Monroe County Public Records

Monroe County public records are managed by the Probate Court and Circuit Clerk in Monroeville. This rural southwest Alabama county has about 21,000 residents and is known worldwide as Harper Lee's home.

Monroe County Probate Court

The Probate Court is the main office for property records in Monroe County. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and marriage licenses. The Probate Judge also handles estate matters, guardianships, and adoptions. All of these records are kept at the courthouse in Monroeville.

Monroe County has a smaller volume of records than urban counties. This can mean faster service for in-person requests. The staff knows local families and land history well. They can often help you find records even with limited information. Many people researching old land grants or family property come here.

The historic Monroe County Courthouse sits on the town square. Built in 1903, it served the county until a new courthouse opened. The old building is now the Monroe County Heritage Museum. It draws visitors from around the world because of its link to Harper Lee and her novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." But the current Probate Court is in the newer building next door.

Search Monroe County Records Online

Monroe County uses the statewide Alacourt system for court records. This is the same system used by all Alabama counties. Property records from the Probate Court are not available online at this time. You must visit the courthouse or request copies by mail for deed and mortgage searches.

For court cases, go to pa.alacourt.com to search Monroe County records. The system covers civil cases, criminal cases, domestic relations, and traffic matters. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail view. Each extra case costs $9.99 more. Document images are $5.00 for the first 20 pages.

The Circuit Clerk website at monroe.alacourt.gov has basic info about court operations. It lists office hours and contact numbers. Case filing fees and forms are also posted there. But to search actual case records, you need to use the Alacourt public access portal.

Some older records have not been digitized. Monroe County was founded in 1815, and many early records still exist only on paper. The courthouse holds land records from the territorial period. These require an in-person visit to view. Staff can help you find what you need if you give them the date range and names involved.

Monroe County Court Records

The Circuit Clerk handles all trial court records in Monroe County. This is a different office from the Probate Court. The Circuit Clerk manages civil lawsuits, criminal cases, family court matters, and appeals. Monroe County is part of the 35th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Conecuh County.

Civil records include lawsuits over contracts, property disputes, personal injury claims, and debt collection. The county sees fewer civil filings than bigger areas. Most involve local land or business matters. Small claims cases under $10,000 go through District Court. Larger amounts go to Circuit Court.

Criminal records cover felony and misdemeanor charges filed in Monroe County. Felonies are heard in Circuit Court. Misdemeanors typically start in District Court. Traffic cases, including DUI charges, are also in the court system. You can search these through Alacourt once charges are filed.

Family court records include divorce filings, child custody cases, and child support matters. Adoption records are handled by Probate Court instead. Domestic relations cases can be sealed in some situations. Check with the clerk about access rules for specific case types.

Monroe County Recording Fees

Monroe County charges fees set by state law plus local additions. These apply to recording documents at the Probate Court. Fees can change, so call ahead to confirm current rates before mailing payment.

Typical fees for Monroe County include:

• Recording a deed: $15 for the first page, $3 each extra page
• Certified copies: $1 per page plus $5 certification fee
• Marriage license: $70 to $80 depending on ceremony type
• Plat recording: $25 and up based on size

Deed tax in Alabama is $0.50 per $500 of property value. This applies when real estate changes hands. Mortgage tax is $0.15 per $100 of debt. Both taxes are collected at recording time. The Probate Court can calculate these for you if you bring the document in person.

Court filing fees are separate from recording fees. Civil case filing starts at $300 or more. Small claims costs less. Criminal defendants pay court costs if convicted. These fees go to the state and county general funds.

How to Request Public Records

You can request Monroe County public records in person, by mail, or by phone. There is no online portal for general records requests. For property and probate records, contact the Probate Court directly. For court records, contact the Circuit Clerk or use Alacourt online.

Alabama law gives you the right to access most government records. Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, public records must be available for inspection. Some records are exempt, including sealed court files and certain law enforcement records. Vital records like birth and death certificates have their own access rules.

To make a request by mail, send a letter to the right office. Include your name, contact info, and a clear description of what you need. Be as specific as you can about names, dates, and document types. Include a phone number in case staff have questions. Expect to pay for copies and possibly search time.

Response times vary. Simple requests for a single document may be ready the same day if you visit in person. More complex searches take longer. The county has limited staff, so patience helps. If you have trouble getting a response, you can contact the Alabama Attorney General's office for help.

Monroe County Property Records

Property records in Monroe County go back to 1815. The county was one of the first created after Alabama became a territory. Early land grants from the federal government are still on file. These show how the land passed from public domain to private hands.

The Probate Court maintains the official property records. Deeds show who owns each parcel and how they got it. Mortgages show loans secured by property. Liens can come from unpaid taxes, court judgments, or contractor claims. All of these affect property titles.

Title searches are common when buying or selling land. A title company or attorney will check the chain of ownership. They look for breaks in the chain, outstanding liens, or other problems. In Monroe County, this often means checking paper records at the courthouse. The staff can help locate older documents.

The Tax Assessor handles property valuations. The Revenue Commissioner collects property taxes. Both offices have information about who owns what and how much tax is owed. These records are separate from the Probate Court but useful for research. You can find contact info on the county website.

Vital Records in Monroe County

Vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records. In Alabama, the state and counties share these duties. The Alabama Center for Health Statistics keeps state copies. Local offices keep local copies.

Marriage licenses come from the Probate Court. Since 2019, Alabama no longer requires a ceremony. Couples fill out a form, get it notarized, and file it with the Probate Court. The license becomes official once filed. You can get a certified copy from the same office.

Birth and death certificates from Monroe County can be obtained through the Probate Court for older records. Recent vital records (after 1908) are also at the state level. The Alabama Department of Public Health handles these. You can order copies online through VitalChek or by mail to the state office in Montgomery.

Cities in Monroe County

Monroe County has several small towns and communities. Monroeville is the county seat and largest city with about 6,000 people. All property records and court filings for these areas go through the Monroe County offices.

Other communities in Monroe County include Excel, Frisco City, Beatrice, and Uriah. None of these towns have their own courts or recording offices. Residents must use the county facilities in Monroeville for all public records needs.

Nearby Counties

Monroe County borders five other counties. If you need records from a neighboring area, select the county below. Records do not transfer between counties, so you must contact the right office directly.

Legal Resources in Monroe County

If you need legal help in Monroe County, several resources are available. The Alabama State Bar has a lawyer referral service. Legal Services Alabama provides free help to low-income residents. The Monroeville public library has legal reference materials.

The courthouse has self-help forms for common matters. These include small claims, uncontested divorce, and name changes. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they can explain filing procedures. For complex matters, hiring an attorney is recommended.

Monroe County is part of the 35th Judicial Circuit along with Conecuh County. Circuit judges hear cases in both counties. The presiding judge sets the court calendar. Check the Circuit Clerk website for hearing dates and courtroom rules.