Chilton County Public Records

Chilton County public records are kept by the Probate Court and Circuit Clerk in Clanton. The county has around 45,000 residents and uses the statewide Ingenuity system for online court record access.

Chilton County Probate Court

The Probate Court in Clanton handles property records for Chilton County. This office records deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and marriage licenses. You can visit the courthouse to search land records and get copies of filed documents. The probate office also handles estate matters and mental health commitments.

Chilton County has a single courthouse that serves the whole area. All property transfers in the county must be filed here. The staff can help you find records by name, parcel number, or book and page if you have that info. Walk-in requests are welcome during business hours, and the staff is used to working with people who need help finding what they are looking for.

The Probate Judge also handles marriage licenses for Chilton County. Alabama ended the requirement for a ceremony in 2019. Now you just need to fill out a marriage certificate form and file it with the probate office. The fee is $81 for a marriage certificate. Both parties must sign in front of the probate staff or a notary public.

Search Chilton County Records Online

Chilton County court records are available online through the Alabama court system. The state uses a platform called Alacourt that covers all 67 counties. You can search case information, view docket entries, and order document copies through this system.

To search Chilton County cases, go to pa.alacourt.com and create an account. Basic name searches cost $9.99 and include one case detail. Each extra case costs $9.99. Document images are $5.00 for the first 20 pages. The system covers civil, criminal, domestic, and traffic cases filed in Chilton County courts.

For land records, Chilton County does not yet have a full online portal like some larger counties. You will need to visit the probate office in person or call to request copies by mail. Some counties are adding online land record access through vendors, so check the county website for updates. The Revenue Commissioner does have online property tax info that can help you find parcel numbers.

The Circuit Clerk website at chilton.alacourt.gov has local court information and contact details. This is the local page for Chilton County in the state Alacourt network. It lists the clerk staff, court schedules, and links to the paid search system.

Chilton County Court Records

The Circuit Clerk maintains trial court records for Chilton County. Court records include civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, domestic cases like divorce and custody, and traffic matters. Chilton County is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Autauga and Elmore counties.

Civil case records include lawsuits over money, contract disputes, property matters, and personal injury claims. Small claims cases under $6,000 go to district court. Larger civil cases go to circuit court. Both are stored by the Circuit Clerk and searchable through Alacourt.

Criminal records cover felony and misdemeanor charges. Felonies are handled by the circuit court. Misdemeanors usually stay in district court. The clerk keeps files on all cases from arrest through final disposition. Records include charging documents, plea entries, sentencing orders, and probation info.

Family court records in Chilton County include divorces, child custody cases, child support matters, and adoptions. Some family records are sealed or restricted under Alabama law. Juvenile records are not public. Adoption records are sealed unless the court orders them opened.

Chilton County Recording Fees

Chilton County charges fees set by state law plus local additions. These fees apply to recording documents with the probate office and getting copies. Fees may change, so call ahead or check the county website before sending payment.

Standard fees for Chilton County include:

• Recording a deed: $16 for the first page, $4 for each extra page
• Recording a mortgage: $16 for the first page, $4 for each extra page
• Copy of recorded document: $1 per page
• Certified copy: $2 per page
• Marriage certificate: $81

Alabama also charges a deed tax of $0.50 per $500 of property value. Mortgage tax is $0.15 per $100 of the loan amount. These taxes are paid when the document is recorded. The probate staff can tell you the exact amount due based on your document.

Court record fees go through Alacourt for online requests. In person at the Circuit Clerk office, copies are $0.50 per page for regular copies and $1.00 per page for certified copies. Search fees vary by case type. The clerk can give you a cost estimate before processing your request.

How to Request Chilton County Public Records

Alabama law gives you the right to access most government records. The Alabama Open Records Act covers county records. You can submit a written request to any county office for records they maintain. The office must respond in a reasonable time, though Alabama does not set a specific deadline like some states do.

For property records, go to the Probate Court at 500 2nd Avenue North in Clanton. You can search records in person for free during business hours. Copies cost $1 per page, or $2 per page if you need certification. The staff will help you find what you need if you give them names, dates, or parcel numbers.

For court records, the Circuit Clerk handles requests. You can visit in person at the courthouse or use the Alacourt system online. Some records may be sealed or restricted. The clerk will tell you if a record you request is not available to the public.

Other county records like tax records, business licenses, and county commission minutes have different contact points. Start with the county website at chiltoncounty.org to find the right office. The Revenue Commissioner handles property tax records. The License Commissioner handles vehicle tags and business licenses.

Chilton County Property Tax Records

The Revenue Commissioner keeps property tax records for Chilton County. These records show assessed values, tax amounts due, and payment history for all real property in the county. Property tax records are public and can be used to research ownership and values.

You can search property tax info online through the Revenue Commissioner. The site lets you look up parcels by owner name or address. Each listing shows the current assessment, tax amount, and legal description. This is useful for finding parcel numbers you need when requesting deed copies from the probate office.

Delinquent property taxes can lead to tax lien sales. The Revenue Commissioner publishes lists of properties with unpaid taxes. After a period of years, the county can sell tax liens or the property itself to recover unpaid taxes. Records of tax sales are kept at the probate office.

Cities and Towns in Chilton County

Chilton County has several towns and communities. Clanton is the county seat and largest city with about 9,000 people. All cities in Chilton County file property records through the Chilton County Probate Court. Court cases go through the Chilton County Circuit Court.

Towns in Chilton County include Clanton, Jemison, Thorsby, Maplesville, and Verbena. Smaller communities include Isabella, Billingsley, and Cooper. None of these cities have their own record systems. Residents in all parts of the county use the same probate and circuit clerk offices in Clanton for public record needs.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Chilton County. If you need records from a neighboring area, select the county below.