Winston County Public Records

Winston County public records are kept by the Probate Court and Circuit Clerk in Double Springs. This rural northwest Alabama county serves about 24,000 residents and provides online access to probate records through the Ingenuity system.

The Free State of Winston

Winston County holds a unique place in Alabama history. When Alabama voted to secede from the Union in 1861, many Winston County residents opposed the decision. A famous meeting at Looney's Tavern saw locals discuss forming an independent "Republic of Winston" that would stay neutral during the Civil War.

While the county never truly seceded from Alabama, it earned the nickname "The Free State of Winston." Today, the Dual Destiny Monument stands at the courthouse. This statue shows a soldier split in half. One side wears a Union uniform. The other side wears Confederate gray. It honors those who fought on both sides of the conflict. This heritage adds context to records research, as you may find ancestors who took very different paths during this era.

Winston County Probate Court

The Probate Court is the main office for property records in Winston County. Hon. Sheila G. Moore serves as Probate Judge. The office handles deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licenses, and estate matters. You can visit in person or use the online portal to search records.

The courthouse itself is worth a note. Built in 1894 from local sandstone, it sits on the National Register of Historic Places. This makes Winston County one of few Alabama counties still using an original 19th century courthouse. The building houses both the Probate Court and other county offices.

Search Winston County Records Online

Winston County uses the Ingenuity system for online probate records. This web portal lets you search property records without visiting Double Springs. The system includes an index of recorded documents and basic search tools.

The Ingenuity portal at ingprobate.com/Winston_probate offers these search options:

• Name search for grantors and grantees
• Document type filters
• Date range search
• Book and page lookup

Free searching is available. Document images may require a fee or account. The depth of online records varies. Older records may only be available in person at the courthouse. Call ahead to check if the specific records you need are online or if you must visit.

For best results, try multiple name spellings. Rural records from past decades often have variations in how names were written. A search for "Smith" might miss entries spelled "Smyth" in older indexes.

Winston County Court Records

The Circuit Clerk keeps all trial court records for Winston County. This includes civil lawsuits, criminal cases, family court matters, and traffic offenses. Winston County is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Marion County.

Use AlacourtAccess at pa.alacourt.com to search Winston County court records. Name searches cost $9.99 and include details on one case. Additional cases cost $9.99 each. Document images run $5.00 for up to 20 pages. The Circuit Clerk website at winston.alacourt.gov has local contact info and office hours.

Winston County court records go back many decades. However, not all old records are digitized. For cases before the 1990s, you may need to request a search from the clerk or visit in person. The staff can pull physical files from storage if you give them enough notice.

Court records and probate records are kept separate. If you need both a deed and a court case, you must use two different systems. The Probate Court handles property records. The Circuit Clerk handles court case files. Do not assume one office can help with the other's records.

Winston County Recording Fees

Winston County follows Alabama's standard fee schedule for most recordings. Fees help cover the cost of maintaining and indexing records. Confirm current rates before you mail payment, as fees can change.

Typical fees for Winston County:

• Recording a deed: $12 for first page, $3 each additional page
• Copy of recorded document: $1 per page
• Certified copy: $2 per page plus certification fee
• Marriage license: around $77
• Deed tax: $0.50 per $500 of property value
• Mortgage tax: $0.15 per $100 of debt

Payment methods vary. The courthouse accepts cash and checks. Some services may accept credit cards but might add a processing fee. Ask about payment options when you call or visit. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check payable to Winston County Probate Court.

Winston County Archives

The county archives hold historical records that may not be online. These include old deed books, marriage registers, and estate files. The archives are open Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Hours are limited, so plan your visit accordingly.

Researchers looking into Winston County history often find valuable records here. The county's Civil War era is well documented, though some records were lost or damaged over the years. Land records from the mid-1800s show the original settlements in the area. Many families trace back to the earliest deeds filed in this courthouse.

The Sipsey Wilderness and William B. Bankhead National Forest cover large parts of Winston County. Federal land records for these areas are held by the Bureau of Land Management, not the county. If you need records about national forest land, start with the BLM General Land Office records at glorecords.blm.gov.

How to Request Public Records

You can request Winston County public records in several ways. The easiest path depends on what type of record you need and how fast you need it.

For property records and vital records, contact the Probate Court directly. Call (205) 489-5219 or visit the courthouse in Double Springs. Explain what record you need. Staff can search their index and tell you if the document is available. They can make copies while you wait or mail them to you.

For court records, go through the Circuit Clerk. Use the Alacourt system for quick searches. For older cases or detailed requests, call the clerk's office. They can pull files from storage if needed.

Mail requests work for most record types. Include as much detail as possible. Give names, approximate dates, and document types. Include your return address and phone number. Enclose a check for estimated fees. The office will contact you if the actual cost differs or if they need more information to find the record.

Alabama Public Records Law

Alabama law gives citizens the right to access most public records. The Alabama Open Records Act sets the rules for how agencies must respond to requests. Recent updates in 2024 added clearer timelines and fee limits.

Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, public writings are open for inspection. This covers most county records that are not sealed by court order or protected by privacy laws. You do not need to give a reason to view public records. The office cannot ask why you want them.

Some records have restrictions. Adoption files, sealed court cases, and certain juvenile records are not public. Medical records and personal identifying information may be redacted from documents you receive. If a record is denied, the office should explain which law or rule applies.

Response times matter. Most requests should get a response within 15 business days. Complex requests may take longer. If the office delays without good reason, you may have options to appeal or seek help from state officials.

Cities and Towns in Winston County

Winston County has several small towns and communities. All property records for these areas file through the Winston County Probate Court in Double Springs. Court cases go through the Winston County Circuit Court.

Towns in Winston County include Double Springs, Addison, Arley, Haleyville (partly in Marion County), Lynn, and Nauvoo. None of these towns have populations over 100,000, so records for all are handled at the county level. The town of Haleyville straddles the Winston-Marion county line. Check which county covers the specific address when requesting records there.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Winston County. If you need records from a neighboring area, select the county below to find contact information and online resources.

Additional Resources

These links can help with Winston County research:

• Alabama Vital Records - Birth and death certificates from the state
• Alabama Department of Revenue - Tax records and property assessments
• Alabama Department of Archives and History - Historical records and research guides
• Alabama Legal Help - Free legal resources and self-help tools

The Winston County Historical Society and local genealogy groups may also have records not available through official channels. These volunteer organizations often have family files, cemetery records, and church documents that fill gaps in government records.