Lamar County Public Records

Lamar County public records are kept at the Probate Court and Circuit Clerk office in Vernon. This small northwest Alabama county has about 13,000 residents and uses the state Alacourt system for court records access.

Lamar County Probate Court

The Probate Court is your main stop for property records in Lamar County. This office handles deeds, mortgages, liens, and marriage licenses. The Probate Judge oversees the recording of all real property documents and keeps land records safe for the public.

You can visit the courthouse in Vernon to search records in person. Staff can help you find what you need. Lamar County is one of Alabama's smaller counties, so the office may have shorter wait times than busier areas. The courthouse sits in the center of town and has served the county since the late 1800s.

Property records go back many decades. Some older records have been preserved on microfilm. If you need a document from before the 1950s, call ahead to make sure staff can locate it. The Probate Court also handles estate matters, guardianships, and mental health commitments under Alabama law.

Search Lamar County Records Online

Lamar County has limited online access compared to larger Alabama counties. The county uses the Ingenuity system for some record types. This system allows basic searches but may not have full document images available for all years.

For court records, use the statewide Alacourt portal. This covers all Alabama trial courts, including Lamar County. You can search by name or case number. The system has civil cases, criminal cases, traffic matters, and family court files. There are fees to view case details and download documents.

AlacourtAccess at pa.alacourt.com is your best online option. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail view. Each additional case costs $9.99 to view. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages. These fees are the same across all Alabama counties.

Property records may require an in-person visit. Call the Probate Court to ask about online search options. Some Alabama counties now offer remote access through various vendors. The status of Lamar County's online property records can change, so check with the office first.

Lamar County Court Records

The Circuit Clerk keeps all trial court records for Lamar County. This is separate from the Probate Court, which handles property matters. Court records cover civil lawsuits, criminal charges, divorce cases, and other legal filings. The Circuit Clerk's office is in the same courthouse as the Probate Court.

Lamar County sits in the 24th Judicial Circuit. It shares this circuit with Fayette and Pickens Counties. A single Circuit Judge hears cases from all three counties and travels between courthouses. This setup is common in rural parts of Alabama where case volume is lower.

You can request court records in person or by mail. Bring a valid ID if you visit the office. For mail requests, include the full name of the parties, the case type if known, and a rough date range. Add your contact info and a check for any fees. Response times vary based on how busy the office is.

Criminal background checks go through the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, not the local court. The ABI runs state and federal checks for employment and licensing purposes. Contact them at alea.gov for background check info.

Lamar County Recording Fees

Recording fees in Lamar County follow state guidelines with some local variations. Call the Probate Court for current rates before you send payment. Fees can change, and you want to make sure your check is for the right amount.

Typical fees for Lamar County records:

• Copy of recorded document: $1 per page
• Certified copy: $2 to $5 per page
• Deed recording: Base fee plus per-page charge
• Marriage license search: Varies
• Plat copies: $10 to $15

Payment is usually by check or money order for mail requests. Some offices now take debit or credit cards for in-person payments, though a small fee may apply. Cash is accepted at the counter. The Probate Court can give you an exact quote if you describe what you need.

Deed tax in Alabama is $0.50 per $500 of property value. Mortgage tax is $0.15 per $100 of debt secured. These state taxes apply in all counties. The county may add a small local fee on top. Budget for these when recording real estate documents.

How to Request Public Records

Alabama law gives everyone the right to access public records. You do not need to explain why you want a record. Just ask for it in writing or in person. The county must respond within a reasonable time, usually 15 business days under the 2024 public records law updates.

For property records, go to the Probate Court. For court case files, visit the Circuit Clerk. General county records (like commission minutes or contracts) go through the county offices. Each department handles its own records.

You can make a request in person or send a letter. Include as much detail as you can. Give names, dates, case numbers, or property addresses if you have them. The more specific your request, the faster you will get results. Vague requests take longer to process.

Some records are sealed or exempt from disclosure. Juvenile records, mental health records, and some personnel files are protected. Adoption records in Alabama are generally sealed. The office will tell you if a record is not available to the public. You may have rights to appeal that decision.

Under Alabama Code Title 36, Chapter 12, public records must be made available for inspection. The 2024 updates clarified timelines and fee limits. Counties cannot charge unreasonable fees to discourage requests. Standard copy fees apply.

Vital Records in Lamar County

Birth and death certificates come from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). The county does not issue these records. You can order them online, by mail, or in person at a local health department office.

The Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery handles all vital records for Alabama. Visit alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords to order copies. Online orders take about a week. Rush service is available for an extra fee.

Marriage licenses come from the Probate Court. Since August 2019, Alabama no longer requires a wedding ceremony. Both parties fill out a form, sign it with a notary, and file it with the Probate Court. The license is valid once recorded. Divorce records are court records and go through the Circuit Clerk.

Additional Resources

Lamar County residents have access to several legal resources. Legal aid groups serve northwest Alabama and can help with civil matters if you qualify by income. The Alabama State Bar has a lawyer referral service if you need to hire an attorney.

Useful contacts for Lamar County records:

• Sheriff's Office: (205) 695-7110
• Tax Assessor: (205) 695-7115
• Tax Collector: (205) 695-7119
• Revenue Commissioner: (205) 695-7115

The Lamar County Commission meets regularly at the courthouse. Meeting minutes are public records. Property tax info is available from the Revenue Commissioner. GIS maps may be available through the Tax Assessor's office.

Cities in Lamar County

Lamar County has a few small towns. Vernon is the county seat and the largest city. All property records for these communities file at the Lamar County Probate Court. Court cases go through the Circuit Court in Vernon.

Towns in Lamar County include Vernon, Millport, Sulligent, Kennedy, and Detroit. None of these cities has a population over 100,000, so all public records requests go through county offices. The county provides services for the entire area.

Nearby Counties

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