Marshall County Public Records

Marshall County public records are maintained by the Probate Court and Circuit Clerk in Guntersville. With about 96,000 residents, Marshall County sits along Lake Guntersville and uses the statewide Ingenuity system for online court records access.

Marshall County Probate Court

The Probate Court handles property records for Marshall County. This office maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and marriage records. The Probate Judge also handles estate matters and mental health commitments. All land transactions in Marshall County must be recorded here to be valid against third parties.

The courthouse is in downtown Guntersville on Blount Avenue. Staff can help you find records and make copies. The Probate Court has worked to digitize older records, though the online system focuses on more recent documents. For historical records from the 1800s, you may need to visit in person and search through microfilm or original books.

Marshall County has seen steady growth over the past two decades. This means more property transactions and more records to maintain. The office handles several thousand recordings each year. Staff can help you understand what documents you need and how to file them correctly.

Search Marshall County Records Online

Marshall County uses the Ingenuity system for online records access. This platform lets you search property records without visiting the courthouse. You can look up deeds, mortgages, and other recorded documents from your computer or phone. The system is tied into the statewide network that many Alabama counties use.

To search records online, you will need to create an account. Basic searches are often free, but viewing full document images usually costs money. The fee structure varies based on what you need. Some users find it helpful to do a free search first to identify the right documents, then pay only for the ones they actually need.

The online system covers records from recent decades. Older documents may not be digitized yet. If you need something from the early 1900s or before, call the Probate Court to ask what's available. They can tell you whether to search online or come in person.

Property records in Marshall County include:

• Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
• Mortgages and mortgage releases
• Liens and lien releases
• Plat maps and surveys
• Easements and right-of-way documents
• Marriage certificates
• Military discharge records (DD-214)

The county website at marshallcountyal.gov has links to online services. You can also access court records through the state Alacourt system, which is separate from property records.

Marshall County Court Records

The Circuit Clerk maintains all trial court records in Marshall County. This is separate from the Probate Court and handles different types of records. Court records include civil lawsuits, criminal cases, family law matters, and traffic violations. Marshall County is part of the 27th Judicial Circuit.

You can search Marshall County court records through AlacourtAccess at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail. Additional cases cost $9.99 each. Document images run $5.00 for the first 20 pages. The Circuit Clerk website is at marshall.alacourt.gov.

Court records in Marshall County cover several types of cases:

• Civil cases over $20,000
• Criminal felony cases
• Divorce and family matters
• Juvenile cases (limited access)
• Appeals from lower courts

District Court handles smaller civil cases, misdemeanors, and traffic tickets. These records are also in the Alacourt system. Small claims court handles disputes under $6,000. Municipal courts in Guntersville, Albertville, and Arab handle city ordinance violations.

Some court records have restricted access. Juvenile cases are confidential under Alabama law. Sealed records and expunged cases will not show up in searches. Mental health proceedings also have limits on public access. If you need these records, you may need to file a motion with the court.

Marshall County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk office is in the Marshall County Courthouse in Guntersville. Staff can help you search for cases, get copies of documents, and file new court papers. The office handles both Circuit Court and District Court records.

When you visit in person, bring a valid ID. Staff can search records by name, case number, or other details. Copies cost $1 per page for most documents. Certified copies cost more. The exact fees depend on what type of document you need.

Marshall County Recording Fees

Marshall County follows state guidelines for recording fees with some local variations. These fees apply when you record documents at the Probate Court. Always confirm current fees before sending payment, as rates can change.

Common recording fees in Marshall County:

• Recording a deed: $15 for first page, $3 each additional page
• Recording a mortgage: $15 for first page, $3 each additional page
• Copy of recorded document: $1 per page
• Certified copy: $2 per page plus certification fee
• Marriage license: $90 (includes certified copy)
• Deed transfer tax: $0.50 per $500 of value
• Mortgage tax: $0.15 per $100 of debt

The deed transfer tax is based on the sale price or fair market value of the property. This tax is split between the state and county. The mortgage tax applies to new mortgages and refinances. Some transactions are exempt from these taxes, like transfers between family members in certain situations.

Payment methods vary. The courthouse accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Some services may accept credit cards with a fee. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want documents sent back to you.

How to Request Public Records

Alabama law gives you the right to access most government records. In Marshall County, you can request records from various offices depending on what you need. Property records go through the Probate Court. Court records go through the Circuit Clerk. Other county records go through the relevant department.

For general county records, contact the Marshall County Commission office. They can direct you to the right department. Under Alabama law, agencies must respond to records requests within a reasonable time. The 2024 updates to Alabama open records law set specific timelines for responses.

Tips for making a records request:

• Be as specific as possible about what you need
• Include names, dates, and case numbers if you have them
• Ask about fees before the search begins
• Put your request in writing when possible
• Keep a copy of your request for your records

Some records are not public. Personnel files, medical records, and certain law enforcement records have exemptions. Juvenile court records are confidential. If you are denied access to a record, the agency should tell you why.

Marshall County Background Checks

You can use Marshall County court records as part of a background check. The Alacourt system shows criminal cases, civil lawsuits, and other court matters. However, this only covers Marshall County courts. For a complete background check, you need to search multiple counties and the state database.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) handles statewide criminal history checks. These cost about $25 and cover all Alabama courts. You can request one at alea.gov. For employment purposes, many employers use third-party services that search multiple states.

If you are running a background check on yourself, you have the right to see what shows up. This can help you know what employers will find. You can also check for errors in your record and take steps to correct them.

Cities in Marshall County

Marshall County includes several cities and towns. All of them file property records at the Marshall County Probate Court. Court cases go through Marshall County Circuit Court. The largest cities are Guntersville and Albertville.

Guntersville is the county seat and sits on Lake Guntersville. Albertville is the largest city by population and has its own municipal court. Arab spans both Marshall and Cullman counties, with records filed in each county depending on property location. Boaz and Grant are smaller towns with growing populations.

None of the cities in Marshall County meet the population threshold for individual city pages on this site. For city-specific information, contact the Marshall County offices listed above.

Nearby Counties

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