Court records of Lauderdale County, Alabama, can be found through several channels. LauderdaleCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records are available through the "Just One Look" system of the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, directly at the district clerk's office, and at public terminals in the courthouse.
Lauderdale Court System & Jurisdictions
Lauderdale County is part of the 11th Judicial Circuit of Alabama. All courts are located in the courthouse in Florence.
Circuit Court handles criminal felony cases, civil claims over $20,000, divorce cases, child custody, and other family matters. This is where the county's most serious cases are heard.
- District Court — misdemeanors, civil cases up to $20,000, preliminary hearings in criminal cases, traffic violations, and eviction claims
- Small Claims — operates within the District Court for civil disputes up to $6,000
- Probate Court — wills, estate administration, guardianship and conservatorship, and issuance of marriage licenses
There is no separate Family Court as an independent structure here — family cases (divorce, alimony, custody) are handled by the Circuit Court. Traffic cases are generally heard by the District Court. Detailed information about the state court system structure can be found on the official website of the Alabama court system.
Lauderdale Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out about scheduled hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, contact the office of District Clerk Missy Homan. The hearing calendar can be checked in several ways:
- Call the clerk's office at the number listed on the court's website and ask for the schedule of a specific judge or type of case.
- Visit the courthouse in person — the hearing schedule is usually posted near the courtrooms or available on public terminals.
- Use the online system Alacourt.gov through the "Just One Look" service to search for case information, including upcoming hearing dates.
Appeals cases from the state of Alabama can be tracked through the public portal of appellate courts.
How to Get a Copy of a Lauderdale Court Document
The difference between a certified and an uncertified copy is significant. A certified copy has the clerk's seal and confirms the document's authenticity — it is often required for official procedures. An uncertified copy is suitable for review.
Online: Through the "Just One Look" system on Alacourt.gov, you can view case information. To obtain official certified copies, you usually need to contact the clerk directly.
In Person: Visit the Circuit Clerk's office in the courthouse. You will need the case number or the full name of the party. Copies are issued on-site for a corresponding fee.
By Mail: Send a written request specifying the case number, party names, document type, and return address. Include payment (check or money order payable to Circuit Clerk).
For divorce certificates, you can also contact the Alabama Center for Health Statistics. Do-it-yourself divorce forms are available on the AOC E-Forms portal.
Lauderdale Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in Alabama are set according to the Alabama Code (specifically, Title 12). Specific amounts may vary, so check the current rate with the clerk's office before submitting a request.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Court record search (by name) | Check with the office |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Certified copy | $1.00 for the first page + $0.50 for each subsequent page (may vary) |
| Online access via Alacourt.gov (Just One Look) | Fee per request or subscription |
Payment is accepted in cash, money order, or check — in person and by mail. For the online service Alacourt.gov, a separate payment system is in place through the website. Credit cards may be accepted at the office — it is best to check in advance.
Some records have restricted access: juvenile cases, sealed criminal cases, and certain family cases are not publicly available. To check criminal history through the state registry, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.