Court records in Covington County, Alabama can be searched through several channels. CovingtonCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Covington County Circuit Clerk's website, the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts online portal, the Circuit Clerk's office in person, or public terminals located at the Covington County Courthouse in Andalusia.
Covington Court System & Jurisdictions
Covington County is part of Alabama's 22nd Judicial Circuit. Several courts operate within the county, each handling different case types:
- Circuit Court — Handles felony criminal cases, civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $20,000, domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, child support), and appeals from District Court. The Circuit Clerk maintains all records for this court.
- District Court — Covers misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes involving $20,000 or less, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and small claims. District Court also handles traffic and municipal ordinance violations.
- Small Claims — A division of District Court for civil disputes involving $6,000 or less. Procedures are simplified, and attorneys are not required.
- Probate Court — Manages wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, involuntary commitments, and name changes. The Probate Judge also oversees the county recording division, which records deeds, mortgages, and other property instruments.
There is no separate Family Court in Covington County. Domestic relations cases are handled in Circuit Court. Traffic violations are generally processed through District Court.
Covington Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find scheduled hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week in Covington County, you have several options:
- Alacourt.com — The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides on-demand access to state trial court records, including docket information and case schedules. A subscription account is required to search court calendars online.
- Circuit Clerk's office — Contact the Covington County Circuit Clerk directly to ask about upcoming hearing dates for a specific case. Staff can look up scheduled proceedings by case number or party name.
- Courthouse public terminals — Terminals inside the Covington County Courthouse allow walk-in users to view court calendars and docket entries at no charge.
- Appellate cases — If a case has been appealed, docket information is available through the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal.
Court calendars can change on short notice due to continuances, settlements, or judicial reassignments. Always confirm the date and time with the clerk's office before traveling to the courthouse.
How to Get a Copy of a Covington Court Document
The Covington County Circuit Clerk's office is the custodian of court records for both Circuit and District Court cases. You can request copies in three ways:
In Person
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the Covington County Courthouse. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can pull the file and make copies while you wait, subject to availability.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of all parties
- Description of the document needed
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
- Payment (check or money order payable to the Circuit Clerk)
Online
The Alacourt.com system operated by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts allows registered users to view and retrieve certain court documents electronically. A subscription fee applies.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, or filing in another court.
Some records are restricted from public access under Alabama law, including sealed cases, certain juvenile proceedings, adoption files, and records subject to protective orders. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is available for public release.
Covington Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Alabama are established by statute (primarily Code of Alabama § 12-19-90 et seq.) and may be supplemented by local administrative orders. The following table reflects standard fees commonly charged by Alabama circuit clerks. Contact the Covington County Circuit Clerk to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Case record search (per name) | $5.00 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 for certification plus $0.50 per page |
| Certificate under seal | $5.00 |
| Alacourt.com online access | Subscription-based (set by the Administrative Office of Courts) |
Accepted payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. Ask the clerk whether credit or debit cards are accepted, as policies can vary.
For property-related records such as deeds and mortgages, contact the Covington County Probate Recording Division, which maintains its own fee schedule. Criminal background checks conducted through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency carry separate fees set by ALEA.