Court records in Jefferson County, Alabama can be searched through several channels. JeffersonALCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additional access points include the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts online portal, the Circuit Clerk's offices in both the Birmingham and Bessemer divisions, and public-access terminals located inside the Jefferson County Courthouse.
Jefferson Court System & Jurisdictions
Jefferson County is part of Alabama's 10th Judicial Circuit and is unique statewide in that it operates two geographic divisions — Birmingham and Bessemer. Each division maintains its own Circuit Clerk's office and handles cases arising within its boundaries.
Circuit Court
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil actions exceeding $20,000
- Domestic relations cases — divorce, custody, adoption
- Appeals from District Court
District Court
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil claims of $20,000 or less
- Small claims (civil disputes of $6,000 or less, handled within the District Court's small claims docket)
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Traffic and municipal ordinance violations
Probate Court
- Wills and estate administration
- Guardianship and conservatorship proceedings
- Involuntary commitment hearings
- Marriage license issuance
- Name changes (when no other case is pending)
Municipal Courts
Birmingham and other municipalities within Jefferson County operate their own municipal courts for city ordinance violations and minor traffic offenses. These courts maintain separate dockets from the state trial courts.
Jefferson Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find scheduled hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week in Jefferson County, use these resources:
- 10th Judicial Circuit website — The Jefferson County, Birmingham Division court site posts scheduling information and notices about cases being heard. Check the site for daily docket sheets when available.
- Alacourt.gov — The Alabama court records portal provides on-demand access to trial court case information statewide, including Jefferson County docket entries and upcoming hearing dates. Search by case number or party name.
- Bessemer Division — Cases filed in the Bessemer Division are tracked separately. Court calendar information for Bessemer cases can also be accessed through the Alacourt system.
- Appellate cases — If a Jefferson County case has been appealed, docket information is available through the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal.
- In person — Public-access terminals inside the Jefferson County Courthouse display current docket information. You can also call the Circuit Clerk's office to confirm a specific hearing date.
Court schedules can change without notice. Always verify your hearing date against official documentation or by contacting the clerk directly.
How to Get a Copy of a Jefferson Court Document
Online
Registered users of the Alacourt system can search for and purchase copies of court documents electronically. Attorneys admitted to practice in Alabama can register for full access; members of the public may use the system's on-demand lookup to view docket information and order documents for a fee.
In Person
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse for either division:
Birmingham Division Circuit Clerk
Bessemer Division Circuit Clerk
By Mail
Send a written request to the appropriate Circuit Clerk's office. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- Description of the document requested
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- 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, background checks, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the clerk's attestation. They are suitable for personal reference but may not be accepted for legal or official purposes.
Certain records — including sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, adoption files, and grand jury materials — are restricted from public access under Alabama law.
Jefferson Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for Jefferson County court records are set by Alabama statute and local administrative orders. The table below reflects standard fees commonly charged by the Circuit Clerk's office. Confirm current amounts with the Birmingham Division Circuit Clerk before submitting payment, as fees may be updated by court order.
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Case record search (per name) | $5 – $10 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 – $5.00 plus per-page charges |
| Certification / seal fee | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| Alacourt online document purchase | Varies by document type |
| Appeal record preparation | Varies; set by court order |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order accepted at the clerk's window. Some offices accept credit or debit cards; ask the clerk.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk.
- Online: The Alacourt system accepts electronic payment when purchasing documents through the portal.
Fee amounts listed above are approximate ranges based on Alabama statutory schedules (Ala. Code § 12-19-90 et seq.). The clerk's office can provide an exact quote for any specific request.