Morgan County Court Records

Alabama court records refer to documents generated in relation to court case proceedings and judicial actions. Some examples include:

• Case information
• Pleadings
• Motions
• Orders
• Judgments
• Hearings
• Proceedings
• Docket entries

Records may also include information from various cases such as criminal, civil, family, probate, and more. Court records function as historical references, facilitating legal research and case analysis.

Are Court Records Public in Morgan County?

Yes. Under the Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, the general public may view and make copies of official records. Consequently, Morgan County court records, including papers, files, and transcripts related to court proceedings and dockets, are open to the public unless otherwise limited by statute.

For instance, access to Morgan County court records may be limited or restricted in certain circumstances, including:

• Since access cannot be allowed for frivolous or illegal purposes, records custodians may require those requesting access to establish a direct, legitimate interest in the material.
• Access to records may be prohibited if disclosure would harm the public interest.
• Businesses have the right to confidentiality for information that may give an unfair business.
• Municipalities can impose reasonable restrictions on inspection times and locations, particularly during business hours.
• Highly sensitive material, such as personnel records or confidential data, should be filtered.

Morgan County Court Records Search

Morgan County requesters have multiple options for conducting a broad search for court records. These include:

• Online Access: The Alabama Judicial System provides online access to documents across the state, including those from Morgan County. This service usually requires a subscription or a charge.
• Morgan County Clerk's Office: Eligible individuals can request court records in person by visiting the Morgan County Circuit Clerk's Office from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. They can acquire copies of documents during the same hours with advance request and are subject to copy fees.
• Public Access Terminals: Requesters can utilize record search computers situated on the lower floor of the Circuit Clerk's office and the fifth floor of the Law Library.

Morgan County Court Records Search by Name

The following are some of the alternatives for conducting a name-based search for court records in Morgan County:

Online Search: Information seekers who wish to conduct a name-based search may visit the Alabama Judicial System's website, Alacourt.com, and follow the steps below:

• Create an account if they do not already have one.
• Choose the option for a name-based search.
• They should enter the full name of the individual they're looking for. An exact and complete name will produce better results.
• After entering the search parameters, they should review the search results to discover the pertinent court documents.
• Computerized name searches cost $10.00 per search. Record seekers should check the Alabama Judicial System's website or the Morgan County Clerk's Office Records Access Policy for the most up-to-date charges.

In-Person Search at the Circuit Clerk's Office

Alternatively, searchers can visit the Circuit Clerk's Office at the Morgan County Courthouse and follow the steps outlined below for a name-based search.

• They should complete a request form, including their full name, date of birth, and case number if known.
• Next, the record seeker must show a valid ID card.
• Please submit the form to the Clerk's Office.
• Then, they must wait for the Clerk to process their request. Depending on the volume of requests the office receives, this could take some time.
• Processing the name-based search attracts a charge. Requesters should call or visit the county's website for exact pricing information.

Morgan County Courts

The Alabama trial court system includes Circuit, District, Probate, and Municipal Courts. The following are the addresses of the many types of courts that comprise the Morgan County court system:

Morgan County Circuit Court
Morgan County Courthouse
302 Lee St NE, P.O. Box 668,
Decatur, AL 35602
Phone: (256) 351-4643 (Civil)
Phone: (256) 351-4644 (Criminal/Traffic)
Phone: (256) 351-4790 (Family)

Morgan County District Court
Morgan County Courthouse
302 Lee St NE, P.O. Box 668,
Decatur, AL 35602
Phone: (256) 351-4643 (Civil)
Phone: (256) 351-4644 (Criminal/Traffic)
Phone: (256) 351-4790 (Family)

Morgan County Probate Court
Morgan County Courthouse
302 Lee St NE, P.O. Box 848,
Decatur, AL 35602
Phone: (256) 351-4676
Fax: (256) 351-4884

Municipal Courts in Morgan County
Decatur Municipal Court
Decatur City Hall
402 Lee St NE, P.O. Box 488,
Decatur, AL 35602
Phone: (256) 341-4676
Fax: (256) 341-4677

Falkville Municipal Court
21 N 1st Ave, P.O. Box 407,
Falkville, AL 35622
Phone: (256) 784-5922
Fax: (256) 784-9510

Hartselle Municipal Court
200 N Sparkman St,
Hartselle, AL 35640
Phone: (256) 773-2703
Fax: (256) 773-2257

Priceville Municipal Court
242 Marco Dr,
Priceville, AL 35603
Phone: (256) 355-5476
Fax: (256) 351-0563

Somerville Municipal Court
24 Courthouse Sq, P.O. Box 153,
Somerville, AL 35670
Phone: (256) 778-8282

Trinity Municipal Court
35 Preston Dr, Trinity,
AL 35673
Phone: (256) 353-4940

Morgan County District Court Records

In Morgan County, the various types of court proceedings handled by the district court are as follows:

• The court handles civil Cases involving disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations.
• The district court handles misdemeanor offenses like traffic violations, minor theft, and simple assault.
• Cases related to traffic infractions, speeding tickets, and other motor vehicle offenses.
• Family Law Matters comprise divorce proceedings, child custody, child support, and domestic violence cases.

Inquirers seeking to access court records specific to Morgan County District Court should consider visiting the courthouse at the following address:

Morgan County Courthouse
302 Lee St NE,
P.O. Box 668,
Decatur, AL 35602

At the District courthouse, they should contact the relevant divisions in charge of the records of interest:

Civil Cases: Phone: (256) 351-4643
Criminal/Traffic Cases: Phone: (256) 351-4644
Family Law Cases: Phone: (256) 351-4790

Alternatively, requesters may wish to access district court court records through Alabama's On-Demand Public Access to Trial Court Records. With a paid subscription, they can search through online court case records.

Morgan County Criminal Records

Requesters seeking Morgan County arrest records and Morgan County criminal records are eligible for documents generated and kept by law enforcement agencies through the Criminal Records Identification Unit of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).

To request a criminal history background check with the Agency, applicants must fill out the Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information (CHRI). Then, they must be fingerprinted and present a copy of their current photo ID.

The applicant must include a payment of $25.00 (each additional copy costs $5.00) in the form of a money order or cashier's cheque. Subsequently, the record seeker should mail the completed Application to Review Criminal History Record Information together with all other required documentation to:

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Criminal Records and Identification Unit
ATTN: Background Checks
P.O. Box 1511
Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1511

If they have additional questions about the Alabama Background Check program, they should contact ALEA at (866) 740-4762 or (334) 676-7897.

Morgan County Criminal Court Case Lookup

To look for criminal court cases that went to trial, inquirers can visit the Morgan County Circuit Clerk's Office at:

Morgan County Courthouse
302 Lee St. NE,
Decatur, AL 35601
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Requesters must dial (256) 351-4790 and select option 2 to reach the Criminal/Traffic Division (Misdemeanor, Felony, Traffic) at the Morgan County Courthouse. Criminal record searchers must contain pertinent information, such as the defendant's name, case number, or other identifying characteristics.

Eligible parties can search Alabama Circuit and District Court case records online. They might search by name or case number to obtain information on court cases.

Get Morgan County Civil Court Records

Civil court records in Morgan County cover a wide range of legal processes, including litigation, family law matters, probate records, small claims cases, land transfers, and name changes or adoptions. These documents provide essential information concerning legal activities involving individuals, families, and businesses.

Individuals seeking civil court records in Morgan County must have a valid basis for the request and an ID for authentication. They may make their record request in person during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by mail to the address listed below:

Office of the Circuit Clerk
302 Lee St. NE,
Decatur, AL 35601.

The Morgan County Circuit Clerk's Office charges $0.50 per page for the first 20 copies of records. If more pages are required, an additional price is charged. Certified copies cost $5.00 per case.

Alternatively, those seeking Morgan County civil court documents can visit Alabama's On-Demand Public Access to Trial Court documents website. They can search by name or case number. The platform generates case detail reports that include baseline case information, court proceedings, case status, setting dates, party details, financial history, and a comprehensive case action report.

The fees for civil court record searches on the portal are as follows:

• Name and Case Number Searches: $9.99 for one case detail, plus $9.99 for each additional case.
• Images are available for $5.00 for the first 20 pages and $0.50 afterward.

Morgan County Family Court Records

Morgan County's trial court system does not have a distinct family court. As a result, circuit courts handle the vast majority of domestic relations issues. The Circuit and District courts share jurisdiction over juvenile proceedings.

Morgan County's Circuit Court handles domestic relations disputes such as child support, domestic violence, and divorce.

Inquirers seeking Morgan County family court records should file a record request to the Office of the Circuit Clerk during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by mail at the following address:

Office of the Circuit Clerk
302 Lee St. NE,
Decatur, AL 35601.

Family court records are critical in judicial procedures because they guarantee fair rulings in family concerns such as child custody, maintenance, and protection. They serve as a historical record of family-related legal proceedings. Furthermore, attorneys, individuals, and agencies use these records to conduct research, provide proof, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

Morgan County Marriage and Divorce Records

• The Alabama Center for Health Statistics started processing marriage certificates in August 1936 and divorce records in 1950.
• Inquirers interested in Morgan County marriages before 1936 and divorces before 1950 can find them at the county's probate and circuit courts or through the Morgan County Archives.
• Anyone offering enough information to search for the record and pay the appropriate cost can request one.
• The search charge for a marriage or divorce certificate is $15.00. Each additional copy ordered simultaneously costs $6.00. The applicant should submit a check or money order payable to the "State Board of Health". Cash is not accepted, and costs are nonrefundable.

To receive an existing Morgan County marriage or divorce certificate, the applicant must submit a completed mail-in application along with the required fee to:

Alabama Vital Records
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, Alabama 36103-562

In Person: Requestors may also visit Morgan County Health at the following address to get certified copies of the county's marriage or divorce certificates.

Morgan County Health Department is at 3821 Hwy. 31 South in Decatur, Alabama 35603. Inquirers can reach the main office at (256) 353-7021 or by fax at (256) 353-7901.

Alternatively, Morgan County residents can order marriage and divorce certificates by using a major credit or debit card. However, they should be aware of additional fees for using this service and upgrading to UPS shipment.

Morgan Birth and Death Records

Morgan County birth and death records are available from the Alabama Center for Health Statistics, which has filed birth and death certificates since 1908.

To obtain a birth or death certificate, an applicant must provide detailed information such as the person's full name at birth or death, date of birth or death, gender, county/city of birth or death, hospital of birth or death, the complete names of the parents before their first marriage, applicant's name, authorization, relationship to the person whose certificate is being requested, mailing address, and daytime phone number.

Morgan County birth and death certificates are confidential documents with limited access for 125 and 25 years from the date of birth and death, respectively. Anyone who can pay the proper costs can obtain a birth certificate, but the person must be at least 25 years old.

In Morgan County, birth and death certificates can be requested by the person identified on the certificate, their parents, legal guardians, spouse, siblings, children, or a legal representative of an authorized person. Beginning May 1, 2017, record seekers must provide ID cards to get a limited birth certificate.

Searching for birth or death records costs $15.00. This search includes one certified copy of the document or a "Certificate of Failure to Find". Extra copies of the same record requested simultaneously cost $6.00 each.

Birth and death records are crucial because they are used as official papers for various legal purposes. They are essential for establishing identity, applying for passports, enrolling in school, and obtaining benefits. Furthermore, they are great tools for genealogical research, providing information on family history and heritage. Death records, in particular, are critical for settling estates and conducting historical and epidemiological research.

Morgan County Probate Court Records

The Morgan County Probate Court deals with various legal problems, such as estate administration, guardianship, conservatorship, adoption proceedings, name changes, and will disputes.

Individuals who wish to receive any of the records mentioned above should visit the Morgan Probate Office on the second floor of the Morgan County Courthouse.

Physical Address:
Morgan County Probate Office
302 Lee Street, NE
Decatur, AL 35601

Mailing Address:
Morgan County Probate Office
P.O. Box 848
Decatur, AL 35602
Office Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm

Interested parties looking for probate court filings in Morgan County can also search their substantial online records, which include public land records and probate filing. Visitors can use search parameters to filter through deeds, marriages, probate minutes, and wills records. In addition, record seekers can look through historical index volumes dating back to 1898.

Morgan County Property Records

In Morgan County, inquirers can access property records through the Morgan County Revenue Commissioner's website. The website lets visitors find information on Morgan County's property taxes, appraisals, and other property-related records. Inquirers can search by real property, business personal property, or GIS maps. The property records search tool allows users to set their search parameters by entering the owner's name, property address, parcel number, and subdivision.

Requesters of Morgan County property records can also look at the Public Land Records and Probate Filings section of the Morgan County Probate Office's website for more county property records.

Morgan County Court Records Online

The Alabama Judicial System provides online access to documents from Morgan County. Using this service typically requires a subscription or a charge. Online databases such as alabamacourtrecords.us may also provide access to Morgan County court records. These platforms provide user-friendly interfaces, allowing individuals to search for specific cases or persons easily. The advantage lies in the accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection, saving time and effort for those who cannot visit the courthouse in person. However, third-party sites operate independently of government agencies. As such, the availability and accuracy of records cannot be guaranteed.