A basic knowledge of courts of Alabama can be very beneficial if you ever find yourself in the courtroom. All too often individuals and businesses find the need to file a lawsuit, or are at the receiving end of a lawsuit, and their lack of knowledge on how the court system works leaves them lost in the proceedings. Regardless of the circumstances that put you there, you should know a little about the court process and the individual overseeing your case.

It’s important to understand that there are multiple courts in each state that oversee different types of cases. Each of these courts have judges that administer the law and case process. When considering Alabama courts and judges, keep the following in mind:

1. You can download forms to assist you in filing a case in an Alabama court.

2. The Supreme Court and District Appellate Courts only hear appellate cases and each court has their own appointed judges in Alabama.

3. Bankruptcy information and case filings are also accessible through Alabama court records.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate Alabama court forms and case information

There are 41 circuit courts in Alabama. The Alabama Circuit Court handles domestic relations cases and has exclusive jurisdiction in all felony cases and all civil cases over $10,000. Circuit courts share jurisdiction with the Alabama District Court, of which there are 67, in juvenile cases and civil cases involving $3,000 to $10,000. District courts also handle misdemeanors and small claims cases and have exclusive jurisdiction in civil cases up to $3,000. The Alabama probate court handles wills, trusts, guardianships, estates and land/name changes. The Alabama municipal court maintains limited jurisdiction for municipal ordinance violations.

I recommend: Purchase a yearly subscription to Alacourt.com to obtain access to Alabama court records. Download case forms on E-Forms – Alabama UJS Forms. Obtain contact information for courts on the Alabama Administrative Office of the Courts website by clicking on the map and examining the pop-up box.

File an appeal with the Alabama Supreme Court and Courts of Appeals

The Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals and Court of Civil Appeals all hear only appellate cases. The purpose of an appellate court is to review the trial transcript and original evidence of a case to determine if there were any errors in the original case decision. There are no witnesses, jurors or new evidence in a case heard before an appellate court. The nine judges on the Alabama Supreme Court hear appeals filed on lower appellate court decisions, as well as all civil appeals over $50,000. The Court of Civil Appeals' five judges deal with worker's compensation and domestic relations appeals, as well as all civil appeals up to $50,000. The five judges for the Court of Criminal Appeals hear appeals filed on all criminal case decisions.

I recommend: The Alabama Judicial System Online provides information on the qualifications, election and discipline of Alabama judges, which the Appellate Court administers. Gain access to Appellate Court opinion through Alalinc.

Access records from bankruptcy courts of Alabama

Whether you need to search for a bankruptcy filing on a debtor or determine if bankruptcy is an option for your company, the Alabama Bankruptcy Courts can assist you with both. There are three districts of the Alabama Bankruptcy Court: the northern, middle and southern districts. Each provides information on the basics for bankruptcy filing, contact information for trustees and bankruptcy attorneys and an online search of Alabama bankruptcy records.

I recommend: Access all three districts through Personal Bankruptcy Information. Obtain basic bankruptcy filing information on the US Bankruptcy Court – Northern District of Alabama website. Visit the bankruptcy court records search provided through the Southern District of Alabama Document Filing System.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Regardless of how much knowledge you have of Alabama courts and judges, you should hire an attorney who specializes in your specific type of case to represent you.