Tuscaloosa County Court Records

What Is Tuscaloosa County Court Records

Court records in Tuscaloosa County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of court activities and are maintained by the Sixth Circuit Court of Alabama, which has jurisdiction over Tuscaloosa County.

Court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
• Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
• Judicial orders and final judgments
• Transcripts of court proceedings
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
• Sentencing and probation records in criminal cases
• Settlement agreements in civil matters
• Marriage licenses and divorce decrees

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. According to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, court records are considered public writings and are generally accessible to citizens, with certain exceptions for confidential or sealed information.

The following courts maintain records in Tuscaloosa County:

• Circuit Court (general jurisdiction for civil cases over $10,000 and felony criminal cases)
• District Court (limited jurisdiction for civil cases under $10,000, misdemeanors, and preliminary hearings)
• Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments)
• Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations and minor offenses)
• Juvenile Court (cases involving minors, typically confidential)
• Small Claims Court (civil disputes under $6,000)

The Circuit Clerk of Tuscaloosa County serves as the official custodian of these records, responsible for their maintenance, preservation, and accessibility in accordance with state law.

Are Court Records Public In Tuscaloosa County

Court records in Tuscaloosa County are generally public documents accessible to citizens under Alabama's Open Records Law, codified in Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which states that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute."

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, and judgments)
• Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
• Court dockets showing scheduled hearings and case status
• Final judgments and orders in both civil and criminal matters
• Property records related to court proceedings
• Marriage licenses and divorce decrees

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order, including:

• Juvenile court proceedings (protected under Alabama Code § 12-15-133)
• Adoption records
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Cases involving minors as victims
• Grand jury proceedings
• Records sealed by judicial order for compelling privacy interests

The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts establishes statewide policies regarding public access to court records, while individual judges may issue protective orders in specific cases. Federal court records for cases heard in the Northern District of Alabama (which includes Tuscaloosa County) are governed by federal rules and are accessible through the separate PACER system, not through county offices.

The Alabama Supreme Court has established rules regarding electronic access to court records through Administrative Order No. 42, which balances public access rights with privacy concerns in the digital age.

How To Find Court Records in Tuscaloosa County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Tuscaloosa County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:

In-Person Requests:

1. Visit the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours.
2. Complete a records request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information.
3. Present valid photo identification.
4. Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies).
5. Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents.

Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk's Office
714 Greensboro Avenue
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 349-3870
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk

Online Access:

1. Visit the Alabama Judicial System's public portal.
2. Create a user account if you don't already have one.
3. Search by case number, party name, or filing date.
4. Pay applicable online access fees for document viewing or downloading.
5. Print or save electronic copies of available documents.

Written Requests:

1. Submit a detailed written request to the Circuit Clerk's Office.
2. Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information.
3. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees.
4. Allow 7-10 business days for processing.

For certified copies of court records, additional fees apply ($5.00 per document), and requestors must specify that certification is required. Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 29, certain administrative fees may be charged for extensive research requests requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time.

How To Look Up Court Records in Tuscaloosa County Online?

Tuscaloosa County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These online resources allow for remote searches of various court documents without visiting the courthouse in person.

The primary online portals for Tuscaloosa County court records include:

Alabama Judicial System's Alacourt.gov:

1. Navigate to the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts website.
2. Select "Public Access" from the main menu.
3. Register for an account (requires email address and creation of password).
4. Choose "Tuscaloosa County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu.
5. Search by case number, party name, filing date, or attorney.
6. Pay applicable fees to view or download documents ($9.99 monthly subscription or per-document fees).

Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal:

1. Visit the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal.
2. Select "Case Search" from the navigation menu.
3. Enter search criteria for appeals originating from Tuscaloosa County.
4. View basic case information for free; document access requires registration.

Tuscaloosa County Probate Records:

1. Access the Probate Court records through the county website.
2. Search marriage licenses, property deeds, and estate proceedings.
3. Note that some historical records may not be digitized.

Municipal Court Records:

1. Visit the City of Tuscaloosa's court website.
2. Enter citation number or personal information.
3. View case status and payment information for municipal violations.

The online systems provide varying levels of information, with some offering only basic case data (filing dates, party names, case types) while others provide full document access. Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 33, certain sensitive information is redacted from online records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and names of minor children.

How To Search Tuscaloosa County Court Records for Free?

Alabama law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. The Alabama Open Records Act establishes the public's right to inspect records without charge, while allowing reasonable fees for reproduction.

Free access options in Tuscaloosa County include:

In-Person Inspection:

• Visit the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk's Office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM).
• Request to view specific case files using public access terminals.
• Take notes from records without incurring copy fees.
• Bring proper identification and case information to expedite the process.

Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk's Office
714 Greensboro Avenue
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 349-3870
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk

Limited Online Free Access:

• Basic case information is available without charge through the Alabama Judicial System's website.
• Case status, party names, and upcoming court dates can be viewed without payment.
• Document content typically requires subscription or per-document fees.

Law Library Access:

• The University of Alabama School of Law Library provides public terminals for legal research.
• Court records may be accessed through legal research databases available at the library.
• Staff can assist with navigating research tools, though they cannot provide legal advice.

Public Library Resources:

• Tuscaloosa Public Library offers access to some legal databases.
• Historical court records may be available through library archives.
• Computer terminals with internet access allow for basic case searches.

According to Alabama Administrative Order No. 42, courts must provide reasonable accommodation for individuals to inspect public records during normal business hours. While inspection is free, standard copy fees ($1.00 per page) and certification fees ($5.00 per document) still apply when requesting physical or electronic copies.

What's Included in a Tuscaloosa County Court Record?

Tuscaloosa County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. The Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration establish standards for record content and maintenance across all state courts.

Civil Case Records typically include:

• Complaint or petition initiating the lawsuit
• Summons and proof of service documents
• Defendant's answer or response
• Motions filed by either party
• Discovery documents (interrogatories, depositions, requests for production)
• Exhibits and evidence admitted during proceedings
• Court orders and rulings on motions
• Final judgment or dismissal order
• Post-judgment motions and enforcement documents
• Appeal notices and related filings

Criminal Case Records typically contain:

• Charging documents (indictments, information, or complaints)
• Arrest warrants and booking information
• Bond or bail documentation
• Defendant's plea
• Motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
• Discovery materials exchanged between prosecution and defense
• Trial exhibits and evidence
• Jury selection records (when applicable)
• Verdict forms
• Sentencing orders
• Probation reports and compliance records
• Appeal documentation

Probate Court Records may include:

• Wills and testamentary documents
• Petitions for probate
• Letters of administration or testamentary
• Inventories of estate assets
• Claims against estates
• Guardian and conservator appointments
• Annual accountings and reports
• Final settlements and distributions
• Adoption proceedings (typically sealed)
• Mental health commitment proceedings

Domestic Relations Records typically contain:

• Divorce petitions and responses
• Child custody and support orders
• Parenting plans
• Financial affidavits
• Property division agreements
• Protective orders in domestic violence cases
• Modification petitions
• Contempt proceedings

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-21-3.1, certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, names of minor children, and medical records. The Circuit Clerk of Tuscaloosa County maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules.

How Long Does Tuscaloosa County Keep Court Records?

Tuscaloosa County adheres to the Alabama Records Disposition Authority (RDA) guidelines for court record retention, which establish minimum retention periods for various document types. These retention schedules are mandated by Alabama Code § 41-13-23 and administered by the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Current retention periods for major record categories include:

Criminal Case Records:

• Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
• Non-capital felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
• Misdemeanor cases: 25 years after final disposition
• Traffic violations: 10 years after final disposition
• Youthful offender records: 25 years after final disposition

Civil Case Records:

• Cases involving real property: Permanent retention
• Domestic relations cases (divorce, custody): 75 years after final judgment
• General civil litigation: 20 years after final disposition
• Small claims cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Protection from abuse orders: 75 years after issuance

Probate Court Records:

• Wills and estate administration: Permanent retention
• Guardianship and conservatorship: 25 years after termination
• Mental health commitment proceedings: 75 years after final order
• Marriage licenses: Permanent retention
• Name change petitions: Permanent retention

Court Administrative Records:

• Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
• Grand jury records: Permanent retention
• Jury selection and service records: 3 years
• Court reporter notes and recordings: 10 years after final disposition
• Financial records (fees, fines, restitution): 7 years after audit

The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides oversight for records management practices, while the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk implements these retention policies at the local level. Records scheduled for destruction are reviewed by multiple authorities before disposal, and historically significant cases may be preserved beyond minimum retention periods.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium may change over time due to technological advancements. The state's electronic court records system maintains backups and archives according to the same schedules that govern physical documents.

Types of Courts In Tuscaloosa County

Tuscaloosa County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels. Each court handles specific types of cases as established by the Alabama Judicial System.

Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court (6th Judicial Circuit)
714 Greensboro Avenue
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 349-3870
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court

The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction handling civil cases exceeding $10,000, felony criminal cases, domestic relations matters, and appeals from lower courts.

Tuscaloosa County District Court
714 Greensboro Avenue
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 349-3870
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuscaloosa County District Court

The District Court handles civil cases under $10,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims (under $6,000), and preliminary hearings for felony cases.

Tuscaloosa County Probate Court
714 Greensboro Avenue, Room 177
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 464-8203
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuscaloosa County Probate Court

The Probate Court handles wills, estates, guardianships, mental health commitments, and maintains records of property deeds, mortgages, and marriage licenses.

City of Tuscaloosa Municipal Court
2122 6th Street
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 248-5320
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuscaloosa Municipal Court

The Municipal Court handles violations of city ordinances, traffic citations issued within city limits, and misdemeanors committed within the city.

Northport Municipal Court
3500 McFarland Boulevard
Northport, AL 35476
(205) 339-7000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Northport Municipal Court

Handles violations of Northport city ordinances and traffic citations issued within Northport city limits.

Juvenile Court of Tuscaloosa County
6001 12th Avenue East
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
(205) 349-3870
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuscaloosa County Juvenile Court

The Juvenile Court handles cases involving minors, including delinquency, dependency, and child in need of supervision (CHINS) cases.

The court hierarchy in Alabama proceeds from Municipal/Magistrate Courts to Circuit/District Courts, then to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals, and finally to the Alabama Supreme Court as the court of last resort for state matters.

What Types of Cases Do Tuscaloosa County Courts Hear?

Tuscaloosa County's court system adjudicates a wide range of legal matters, with each court having specific jurisdictional authority as defined by Alabama Code § 12-11-30 and related statutes.

Circuit Court Cases:

• Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, robbery, drug trafficking)
• Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $10,000
• Domestic relations matters (divorce, child custody, support)
• Property disputes and real estate litigation
• Appeals from District and Municipal courts
• Complex business litigation
• Medical malpractice and personal injury claims
• Class action lawsuits
• Equity matters requiring injunctive relief

District Court Cases:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Civil disputes with claims up to $10,000
• Small claims proceedings (up to $6,000)
• Preliminary hearings in felony cases
• Traffic violations
• Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
• Civil protection and restraining orders
• Involuntary commitments (initial proceedings)

Probate Court Cases:

• Wills and estate administration
• Guardianships and conservatorships
• Mental health commitments
• Adoption proceedings
• Name changes
• Eminent domain proceedings
• Marriage licenses
• Recording of property deeds and mortgages
• Condemnation proceedings

Municipal Court Cases:

• Violations of city ordinances
• Traffic citations issued within city limits
• Public intoxication and disorderly conduct
• Minor shoplifting and theft cases
• Noise violations and public nuisance complaints
• Building code violations
• Animal control violations
• Parking infractions

Juvenile Court Cases:

• Delinquency proceedings (criminal offenses by minors)
• Dependency cases (child abuse and neglect)
• Child in Need of Supervision (CHINS) cases
• Truancy matters
• Underage drinking and possession
• Juvenile drug offenses
• Status offenses (running away, curfew violations)

The Sixth Circuit Court of Alabama administers these various proceedings in Tuscaloosa County, with the Circuit Clerk's office maintaining records for most court divisions. Cases may move between courts based on jurisdictional requirements, with appeals following established pathways through the Alabama judicial system.

How To Find a Court Docket In Tuscaloosa County

Court dockets in Tuscaloosa County provide essential information about scheduled hearings, case status, and proceedings. These official calendars are accessible through several methods established by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts.

Online Docket Access:

1. Visit the Alabama Judicial System's website
2. Select "Case Search" from the main navigation
3. Choose "Tuscaloosa County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
4. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or date range)
5. Review docket information showing scheduled hearings and case events
6. Note that while basic docket information is viewable, document access may require fees

In-Person Docket Review:

1. Visit the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk's Office during business hours
2. Request to view the public docket books or use public access terminals
3. Provide case information to clerks for assistance locating specific dockets
4. Review posted daily court calendars outside courtrooms

Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk's Office
714 Greensboro Avenue
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 349-3870
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk

Appellate Court Dockets:

For cases on appeal from Tuscaloosa County:

1. Access the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal
2. Search by case number or party name
3. View docket entries showing briefing schedules and oral argument dates

Municipal Court Dockets:

1. Contact the specific municipal court directly
2. Provide citation number or personal information
3. Request hearing date and time information

Specialized Docket Information:

• Criminal docket calls are typically held on specific days for each judge
• Domestic relations dockets may have designated days for specific proceedings
• Probate Court maintains separate docket books for various case types
• Juvenile Court dockets are generally confidential and not publicly accessible

Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 33, court dockets must be maintained accurately and made reasonably accessible to the public. Electronic docket information is updated regularly but may experience occasional delays in reflecting the most recent filings or scheduling changes.

Which Courts in Tuscaloosa County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Alabama's judicial system, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of their proceedings, classifying them as "courts not of record." According to Alabama Code § 12-12-1, a court of record is defined as a court whose proceedings are permanently recorded and maintained, with the authority to punish for contempt.

Courts Not of Record in Tuscaloosa County include:

Municipal Courts:

• City of Tuscaloosa Municipal Court
• Northport Municipal Court
• Brookwood Municipal Court
• Vance Municipal Court

These municipal courts handle ordinance violations, traffic citations, and minor misdemeanors within their respective city limits. While they maintain case files and dockets, they do not typically create verbatim transcripts of proceedings unless specifically requested and paid for by a party.

Small Claims Division of District Court: When operating in its small claims capacity (civil disputes under $6,000), the District Court functions with simplified procedures and typically does not create verbatim records of proceedings.

Key characteristics of courts not of record:

1. Proceedings are not automatically transcribed by court reporters
2. Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (completely new trial) in Circuit Court
3. Simplified rules of procedure and evidence often apply
4. Judges may be part-time and are not always required to be attorneys
5. Documentation is limited to basic orders, judgments, and case notes

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeal purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the case is heard anew in Circuit Court as if the original proceeding never occurred, rather than reviewing the lower court's decision for errors.

Courts of Record in Tuscaloosa County include:

• Circuit Court (6th Judicial Circuit)
• District Court (except when functioning as Small Claims Court)
• Probate Court (for certain proceedings)
• Juvenile Court

These courts maintain official transcripts of proceedings through court reporters or digital recording systems, creating a permanent record that can be reviewed on appeal.

Lookup Court Records in Tuscaloosa County

Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court records

Alabama Judicial System electronic records

Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk's Office

Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal

Alabama Court E-Forms and documents