Court records in Chilton County, Alabama can be searched through several channels. ChiltonCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Chilton County court website, the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts portal, the Circuit Clerk's office in person, or public terminals at the Chilton County Courthouse in Clanton.
Chilton Court System & Jurisdictions
Chilton County is part of Alabama's 19th Judicial Circuit. Court operations are housed at the Chilton County Courthouse, and the Circuit Clerk serves as the official record keeper for all District and Circuit Court proceedings.
Circuit Court
The Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $20,000
- Domestic relations matters — divorce, custody, child support, adoption
- Appeals from District Court
- Juvenile cases (dependency, delinquency)
District Court
The District Court handles a broad range of cases, including:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases involving $20,000 or less
- Small claims (civil disputes of $6,000 or less)
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Traffic and municipal ordinance violations
- Landlord-tenant disputes and unlawful detainer actions
Probate Court
The Chilton County Probate Court operates separately and handles:
- Wills and estate administration
- Guardianship and conservatorship proceedings
- Involuntary commitment hearings
- Marriage license issuance
- Name changes
If you are unsure which court holds the docket you need, start by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office — staff can direct you to the correct division.
Chilton Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Chilton County are managed through the 19th Judicial Circuit. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the Chilton County court website for any posted docket schedules or announcements.
- Contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly by phone to ask about specific hearing dates. The courthouse is located at 500 2nd Ave. N., Clanton, AL 35045.
- Check the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts website, which provides statewide access to trial court records through its "Just One Look" on-demand system. Individual case records typically include upcoming hearing dates.
- Attorneys and registered users can also view docket information through the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal for cases on appeal.
Court calendars can shift due to continuances, judicial reassignments, or emergencies. Always confirm scheduled dates with the clerk before traveling to the courthouse.
How to Get a Copy of a Chilton Court Document
The Circuit Clerk's office is the custodian of all Circuit and District Court records in Chilton County. You can request copies three ways:
In Person
Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse during business hours. Bring the case number or enough identifying information (party names, approximate filing date) for staff to locate the record. You can request either certified or uncertified copies at the counter.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- Type of document requested
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A check or money order for the applicable fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
Online
Traffic tickets and District Criminal fines can be paid online at www.alapay.com. The Alabama AOC's "Just One Look" system through alacourt.gov provides on-demand access to individual trial court case records for a per-case fee.
Vital Records
Certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates are available through the Alabama Department of Public Health – Vital Records division, not the court clerk. The Chilton County Health Department also provides certified vital records locally.
Criminal Background Checks
For official criminal history reports, submit a request through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's background check service. The Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search tool can help locate individuals currently in state custody.
Restricted Records
Some records are not publicly accessible. These typically include:
- Sealed or expunged cases
- Juvenile proceedings (most are confidential under Alabama law)
- Adoption records
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records subject to a protective order
Ask the clerk whether the specific record you need is available for public inspection before submitting payment.
Chilton Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Alabama are set by statute (primarily Ala. Code § 12-19-90 et seq.). The table below reflects standard fees charged by circuit clerks' offices across Alabama. Contact the Chilton County Circuit Clerk to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by legislative action or administrative order.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a court document | $1.00 per page (minimum varies) |
| Uncertified / plain copy | $0.50 per page |
| Certification fee (seal and signature) | $5.00 per document |
| Record search (by clerk staff) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Alacourt "Just One Look" online case lookup | Per-case fee (set by AOC) |
| Divorce certificate (via ADPH Vital Records) | $15.00 (includes one certified copy) |
| Marriage certificate (via ADPH Vital Records) | $15.00 (includes one certified copy) |
| ALEA criminal background check | Varies by request type |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order at the clerk's window. Ask whether credit or debit cards are accepted.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the Chilton County Circuit Clerk.
- Online: Traffic and district criminal payments accepted at www.alapay.com. Alacourt online lookups require payment through the AOC portal.
Fees are generally non-refundable, even if the search does not return a matching record. If you need multiple certified copies, specify the quantity in your request — each additional certification carries its own fee.