Certain records are restricted from public access, including sealed cases, juvenile records, adoption files, and records subject to court-ordered confidentiality. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is publicly available before submitting payment.
Vital Records Note
Divorce certificates in Alabama are issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health, not the Circuit Clerk. However, the actual divorce decree and case file are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
Calhoun Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Calhoun County follow schedules established under Alabama law and administrative orders. The following table reflects standard fees commonly charged by Alabama circuit clerks' offices. Contact the Calhoun County Circuit Clerk at 256-231-1740 to confirm current amounts before submitting a request.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Document search (per name/case) | $5.00 |
| Uncertified copies (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy — first page | $1.00 |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $0.50 |
| Certification/seal fee | $5.00 |
| Alacourt.com online subscription | Varies (set by AOC) |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted. Ask the clerk about debit or credit card acceptance, as policies can vary.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the Calhoun County Circuit Clerk. Do not send cash.
- Online: Fees for the Alacourt.com subscription service are handled through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts payment system.
Fees are subject to change. For high-volume requests or bulk record retrievals, contact the clerk's office in advance to get an estimate and confirm turnaround times.