Mobile County Court Records
What Is Mobile County Court Records
Court records in Mobile County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of court activities and legal matters processed through the various courts operating within Mobile County, Alabama.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status information
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate documents including wills and estate administration records
These records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by different government entities. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, known as the Public Records Law, court records are generally considered public documents subject to inspection by citizens.
The Mobile County Probate Court maintains extensive records related to probate matters, property transactions, marriage licenses, and other civil documentation. Meanwhile, the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court handles records for criminal proceedings, civil litigation, domestic relations, and juvenile matters.
Are Court Records Public In Mobile County
Court records in Mobile County are generally public documents accessible to citizens under Alabama law. The Alabama Public Records Law, codified in Alabama Code § 36-12-40, establishes that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute."
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with limited exceptions for sealed cases)
- Criminal case files (post-charging, with certain juvenile exceptions)
- Court judgments and orders
- Docket sheets and hearing schedules
- Property records and deeds
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate records including wills and estate matters
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order, including:
- Juvenile court records (per Alabama Code § 12-15-133)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Cases involving minors as victims
- Records sealed by judicial order for privacy or security concerns
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts establishes statewide policies regarding court record access, while individual courts may have specific local rules governing record inspection procedures. Federal court records for cases heard in the Southern District of Alabama (which includes Mobile County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state law.
How To Find Court Records in Mobile County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Mobile County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the type of record sought and its age.
For in-person requests at the Mobile County Probate Court:
- Visit the Records Division during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form specifying the desired documents
- Provide case numbers or names of parties involved when available
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
Mobile County Probate Court Records Division
Mobile Government Plaza
151 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36602
(251) 574-6080
Mobile County Probate Court
For Circuit and District Court records:
- Visit the Clerk's Office at the appropriate courthouse
- Submit a written request form specifying the case information
- Allow processing time for older or archived records
- Pay required fees for searches and document reproduction
Mobile County Circuit Court Clerk
Government Plaza
205 Government Street, Suite 913
Mobile, AL 36644
(251) 574-8806
Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court
For electronic access to recent court records:
- Register for an account with Alabama's Alacourt system
- Pay subscription fees if applicable
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Download available documents directly from the system
For historical records predating digital systems:
- Contact the Mobile County Probate Court Records Division for guidance
- Provide as much identifying information as possible
- Allow additional processing time for retrieval from archives
- Be prepared to pay research fees for extensive searches
How To Look Up Court Records in Mobile County Online?
Mobile County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits for many record types.
The primary online resources include:
-
Alacourt - Alabama's Statewide Court System
- Access via the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
- Requires registration and subscription fees for full access
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- View case status, docket entries, and some document images
- Covers Circuit, District, and Municipal courts
-
Mobile County Probate Court Online Records Search
- Available through the Probate Court's Records Search portal
- Search property records, marriage licenses, and probate cases
- Free basic search functionality
- Document viewing may require fees
- Includes historical records dating back several decades
-
Mobile County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
- Provides information on current jail inmates
- Search by name or booking number
- Displays charges, bond amounts, and court dates
- Updated regularly throughout each day
To conduct an effective online search:
- Gather identifying information before beginning (case numbers, exact name spellings, property addresses)
- Select the appropriate database based on record type
- Use advanced search filters when available to narrow results
- Be prepared to pay for document downloads or certified copies
- Note that some older records may not be available digitally
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete records for all cases, particularly those predating digital conversion or those with special confidentiality provisions.
How To Search Mobile County Court Records for Free?
Alabama law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Mobile County offers several options for free record searches.
For in-person free access:
- Visit the Mobile County Probate Court public terminals during business hours
- Use self-service computers at the Circuit Court Clerk's office
- Examine physical case files with assistance from court staff
- Take notes at no charge (though copying fees will apply)
Mobile County Probate Court
Mobile Government Plaza
151 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36602
(251) 574-6080
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Government Plaza
205 Government Street, Suite 913
Mobile, AL 36644
(251) 574-8806
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For free online access:
- The Probate Court Records Search offers basic search functionality without charge
- The Mobile County Sheriff's inmate lookup provides free booking information
- Public court calendars and dockets are viewable without fees
- Case status information is often available without subscription
Per Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 33, courts must provide reasonable access to public records, though they may charge for reproduction costs and extensive research assistance. Individuals with financial hardship may petition the court for fee waivers in certain circumstances.
What's Included in a Mobile County Court Record?
The contents of Mobile County court records vary by case type and court of origin. However, most case files contain standard components that document the proceedings from initiation through disposition.
Typical contents of civil case records include:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service documents
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Court orders and rulings on motions
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Final judgment or dismissal order
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documentation if applicable
Criminal case records typically contain:
- Charging documents (indictment, information, or complaint)
- Arrest warrant and return of service
- Bail or bond documentation
- Defendant's plea
- Pretrial motions and orders
- Evidence suppression hearing transcripts
- Jury selection records in applicable cases
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Appeal notices and briefs
Probate court records may include:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Letters testamentary or of administration
- Inventory of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Guardian/conservator appointments
- Annual accountings and reports
- Final settlements and distributions
Family court records typically contain:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody determinations
- Support orders and modifications
- Domestic violence protection orders
- Adoption proceedings (often sealed)
- Paternity determinations
How Long Does Mobile County Keep Court Records?
Mobile County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History and the Administrative Office of Courts. These schedules vary by record type and significance.
Permanent retention applies to:
- All Circuit Court criminal felony case files
- Civil judgments and final orders
- Probate court wills and estate settlements
- Property deeds and mortgage records
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Adoption records (though sealed from public view)
- Court docket books and indexes
Limited retention periods apply to:
- Misdemeanor cases: 25 years after final disposition
- Traffic violations: 10 years after final disposition
- Small claims cases: 10 years after judgment
- Domestic violence protection orders: 25 years
- Juvenile records: Until subject reaches age 23 (with exceptions)
- Administrative records: Varies by document type
The Alabama Local Government Records Commission, operating under authority of Alabama Code § 41-13-23, establishes these retention requirements. Courts must receive commission approval before destroying any official records.
Digital preservation efforts are ongoing, with many historical records being converted to electronic format for permanent retention. However, some older records may exist only in paper form and require special handling for access.
Types of Courts In Mobile County
Mobile County's judicial system consists of several court types, each with distinct jurisdiction and record-keeping practices.
Mobile County Circuit Court
Government Plaza
205 Government Street, Suite 913
Mobile, AL 36644
(251) 574-8806
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court
The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction handling:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters exceeding $10,000
- Domestic relations cases
- Appeals from lower courts
Mobile County District Court
Government Plaza
205 Government Street, Suite 514
Mobile, AL 36644
(251) 574-8200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The District Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil matters under $10,000
- Small claims cases
- Traffic violations
Mobile County Probate Court
Mobile Government Plaza
151 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36602
(251) 574-6080
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mobile County Probate Court
The Probate Court maintains jurisdiction over:
- Wills and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Mental health commitments
- Marriage licenses
- Property records and deeds
- Business licenses
Mobile Municipal Court
1905 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36606
(251) 208-7178
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Municipal Court handles:
- City ordinance violations
- Traffic citations issued within city limits
- Minor misdemeanors occurring within city limits
Juvenile Court
James T. Strickland Youth Center
2315 Costarides Street
Mobile, AL 36617
(251) 574-1450
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Juvenile Court handles:
- Delinquency proceedings
- Child dependency cases
- Child in Need of Supervision (CHINS) cases
Appeals from these courts generally proceed to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals, and ultimately to the Alabama Supreme Court.
What Types of Cases Do Mobile County Courts Hear?
Mobile County's courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by Alabama law.
The Circuit Court, as the primary trial court of general jurisdiction, handles:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $10,000
- Domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, support)
- Property disputes and real estate litigation
- Complex business and commercial litigation
- Appeals from District Court, Municipal Court, and administrative agencies
- Jury trials in both civil and criminal matters
The District Court's jurisdiction includes:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil disputes with claims up to $10,000
- Small claims proceedings (up to $6,000)
- Traffic violations and DUI cases
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- Emergency protection orders
The Probate Court handles:
- Wills and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Adoption records (though hearings occur in Circuit Court)
- Marriage licenses and records
- Property deed recording and maintenance
- Business license issuance
- Notary public commissions
The Municipal Court adjudicates:
- Violations of city ordinances
- Traffic citations issued by city police
- Minor criminal offenses occurring within city limits
- Parking violations
- Public nuisance cases
The Juvenile Court has exclusive jurisdiction over:
- Delinquency proceedings for minors
- Dependency cases involving child abuse or neglect
- Child in Need of Supervision (CHINS) cases
- Termination of parental rights proceedings
- Juvenile status offenses
Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established in the Alabama Code § 12-11-30 for Circuit Courts and Alabama Code § 12-12-31 for District Courts.
How To Find a Court Docket In Mobile County
Court dockets in Mobile County provide schedules of hearings, trials, and other proceedings. These calendars are public documents that can be accessed through several methods.
For Circuit and District Court dockets:
- Visit the Alacourt system online (subscription required for full access)
- Call the Circuit Clerk's office at (251) 574-8806 for hearing information
- Check the public terminals at the courthouse during business hours
- Request docket information from the appropriate court division clerk
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Government Plaza
205 Government Street, Suite 913
Mobile, AL 36644
(251) 574-8806
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For Probate Court hearing schedules:
- Visit the Probate Court website for calendar information
- Call the Probate Court at (251) 574-6080
- Check posted schedules at the Probate Court office
For Municipal Court appearances:
- Contact the Municipal Court Clerk at (251) 208-7178
- Check the city court website for daily dockets
- Visit the court clerk's office in person
When searching for docket information, be prepared to provide:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of scheduled proceeding
- Type of hearing or proceeding
Court dockets are typically prepared in advance but may change due to continuances, settlements, or judicial scheduling conflicts. It is advisable to verify hearing dates shortly before the scheduled appearance.
Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 33, courts must make reasonable accommodations for public access to scheduling information while maintaining security and orderly proceedings.
Which Courts in Mobile County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Alabama's judicial system, "courts of record" maintain comprehensive documentation of proceedings, including verbatim transcripts, while "courts not of record" typically keep only minimal documentation of outcomes without detailed transcripts.
The following Mobile County courts are not courts of record:
- Municipal Court of the City of Mobile
- Small Claims division of District Court (for claims under $6,000)
- Administrative hearing tribunals (such as license revocation hearings)
These non-record courts have several distinguishing characteristics:
- Proceedings are not typically recorded verbatim by court reporters
- Appeals from these courts result in de novo trials (completely new proceedings) rather than reviews of the record
- Documentation is limited to basic case information, charges, and dispositions
- Rules of evidence and procedure may be applied less formally
According to Alabama Code § 12-14-7, municipal courts are not required to maintain verbatim records of proceedings unless specifically requested by a party who bears the cost. Similarly, small claims proceedings under Alabama Code § 12-12-31 operate with simplified procedures and limited record-keeping.
When cases originate in courts not of record and are appealed, they proceed to a court of record (typically Circuit Court) for a completely new trial rather than a review of the proceedings below. This contrasts with appeals from courts of record, which involve review of the existing trial record for errors of law or procedure.
Lookup Court Records in Mobile County
Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama: Mobile County