Pike County Court Records

Court records are official legal documents produced by judicial bodies that describe the proceedings and judgments rendered during court cases. In Pike County, these records serve as comprehensive accounts of both civil and criminal cases heard within the county’s courts. They exist so that individuals—particularly those unable to attend the actual hearing—may later examine the details of the case, including pleadings, motions, transcripts, orders, and judgments.

In Pike County, court records are primarily maintained by the Office of the Circuit Clerk, as mandated by Alabama law. The Circuit Clerk’s Office oversees the creation, organization, and long-term preservation of these documents. Pike County court records typically include:

• Names and personal identifying information of involved parties
• Detailed case information (case numbers, filings, and case type)
• Case status updates and timeline of proceedings
• Exhibits and evidence logs
• Filed motions, petitions, and pleadings
• Judicial orders, findings, and judgments
• Court dockets and hearing schedules

Are Court Records Public in Pike County?

Generally, Pike County court records are considered public records under Section 36-12-40 of the Code of Alabama, which affirms the public’s right to inspect and copy most governmental records. Accordingly, members of the public may request and review the majority of Pike County court records without special permission.

However, the law also imposes some restrictions. Certain court documents are sealed or exempted from public disclosure to safeguard sensitive personal information or protect vulnerable parties. These include, but are not limited to:

• Juvenile court records (governed by confidentiality provisions in Alabama law)
• Adoption records (sealed by statute)
• Paternity cases (access limited to authorized individuals)
• Records subject to a court-ordered seal

Pike County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking Pike County court records can explore the following options:

1. In-Person Requests at the Circuit Clerk’s Office:
   The Pike County Circuit Clerk’s Office maintains official copies of court documents. Visitors can request to review or purchase copies of court records during normal business hours.
   Address:
   Pike County Courthouse
   120 West Church Street
   Troy, AL 36081
   Phone: (334) 566-5113
2. Online Databases (Alabama Judicial System):
   The Alabama State Judicial System provides an online portal where users can access certain court records. While a fee may be charged for searches or copies, this service can expedite the research process for those who cannot visit in person.
3. Third-Party Vendors:
   Some private entities compile and disseminate court records. These vendors may charge fees for more convenient or aggregated searches. It is essential, however, to confirm the vendor’s reliability before using their services.

Pike County Courts

Pike County’s judicial system is part of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit of Alabama, which it shares with Coffee County. The Pike County court system includes:

• Circuit Court: Handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000 in disputed damages, divorce proceedings, and certain appeals from lower courts.
• District Court: Addresses misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims actions (civil matters with damages less than or equal to $10,000), and preliminary hearings in felony cases.
• Probate Court: Oversees probate matters, guardianships, conservatorships, name changes, and the recording of vital documents such as deeds and marriage licenses.

All of these courts are housed in the Pike County Courthouse located at:

Pike County Courthouse
120 West Church Street
Troy, AL 36081

Pike County Criminal and Civil Records

Criminal records detail an individual’s interactions with the criminal justice system, including arrests, charges, pleas, and convictions.

• Arrest Records:
  To obtain arrest records originating in Pike County, contact the local law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Each agency maintains its own arrest logs and may charge administrative fees for copies.
• Criminal History Background Checks (Statewide):
  Individuals may request their personal Alabama Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). To do so, complete the ALEA Application to Review Alabama CHRI. Applicants must provide a government-issued photo ID and submit fingerprints either in person or via mail.
  ALEA Office Address:
  301 S. Ripley Street (Adams Avenue side)
  Montgomery, AL 36104
  Mailing Address:
  ALEA Criminal Records & Identification Unit
  P.O. Box 1511
  Montgomery, AL 36102-1511
  The fee for obtaining a copy of your criminal history record is typically $25 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Check ALEA’s official website or call (334) 676-7897 for updated procedures and fees.

Civil court records include documents filed in non-criminal disputes between individuals or entities, such as contract disputes, property matters, and personal injury cases. These records are available through the Pike County Circuit Clerk’s Office. Researchers can request copies in person at the courthouse. Remote access may be available through the Alabama Courts online database for a fee. Searches often require details such as case numbers or party names.

Pike County Marriage Records

Under Alabama law, as revised in recent years, couples seeking to marry in Pike County must complete and file a state-provided marriage license form with the Probate Court. A formal ceremony is not required. Once the form is appropriately completed, signed, and recorded—along with the $71 filing fee—the marriage is deemed valid. If not recorded within 30 days, the marriage is considered invalid.

Obtaining a Marriage Certificate:

• Local Access:
  Once recorded, the original certificate is sent to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). A certified copy may be obtained through the Pike County Probate Office or the Pike County Health Department.
  Pike County Health Department
  101 West Love Street
  Troy, AL 36081
  Phone: (334) 566-2860
• Statewide Access:
  Marriage records are also available through the ADPH’s Vital Records Division.
  Mail-in Requests:
  Alabama Vital Records
  P.O. Box 5625
  Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
  Each certified copy costs $15 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Records before August 1936 must be obtained from the county where the license was issued.

Pike County Divorce Records

Divorce cases are filed and resolved in the Pike County Circuit Court. Once finalized, the court issues a divorce decree. While divorce records are generally public, certain identifying information may be redacted to protect privacy.

• Local Requests:
  Contact or visit the Pike County Circuit Clerk’s Office to request copies of divorce records. Fees may apply.
• Statewide Requests:
  Certified copies (known as divorce certificates) can also be obtained from ADPH’s Vital Records Division, either in person, by mail, or through an authorized third-party provider. Fees start at $15 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies.

Divorce certificates have been recorded at the state level since 1950. For divorces prior to 1950, inquiries should be directed to the Pike County Circuit Clerk.

Pike County Birth and Death Records

The Pike County Health Department and the Alabama Department of Public Health maintain birth and death records. Statewide recording of these events began in 1908. These records are crucial for legal identification, benefits eligibility, genealogy, and public health statistics.

Confidentiality and Access:

• Birth Records:
  Confidential for 125 years after the birth, accessible only to the individual named, immediate family members, legal guardians, or authorized representatives.
• Death Records:
  Confidential for 25 years. During this period, only immediate family members, legal representatives, or others with a direct tangible interest may obtain them.

Obtaining Birth and Death Certificates:

• In Person:
  Pike County Health Department
  101 West Love Street
  Troy, AL 36081
• By Mail:
  Complete a Vital Records application and send it to:
  Alabama Vital Records
  P.O. Box 5625
  Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
• Online:
  Requests can be made through approved third-party vendors.
  Standard fees are generally $15 for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.

Pike County Probate Court Records

The Pike County Probate Court oversees matters related to estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, name changes, and real property recordings. Probate Court records can be accessed by visiting the Probate Office at the Pike County Courthouse or, when available, through online portals provided by the Probate Office.

Pike County Property Records

Property records document the ownership, transfers, and encumbrances (such as mortgages or liens) on real property in Pike County. By law, property deeds must be recorded with the Probate Court to establish public notice of ownership.

• Accessing Property Records:
  Visit the Probate Office in person or access online search tools provided on official county websites. The Pike County Revenue Commissioner’s Office assists with property assessments and tax records.
  Pike County Revenue Commissioner’s Office
  120 West Church Street
  Troy, AL 36081
  Phone: (334) 566-1792

Property searches can be performed by owner name, parcel number, or address. Assessed values, tax information, and property descriptions are often available online.

Pike County Court Records Online

Many Pike County court records are accessible through the Alabama court system’s online portals or approved third-party websites like Alabamacourtrecords.us. While these can be convenient, note that sealed, confidential, or legally restricted documents will not be available online. To access such records, individuals must contact the Pike County Circuit Clerk’s Office directly and follow the proper legal procedures.