Court records of Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, are available through several channels. TuscaloosaCourt.us allows searching for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through official state court resources, including the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts portal, directly at the Circuit Clerk's office in the courthouse, and through public terminals installed in the courthouse.
Tuscaloosa Court System & Jurisdictions
Tuscaloosa County is part of the 6th Judicial Circuit of Alabama. Several courts operate here, each handling specific categories of cases.
Circuit Court — a court of general jurisdiction. It handles serious criminal offenses (felonies), large civil claims over $20,000, divorce cases, child custody, and appeals from the District Court. Circuit Clerk Magaria H. Bobo keeps the official record of all proceedings in the Circuit and District Court.
District Court handles:
- Criminal misdemeanors
- Civil claims up to $20,000
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Traffic violations
- Small claims cases — up to $6,000
Probate Court deals with wills, estate management, guardianship of incapacitated persons, and some matters regarding vital records. It is a separate court with its own judge.
Municipal Court of the city of Tuscaloosa handles violations of city ordinances and minor offenses within the city limits. Federal cases related to the county fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama — the Richard Shelby Federal Courthouse is located at 2005 University Boulevard.
If you are unsure which court is handling your case, start with the Circuit Clerk's office — it serves both the Circuit and District Court.
Tuscaloosa Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of court hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be checked in several ways.
- Circuit Clerk's Website — visit the 6th Judicial Circuit page, where information about schedules and court services is published.
- Alacourt.gov — through the Administrative Office of Courts portal, registered users can view real-time court proceeding data.
- Phone Inquiry — call the Circuit Clerk's office at (205) 464-8259 to confirm the date and time of a specific hearing.
- Public Terminals — computers are available in the courthouse at 714 Greensboro Ave where visitors can independently view the schedule.
For appellate cases, the schedule is available through the public portal of the Alabama appellate courts.
How to Get a Copy of a Tuscaloosa Court Document
Copies of court documents come in two types: certified and uncertified. A certified copy contains the clerk's seal and signature, confirming its authenticity — this type of document is usually required by other courts, employers, or government agencies. An uncertified copy is suitable for personal reference.
Ways to obtain:
- In person — visit the Circuit Clerk's office in room 214 of the courthouse. You will need the case number or the full name of the party.
- By mail — send a written request specifying the case number, party names, and type of document. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online — the AlaFile system allows attorneys and registered users to obtain electronic copies of documents filed through this platform.
Mailing address for requests:
Some records are restricted in access. Juvenile cases, sealed proceedings, and certain family matters are usually closed to public view. If you are unsure whether a document is public, ask the clerk directly.
Divorce certificates as vital records can also be ordered through the Alabama Department of Public Health, but corrections to them are made only through the Circuit Court of the county where the divorce was granted.
Tuscaloosa Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in Alabama are set by state law and administrative orders. Below are approximate rates applicable in most county courts in the state. It is best to confirm the exact amount directly with the clerk's office, as individual fees may vary.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Court record search (by name) | $5 – $10 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Certified document copy | $1.00 per page + certification fee |
| Certification fee | $5.00 per document |
| Copy of court judgment | Depends on document volume |
Payment methods:
- Cash — accepted at the clerk's office
- Money order or cashier's check — for mail requests
- Credit/debit card — usually available for in-person requests; a processing fee may apply
Standard court forms can be downloaded for free from the E-Forms portal of the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. Before submitting any document, check the form's relevance — outdated versions may not be accepted by the court.
For information on arrest warrants in the county, contact the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's warrant division.