Limestone County Public Records
Limestone County public records are kept by the Probate Court and Circuit Clerk in Athens. The county sits in north Alabama and has seen fast growth in recent years, with a population now around 100,000.
Limestone County Quick Facts
Limestone County Probate Court
The Probate Court in Athens handles property records for the whole county. This office keeps deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other land documents. The Probate Judge also issues marriage licenses and manages estate matters. You can visit the courthouse in person to search records or make copies.
Limestone County has grown a lot over the past decade. More people moving to north Alabama means more property transfers and more records to search. The Probate Court staff can help you find what you need if you visit in person. They deal with real estate closings, title searches, and general public inquiries every day.
The office is on the second floor of the Limestone County Courthouse. Parking is free in the lot next to the building. You can also find metered parking on the streets around the square in downtown Athens. Plan to arrive early if you have a lot of records to look through.
| Address |
310 West Washington Street Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-6427 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | limestonecounty-al.gov |
Search Limestone County Records Online
Limestone County uses the Ingenuity system for online property records. This lets you search deeds, mortgages, and other recorded documents from home. The system is free to search. You can look up records by name, document type, or date range without paying a fee.
The online index goes back several decades. However, older records may only show basic info like names and dates. To see the full document image, you might need to visit the courthouse or request a copy by mail. Recent records from the past 10 to 15 years usually have images you can view online.
To use the Ingenuity portal:
- Go to the Limestone County Probate website
- Click the link for online records search
- Enter your search terms (name, date, document type)
- View results and note book and page numbers
- Request copies online or in person
The portal works well for basic searches. If you need help with a complex title search or have trouble finding a record, call the Probate Court. Staff there can guide you through the system or look up records for you while you wait on the phone.
Limestone County Court Records
The Circuit Clerk handles all trial court records in Limestone County. This is a separate office from the Probate Court. Court records cover civil cases, criminal cases, domestic relations, and traffic matters. The Circuit Clerk keeps case files, judgments, and other court documents.
Limestone County is part of the 39th Judicial Circuit. This circuit includes only Limestone County, so all cases from the county stay local. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases and civil matters over $20,000. District Court handles misdemeanors and smaller civil claims.
You can search Limestone County court records through AlacourtAccess at pa.alacourt.com. The state system covers all Alabama courts. A basic name search costs $9.99. This gets you one case detail. Extra cases are $9.99 each. Document images cost $5.00 for up to 20 pages.
The Circuit Clerk also has a local website at limestone.alacourt.gov. This site has office info, forms, and links to the state search portal. You can visit the Circuit Clerk office in the courthouse if you need to review physical case files or get certified copies of court documents.
| Circuit Clerk |
310 West Washington Street Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-6453 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | limestone.alacourt.gov |
Limestone County Recording Fees
Limestone County follows state guidelines for most recording fees. The Probate Court sets some local fees for copies and services. Always check current rates before you mail a payment. Fees can change with little notice.
Common fees in Limestone County:
- Recording a deed: $13 for first page, $4 each extra page
- Recording a mortgage: $13 for first page, $4 each extra page
- Copy of recorded document: $1 per page
- Certified copy: $2 per page
- Marriage license: $77
Alabama charges deed tax and mortgage tax on top of recording fees. Deed tax runs $0.50 per $500 of sale price. Mortgage tax is $0.15 per $100 of the loan amount. These taxes go to the state, not the county. The Probate Court collects them at the time of recording.
For court records, fees follow the state schedule. A certified copy of a court document is usually $1 per page plus a certification fee. The Circuit Clerk can give you exact costs before you order copies.
How to Request Public Records
Alabama law gives you the right to access most government records. This includes county records in Limestone County. You can make a request in person, by mail, or by phone. Some offices also take email requests.
For property records, go to the Probate Court. Staff can search records while you wait. They can make copies on the spot. For court records, visit the Circuit Clerk. Each office handles its own records and sets its own copy fees.
Under state law, the county must respond to records requests within 15 business days. Complex requests may take longer. The county can charge for copies but not for staff time to search records. If a record is exempt from disclosure, the county must tell you why.
Tips for faster service:
- Be specific about what records you want
- Give names, dates, and document types if you know them
- Ask about fees before you request copies
- Call ahead to make sure the office has what you need
Some records are not public. Court records involving juveniles are sealed. Adoption records are confidential. Mental health records are protected. If you ask for a record that is restricted, the county will let you know.
Property Tax Records
The Limestone County Revenue Commissioner handles property tax records. This is separate from the Probate Court, which deals with deeds and mortgages. The Revenue Commissioner assesses property values and collects taxes each year.
You can search property tax records online through the county website. The system shows assessed values, tax amounts, and payment status. This helps if you want to check taxes before buying a property or need to verify tax payments.
The Revenue Commissioner office is in the courthouse annex near the main courthouse building. Hours are the same as other county offices. You can pay property taxes in person, by mail, or online through the county payment portal.
Cities in Limestone County
Limestone County has several cities and towns. Athens is the largest and serves as the county seat. All property records for cities in Limestone County go through the Probate Court in Athens. Court cases are handled by the Circuit and District Courts at the county level.
Major cities in Limestone County include Athens, Ardmore, Elkmont, and Mooresville. None of these cities have populations over 100,000, so they file all records through county offices. If you need records for a specific city, start your search at the county level.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Limestone County. If you need records from a neighboring area, select the county below.
Madison County to the east is home to Huntsville and has extensive online records. Morgan County to the south covers Decatur and the surrounding area. Lawrence and Lauderdale counties are to the west along the Tennessee River.
Legal Resources in Limestone County
If you need help with a legal matter in Limestone County, several resources are available. Legal Aid of North Central Alabama serves low-income residents in the area. They help with civil cases like housing, family law, and benefits issues.
The Limestone County Bar Association can refer you to local attorneys. Many lawyers in Athens handle real estate, family law, and general civil matters. For criminal cases, the court can appoint a public defender if you qualify.
The Athens-Limestone Public Library has legal resources you can use for free. This includes access to legal databases and self-help materials. Library staff can point you to resources but cannot give legal advice.
For questions about specific records or fees, contact the appropriate county office directly. The Probate Court handles property and marriage records. The Circuit Clerk handles court cases. The Revenue Commissioner handles property taxes. Each office has staff who can answer questions about their records.